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Tend to disagree; it's sad, but most 3PP non-settings have difficulty with you switching table-to-table and ending up with too many new rules. It's sad, I like reading some for neat ideas, but it's hard to tell a new group to get "these 5 supplements". So 3rd parties are generally best when they offer campaign settings and new modules; most of the rest people can't get into.
I only ever play with one group - so 3pp is never a problem.
+1 LPj
Tend to disagree; it's sad, but most 3PP non-settings have difficulty with you switching table-to-table and ending up with too many new rules.
I think more 3PP try to find way to intergrate the rules they make with systems already available. I know we did that when we did the Trade Routes: Expanded Caravan Rules Sourcebook (PFRPG). Looking at the original caravan rules that Paizo built, we niticed right off the bat they seemed to scream out "make more stuff for us". I think adding to a already build system can be a good thing, if done right.
It's sad, I like reading some for neat ideas, but it's hard to tell a new group to get "these 5 supplements". So 3rd parties are generally best when they offer campaign settings and new modules; most of the rest people can't get into.
I find this surprising due to the low cost of most 3PP products being PDF only based. $2.99 to 3.99 is the same amount you pay for a comic book (a crime itself) which is the average cost of a 3PP PDF. If you spend only $5 a month on 3PP product, you could get anywhere between 1 to 3 different products each month. That is a nice deal for only $5.
Now you can download the banners for free from RPGNow.com! Support the cause! Support 3rd Party Publishers of Pathfinder!
Tend to disagree; it's sad, but most 3PP non-settings have difficulty with you switching table-to-table and ending up with too many new rules. It's sad, I like reading some for neat ideas, but it's hard to tell a new group to get "these 5 supplements". So 3rd parties are generally best when they offer campaign settings and new modules; most of the rest people can't get into.
Does everyone in your group have to buy ultimate combat or gnomes of golarion in order for it to be used in your group? I print a copy of any 3rd party pdfs i get that my whole group can use along with print copies of some of the 3pps. Generally there only has to be one copy of most material at the table, unless its the core rules. I have had alot of success with players in my group using 3rd party stuff even if someone else is the one to buy it, so long as they bring it with them?
I mean most 3rd party stuff that isnt settings or modules is options, character options only really need to be seen by 2 people the person using it and the dm (though sometimes that is the same person ofc). I guess 3rd party subsystems might be problematic, but I dont see how this stops you from using a feat, a spell or even a class from 3pp.
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Paizo was a 3rd Party Publisher but is now Tier 1. Total sales should not be the determining factor in what you and your group will or will not use. The quality of the content should be. So many 3rd Party Publishers put out content that is AT LEAST as good as Paizo stuff that people REALLY need to give some of it a chance. If you're open to the idea but don't know what's the most balanced or well done, just ask on the boards. I'm sure many people will be able to agree on a few that have a solid reputation. I personally have a few where I like their stuff better than Paizo's.. I feel its better designed and more thoroughly tested. I won't go into who I favor since that's not what this thread is about, but the point is simply that people really need to check out the 3pp stuff out there before blanket no-no'ing it. Heck, if you want some free previews, many of them have content on d20pfsrd.com. There's not much risk in free. If you like it, give it the green light in your campaign and set your players free to start buying some of their stuff. After all the more 3pp out there making stuff for Pathfinder, the longer you and I get to continue enjoying new stuff in the game system we all love.
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I think another interesting point of view on third party publishing is the lack of restriction. Paizo authors probably have zillions of good ideas, but are restricted by page count. By contrast, if we just released an adventure, and wanted to put 24 unique tomes in a lich's library, we could...
Also, many of the existing 3PP's are or were writers and designers for various other games prior to their roles here. In the d20 era, game balance was a serious concern and a blight upon the 3PP talent as a whole. The current line-up of Pathfinder 3PP's seem to have acknowledged this and made great efforts to truly be compatible.
LPJ is also 100% correct, the money Paizo makes from 3PP sales likely goes towards maintaining their website, paying the web team and code monkeys. I'd say that's supporting Paizo and the Pathfinder game, even if indirectly.
So maybe you aren't sure what 3PP offerings are right at your tables? Most have some free downloadable content to allow you to peruse their wares before you buy.
Just go here and browse: http://paizo.com/store/downloads
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Tend to disagree; it's sad, but most 3PP non-settings have difficulty with you switching table-to-table and ending up with too many new rules. It's sad, I like reading some for neat ideas, but it's hard to tell a new group to get "these 5 supplements". So 3rd parties are generally best when they offer campaign settings and new modules; most of the rest people can't get into.
I think monster books are also a good avenue that 3PP can do without causing that problem. Look at the insanity surrounding the first week or three of the Tome of Horror: Complete's release here. Just based on hype, I'd guestimate that that's been the most popular 3PP product sold at Paizo.com.
Just go here and browse: http://paizo.com/store/downloads
A better link to Pathfinder RPG-compatible stuff is here, and I am constantly seeing new companies arrive with new material to use in a Pathfinder game.
Just go here and browse: http://paizo.com/store/downloadsA better link to Pathfinder RPG-compatible stuff is here, and I am constantly seeing new companies arrive with new material to use in a Pathfinder game.
I think the one thing that all 3PP can agree that working with Paizo is AMAZINGLY easy. Any issue I might have had can normally be solved with a simple email or phone call. Paizo actually treats its 3PP like "business partners". It is the best business relationship I have had in over 10 years of doing this.
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We just received a 5-star review for our banner! Read it here!
As a 3PP I firmly believe that the most incredible ideas come from the dedicated players/GM's who cross over to 3PP. Reading source material from non-WOTC/ non-Paizo sources is what inspired me to start my company, the outside the box thinking can bring new levels to a sometimes "stale" game. The main challenge I've found is working within the rules to bring something new and fresh without creating a who new ruleset or being redundant.
Carry on!
I let just about anything into my game, as long as it is good. I try to use only one setting though, enough work to get one of them into my brain, let alone multiple.
Great material from all sorts of 3pp. I enjoy support folk who put out good material.
James
My game group has 3 GMs that run different games we have adopted a few house rules about 3pp.
1. All 3 GMs have to approve to use it. (So far none of have said no.)
2.The Player wanting to use the 3pp must buy it for the GM running the game. So the GM has access to it any time he needs it. (Again so far all our Players have not had a problem buying a 3pp for themselves and the GM.)
3. The GM reserves the right to alter any material if it affects game balance.
So far we have an open yes to Super Genius Games and Rite Publishing as so far they have been easily used in our games with little or no extra work.
SHAMELESS PLUG: While this is a shameless plug, it is still good to notice two 3rd Party Publishers working together to support each other and Pathfinder. Raging Swan’s support of Free RPG Day NeoExodus Adventure . Support the cause! Support 3rd Party Publishers and Pathfinder!