I'd like to create an "Urban Fantasy" setting (such as The Dresden Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Harry Potter) using the Pathfinder rules.
Is anybody else working on something like this?
The biggest issues so far are
- Rules for powered vehicles (cars, airplanes, etc)
- Modern firearm stats
- Modern skills (like computers, etc)
- Classes for the modern age (hackers, doctors, scientists, etc) that are equals to PF classes.
- How does magic interact with technology? Does magic cause technology to fizzle like in The Dresden Files, or do they coexist fine like Harry Potter?
- Is the magic "world" hidden from the modern one? How? How do creatures like ogres, gnolls, etc disguise themselves or hide?
- Domains for modern religions?
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I am assuming you know about d20 Modern -- and there is the Modern Path, which is a Pathfinderization and revision of the system. I don't have a link to that but it's been discussed a lot in the product forums at the top of the page, you should see links to the core rules AND to their Urban Arcana supplement. I think the folks of d20pfsrd are also putting together an SRD version of the Modern Path as well.
I'd start there if you haven't and then note what kind of thing you're still looking for.
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To be honest there's much better systems to use for that sort of niche.
I was under-impressed by Buffy and the Dresden RPG. I really don't like skill-based systems. I feel much more comfortable with PF.
d20 Modern suffered from dull classes like "fast hero" or "strong hero". The "Purchase DC" system was annoying. I would prefer prices in dollars.
I haven't heard of Modern Path before, but I'll look into it.
Yes, Check out Modern Path. It's a decent mash-up of D20 Modern and Pathfinder. The characters are generally more powerful than D20 Modern characters (one complaint I hear as a D20 Modern GM is that the characters aren't as solid as Pathfinder). In addition, it's pretty well compatible with regular Pathfinder, so if you want to allow any regular PF classes into the mix, you can do that too.
Alternately, I'm running a world hopping game similar to Sliders, and while I intended it to be a Modern Path game, everyone opted on Pathfinder classes. I've got a hollywood actor using the Barbarian class; he's arrogant, uncouth, and charges into combat at a moment's notice.
If you don't really care for Modern Path (I think it's pretty cool, but it might not be your bag) you can just refluff Pathfinder stuff, add a few skills and Feats from D20 Modern, and done.
You might also want to have a look at Super-genius games Anachronistic Adventures line The Enforcer and The Investigator
I like the way SGG handles it better then the Modern Path. And the fact that both those classes are openly compatible with their archetype line means you can cover a whole bunch of urban fantasy ideas.
I was under-impressed by Buffy and the Dresden RPG. I really don't like skill-based systems. I feel much more comfortable with PF.
d20 Modern suffered from dull classes like "fast hero" or "strong hero". The "Purchase DC" system was annoying. I would prefer prices in dollars.
I haven't heard of Modern Path before, but I'll look into it.
You could apply d20 Modern skills to Pathfinder classes. I've been working on my own d20Modern/Pathfinder thing for the fun of it, and I've figured if I wanted a spellcaster, at least, I'd just use the existing classes with the added skills and changed weapon proficiencies.
Another option would be 2nd or 3rd Edition of Mutants and Masterminds, and using their magic-as-power-pools design.
Or the True20 system for that matter, but they also use generic classes.
I like the Wealth system, but that's because it keeps me from worrying about inflation, investments, non-liquid assets, and alternate currencies.
I looked at Modern Path and like it more that d20 Modern.
The campaign world concept will be that fantasy creatures still exist in Modern Day but are hidden and preying on people. Some seemingly ordinary people find they are descended from heroes who fought monsters in the legendary past. So you could be a guy who works a fast food job who finds out he is actually a paladin. Or an office worker who discovers she is a summoner.
I'm going to use both the modern classes and pathfinder classes together. I want players to have the option to also play a totally normal human who accidentally falls in with the fantasy characters.
I'm considering making a special feat called "Magically Aware" that will be a prerequisite to using any kind of magic spells or supernatural abilities.
The campaign world concept will be that fantasy creatures still exist in Modern Day but are hidden and preying on people. Some seemingly ordinary people find they are descended from heroes who fought monsters in the legendary past. So you could be a guy who works a fast food job who finds out he is actually a paladin. Or an office worker who discovers she is a summoner.
Reminds me og Grimm. I would definitely post in any recruitment thread for such a game!