What do I need to get to understand Golarion better?

[Ponswick]

I never really played in Golarion and I'm very curious about the campaign setting. What is the best guide that can explain Golarion or is there a thread I can get into? I heard the Inner Seas Guide is the best one.

[wraithstrike]

The Inner Sea Guide is an overview of the main part of the setting.
The is also a golarion-wiki that you can google.

[Ponswick]

Thanks :)

[The Drunken Dragon]

A lot of the free web fiction can also give you a good overview of what life is like in Golarion. Also, if you REALLY want to know what's what, you could also buy the individual paperback books on specific nations that you enjoy (such as the Guide to Absalom or Rule of Fear, etc.), but I warn you...this will drain your wallet quickly...it did mine...

[Troubled_child]

A computer simulation of James Jacobs.

[brreitz]

Troubled_child wrote:

A computer simulation of James Jacobs.

Or an actual James Jacobs. Get yours today! Supplies limited.

[khazan]

The fine print:

"Pregnant women, the elderly and children under 10 should avoid prolonged exposure to James Jacobs.

Caution: James Jacobs may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.

James Jacobs contains a liquid core, which, if exposed due to rupture, should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at.

Do not use James Jacobs on concrete.

Discontinue use of James Jacobs if any of the following occurs: Itching, Vertigo, Dizziness, Tingling in extremities, Loss of balance or coordination, Slurred speech,Temporary Blindness, Profuse sweating, Heart Palpitations.

If James Jacobs begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head.

James Jacobs may stick to certain types of skin.

When not in use, James Jacobs should be returned to its special container and kept under refrigeration... Failure to do so relieves the makers of James Jacobs, Wacky Products Incorporated, and its parent company Global Chemical Unlimited, of any and all liability.

If James Jacobs should become soiled, wipe gently with a soft cloth moistened with sulfuric acid.

Ingredients of James Jacobs include an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

Do not taunt James Jacobs.

James Jacobs comes with a lifetime guarantee.
James Jacobs - ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES! "

(shamelessly stolen from vintage SNL)

[James Jacobs]

Troubled_child wrote:

A computer simulation of James Jacobs.

Like this?

[Wiki Ad]

wraithstrike wrote:

The Inner Sea Guide is an overview of the main part of the setting.

The is also a golarion-wiki that you can google.

wiki url

[Troubled_child]

James Jacobs wrote:

Troubled_child wrote:

A computer simulation of James Jacobs.

Like this?

And the best thing about this simulation is you only have to say his name to summon him : )

[James Jacobs]

Troubled_child wrote:

James Jacobs wrote:

Troubled_child wrote:

A computer simulation of James Jacobs.

Like this?

And the best thing about this simulation is you only have to say his name to summon him : )

Like Pazuzu or Hastur.

I do have Captain Howdy on speed dial.

[Rom001]

khazan wrote:

The fine print:

"Pregnant women, the elderly and children under 10 should avoid prolonged exposure to James Jacobs.

Caution: James Jacobs may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.

James Jacobs contains a liquid core, which, if exposed due to rupture, should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at.

Do not use James Jacobs on concrete.

Discontinue use of James Jacobs if any of the following occurs: Itching, Vertigo, Dizziness, Tingling in extremities, Loss of balance or coordination, Slurred speech,Temporary Blindness, Profuse sweating, Heart Palpitations.

If James Jacobs begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head.

James Jacobs may stick to certain types of skin.

When not in use, James Jacobs should be returned to its special container and kept under refrigeration... Failure to do so relieves the makers of James Jacobs, Wacky Products Incorporated, and its parent company Global Chemical Unlimited, of any and all liability.

If James Jacobs should become soiled, wipe gently with a soft cloth moistened with sulfuric acid.

Ingredients of James Jacobs include an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.

Do not taunt James Jacobs.

James Jacobs comes with a lifetime guarantee.
James Jacobs - ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES! "

(shamelessly stolen from vintage SNL)

I thought you weren't suppose to:

1) expose James Jacob to sunlight,
2) get James Jacob wet,
3) never, NEVER, EVER feed him after midnight.

(not feeling so shameful from stealing from Gremlins)

Is wondering if all this was worth two cents...

Rom001

[Jim Groves]

James Jacobs wrote:

I do have Captain Howdy on speed dial.

::quietly ponders if a reel to reel recording of James Jacobs, carefully played backwards, would reveal the next AP::

Ekac dna aet em evres won, nessiri morf am i.

[sunbeam]

I had an answer when I read your title, then saw what you were asking for.

I think the Campaign Setting book and the Inner Sea guide are your best all around sources.

I'll give you my answer to your thread title though.

I think to understand this setting, the key thing to get is the death of Aroden.

Something happened with him that was unaccounted for by even divine powers and it set Golarion on a path whose ultimate destination has yet to be determined.

I think you can make a case for the Worldwound and the Eye of Abd-whatever being directly linked to his death. The events that made most of the Inner Sea countries, and even what Varisia is now can be traced back to his passage.

That's just my take on it. Reading anything about Golarion, most times I can imagine some link to that event, and think it wouldn't have turned out this way if he were around.

My 2 cp.