Hey, folks. Our DM has decided to make the jump to Pathfinder, but after I purchased the core rulebook and became somewhat familiar with it, I was surprised to find the DM intends to just use the adventure paths but not the core rulebook. Haven't quite clarified the reason for this yet, but I'm a little worried because I see the differences in character creation/development between 3.5 and Pathfinder - changes in hit dice, class abilities, etc. A fellow on another board suggested folks chip in for the beginner set to ease the DM in. Anyone have any thoughts? Fears founded or unfounded?
Um...
Adventure Paths are just stories. Your GM's making a mistake for not using both Core AND the Adventure Path. Core has practically ALL the rules, classes, items, and whatever. it's pretty much the number 1 book you need. I don't even think you CAN play an Adventure Path without the Core.
Founded. Inform your GM that there are significant differences in power levels between 3.5 and PF monsters. Rule of thumb: Most monsters in 3.5 lose 1CR because they are less powerful. (Note: Dragons actually gained CR because they were underrated.)
I suggest you download a free copy of the Conversion Guide LINK. This will cover some, although not all of the changes.
- Gauss
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You will need to explain to him the CR system for the AP. Is not the same as the CR system in 3.5. He will need to do allot of rework on the monsters and rewrite all the NPC stat blocks. Unless it is a older AP that was written for 3.5. And there are a few. If he is going to run one of them that might be way he is going with the 3.5 rules so he dose not have to rewrite all the encounters.
Marthian, you can...sorta. I think the issue is that the GM is planning on running a 3.5 game using PF Adventure Paths. For the first 4 APs (Rise of the Rune Lords 3.5version, Curse of the Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, and Legacy of Fire) that is fine because they were created using 3.5 rules. AP's created after that use PF rules and balance and thus will need to be tweaked to 3.5 rules.
- Gauss
Perhaps he is just using the PRD?
Our DM, at the moment, intends to only use the Pathfinder adventure paths with the 3.5 PHB and DMG. However, he isn't fully aware of the significant differences in the rules.
I really appreciate the advice, information and clarifications! I will give him the link to the conversion guide and, since it appears Pathfinder will be our game of choice from here on, the sooner we all switch over to the appropriate rule system, the better.
Again, many thanks. We have a pretty tight group going back to the start of 2nd edition so we'll be able to resolve this without much drama.
What adventure paths is it? As mentioned, four of them are made for 3.5 - so there's no need to convert. In fact, if you're going to use the pathfinder RPG you need to convert them! (or have them be easier than normal).
I've run bits and pieces from a couple of APs and several modules using 4E and one using Swords & Wizardry, so yeah - I dont really see any issue with converting it to some edition of D&D, rolemaster, GURPS or anything else. Provided he's up to do the work, it'll all work out in the end, in my view. The stories and the rules you use to tell them are different features of any RPG session.
The further away the rules are from PF, the more work he's going to have to do. I dont see that it's going to be an issue for anyone else though, personally. What's the problem?
Matt_Scudder:
It is important to be aware that not all PF material is PFRPG. The dividing line is sometime in 2009. Anything with a 2008 date on it is certainly PF 3.5 material. There should also be a statement on 3.5 material stating it is meant to work with that system.
As much as the PFRPG is stated to be 'backwards compatible' with 3.5 if you use 3.5 splatbooks you can break the game really easily. That is because the PFRPG rebalanced many things (and because 3.5 was broken with all those splatbooks).
- Gauss
3.5 and PF aren't that different (that's kind of the whole point of PF). In most cases, the PF APs can be used for 3.5 with a little bit of conversion work.
Again, really appreciate all the info and advice. Gauss, I appreciate the tip on the specific dividing line in the Pathfinder paths. I'm not sure which adventure path he's planning on starting on but I'll make him aware of the split. I think the issue may simply be one of time. Our DM may not be crazy about the thought of learning new rules, and hopes to roll with 3.5. From what I've read here it seems like it would be easier and better in the long term if we simply make the jump to the Pathfinder core rules. I've been quite impressed with the Pathfinder material and I'm sure he will, as well.
PF is a significant improvement with one caviat: The rules are spread out throughout the book in a somewhat haphazard way. Start with PDFs if you can, make alot of use of the search function as it will help. Starting with 3.5 knowledge will help. Just do not be surprised that as you explore the rules you go 'oh, thats different' a lot.
If you want to talk about major differences I am sure people will be happy to discuss them.
- Gauss
It's easy enough to buy the Core Rulebook and gradually ease yourself into the rules. If the entire party is learning together, it takes all the pressure off of a single person. Just have a table rule stating that if someone uses a rule wrong, it's totally ok to point out that this rule has been changed. Not many have from 3.5. Our group of 3.5 players transitioned over smoothly to Pathfinder almost two years ago, with almost no learning curve.
If you can't find something, keep the forums handy as a tool for quick rule referencing. The community here is excellent at clarifying, at least in my personal experience.