One of the main "issues" with APs that I have is that being more scripted and heavily plotted than your typical dungeon crawl... they start to put some strain on the chassis of the core 3.x (or even core D&D period) framework.
A classic example of this is when the PCs are in the middle of an exciting chase/hunt to stop a killer before he can commit his next crime... but then realize they are out of hp, spells, and need to go rest.
In a typical dungeon-crawl game this isn't so much of a problem (even if it does lead to the 10 minute adventuring day) but during an AP style adventure (which I love for their amazing plots and intricate storylines) it can create some serious dissonance between the needs of the story vs. the needs of it being a game.
Trailblazer ( an OGL rule system tweak ) helps eliminate this, somewhat, by providing several mechanical changes (which do at times resemble some 4e-isms) that basically allow for more plot-centric play. Notably it allows most spells/abilities to come back after a short rest time (suggested as 10 minutes) eliminating the need to "go back to town and rest for 8 hours in the middle of the adventure" problem. It also uses action points... similiar to hero points, but more common.... to serve as a form of "plot protection" currency; allowing PCs a bit more survivability from the random happenstances of die-rolling.
I've not merged the two systems... although I have read the TB rules extensively. Just wondering if anyone had any "on the ground" experience from using any/all of the TB rule subsystems in their Pathfinder games (particularly the APs) and how well that went? Heck, even if you haven't used them and just want to theorize and spout hypotheticals, I would appreciate the discussion :D
