I would like to get 2-3 boxes of cards for GMing. I'm a bit confused by which boxes are randomized and which are complete sets. For 1-4th level characters, which boxes, in ranked order, should I get?
Thanks!
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Condition Cards
Buff Deck
Critical Hit/Critical Fumble (optional, of course)
Chase Decks
The first two are pretty invaluable for both GM and player, in my experience. The Critical decks are a great way to add a twist to standard play, and the Chase Decks a new way to run chase scenes. If you're playing "The Dragon's Demand" or "Wardens of the Reborn Forge" the campaign decks are a mix of Face Cards, Item Cards, and Quest Cards.
We haven't done randomized cards in quite a long time. One deck should do just fine (unless of course, you want more item cards).
I'd echo Liz except I've never used the Chase decks so can't evaluate the decks. But the Buff and Condition cards in particular... AMAZINGLY useful.
I use the iCrit and iFumble apps for the Crit and Fumble decks. They're a lot of fun and help spice up the game.
Of the cards I've used I also like the Plot Twist cards, but those are more in the category of "neat" than "useful" (which is not to say that they're useless, I just wouldn't put them at the top of a list of must haves). They definitely are a way to both shake things up and give players extra options.
I and another GM have tried to use item cards before and it's just never worked out... players just end up leafing through cards and find it easier and faster to track their inventory on paper like usual instead, and it seems like most of the time you'll end up needing a card for an item you don't have... they're the kind of thing I think you need to have a whole bunch of decks (to ensure you've got as many items covered as possible) or just do without.
Same GM does use the face cards and enjoys them.
|
If you're into more than just Pathfinder though, the face cards may be much more useful. For example, while I have the Condition cards which are useful when I play/GM PFS, as that is only maybe a half dozen times a year they don't see much use.
However the face cards (I bought 3 packs) have been used in those PFS games but also see use in RuneQuest, Legends of Anglerre and any D&D 3.5 or 4e games I run.
I would love for Paizo to do a set of face cards for modern and sci-fi settings!
That's a good point, DigitalMage. The item and face cards alike can be used regardless of system. I'd reckon the Plot Twist cards could be as well--while they have a mechanical element, a number of things they do have no game mechanic to them.
I was thinking of more what is a practical tool for playing Pathfinder.
I've used the Plot Twist cards as rewards for completing story elements, and the Flashback cards for when players used their character's backgrounds to further their story. If you're comfortable improvising on the spot, they're a great way to shake up expectations.
Lilith, can you expand on that a bit? Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I understand how you are using them.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
Lilith, can you expand on that a bit? Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I understand how you are using them.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
Here's a better link. Since I was running an AP, I gave Plot Twist cards to players who did something that furthered the adventure in some fashion—made nice with a key NPC, uncovered a hidden key, etc. The Flashback cards were for when a PC built up their backstory and added flavor to their character through their actions. (Basically a reward for excellent roleplaying.)
The condition cards are FANTASTIC, especially for new and/or forgetful players (the effects are all on the inside of the GM screen, but handing a player a card has worked better for me than explaining all of the time). They also have fun goblin artwork! You can also throw a die on the card as a "countdown" to more easily keep track of how long that condition is affecting you/them. This is hands down one of the best purchases I have made.
I have used the chase cards several times and they are always a hit at the table. You have to plan ahead for them usually, since not every adventure will have a chase involved, but it is worth it. Lots of fun here.
I personally love face cards when I'm running a game, especially since I'm not very good at voices. In those scenarios where you have more than one NPC interacting with the party, these cards can help the players determine who is saying what. Admittedly, my main group doesn't like them nearly as much as I do, but I think they would miss them if I didn't use them.
I personally don't see a lot of value in item cards. I suppose I have never used them, but I just don't see it being a big boost to the game. Not that I'm against the idea, mind you. My RPG budget is blessedly pretty high, but, even so, I can't quite justify the purchase.
Lilith - thanks! going to try that out.
Knick - great idea for face cards as a way to give dialogue more context.
Here's a better link. Since I was running an AP, I gave Plot Twist cards to players who did something that furthered the adventure in some fashion—made nice with a key NPC, uncovered a hidden key, etc. The Flashback cards were for when a PC built up their backstory and added flavor to their character through their actions. (Basically a reward for excellent roleplaying.)Lilith, can you expand on that a bit? Sounds interesting but I'm not sure I understand how you are using them.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone.
Hmmm... maybe I'll have to look at the Flashback cards. The current group I run would love the idea... only problem is two of my players are blind.... are the cards simply a description of a flashback or are they something the player would want to hold onto and reference (e.g., because it has a mechanical effect or something)? The former I could just read the card to them, the latter I'd probably have to type all the text of the cards into my PC and email whatever they draw to them so they can keep the text on their digital character sheets so they can reference them when they want....
