Long-term playability of RotR

[Acrux]

I've watched several online playthroughs of the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, and I'm interested in purchasing. I wonder about the replayability of the game, though. I see that there's a new Skulls and Shackles expansion coming out. But, the pirate theme doesn't really appeal to me, so it's likely that I will skip it.

Is it worth my time to pick up the first set if it's unlikely I'll continue on to the second?

A couple of other questions:

1) How *ahem* modest are the pictures on female cards? My family enjoys playing these games, but would be uncomfortable with overly exposed characters.

2) Is there an online database of the pathfinder cards? I've been playing the LOTR LCG for a couple of years, and there are some very nice online sites that are useful for deckbuilding.

Thank you.

[kysmartman]

1) The cards aren't that bad. The only ones anyone could make a fuss about are Seoni's character card and the Shopkeeper's Daughter (AP1). I know there is a picture of Seoni's card on Boardgamegeek (BGG), and I'd bet there is one for the other card too. You'd see much more revealing stuff on network tv.

2) The manual (download the new one on this site btw) comes with preconstructed decks for every hero, but honestly, it is pretty self-explanatory on building them. Every card has to have the Basic trait, and each character has different amounts of each of the 6 card types they can hold. So when picking weapons, you'll give your dexterity based fighters dex-based weapons and melee fighters melee-base weapons. Spells are divided into Arcane, Divine, and both so your spellcasters can only pick from one or the other (and the both pile). Use the book for the spells as they're pretty good.

Once you start the game, you'll be getting better cards to replace them anyway. So, the deckbuilding is much, much quicker and easier than LOTR LCG.

As for Skull and Shackles, the two games have nothing connecting them other than both are based on the Pathfinder system and use a few of the same characters. There is no continuing on from RotR so skipping S&S will have no effect on whether you enjoy RotR. The only advantage anyone who plays both will have is the rules will be more familiar when starting S&S. Think of S&S as an action movie sequel. Stuff blew up in the first one and more stuff is going to blow up in the sequel, and the characters know each other better now.

[Hawkmoon269]

Like kysmartman said, Rise of the Runelords doesn't continue into Skull and Shackles. So you can get all the enjoyment intended out of RotR just by purchasing it. The different "Adventure Paths" don't continue from one to the other. That means if there is one that doesn't seem to appeal to you, you can pass on it.

That is one thing I like about the approach to this game. It won't go on forever. If it did, then better and better cards would have to be created and eventually it would all just get super complicated. With the model Paizo's using, you get a fresh start offered to you every six months. Jumping into an already long running game can seem daunting to new players and expensive.

I will say though, I had the same feeling about the pirate theme. But I've been reassured it isn't really all that pirate-y. Its more like typical fantasy adventure on boats. So don't count it out just because of the word "pirate".

[Acrux]

Thanks to you both. Sounds like a definite purchase then.

[Vyvyan Basterd]

kysmartman wrote:

1) The only ones anyone could make a fuss about are Seoni's character card and the Shopkeeper's Daughter (AP1).

And Mammy Graul's "wardrobe malfunction." Just *ick*. Definitely adds to the gross feel of the inbred ogres, but could offend anyone who found things like Deities & Demigods Blibdoolpoolp to be a problem.

[kysmartman]

Point taken, but honestly since she doesn't ever get shuffled into a deck, you don't even have to use that card. Just make a quick mock-up card to replace it. Plus, I think the OP was more focused on the "Chicks in Chainmail" (funny, funny, funny anthology book series btw) aspect not the uber-hideousness that is Mammy.

[3Doubloons]

kysmartman wrote:

Point taken, but honestly since she doesn't ever get shuffled into a deck, you don't even have to use that card.

Mammy Graul is the Villain of Them Ogres Ain't Right and is shuffled in a location (though she must be defeated twice). I believe you're thinking of Black Magga.

[Mike Selinker]

Vyvyan Basterd wrote:

And Mammy Graul's "wardrobe malfunction." Just *ick*. Definitely adds to the gross feel of the inbred ogres, but could offend anyone who found things like Deities & Demigods Blibdoolpoolp to be a problem.

As I've explained many times, it's her arm.

[zeroth_hour]

Acrux wrote:

2) Is there an online database of the pathfinder cards? I've been playing the LOTR LCG for a couple of years, and there are some very nice online sites that are useful for deckbuilding.

Thank you.

There's a reason it's called an Adventure Card Game as opposed to a Deckbuilding game or an LCG. The deckbuilding mechanism isn't quite like you think it is.

You start with a character deck of cards, but the only deckbuilding choices you have are when you choose at the beginning of the Adventure Path and when you prune the deck at the end of each scenario. In that sense an online deckbuilder doesn't really help you, because your card pool to choose from is limited and play-session oriented. (yes, I know ky has also addressed 2)

Most people have addressed 1 already, so I'm addressing 2.

[raven614]

zeroth_hour wrote:

Acrux wrote:

2) Is there an online database of the pathfinder cards? I've been playing the LOTR LCG for a couple of years, and there are some very nice online sites that are useful for deckbuilding.

Thank you.

There's a reason it's called an Adventure Card Game as opposed to a Deckbuilding game or an LCG. The deckbuilding mechanism isn't quite like you think it .

That's the thing I really miss about playing this game over deck building games. There are cards that I really want to play but have to wait and get them through playing. Yes it's fun to play and get them as you go through the game but I also wish I could build up a few characters with what I want.

[Mike Selinker]

I encourage people to try out one-shot sessions with cards they want to play with. That way, when you do acquire them in your campaign game, you'll know you've got something you really want to have.