So, I'm probably about to try PFS for the first time. And while I'm not incredibly poor, I also don't have a huge surplus for recreation. I gather that I don't technically have to have the Core Rulebook to use anything in it. And I've gathered quite a bit of info from the prd.
Now if I enjoy PFS, I may want to play something else someday, like a summoner. And so I could see myself getting the advanced book.
But do I ever really "need" to buy the Core Rulebook?
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If your wifi is out when you are at a game or your phone or tablet is dead. Having a book to quickly flip through is nice. But usually someone, and hopefully the GM will have a copy of the Core Rulebook. But is also up to the GM as to how he/she interprets the whole "you" have to have access to the material you are using for your character. Many require that you have either the book(s) or PDF(s) you used to build your character at hand.
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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So, I'm probably about to try PFS for the first time. And while I'm not incredibly poor, I also don't have a huge surplus for recreation. I gather that I don't technically have to have the Core Rulebook to use anything in it. And I've gathered quite a bit of info from the prd.
Now if I enjoy PFS, I may want to play something else someday, like a summoner. And so I could see myself getting the advanced book.
But do I ever really "need" to buy the Core Rulebook?
Welcome to PFS!
Do you "need" to buy the CRB?
Well, you need to know what your spell does when you cast it. You need to know what your options are when maintaining your grapple. You need to know object hardness/HP rules when sundering. You need to realize that the SRD is a fansite whose contributors have occasionally been known to re-format, alter or adjust the rules; or even write entire original paragraphs based on their own interpretations while listing them as being what Paizo published.
That's what you need. Whether that means you need to buy the CRB is probably for you to decide.
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I've been playing PFS for several months now, and I can say having a physical or electronic copy of the Core Rule Book is extremely handy. While the PRD does a lot, there are times when you just can't find what you're looking for, and having the actual book means you can reference the index.
But I was the same way when I started. I bought PDFs of the supplementary books I needed (because they were cheaper) and assumed someone else would have the Core Book if I needed it for something.
Ultimately we should try to grow the hobby and help Paizo by making sure we purchase the material necessary for us to play the Hobby we all Enjoy. If money is tight, I highly recommend picking up PDFs of the Core Book, The Advanced Players Guide, and either Advanced Race Guide/Ultimate Combat/or Ultimate Magic, depending on what classes/races you want access to.
Thanks for the welcomes everyone.
You need to realize that the SRD is a fansite whose contributors have occasionally been known to re-format, alter or adjust the rules; or even write entire original paragraphs based on their own interpretations while listing them as being what Paizo published.
I didn't realize the PRD was a fansite, I thought that was just the wiki.
By PRD, I'm referring to:
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/
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RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Thanks for the welcomes everyone.
You need to realize that the SRD is a fansite whose contributors have occasionally been known to re-format, alter or adjust the rules; or even write entire original paragraphs based on their own interpretations while listing them as being what Paizo published.I didn't realize the PRD was a fansite, I thought that was just the wiki.
By PRD, I'm referring to:
http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/
Huh, when I first read your post I thought you said you used the SRD. The PRD is Paizo's.
It is stated HERE that every player should bring the CRB (in PDF or hardback form) to the table.
It is stated HERE that common sense should be used when applying that rule.
Thanks for the info.
It'd be nice if that information could be clarified in the intro pdf. Assumption is a bit of a vague term making it sound like you don't really need it. Where it is worded "it is assumed you have the core rulebook", should instead be more like "it is required you have the core rulebook", with some sort of waver for those just starting out.
So, how about traits? It's assumed I have the Core Rulebook, but from the PRD it seems that traits aren't in the Core Rulebook, but the advanced. So, with just the Core Rulebook, am I allowed to have traits.
Searched for the free traits.
Venture-Captain, Massachusetts—Central & West
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There's also an absolutely free Web Enhancement that has the basic traits. LINK
If you want to use traits outside of that, you will need to buy the resource.
There's also an absolutely free Web Enhancement that has the basic traits. LINK
If you want to use traits outside of that, you will need to buy the resource.
Thanks David.
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Yeah, everyone's supposed to have a Core Rulebook. At any given table, there's always at least 2 or 3 people who actually brought it with them. I've never seen anyone have a problem because they didn't bring theirs.
Also note that the pdf versions of the core hardback books are a LOT cheaper than the hard copies. You can pick up the Core Rulebook, Advanced Players Guide, Advanced Race Guide, Ultimate Magic, etc for only $10 each as PDFs. If you have a laptop or tablet already, this is a very cheap option to get any or all of those books that you want to use.