I've been toying around with a game concept for a while now, and feel it deserves a chance to go from being an idea to an actual story. It's little out of the norm for these boards, so I'm posting this as an interest check.
I'm looking to run a Pulp Adventure set in the 1930s with a substantial sci-fi/fantasy influence. Think historical sci-fi fiction, somewhere between the feel of The Mummy (with Brendan Fraser) and Hellboy (with Ron Pearlman). Players would be humans in "our world", but with knowledge of at least one of these several truths: magic does exist, there are things that go bump in the night, myths and legends can be real, and there are horrors far beyond the cruelty of Man. Though the game will have some cosmic/gothic horror elements, it will lean more heavily into the pulp adventure feel.
As for game system, that is up for debate. I have been really enjoying exploring Pathfinder 2e (love the action economy), and originally planned to use it with a few of the alternate rules. But it does seem like these boards favor Pathfinder 1e, which I have considerably more experience with, so I would be happy to run that too.
I will allow players to include casting (though magic will have a more subtle feel RP wise), but each will need a backstory that explains their magic.
So, to the point:
1 - are people interested in a pulp adventure game set in a fantasy version of the early 1930's?
2 - if you are, would you prefer Pathfinder 1e or 2e?
- Free Archetype
- Gradual Ability Boosts
- Ancestry Paragon
- Automatic Bonus Progression
- Elephant in the Room feat tax rules
- Feat every level
- Background skills
- Skill Unlocks
- Automatic Bonus Progression
*** No 3rd Party material
I’ve never played 2e, but I’d be down for 1e. I see you list ABP for 2e but not 1e. Why is that? I’ve really liked ABP when I’ve used it in 1e.
It was totally an oversight, and I just added it.
I love pulp and would be very down for playing a pulp themed 1930s game (though if it has horror elements I'd like more info about what kind of horror; some go for creepy and others go for squicky/gorey).
I somewhat agree with Daniel Stewart that I don't think Pathfinder in either edition is the best choice for a pulp game, but would be willing to give it a shot. However, the best system is always the one that excites the GM the most. Between the two, I am far more familiar with 1e than 2e so 1e would be more in my comfort zone, but could do either.
For what it's worth, the best pulp game I ever played was Spirit of the Century, which used an early version of FATE Core. That system with its story/character aspects suit pulp very well. IIRC Savage Worlds also works well for pulp but I barely remember how to play.
Man wanderer82 I would love to be in a 'pulp adventure game.'
I've been in a couple that used PF!, and a couple more with 'D20 modern' I'm not familiar with the Cthulhu, Fate or savage worlds system and between the two PF systems would prefer the first.
From my experience with playing a 'pulp' game in PF1 add the 'guns are everywhere and 'modern firearms' then alter a couple of skills and your good to go.
Looking forward to seeing what you put together.
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Pulp is always a plus in my book.
Between PF1E & 2E, I would also prefer 1E. Though reskinning truly shouldn't be an issue with either as long as you steer clear of fully changing mechanics. I second Robert Henry's suggestion of the firearms.
I have a passing familiarity with CoC as well but it seems like you're trying to stick to one of the two systems.
I'd be down for trying either.
I'd be interested... but only PF2 unless a non d20 system is chosen instead... (I'm a big W.O.D. fan for Pulp myself).
I am excited to see the interest so far. And I want to thank everyone for the recommendations. That said, I feel it is important for me to have a good working knowledge of the rules to best run a PbP, and though I have some back experience with both WOD and old-school Cthulhu, it would definitely be more cumbersome. In addition, I feel the pulp/action/heroics actually play better of Pathfinder than the gritty average person feel of Cthulhu.
I actually ran two intertwined campaigns across 5 years using d20 modern, and a bit more using a reskin on pathfinder 1e, very successfully. If I go with PF 1e, Robert Henry pretty much hit it square on the head. And similarly, there are rules for firearms now in PF 2e.
When I mentioned that magic would be more subtle, that was in reference to how it's perceived, rather than any change to the game mechanics. Just to be clear.
Please all, continue to ask questions.
I'd say 2e, personally, as it has a lot more interesting options for player ancestries.
I've seen some compelling homebrew for more modern weapons in 2e as well.
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Please all, continue to ask questions.
Yeah, see, I don't know that it's safe to say that in an interest check, cause the list would look something like:
And it will just get worse. So, the one question I will ask is, have you gotten enough information for a recruitment thread? And, if you do, will it be here, or would you start another thread?
If we're voting, I vote PF1 or 'D20 modern.'
Wow, this sounds like an intriguing concept. I would definitely apply for either ruleset, though if I had a preference it would be for PF 2e (simply to get more experience with it).
I'm up for either PF1 or PF2
Hahahaha, Robert Henry, that is a very good point. And many of those are questions I will surely answer in the future. To your more appropriate question, yes, I think there is sufficient interest given the 10 replies in a single day. That said, the topic of rules set remains to be answered, as right now it is an evenly divided house....
PF - 1e
Ouachitonian
Robert Henry
Chapel Ty'El
DeathQuaker (open to 2e)
PF - 2e
Daniel Stewart
Scranford
Master Han
TheLastGhost (open to 1e)
Either
DragonCat
Philo Pharynx
I greatly appreciate everyone's feedback. There is a big part of me that is excited to run this using Pathfinder 2E. But taking my earlier post as my own advice, I said I would want to use system I was most familiar with, that is definitely Pathfinder 1E.
As such, I'll be posting the recruitment thread in the next 48 hours for this game using the first edition of Pathfinder. I do hope those who expressed interest in 2e will still consider applying.
Sweet! Looking forward to seeing it!
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Ok, guess maybe my "48 hours" until recruitment was a bit overambitious. I am still compiling everything for the recruitment, and will bump this thread once it is posted.
I’d be up for PF2, mostly as I am trying to increase my familiarity with the system. I do love PF1, but am having a lot of fun with PF2, and sadly, PF1 for me, just seems like a retrograde step.
PF2 would be my selection.
Can't believe I didn't spot this! This looks really cool. I'm totally fine with either, maybe with a mild preference towards PF2.
I believe the GM posted above that he has unfortunately decided to go with PF1. I too am disappointed. :-)
Yeah, I was looking forward to doing something ridiculous with a fleshwarp or maybe reviving my idea for a possessed gunslinger rocking the living vessel archetype.
I’m thinking of how noble European families in the medieval era (not to mention the classical era) commonly traced their descent back into myths and sagas, all the way to back to gods or other mythical figures (in addition to the Anglo-Saxon royal lines claiming descent from Odin, the Angevin dynasty of English kings claimed descent from a water spirit named Melusine). Only in game, that’s actually true and these mythical figures did exist. Playing, for example, an Aerokineticist, Storm Druid, or Elemental Bloodrager who’s descended from Thor and/or Zeus. I’m perfectly happy to run that in PF1.
…yes? Why would that be bad?
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So whatever happened to this? Still working on it, GM?
Would not the vote on the version greatly be dependent on what players are going to be in the game? Or are you using that as part of your selection criterion? I mean you seem to have enough potential players for both PF1e and PF2e with 6 either way you go. So GM what is your preference as yours is defininitely the tie breaker vote in all of this?
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To those interested in this game, yes, I am still working on putting together this recruitment, but it will be delayed by a couple weeks.
I am away at a work conference this week, and last week got a call from my boss asking me to relocate 700 miles for a new position. When I get home tomorrow my focus will be on packing up my house and getting it ready to sell. I would expect the recruitment to be up sometime in mid/late September.
GOOD EVENING, ONE AND ALL!
I have being toying with starting this game for nearly two years. Two years during which I have been through an absolute roller coaster, one which has finally slowed down into a steady ride since finding my way into 2025. Which brings me back to this thread, and an aptly timed casting of Raise Dead...
AND SO, THIS THREAD IS RESURRECTED!!!
I return with the proposal:
"The fog hangs heavy over London, a shroud concealing secrets best left undisturbed. Whispers slither through the cobblestone alleys, tales of stolen artifacts, dark rituals, and unknown adversaries. Just as the wounds of the last Great War begin to heal, a growing shadow begins to stretch its reach across Europe. Whether drawn by fate or fortune, you find yourselves pulled into a web of intrigue, where ancient evils stir and the very fabric of reality threatens to unravel. A dying man's plea, a cryptic symbol, a stolen relic – these are the threads that bind you to a perilous journey, a race against time to prevent the coming darkness."
Which leads me to the same question I asked previously in this thread, Pathfinder 1e or 2e? Its been two years since I last asked the question, so I am honestly curious which option would yield more applicants?
- Elephant in the Room feat tax rules
- Feat every level
- Background skills
- Skill Unlocks
- Defense Bonus per Class
- Automatic Bonus Progression
- Guns Everywhere (modern)
*** No 3rd Party material
- Free Archetype
- Gradual Ability Boosts
- Ancestry Paragon
- Automatic Bonus Progression
- Modern Firearms
I look forward to hearing you thoughts.
I’m down for 1E. Haven’t ever really gotten into 2E.
Ouachitonian You were the first to express interest back in 2023, glad to see you are still looking!
I am excited to see this game get off the ground! I am definitely more familiar with 1st edition, but would be up for 2nd edition as well.
Would you allow BattleZoo ancestries for 2e?
My favoured chassis for this kind of thing would be call of cthulu or perhaps E6 pathfinder 1e where nobody is a full caster.
Consider me intrigued. Would totally be interested in a 1e version of this. Cool premise.
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Definitely interested and I'd put in a very strong vote for pf2. Its just a MUCH better system overall. Also has far, far more non magical options if you're hoping to keep this a low fantasy campaign
On another note - have you considered using Mutants and Masterminds? Its d20 based so there isn't THAT large a learning curve coming from Pathfinder and its just about perfect for this kind of compaign. I was thinking of running a similar campaign and even have house rules for it if you're interested
I'd also strongly vote for PF2e since guns are distinctly more balanced in 2e.
Additionally, would you be at all interested in using some of the Starfinder 2e material? While some of the more overtly sci-fi weapons might not fit the tone, it's got better rules for things like larger capacity rifles and pistols.
If the tech is higher than normal, no matter what system, I am thinking of making a breacher swat like character. Heavy gear and a shotgun :P
Anyone like the dragon shots? :P
Sounds interesting. Like Silas mentioned above I'd think no full casters would be a good rule, as well.
I'd be good with 1 or 2e.
I'd be interested in a 2e version.
It is definitely exciting to wake up to so much interest. I will try to answer everyone's questions:
BattleZoo Ancestries / 3rd Party Content In looking into BattleZoo Ancestries, it seems these are specifically for playing more 'wild creatures' (dragons, demons, minotaurs, nymphs, and more), whereas this game is going to be populated with humans (though some may have some interesting twists). Whether this is PF1e or PF2e, there will already be a significant number of alternate rules. As such, I choose to the avoid 3rd party content, especially because if you open the door to one publisher or set of material, it can be a slippery slope into the endless void of content.
Alternate Rulesets & Systems I think an important aspect of any game's success is the GM's knowledge and ability to use the ruleset involved. As such, I do plan to use a Pathfinder ruleset, the debate being between the two editions.
- Call of Cthulhu Pulp I heard good things about this system in the past, but have never even put eyes on it. As such, it does not make sense for me to use something I have absolutely no knowledge of.
- Mutants & Masterminds I had a limited amount of experience with M&M years ago, but was not overly thrilled with the structure. I understand new editions have come out, but again, prefer to use a system I have significant knowledge of.
- e6 (PF1e / 3.5 D&D) I have used e6 in ages past, and enjoyed a long-run low magic/power fantasy game. That said, I do not feel it will it what I am looking to offer in this game.
- Starfinder 2e I have not even dabbled with Starfinder 2e's playtest, though understand it has been designed to be compatible with PF2e. If I decide on PF2e, I may be open to reviewing some specific details.
- No Full Casters this is very much a "1st edition" rule, as many of the "moderate casters" have been rebuilt in 2nd edition into either full casters, casters with unique progressions, or non-casters. If I go with 1st edition, I will likely allow the possibility of full casters, but perhaps limit the party to one, and/or require an exceptional story to justify it. TBD.