The Pathfinder RPG, by Paizo Publishing, is a fork of the d20 ruleset that was open licensed from Dungeons & Dragons v3.5.

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Is Pathfinder selling better than D&D?

Is there any data showing that Pathfinder is selling better than 4th Edition D&D? Also, is there any data showing if and when that might happen?
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2answers
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Failing to use acrobatics to move through threatened squares in Pathfinder

As a rogue I want to start making better use of the Acrobatics skill to move through threatened squares to get better positioning. However, I have been holding back because I am a little unclear on ...
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3answers
255 views

What setting changes need to be addressed in order to convert Golarion to the E6 variant system?

For those who are confused what E6 is, please go here: E6: The Game Inside D&D I will be running an E6 game in Golarion in a few weeks. Two main assumptions I have made in the E6 version I am ...
4
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1answer
133 views

How can I include Dresden-Files-style vampires in my Pathfinder game?

I have a concept for a campaign that uses a Dresden-Files environment in a medieval fantasy setting, but for reasons of familiarity and experience prefer to use the Pathfinder system. I specifically ...
2
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1answer
110 views

Pathfinder: Does the +3 Bonus count as ranks in itself, or just a bonus? [duplicate]

I have a simple, yet complicated question regarding skill ranks and the initial trained bonus of +3. My question arose when one of my players stated that he was a Pale Master at level 5 because he had ...
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7answers
405 views

How can I use a frame story and keep a sense of danger and mystery?

I am planning a campaign that I would like to present as a frame story: the heroes are recounting their adventures in a tavern in exchange for drinks (and then picking up the last leg of the adventure ...
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3answers
966 views

Magus swinging two handed?

Obviously the Magus class from Utlimate Magic requires one hand free to cast, but is there anything to stop them from attacking two handed in a round when they don't cast?
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0answers
53 views

Is there a place where I can get good Pathfinder building maps? [duplicate]

Is there a place where I can get good Pathfinder building maps? Small keeps, manors and castles. I need a map with squares and I don't need it to be used with figurines or miniatures. I don't mind if ...
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8answers
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How can I tailor an encounter so that a low level, mostly mundane party can defeat a wasp swarm?

I'm GM'ing a game with a large, mostly mundane party where all PCs at level 2. The party is made up of a good aligned cleric (i.e. no damage spells), wizard, druid (with wolf animal companion), monk, ...
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2answers
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What are the feats and class features that turn will and fort saves into reflex saves?

What are the feats and class features that turn will and fort saves into reflex saves? I vaguely remember reading something like this in a D&D 3.5 or PF book.
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4answers
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What would a rogue call him/herself in game? [closed]

I just thought that they wouldn't announce themselves as such. So what would they say if they are trying to get the message across but not be open about it. Anyway I wanted an opinion so why not here? ...
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Does a natural 20 initiative roll have any special rules?

I rolled a 20 for initiative in a pickup game today and I realized that I didn't know if that was supposed to be treated specially, like some other rolls treat a natural 20. Does rolling a natural 20 ...
6
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3answers
222 views

Pathfinder spell lists with properties

Where can I find a spell list for a class (let's say druid), where not only the name and (shortened) effect is listed, but also the basic properties (range, duration, casting time, components) are ...
10
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1answer
392 views

What's the best way to use a tablet computer for your character sheet?

I have a Kindle Fire HD that I'd like to use as my character sheet for a Pathfinder game. What's the best way to go about doing this?
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2answers
226 views

Does an Eidolon share initiative with the Summoner?

The note for Eidolons indicate they are treated as a summoned creature. I assume this means they are treated as per a Summon Monster spell, with the noted exceptions. Does this mean that the ...
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5answers
315 views

Why “roll for initiative” in Pathfinder?

Perhaps related to this other question, what is the point in rolling for initiative in Pathfinder (so far the only RPG I've played)? It would seem that certain characters would "automatically" ...
0
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1answer
239 views

Making a Ninja in Pathfinder, any Suggestions? [closed]

My friends and I are gearing up to run a campaign, one of the players are looking to be a Ninja. I am looking for any ideas to help build it. The DM made a couple changes for the ninja because of ...
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8answers
805 views

Do desert heat hazards actually pose a threat to a Pathfinder party?

I am about to bring my characters into the desert in my campaign, so I decided to read up on desert rules. From the Pathfinder SRD: Heat deals nonlethal damage that cannot be recovered from until ...
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2answers
99 views

Does obscuring mist get burned away by non-magical fire?

In Pathfinder, obscuring mist can be burned away by magical fire in the path that it takes, I think. The description doesn't say anything about non-magical fire, such as torches if you're inside, or a ...
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6answers
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How do I make a gunslinger with a decent damage progression?

I am considering playing a Gunslinger when next we play Pathfinder (I am currently GMing a game, and we'll be switching off afterwards), and thumbing through the Ultimate Combat Playtest v. 2, and I'm ...
3
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3answers
761 views

Summoning monsters for their DPS potential

For the summon monster spell, which monster should be selected at each level for pure dps potential tanking ability ? Related: What is the full list of monsters that can be summoned with the ...
0
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1answer
219 views

Running a game with intentionally “over-powered” PCs

I've been playing for a few years now (I know I'm green) but I've been planning on running a game with intentionally "Over-Powered" PCs. This is the style of play I would like to try: My idea is to ...
8
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1answer
318 views

How do touch spells work in Pathfinder?

You would think touch spells would be fairly straightforward: You cast a spell, you touch someone or several someones, and effects occur. Unfortunately, the touch spell rules contain the following ...
12
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1answer
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What percentage of the population is magical in Pathfinder's world of Golarion?

This is kind of a variant of this medieval + magical question. However, I'm looking for any specific rules regarding the basic math around spells and the availability of magic users. Pathfinder's ...
6
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2answers
383 views

Arcane Bonds and Familiars

Is it possible for a Wizard to gain both an arcane bond and a familiar without multiclassing? I have not found a way to do it, but I'm keen to find out if it is possible.
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0answers
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How should someone react to this version of Zone of Truth? [closed]

Well, I guess the Actual question would be "How the save?" but that's terrible grammar. In my group, we have a house-rule that makes the use of Zone of Truth a bit more... useful, for lack of a ...
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4answers
449 views

Are there rules for attacking whilst falling?

Consider a character with the ability to cast quickened Dimension Door and the Dimensional Agility feat. Such a character could use Dimension Door to appear next to an enemy and then proceed to make a ...
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1answer
134 views

What considerations to make introducing a new player to an existing party, especially wealth and items?

As well as mechanics for introducing new players what considerations should I take for introducing a new player to an existing party? My example is that I'm I'm running the Pathfinder Beginner Box ...
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7answers
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Should one buy the Pathfinder book when the content is available for free on d20pfsrd.com?

Does the Pathfinder core rulebook contain any information that is not included already on www.d20pfsrd.com that would make it worth it to buy the PDF version of the manual? Or does it only have extra ...
11
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6answers
506 views

How do I handle a player who plays his character far differently than the character was originally presented?

I'm not asking how to make every character be played as I would play them. I'm asking how to handle a situation in which the character that the player presents to me as a GM (with complete back-story, ...
2
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1answer
284 views

Feats for a wolf animal companion?

I have a two-weapon fighting ranger. Currently I am level 6 and am just getting my animal companion. I chose the wolf. At level 7 he becomes large because of the feat, boon companion. His stat bump ...
6
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2answers
356 views

How to better implement Spiked Chain build from OOTS 216?

I was wondering if the build posted on Order of the Stick 216 is still valid in pathfinder, and how to better implement in terms of: Better races, preferably, being a common (medium sized) race, ...
4
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1answer
220 views

How do I calculate my attack bonus?

My stats are: Str 18, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 13, Wis 11, Cha 6. Main Hand Weapon, Frost Bastard Sword Off Hand Weapon, Flaming Bastard Sword I am playing a Human, Fighter 7. I need to work out what my ...
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3answers
211 views

How useful would a house ruled immediate Counterspell ability in Pathfinder be?

I have been GMing for 10 years, and we are currently are using Pathfinder with little to no house rules. The only character that has ever used counterspell is when we made a prestige class up that ...
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3answers
251 views

Is it really possible to represent a 'genius' character completely accurately?

In this thread, we had several examples of many ways to role-play a character that's smarter than its player. Many suggested letting the DM give information to the player that the character could ...
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1answer
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Pathfinder Wall of Ice Anchoring Rules

Is it allowable to cast a "Wall of Ice" spell in its hemispherical configuration in mid-air, or upside-down? The description of the spell is very explicit about it being anchored when it's in the flat ...
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6answers
961 views

Is Coup de Grace on sleeping and bound opponents an evil act?

So I was recently participating in a Pathfinder Society game. Our ship was attacked and boarded by pirates. First thing that happened was one of our party cast sleep, and succeeded in putting four of ...
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5answers
353 views

Mind Control: What's a Dominate Person between allies?

In a recent game of 10th level characters, we had a small issue in the group. To set the scene, my character was a serpentfolk witch, specializing in enchantment and specifically mind-magic. We had a ...
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2answers
464 views

Would magic 'weapons' make the monk more balanced?

The monk in D&D 3.5 (and, to a lesser extent, in Pathfinder) is generally considered underpowered. Would adding magic 'weapons' that could add enhancement bonuses and magic weapon effects to a ...
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5answers
460 views

Rulesets to make magic more unpredictable and dangerous?

I am considering starting a Pathfinder game, however before I do this I would like to brew-up some house-rules on the use of magic for a "low-magic" setting (think Conan or A Song of Ice and Fire) ...
7
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2answers
135 views

If I am using 2 weapons, can I trip with one and attack the tripped target in the same round?

I'm playing a dual wield fighter and I was wondering is it possible to, when using a full round action to attack and you have more then one strike, can you trip with your first hit and then proceed to ...
12
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4answers
563 views

Reasons to multiclass in 3.5

I have been playing AD&D (and some other systems) for a long time, but I am new to 3.5/Pathfinder. I have just started looking at the optimization material, and it seems that multiclassing with ...
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11answers
772 views

How to mitigate glass cannon syndrome in Pathfinder?

This is the more gamey part of my other question, What to do when your character is just too good? In D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder, damage output grows very, very quickly. Much more quickly than hit ...
6
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3answers
182 views

Anything I should keep in mind before I start mixing and matching between D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder?

Anything I should keep in mind before I start mixing and matching between D&D 3.5e and Pathfinder? Off the top of my head, the biggest difference is feats every 2/3 levels. Would it affect ...
3
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1answer
76 views

Do Manacles of Cooperation allow for a save to escape?

The Manacles of Cooperation have a line of text that seems a bit ambiguous to me: The prisoner never attempts to escape of its own volition and agrees to any reasonable request unless it makes a ...
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3answers
180 views

3D Rules for a 2D Game

Often while playing Pathfinder, my group will run into problems where rules for 3-dimensional play simply don't exist, so far as we can find. Arguments will come up over things like carrying-capacity, ...
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3answers
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Favored Class Bonus at 1st Level?

So, it doesn't seem entirely clear from the Core Rulebook: does one get the favored class bonus (+1 to hp or +1 skill) at first level? I wouldn't have thought so, but I notice that the Hero Lab ...
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1answer
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Pathfinder DR and ability damage

In Pathfinder does Damage Reduction (e.g. the barbarians DR 2/- for e.g.) reduce the ability damage from, say, a Greater Shadow (1d8 Strength)?
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New GM Advice - How to best use an Adventure Path

I'm new to tabletop RPGs (although I have been interested for a long time, just had difficulty finding like-minded companions, and the funds required to get some of the stuff). When I was finally ...
5
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1answer
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Do touch spells crit via a natural weapon's crit range?

If I increase the threat of my natural weapon (improved crit) (19-20) does this affect my touch spell cast through it? Pg 213: A touch spell that deals damage can score a critical hit just as a ...

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