The Pathfinder RPG, by Paizo Publishing, is a fork of the d20 ruleset that was open licensed from Dungeons & Dragons v3.5.
4
votes
2answers
172 views
Spellcasting Prodigy Feat in Pathfinder - yes or no?
My player asked me about using this feat on his new first-level character.
Spellcasting Prodigy - Treat primary spellcasting ability score as 2 higher for bonus spells and save DCs. This feat is ...
6
votes
1answer
110 views
Playing an Undine Druid with the water domain, can I use water affinity for domain spells?
Let me preface this with this is my first character, and I have no idea what I'm doing.
Water affinity gives water domain powers and spells at +1 caster level to undine clerics.
I'm thinking because ...
10
votes
1answer
178 views
Does smite evil bypass DR for non-evil targets?
The Paladin's smite evil ability states:
Smite Evil (Su): Once per day, a paladin can call out to the powers of good to aid her in her struggle against evil. As a swift action, the paladin chooses ...
4
votes
1answer
132 views
Can a Paladin use his Mercies with Channel Positive Energy?
Anyone that gets a Lay on hands from a Paladin also gets all the effects of the Paladin's Mercies. As the Channel Positive Energy uses two lay on hands do they also get the effects of the Mercies?
4
votes
1answer
69 views
Does the barbarian rage ability 'Ground Breaker' work on plain earth?
Does the barbarian rage ability 'Ground Breaker' work on plain earth or other floor surfaces that have a hardness of zero?
5
votes
1answer
147 views
AoO and subsequent rolls
I read somewhere that if you take an action that causes an AoO, from the subsequent roll for that action, you have to subtract the eventually taken damage. Is it right?
If yes, does this apply too to ...
4
votes
2answers
165 views
Returning enchantment on a creature
I have a feat that allows me to pick up and throw another creature as if it were a thrown weapon. The greater belt of mighty hurling item from Pathfinder, among other things, allows me to apply ...
11
votes
2answers
171 views
Reducing a monster below CR 1
There are many instances in Pathfinder and other 3.5 based systems when you might need to reduce a monster below 1 or 1/2. For example, if I'm using a CR 1/2 monster from a 3.5 source in Pathfinder, ...
7
votes
3answers
390 views
In Pathfinder, what are the rules for holding a two-handed weapon in one hand while using the other hand?
I am currently GMing a Pathfinder game and the following situation came up: One of my players wanted to have his two-handed weapon held in his off-hand, while having a throwing weapon readied in his ...
8
votes
3answers
680 views
What type of Bonus does a Ragechemist's Strength Mutagen Provide?
This recently came up while my group and I were discussing potential builds for the next game we would be playing.
A Ragechemist (Ultimate Combat) gets the following at first level:
Rage Mutagen
...
14
votes
11answers
575 views
What is a sci-fi system that would feel familiar to reluctant Pathfinder players?
For the last few months I've been running a Pathfinder campaign, and recently I told my players that I needed a break and they agreed on switching games for a few months. I'm a fan of the works of ...
11
votes
4answers
379 views
Is there a working adaptation of Skyrim's Dragon Shouts to DnD3.x?
I wonder if there's a well designed and tested, working - and, of course, unofficial (?) - adaptation of Skyrim's Dragon Shouts (Thu'um) to DnD 3.x (or possibly Pathfinder)?
If not, how would you ...
29
votes
4answers
1k views
Can a lich redeem itself?
According to the rules,
The process of becoming a lich is unspeakably evil and can be undertaken only by a willing character.
What if a lich, having done this, slowly over time realizes its ...
12
votes
1answer
1k views
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?
7
votes
2answers
166 views
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 ...
9
votes
3answers
261 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
votes
1answer
134 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
votes
1answer
114 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 ...
16
votes
7answers
411 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 ...
7
votes
3answers
970 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?
0
votes
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 ...
7
votes
8answers
498 views
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, ...
6
votes
2answers
182 views
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.
7
votes
4answers
241 views
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? ...
6
votes
3answers
321 views
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
votes
3answers
227 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
votes
1answer
415 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?
6
votes
2answers
227 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 ...
5
votes
5answers
324 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
votes
1answer
252 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 ...
19
votes
8answers
808 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
100 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 ...
14
votes
6answers
10k views
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
votes
3answers
772 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
votes
1answer
220 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
votes
1answer
333 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
votes
1answer
289 views
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
votes
2answers
389 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.
1
vote
0answers
103 views
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 ...
15
votes
4answers
454 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 ...
5
votes
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 ...
23
votes
7answers
3k views
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
votes
6answers
514 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
votes
1answer
313 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
votes
2answers
367 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
votes
1answer
231 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 ...
5
votes
3answers
212 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 ...
4
votes
3answers
255 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 ...
0
votes
1answer
55 views
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 ...
19
votes
6answers
973 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 ...
