The Pathfinder RPG, by Paizo Publishing, is a fork of the d20 ruleset that was open licensed from Dungeons & Dragons v3.5.
59
votes
5answers
19k views
Differences between D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder
What are some of the rule changes that Pathfinder brings in comparison to D&D 3.5? I am curious what changes were made so I can explain to my group what it has to offer.
2
votes
3answers
322 views
Sites for finding online RPG players for a play-by-chat RPG Campaign?
Are there any online sites in which you can look for people that are looking to play in an online play-by-chat RPG Campaign?
I'm thinking of running a Pathfinder campaign for Skype (text only) and I ...
12
votes
6answers
1k views
Relationship Mechanics for D&D/Pathfinder?
My Pathfinder/D&D games tend to involve relationships - romantic, friendly, etc. - between PCs and NPCs alike. 3.x only has the Diplomacy mechanic for any kind of relationship mechanic. I'm ...
25
votes
8answers
3k views
What is the point of a spell component pouch?
While I'd like to think I know the general Dungeons and Dragons / Pathfinder rules pretty well, one thing I've never quite understood is the spell component pouch, especially in relation to the Eschew ...
13
votes
2answers
7k views
Build Advice For Pathfinder Oracle
I've made an Oracle, 1st level, Mystery of Lore, Haunted Curse, and I took Sidestep Secret as my first revelation. I'm trying to decide if I should focus on melee combat and take relevant feats for ...
27
votes
8answers
3k views
Combat rules for large battles
In the later chapters of a future campaign I'm thinking of having a section where the players take charge of parts of an army and fight a larger battle. I don't want to hand-wave the strategy, I want ...
19
votes
8answers
959 views
How do I handle a group that does not understand the 'assumption rule'?
1st rule of D&D (as of 3rd edition/pathfinder): The GM is the final arbiter on all rules.
I understand this, completely, and do not disagree. That said, I'm having trouble with a group that ...
12
votes
2answers
393 views
How do I help my players get more engaged in the story?
I play in a group where we routinely switch out GMs. When I GM I tend to prefer story-based games with lots of character building and descriptive role play. We tend to run Paizo's Adventure Paths ...
7
votes
2answers
337 views
Balancing a party of mixed CR monster characters
The pathfinder rules skim a little over the idea of adding a monster to a party** and only say that a group of monster PC's should all have the same CR; this is somewhat harder to achieve in practice ...
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 ...
17
votes
1answer
3k views
How do favored classes work in Pathfinder?
I'm working on creating a half-elf paladin character for a Pathfinder game. Full disclosure: this is the first time I've tried creating a character; I've used ones other people created before. In ...
9
votes
5answers
2k views
Is a Fighter/Wizard/Thief viable in Pathfinder?
I'm looking for a decent build for a Fighter/Wizard/Thief in Pathfinder. The goal is to have a "jack of all trades" PC.
I'd like to enhance these aspect if possible:
Fighter: melee dps
Wizard: ...
5
votes
3answers
868 views
How to roll perception checks for characters who aren't actively looking?
This applies to all d20 systems, but with an example from the from the Pathfinder PRD (emphasis mine):
Stonecunning: Dwarves receive a +2 bonus on Perception checks to potentially notice unusual ...
9
votes
2answers
600 views
Creatively targeting summoning spells
Me and my party have a plan in our upcoming session, that will need some clarifications on how summoning spells can be used.
Its all about creative targeting with the Summon Monster I spell, let me ...
4
votes
2answers
140 views
Can a 'Blade Barrier' turn?
The Blade Barrier spell can be a Wall or a Ring without stating if the Wall has to be a straight line. Can the Wall have a curve or a turn in it?
26
votes
20answers
3k views
Beyond hit points: injury in D&D
I'm interested in adding a touch of realism to combat in D&D 3.5 or Pathfinder. Hit points are a very simple way of measuring injury and stamina, that contributes to the "hit things first, ask ...
26
votes
6answers
2k views
Techniques for making high level D&D play more manageable?
Many people complain about high level D&D 3.x play. It can become less enjoyable for both players and GMs because of the huge nest of rules and complexity required for every character, the prep ...
13
votes
5answers
1k views
How to reduce minis dependence in d20-based games?
In Pathfinder and similar versions of D&D, there is a lot more miniatures/tactical map dependence than in earlier versions (and in most other RPGs). I am interested in reducing the dependence on ...
12
votes
1answer
285 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 ...
12
votes
2answers
3k views
What are the major differences between Pathfinder and D&D 4e?
I'm really only familiar with D&D 4e. Could someone give me a rundown of the major things that would be different if I were to DM Pathfinder? (I gather it is more similar to 3.5e, but I only know ...
8
votes
1answer
535 views
Easing Someone Into RPGs One-on-One
I decided to get back into RPGs after a long hiatus and bought the Pathfinder Core Rulebook. My girlfriend picked it up and started reading it. Somewhat unexpectedly, she got really into it. She ...
7
votes
1answer
5k views
Several damage reduction clarifications for pathfinder
There are a few bits about damage reduction that I'm unclear on in pathfinder, specifically...
Easy one first; Do cold iron/silver weapons equivalent (+3) count as magic for purposes of ignoring DR? ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
High Level (16-20) Adventures
My party is currently working their way through Castle Whiterock. It's designed to run a D&D 3.5 party from 1st to 15th. We're playing it using Pathfinder rules and are part-way through level 9 ...
25
votes
5answers
2k views
What makes grease a good spell?
I often see people list grease as good go-to 1st level spell. Why is this?
The spell description lists 3 of its uses: forcing saves and slows movement of enemies, disarming enemies, and preventing ...
17
votes
2answers
17k views
Optimal Focused Fighter Builds in Pathfinder
Using just the core rulebook and the advanced player's guide, what would be an optimal build for a fighter using 25 points for point-buy character generation? Assume it's a level 10 fighter intended ...
12
votes
5answers
1k views
Can a character take free action out of her turn?
Free actionsD20PFSRD in Pathfinder take almost no time. But can they be performed outside of one's turn or in response to some trigger?
Scenario 1: Can a Barbarian enter rage in response to taking ...
11
votes
4answers
373 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 ...
10
votes
1answer
7k views
How should I build my Oracle character?
I have been playing table-top for about 13 years now. I am most experienced with the World of Darkness games and system and have a passing acquaintance with D&D 4.0. My group and I have only ...
15
votes
5answers
656 views
Covertly casting a spell
This question about Charm Person got me musing about a problem with the spell. Obviously, you can't cast Charm Person in the middle of a forum to sway an interlocutor to your side without the other 20 ...
14
votes
1answer
1k views
What can I do in one round?
I'm still little confused about actions in Pathfinder. There are standard actions, move actions, full round actions, free actions, etc. I need to know which combinations of these actions I can use in ...
14
votes
4answers
561 views
Why do Spell-Like Abilities provoke attacks of opportunity?
Both in D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder, Spell-Like Abilities are described as having "no verbal, somatic, focus, or material components." In both systems, however, activating them as a standard action ...
13
votes
5answers
420 views
Memory After Death
A recent campaign started with the death of the party and reincarnation of the party with the premise of "we brought you back to find those who killed you". One player was concerned that these people ...
11
votes
4answers
432 views
Which skill is more suitable for provoking someone?
If a character wants to provoke some sort of reaction (be it anger, or even just breaking his self-imposed silence) by talking to another [player] character; which skill is best suited for a skill ...
10
votes
2answers
7k views
Bomb based alchemist builds
I'm looking for help with building a bomb-slinging alchemist at level 10. Assume 25 point buy for initial generation. The focus is getting the most effective bomb usage possible. Fast bombs is ...
8
votes
3answers
158 views
What is a good way to handle a multi-plane adventure?
Any advice for a group/GM that's new to the concept when it comes to adventures across multiple planes? Ways to make the game more fun, issues to avoid, and potential hazards we may come across, both ...
8
votes
7answers
901 views
Is casting the spell Blood Transcription an evil act?
A player of mine in a recent game of Pathfinder was playing a Lawful Neutral Magus and was about to drink blood from a fallen spellcaster to get his prepared spells for the day by using the spell ...
8
votes
1answer
171 views
Can all skills and feats be used in conjunction with Magic Jar?
The spell Magic Jar allows you to possess a nearby creature. The spell states:
If you are successful, your life force occupies the host body, and the
host's life force is imprisoned in the magic ...
6
votes
3answers
231 views
The effects of saving throws on mind reading
A number of creatures in D&D systems (specific editions may not be necessary here, but let's use 3/3.5/3.75 for simplicity) have the ability to use spell or spell-like effects such as Detect ...
6
votes
1answer
185 views
Order of actions in combat
Is there a specific order in which move / move-equivalent actions and standard actions should occur during a combat round? I know you can take the 5-foot step at the beginning or the end of the turn, ...
6
votes
5answers
382 views
Is there a way to give animals fine manipulators at low level?
My Pathfinder E6 group has run into a bit of a problem. One of our party members is a wraith camel alchemist, and another is a half-brass dragon giant spider artificer. The wraith camel has ghost ...
4
votes
2answers
679 views
How do multiple natural attacks work?
Okay, I need some clarification. The Pathfinder Core Rules state this about natural attacks:
You do not receive additional natural attacks for a high base attack bonus. Instead, you receive ...
4
votes
1answer
251 views
Magus Maneuvers
Researched and valid magus maneuver:
Cast Touch Spell -> 5 foot step -> Spellstrike with no concentration check
Is this valid:
Cast Touch Spell -> Move action -> Spellstrike with no ...
13
votes
3answers
2k views
Class level vs. Character level vs. “my” level
Forgive me for not being good at game terminology, but there is one concept that I simply have been unable to fully grasp.
I have read the core rulebook, but I am not strong with books in general. (I ...
13
votes
4answers
682 views
Is a summoned tyrannosaurus overpowered?
I'm running my crew through the last book of the Kingmaker series. The players consist of a paladin, rogue, monk, and oracle. When the oracle leveled up to 14 (CL 7), he gained the ability to Summon ...
13
votes
2answers
631 views
What is the reason for introducing the rule for Attacks of Opportunity in D&D?
The Attacks of Opportunity are an important part in D&D and spinoffs of the game like Pathfinder. What does this rule for the game-system? How does it affect the fun of the players? Why was this ...
13
votes
7answers
382 views
How should a GM handle novice players?
In our game, we have 5 players - two are completely new to roleplaying, and one is new to the system we're playing (Pathfinder).
At the moment, the GM grants the new players no leeway - if the player ...
12
votes
4answers
560 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 ...
12
votes
7answers
2k views
What does a perception check really signify? Can they be repeated?
When a character makes a perception check, does fail indicate whether they permanently fail to see what is hidden, or just that they need to try again? So far our DM has let us repeat perception ...
12
votes
2answers
1k views
Do Class Skill Bonuses Count as Ranks?
In Pathfinder do class skill bonuses count as ranks, especially for the purpose of prestige classing, or are they a generic bonus?
If they are a bonus, how should I adjust the required ranks for ...
11
votes
2answers
607 views
How do Energy Effects work underwater?
This is similar to this question on fire damage underwater but a little broader. How do other energy types work underwater? I'm plumbing through the underwater level of Castle Whiterock and my ...
