How does Pathfinder gameplay change when stats are rolled 3d6 in order after selecting race?
Style of play
- Sandbox setting, estimating risk and reward is up to players.
- New characters start at first level. Experience from treasure.
- Character stable: Single player can have several characters, though typically only one and sometimes two are in active play at once.
- Character death is expected part of play.
- GM acts as a neutral referee, in the sense that they will not adjust the contents of the game world or fudge dice rolls, or otherwise play to benefit or harm the chances of success of the player characters.
House rules, more detail
To create a character:
- Select race (core races, maybe kobolds, goblins and orcs, or maybe only a subset of core races available).
- Roll stats, 3d6 in order.
- Continue character generation as usual. All Paizo-created Pathfinder material is, as a default assumption, okay. For controversial rules interpretations, consult the GM.
- Ability score requirements of feats are reduced by 2. For example, power attack requires strength 11+, not 13+.
- 0th level spells have limited uses per day.
How will this affect play?
The obvious consequences are:
- Humans are a more desirable character species, as they get to place their stat bonus after rolling their stats. This is intended.
- CR and such estimates don't work as designed. This is of no consequence, considering the sandbox style of play and the role of referee.
What else?
As usual, please answer based on personal experience or published play reports.