For those of you not quite ready to move to 4.0, Paizo has announced that they will continue to support 3.5 and have even come out with a the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game - a free 125 page download pdf that
"contains updates to the classic 3.5 fantasy RPG rules, including revised player character classes, a revamped skill system, updated spells, new combat options, a completely new way of looking at domains and specialist schools, and more, ready for immediate implementation into your current campaign"
I for one have already downloaded it. Does this mean I will not be moving to 4.0. Probably not. Depsite the decadent amount of money I have invested in 3.5, I have already pre-ordered my copy of the Player's Handbook at Lost Goblin Games - www.lostgoblingames.com. The previews I have seen and the people I have spoken with who have actually played the game say that play is smoother, faster and puts more back in the GMs' hands.
I believe that these additions and competition in the market can only improve the quality of our gaming. While there are some loyalist to 1st or even 2nd edition rules, we have come a long way from all 3rd level fighters having roughly the same abilities with only difference being the weapon or armor they wore. Third edition was a great step towards my heroes not being defined by their magic weapons and doo-dads, but by their experience and fighting styles. I expect 4.0 to continue this evolution with a more stream-lined, less number cruching effect. Gladly will I say good-bye to Power Attack and Combat Expertise, the anathema's of any GM wishing for speedy combat resolution.
But am I throwing away the some 30+ books in my collection, with a variety of settings, feats, classes, and adventure ideas. Hell no. I plan on grazing them for further fodder and ideas as I see how I can apply them to this new gaming system. While publishing companies may be barred from publishing both 3.5 and 4.0 material at the same time, nobody can say what happens at my gaming table among my players and I. If we choose to keep some of the old to enhance the new, more power to us. So in that vein, I happily downloaded the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game. Not only will it supplement any Paizo purchases I have made and will make in the future, I'm sure there are pieces and parts my mad-rule slashing brain can put to use.
So for now, your happy rules-lawyer and avid story teller will be signing off. I'm glad to find the facebook of roleplayers. Now if I can just figure out how to post in the forums.....
Tags: D20 Rpg D&D Paizo 3.5 4.0
