About Pathfinder

Pathfinder is based on the 3.5 edition of the popular RPG, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), and was released in 2009. The game is set in a fantasy world called Golarion, which is rich in history, culture, and adventure. Players take on the role of characters with unique abilities and personalities, and work together to complete quests, defeat monsters, and uncover treasures.

Classes

One of the defining features of Pathfinder is its class system, which offers a wide variety of character options for players to choose from. These classes include traditional fantasy staples such as the fighter, wizard, and rogue, as well as more unique classes like the alchemist, Summoner and Oracle. Each class has its own set of abilities and strengths, and players are able to customize their characters further by choosing from a variety of different feats and skills.

Combat

Another important aspect of Pathfinder is its combat system, which is designed to be fast-paced and tactical. Players roll dice to determine the outcome of their actions, and must use strategy and teamwork to outmaneuver their opponents. The game also includes a variety of different monsters and enemies, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses.

Lore & World-Building

Pathfinder also includes a wealth of background material, including detailed information on the game world, its inhabitants, and its history. This information can be used by players and game masters (GMs) to create their own adventures, or to add depth and realism to existing ones. The game also features a wide variety of NPCs, which can be used as allies, enemies, or quest-givers.

Difficulty

Pathfinder's overall goal is to provide a fun and engaging gaming experience for players of all skill levels. The game's rules are designed to be easy to understand and follow, while still allowing for a high degree of customization and creativity. The game is also constantly updated and expanded, with new rules, classes, and other content being added on a regular basis.

Players can play Pathfinder in a variety of ways, from traditional face-to-face sessions to online games on Roll20. Many players also choose to play Pathfinder as part of an organized group, such as a gaming club or at conventions.

Community

Pathfinder is also supported by a large and active community, which includes players, game masters, and designers. This community creates and shares their own content, such as adventures, character builds, and house rules. Additionally, Paizo also has its Adventure Path series, which are pre-made campaigns that take players on a journey through different parts of the game world, and gives them a chance to explore different regions and cultures.

Comparisons to Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)

Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) are both fantasy role-playing games (RPGs), but there are some important similarities and differences between the two. One of the main similarities is that both games use similar mechanics for character creation and advancement. Both games have classes such as fighter, wizard, and rogue, and both games use a similar system of levels, hit points, and ability scores to determine a character's abilities and strengths. Both games also use a similar system of dice rolls to determine the outcome of actions in combat and other encounters.

One of the main differences between the two games is that Pathfinder is based on the 3.5 edition of D&D, while D&D has since moved on to the 5th edition. This means that Pathfinder has some rules and mechanics that are different from those found in the latest edition of D&D. For example, Pathfinder has a more complex system of skills and feats, and also includes some unique classes such as the Alchemist and Summoner. Additionally, Pathfinder has a more detailed and realistic magic system, with spells being divided into schools and subschools, and also has a more extensive list of spells.

Another key difference between the two games is the level of detail and realism in the game world. D&D has a more simplified and abstract approach to the game world, while Pathfinder is known for its rich and detailed game world, with a lot of information about cultures, history, and geography.

Additionally, Pathfinder has a different approach to character advancement, it promotes a more "gritty" experience, where characters are more likely to die in combat and where magic is not as ubiquitous as it is in D&D.