Pathfinder

Pathfinder. The game is a fantasy role-playing game set in a medieval-inspired world, drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings and C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. It is designed by Jason Bulmahn and published by Paizo Publishing, a company founded by Lisa Stevens and Victor Wertz. The game has gained popularity among fans of Dungeons & Dragons, World of Darkness, and other tabletop role-playing games, with notable fans including Chris Perkins and Matt Mercer.

Introduction

The game is known for its complex character creation system, which allows players to customize their characters with a wide range of feats, skills, and spells. Players can choose from a variety of character classes, including the fighter, wizard, and rogue, each with its own unique abilities and playstyle. The game also features a rich setting, with a detailed history and geography, inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, Robert E. Howard, and Michael Moorcock. Notable campaign settings include Golarion, Eberron, and Greyhawk, created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.

History

The game was first released in 2009, with the publication of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook, which was based on the d20 System license from Wizards of the Coast. The game was designed to be compatible with Dungeons & Dragons 3.5, allowing players to easily transition from one game to the other. Since its release, the game has undergone several revisions, including the publication of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Advanced Player's Guide and the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Ultimate Magic rulebook. The game has also been supported by a wide range of adventure paths, including Rise of the Runelords and Curse of the Crimson Throne, written by James Jacobs and F. Wesley Schneider.

Game Mechanics

The game mechanics are based on the d20 System, which uses a twenty-sided die to determine the outcome of actions. The game features a complex character creation system, which allows players to customize their characters with a wide range of feats, skills, and spells. The game also features a combat system, which uses a combination of attack rolls and damage rolls to determine the outcome of battles. Notable game designers who have contributed to the game include Rob Heinsoo, Jonathan Tweet, and Monte Cook, known for their work on Dungeons & Dragons 3rd edition and World of Darkness.

Setting

The game is set in a fantasy world, with a detailed history and geography. The default setting is Golarion, a medieval-inspired world with a rich history and culture. The world is filled with magic, monsters, and adventure, and players can explore a wide range of environments, from dungeons and forests to cities and ruins. Notable locations in the game include Absalom, Kaer Maga, and Ustalav, inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. The game also features a wide range of factions and organizations, including the Pathfinder Society and the Harpers, similar to those found in Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk.

Editions

The game has undergone several revisions since its initial release, with the publication of new rulebooks and adventure paths. The most recent edition of the game is the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game 2nd Edition, which was released in 2019. This edition features a revised character creation system, as well as new game mechanics and settings. The game has also been supported by a wide range of digital tools, including the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Reference Document and the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, developed by Obsidian Entertainment and Goblinworks. Notable conventions that feature the game include Gen Con and PAX Unplugged, where players can meet game designers like Chris Pramas and Robin Laws. Category:Tabletop role-playing games