Frequently Asked Questions
The most-asked questions about Pathfinder.
What is Pathfinder?
Pathfinder is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game where players create characters to explore the world of Golarion, fighting monsters and solving mysteries. It uses detailed rules for combat and magic that evolved from the third edition of Dungeons & Dragons.
Who created the game?
The system was founded by Jason Bulmahn and James Jacobs after they left Wizards of the Coast in 2007 to launch Paizo Publishing. They built a community-focused company dedicated to creating high-quality fantasy content.
Where should a newcomer start playing?
New players often begin with the Pathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook, which contains all essential mechanics for character creation and gameplay. Alternatively, starting with an official adventure path like 'The Age of Ash' provides a guided story experience.
What is Golarion?
Golarion is the primary campaign setting for Pathfinder, a planet filled with diverse continents, ancient empires, and unique magical regions. It serves as the stage for most adventures, featuring distinct cultures ranging from human kingdoms to elven forests.
Who are the key deities in the game?
The world is shaped by sixteen major gods known as the Inner Sea pantheon, including Sarenrae the healer and Asmodeus the devil king. These figures influence local religions and often intervene directly in mortal affairs through their clerics.
What distinguishes Pathfinder from other RPGs?
Pathfinder is renowned for its deep customization options, allowing players to craft highly specialized characters with thousands of possible combinations. Its 'Rules Lawyer' friendly design offers granular control over every aspect of combat and skill usage.
How do the editions differ?
First Edition focused on complex character builds and tactical combat derived from D&D 3.5, while Second Edition streamlined these rules to improve pacing and accessibility for new groups. Both versions share lore but use different mechanical systems that are not fully compatible.
What is a notable event in Pathfinder history?
The Rise of Runelords was a major catastrophe where ancient magical artifacts were stolen, causing global instability across Golarion. This event triggered the first official adventure path and set the stage for decades of subsequent storytelling.
Are there main protagonists or heroes?
Unlike video games, Pathfinder does not have a single fixed protagonist; instead, players create their own heroes to drive the narrative. However, iconic figures like Varian Jaelrean or the legendary Golarion explorers appear frequently in lore and adventures.
What resources are available for free?
Paizo offers extensive free content including the Pathfinder Second Edition Core Rulebook PDF and character creation tools on their website. Fans can also access thousands of community-created maps, monsters, and homebrew rules through unofficial wikis.