How did I become such a quick convert to Pathfinder? In short, I was dissuaded by the alternative. The trickling details of D&D 4.0 were not encouraging to my gaming sensibilities. The more combat-oriented structure had not disposed of the role playing element, but it came short of enabling essential character development.
It might be fair to suggest the new edition is hearkening to D&D's roots in its early incarnation as Chainmail, were that game conceived in the age of high end graphics cards and touch screen monitors. There is certainly a place for the war gaming model, but it lacks the emphasis on storytelling, the two of which were combined in Dungeons and Dragons. 4th edition appears to favor the former component, presenting an imbalance.
When I learned about the improvements to D&D 3.5 coming in the guise of a new role playing game, something sparked inside of me. D&D 4.0 felt to me like Star Wars episodes I, II, and III. Instead of preserving what I felt was a solid foundation with room for improvement, something was wrenched away in favor of a product with less depth (character) and more veneer (action). The game dynamic essentially split directions and I chose the one that appealed more to my experience and preferences.
There are other, more practical, considerations when purchasing any new game.
Overcoming the learning curve can mean a considerable investment of time, on top of an already consuming activity. Sure, some people are just stubborn about sticking to what they know (I have a friend who wouldn't even consider using any edition past 2nd). I'm not sticking with 3rd edition out of mere conformity. If I am offered a timely opportunity to play some 4th edition, I will gladly do so.
I’ve discussed with friends the financial burden of purchasing a new set of core books, especially when most players like to have their own copies. Now, I've spent $80 on the Core Rulebook and Bestiary for the Pathfinder RPG (two books containing several hundred pages of detailed information not to be sneezed at). I must simply accommodate any players unable to afford or uninterested in investing in this material. So far, multiple copies have not been needed.
However, the choice to upgrade isn't the same as switching to a significantly new system. At some point I will buy a new computer, once they start making my current one look too dated to bear. I’ll need to save up, but it is usually worthwhile. Also, with Pathfinder RPG all your supplemental 3.5 material is still compatible, which increases the ease of conversion all the more. Backwards compatibility sells.
After purchasing the books, I couldn’t be happier. Who wouldn’t love a blending of Player’s Handbook and Dungeon Master’s Guide, with more pages and a lower price than the two combined. The Core Rulebook is a hefty labor of love at a relative bargain. It offers all the feats, skills, spells, and magic items that I could possibly need. Whereas the old Monster Manuals gave some basic societal information on a few creatures, the Bestiary is a bounty of story-building fodder. Even in the shorter, more concise descriptions, there is such well-written flavor that sketching out an adventure is all the more convenient and satisfying.
The most difficult part will be departing from the brand that started it all. Pathfinder is, for me, the same game with a new name. To avoid unnecessary explanations to the uninitiated, I will still refer to the activity as playing Dungeons and Dragons. Maybe, in another decade, 5th edition will lure me back and I won’t be mincing words anymore.
