[RPG] What are the main differences and similarities between Pathfinder and RuneQuest

pathfinder-1erunequestsystem-introduction

As the question suggests, I'm interested in the main differences and similarities between Pathfinder and RuneQuest. I'm fairly familiar with the RuneQuest system. I've heard a bit about Pathfinder and am wondering whether I can convert some of my adventures to use either system.

Examples might include:

How they differ in magical/ranged/melee combat (if either system has benefits over the other in a particular area)
How they fare for low/high level PCs
If either system is better suited to a particular style of gameplay (e.g. mainly combat-oriented/mainly lore or mystery oriented/mainly stealth or infiltration oriented)

Don't worry about giving too much detail – just a basic summary of the differences / strengths / weaknesses of the two systems would be fine. Although feel free to whack a load of detail in if you have some!

Best Answer

The systems have very little to do with one another. They are both trad games (as opposed to indie) and are both printed on paper. That's it. You won't be porting anything crunch-based from one game to the other (you can crib plots and characters, just not the stats).

Combat

Pathfinder has a complex D&D/d20-derived combat system with hit-avoiding armor and hit points that go up with level; everything scales sharply with level and there's huge disparity between high and low level PCs. Despite save-or-die stuff, lethality generally goes down with level because you have so many hit points.

Runequest has a skill-based combat system related to BRP, with damage-soaking armor and hit points that don't go up with level; lethality remains, especially if caught at a disadvantage, as characters progress. You never become a superhero like you do at Pathfinder level 10.

Magic

Pathfinder uses the traditional D&D "Vancian" memorize specific spells and cast them system. There's arcane/divine which don't differ all that much.

Runequest uses a spell point system and has spirit, divine, ritual, and sorcery, all of which differ.

Goals

Runequest is always going to be grittier and therefore fits investigation and low fantasy well. Too much combat will get you killed.

Pathfinder is always going to be more amped up - there are variants like E6 (never progress past 6th level!) that try to achieve the same thing but it's tuned as more of a mid-high fantasy game where heroes are low-grade superheroes. You don't have to play it as a combat focused game (I don't) but it has support for that.

General

Re-balanced XP. The amount of XP to gain levels has been re-adjusted to better mesh with the character wealth by level charts (e.g. Starting gold vs 13.33 encounters of thr appropriate CR's worth of treasure). This means that after 5th level, it requires more than 1000 * level to get the next level. There are also fast and slow XP charts now (x2/3 and x4/3 required/level).
Combat Maneuvers. Trip, sunder, etc. have been re-balanced into combat maneuvers that utilize a Combat Maneuver base (usually the same a BAB). When trying to trip a person, you make a Combat Maneuver Attack vs that persons Combat Maneuver Defense. This works like attack vs AC. It's a much improved system and the Advanced Player's Guide [APG] adds some additional maneuvers. So far the combat maneuvers are: trip, sunder, grapple, bull rush, disarm, overrun, drag (pulls a creature), reposition (relocates a creature within your reach), dirty trick (applies short-term conditions), steal (snatches objects from the target).
Favored Class. No XP penalty for multiclassing, but a level in your favored class is worth 1 hp or 1 skill point. The APG has additional options based on class and race. E.g.: an half-orc sorcerer may choose to get +1/2 point of damage to fire spells (rounded down). That is, if he chooses this options for two levels, he gets a net +1 damage with fire damage spells.
XP Cost. Item creation feats and spells no longer have XP costs; it's all gold now.
Encounter Level. Better rules for determining CR. Each monster is worth a fixed XP amount to be divided evenly among players. Allows for fine tuning of encounters.

Feats

Are granted at every odd level.
Feats like Power Attack are now less flexible but simpler and with better value. Deadly Aim has been introduced to provide the same Power Attack feature with ranged weapons.
Cleave is far less circumstantial and became a separate exploit.
There are no/fewer dead feats. Toughness gives +1 hp per level (and the first 3 hps are granted upfront at 1st level) so it's useful. Dodge is a plain +1 dodge AC versus all opponents. Skill augmenting feats (like Alertness or Animal Affinity) give +2 to a couple of skills but improve to a +4 if you have 10 ranks in that skill.

Skill System

Some skills have been aggregated. Relevant examples are Perception and Stealth.
There is no 1st-level x4-kicker: if you are a Rogue you get (8 + Int modifier) skill points per level. So a 1st level, non-human Rogue with Int 10 has exactly 8 skill points (or 9 if Rogue is her favorite class and she chooses to invest there). This is balanced by the fact that if you have at least one rank in a class skill you get a +3 bonus in that skill.
There are no 1/2 ranks. Spending a skill point in cross-class skills gives you a full rank (but you don't get the +3 bonus).
Permanent modification to your Intelligence score may cause you to lose or gain skill points.
Maximum ranks are equal to your hit dice.

Races

Dwarf. +2 Con, +2 Wis, -2 Cha.
Elf. +2 Dex, +2 Int, -2 Con. +2 to caster level checks to overcome spell resistance, +2 to Spellcraft checks to identify properties of magic items.
Gnome. +2 Con, +2 Cha, -2 Str. Gnome magic tricks based on Charisma. +2 to Perception, +2 to a Craft or Profession skill.
Half-Elf. +2 one ability score. Bonus Skill Focus feat. +2 to Perception. Immune to sleep and +2 to saves versus enchantment effects. 2 favored classes instead of 1.
Halfling. +2 Dex, +2 Cha, -2 Str.
Half-Orc. +2 one ability score. +2 to Intimidate. One last round as disabled when brought below 0 hit points.
Human. +2 one ability score. +1 Feat at level 1. +1 skill point per level.

Classes

More Options. Most classes have a list of specific class features from which you can cherry-pick from (like the 3.5e's Rogue talent, but much more varied and awarded starting at much lower levels). Expect more diverse characters.
Class Features. All class features' save DCs goes up with level (10 + 1/2 class level + ability mod.). Monster's saves are not generally sky-high, so the features have a chance to connect.
Very Few Dead Levels. Most empty lines in the class tables have been filled up with something. Some full casters (Clerics, Sorcerers and Wizards) still have levels where the only new feature is a new spell slot.
Caster Level. All caster classes have caster level equal to their level.
Cantrips and Orisons. 0-level spells now are more like at-will abilities. Wizards/Clerics/Druids memorize them as normal, but casting them doesn't make the caster forget the spell. Sorcerers have infinite 0th level slots but limited known.
Hit Dice. Some classes have been promoted (bolded, below)
- d12: Barbarian
- d10: Fighter, Paladin, Ranger
- d8: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue
- d6: Sorcerer, Wizard
One Level Dipping Multi-classing in a class for only a single level is, in most classes, less useful than it used to be. Many of the features have been spread across multiple levels or are based on class levels.
20th Level Capstone. A class specific, powerful ability is only available at 20th level. Since PF does not have epic-rules yet (not that these are hard to import), single-classing is sexier than before.
No Multiclass Penalty. Paladin and Monk restrictions are a thing of the past. XP penalties are gone too.

Barbarian

Rage. More flexible: counted in rounds per day, rather than times per day.
Rage Powers. Their ability list encompasses powers (a bit more powerful than feats) usable only during rage.
Damage Reduction. Is awarded earlier and goes up better.

Bard

HD: d8.
Bardic Knowledge. Simply adds 1/2 level to Knowledge skills and lets a Bard perform Knowledge checks even if untrained.
Bardic Performance. Better/more clear rules on types of performances that count for bardic performance. Expanded list of performances; some of them escalate with level. Deadly performance as 20th level capstone. The Perform skill ranks requirement has been dropped.
Versatile Performance. For a Bard, each Perform skill can act as a double for two other skills (e.g.: Perform (Act) can be used in place of a Bluff or Disguise check, Perform (Percussion) in place of a Handle Animal or Intimidate check). This does not mean he has to actually play an instrument, but simply that he can use the skill bonus of another skill.
A Knack with Skills. Bards have diverse new features that interact with skills. From being able to ignore the trained requisite, gaining all skills as class skills, and taking 10 even when not allowed, up to taking 20 on Knowledge checks up to 3 times per day.
Good Feat Support. Arcane Strike and other feats allow a Bard to become much more effective in armed combat. So you're not dead weight or a fifth wheel.

Cleric

Proficiency. They are no longer proficient with heavy armor.
Domain Powers. Increased in power and have level-dependent effects (usually a second ability that kicks in at 6-8th). The most frequent powers granted at 1st level are touch or range attacks that deal about 1d6 + 1/2 cleric level. The benefit of +1 to caster level on related spells is no longer a given.
Channel Energy. The old turn/rebuke became a 30 ft. burst of positive or negative energy that heals or inflicts 1d6/odd level damage to nearby creatures. Feats allow you to selectively exclude targets. Channel feats as normal (but the list of feats is pretty different). Turn and rebuke are not a default for Clerics; they have to acquire the relevant feat.

Druid

Wild Shape. Awarded earlier and its usages per day go up more frequently. At 20th level Druids can wild shape at will. All shapechange spells are more precise in what abilities you gain. Physical stats of the wild shape comes as a bonus to character's ones: not as a replacement. This goes along with a complete overhaul of the form-shifting spells.
Animal Companion. Can be substituted for access to a Cleric domain (and domain spells) chosen among Air, Animal, Earth, Fire, Plant, Water, and Weather. The animal companion option, however, is pretty good.

Fighter

Retraining. At 4th and every other 4th level thereafter, a fighter can trade out a bonus feat he has for a new one as long that old feat isn't being used as a prerequisite.
Bravery. A bonus to Will saves vs fear that goes up with level.
Weapon Training. Bonuses on weapon groups (a +1 to attack and damage that goes up to +4 at 17th level). Additional weapon group training is awarded later with decreasing bonuses (like the Ranger's favored enemy). At 20th chooses a weapon and gain +1 to critical multiplier, automatic threat confirmation and immunity to disarm with that weapon.
Armor Training. Reduces armor check penalty and increases maximum Dexterity bonus (both advantages go up with level up to +4). No speed reduction in medium armor; and later, none in heavy armor either. At 19th damage reduction 5/- when armored or wielding a shield.

Monk

Flurry of Blows. Treated as two weapon fighting with no off hand and BAB equal to Monk level instead of 3/4 level. At 20th his flurry breakdown is +18/+18/+13/+13/+8/+8/+3. Can use combat maneuvers instead of attacks with a CMA equal to the above BAB.
Maneuvers. After 3rd level, uses Monk level instead of BAB for combat maneuvers.
Bonus Feats. Awarded at 1st, 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th from a custom list (narrower than the Fighter's one).
Ki Pool. Is a set of ki points that increase with level. Ki points could be expended for additional attacks or temporary bonus to AC, and later to fuel supernatural abilities such as incredible jumps, self-healing, dimension door or etherealness.

Paladin

Channel Energy. As a good Cleric, but relies on Lay on Hands uses instead.
Smite Evil. Lasts the entire fight, provides a bonus to AC too, and hurts evil dragons and evil outsiders more. Up to 7 times per day at 19th.
Divine Bond. Either a special mount or a holy spirit that inhabit and buffs the Paladin's weapon.
Lay on Hands. Numbered uses per day that increase with level. Each use cures 1d6/odd level. Standard action on others, free action on self.
Mercies. Additional rider effects on Lay on Hands that removes fell conditions (cure disease, remove curse, remove blindness/deafness, etc.).
Aura. Additional auras (of Justice, of Resolve, etc.) automatically granted at certain level. They grant additional bonuses and options to self and allies within 10 ft.
Spells. Now are Charisma-based; Wisdom is no longer a favorite ability for Paladins.
Holy Champion. At 20th level Paladin heals maximum amount of damage (60) with Lay on Hands or Channel Energy, and Smite Evil banishes the target if it is an evil outsider.

Ranger

HD: d10.
Favored Enemy. The granted bonus to damage is not precision-based (it is meaningful against creatures immune to critical hits and at any range).
Combat Style. At 2nd, 6th, 10th, 14th and 18th picks a bonus feat from a list that is tied to the chosen style. Styles are two-weapon combat or archery; APG adds crossbow, mounted combat, natural weapon, two-handed weapon, and weapon and shield.
Hunter's Bond. Either an animal companion (which is no longer a worse version of the Druid's) or the ability to grant allies half the Ranger's damage and to hit bonus vs favored enemies.
Quarry. Select a designated foe. Can track at full speed and gets extra combat bonus against.
Favored Terrain. Can select favored terrains (such as forest, cold, urban, underground, etc.) that grant bonuses on initiative and some skills. Up to 4 terrain types at 18th level.
Master Hunter. 20th level capstone feature grants a possible death attack once per day against each favored enemy type (doesn't matter if the target is quarry or not).

Rogue

HD: d8.
Rogue Talent. Every even level they can cherry pick a rogue-specific trick. Talents are divided in normal (2nd to 8th) and advanced (10th to 20th). Many of these talents kick in when applying sneak attack damage.
Trapfinding. A plain +1/2 level to Perception and Disable Device skill checks relating to traps. They also can disable magic traps.
Trap Sense. An increasing dodge bonus (up to +6) to AC and Reflex against trap attacks.
Master Strike. 20th level capstone is a death, paralysis or sleep effect delivered through every sneak attack.

Sorcerer

HD: d6.
Bloodline. Sorcerers select a bloodline at 1st level (like arcane, draconic, fey, etc.). Each bloodline provides 5 powers (including the 20th level capstone), a list of spells that are automatically added to the Sorcerer's repertoire, and a knack with certain kind of spells.
No Familiar. Except for the arcane bloodline.

Wizard

HD: d6.
Arcane Bond. Either a familiar or a bonded object (ring, wand, staff, etc.). The object allows casting of a spell in spellbook 1/day even if you haven't memorized it.
Arcane School. A specialist Wizard must use two slots to memorize a spell from an opposed school (select two). Each specialization brings two additional abilities at 1st level, plus another that kicks in at 6th or 8th. Universalist Wizards also gain one ability at 1st level (a minor telekinesis) and the ability to apply a metamagic feat on a spell on the fly at 8th.

Advanced Player's Guide

Provides a lot of additional options.

6 More Core Classes

Alchemist. Bombs, potions, and mutagens ("Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" abilities).
Cavalier. A mounted knight, similar to Paladin in devotion to a concept, but tied to a chivalrous order instead of a religious one. Gains and provides teamwork skills.
Inquisitor. A different take on a holy fighter than Paladin. An Inquisitor enters sacred stances called Judgments that boost combat skills. A scourge to heretics.
Oracle. A different take on divine caster. Has dramatically different domain-like abilities (called mysteries). Comes with a curse that wrecks their body or spirit but provides crescent abilities.
Summoner. An arcane caster with special abilities tied to the summoning aspect. Also, a point buy summoned/spiritual companion that is the main focus of the class.
Witch. An arcane caster getting power through a familiar. Drastically different spell list than wizard (cure spells). Has hexes (one of which acts like true resurrection).

And also:

Additional Favored Class Options. Depending upon your race and class; expand your options when taking a level in your favored class (beyond the core +1 hp or +1 skill point).
Alternate Race Traits. Trade off base racial traits with new ones (of the same race). Examples: dwarven Hatred trait (bonuses against orcs and goblinoids) can be traded for the Ancient Enemy trait (bonuses against drow), halfling Keen Senses can be traded for Low Blow (+1 on critical confirmation rolls against target larger than themselves), human bonus skill points can be traded for Heart of the Streets (+1 to Reflex and AC when adjacent to at least 2 allies, and crowds are not difficult terrain for them).
Alternate Kits. Trade off a set of base class features with a set of new ones (of the same class). Examples: archer fighter, cloistered cleric, scout rogue, scroll scholar wizard, hospitaler paladin, arcane duelist bard.
Traits. Mini-feats (e.g.: +1 to hit when in surprise round) that are more often story hooks than abilities (in general 2 at first level).
Hero Points. Rare points that allow for astonishing effects (stave off a spell for 1 round, perform an additional action, reroll a crucial die, etc.). Collected at level up and as additional rewards from the GM.
Teamwork Feats. Great bonuses that only apply if your friends also have them.

What this Means

More power. Characters' power level has been tuned up. In particular, they seems to be more resilient.
Item creation changes. Expect your players to actually use these feats now. You wizard will craft wands, etc. and will make items for 1/2 price. Be prepared to deal with it.
Combat Maneuvers. Expect people, Monks especially, to opt for tripping/grappling etc. since it's worth it now and is much easier to calculate.
Sorcerer, Monk, Fighter fixes. People may stick with these classes since they don't suck anymore.
No multiclass penalties. Expect more multiclass characters. Perhaps even triple/quadruple classes?
Capstone abilities. Alternatively, no multclassing since 20th level ability is so nice for each class.
Animal Sidekick alternative. No more useless mount/animal companion if you run primarily dungeon crawls.
Shape change. GM's life is easier. Harder to dump physical stats. No more CoDZilla.
Channel Energy. This will come into play a lot more. Clerics can heal a large number of people using this ability. So can Paladins. They can also burn a large number of zombies. Plan accordingly.

Paizo has managed to take virtually every aspect of 3.0/3.5 and tweak/rewrite it to work faster and be more balanced. They managed to bring choice and variation of abilities to every single class (some more than others, still). With the Advanced Player's Guide they introduce 6 classes that are all balanced and playable with the 11 core classes, giving 17 core classes.

[RPG] What are the differences between Pathfinder’s Kingmaker and Birthright

Birthright is a larger scale system designed for interaction between multiple mature countries. The AD&D 2nd Edition campaign setting is set in the world of Aebrynis on the continent of Cerilia which is ~very~ detailed at the ruling level. The setting has divine magical "bloodlines" from the old (dead) gods that allow the regents to rule Law, Guild, Temple, Source and Province/Land Holdings as a core concept. Domain development is done in turns, a turn is a season of three months and the regent gets one Domain Action per month. You can construct some general high level holdings, conduct trade and war, etc. but the building is abstracted into Holdings. E.g. Increasing a Temple Holding from level 1 to 2 in a province may involve upgrading your existing chapel, or building another one in a neighbouring village, or it may just result in more worshippers at existing structures.
A fully 3.5e'd version of Birthright has been created by the community at birthright.net. These rules are meant to be the primary focus of a campaign with "adventurer level" action as a sideline. So much so that there is a Domain Action specifically for it called "Adventure".

Kingmaker is mostly a specific adventure path with some specific rules about carving a new civilization out of largely-unsettled areas and being sustainable. It has a more micro focus - exploration and then construction down to the building level ("I build an inn this turn!") Also keep in mind these are supplemental rules in an AP; there's 9 pages of kingdom building rules, then more later on mass combat and exploration, but the core is small. The rules have been reprinted in Ultimate Campaign, but not in significantly more detail. They are suitable for settlement building as an adjunct to a normal campaign.