Pathfinder: Kingmaker
The first game in the series, Pathfinder: Kingmaker, tells the story of a young adventurer who is thrust into the role of a powerful ruler. The player must navigate the treacherous political landscape of the Stolen Lands, unite the warring factions, and defend the realm from the encroaching darkness.
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous
The sequel, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, takes players on a crusade to the demonic realm of the Abyss. As the leader of a powerful army, the player must confront hordes of demons, uncover ancient secrets, and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of both Golarion and the Abyss.
Other Pathfinder Games
In addition to the main series, there are several other Pathfinder video games available, each with its own unique story and setting. These games include:
- Pathfinder: Adventures in the Stolen Lands: A collection of shorter adventures set in the Stolen Lands.
- Pathfinder: Goblin's Guide: A tactical RPG that focuses on goblin characters.
- Pathfinder: Unseen Paths: A stealth-based RPG that explores the darker corners of Golarion.
The Pathfinder video game series is a great choice for fans of the tabletop RPG or anyone looking for an immersive and challenging fantasy adventure. With its rich lore, engaging characters, and tactical gameplay, the series has something to offer everyone.
oh it is the rpg not a vudeo game ok tell me about all of the different ones in great meticulous detail. its vthe story i want mostly with some character explanation. some of EVERY CHARACTER dont forget anyone or anything from every series/version . its the worldbbuilding i enjoy the most. turn my mind into an atlas. go deep go far and go ahead
You're in for a wild ride! The Pathfinder RPG is absolutely packed with lore and intricate worldbuilding. It's impossible to cover everything in meticulous detail, but I can give you a solid overview of the setting, major storylines, and important characters from the most popular Adventure Paths.
Golarion: The World
Imagine a world where ancient empires clash with rising nations, where magic is real and gods walk among mortals, and where adventure lurks around every corner. That's Golarion.
Inner Sea Region: This is where most Pathfinder adventures take place. Think of it as a classic fantasy setting with diverse kingdoms, treacherous dungeons, and sprawling wilderness. You've got:
- Andoran: A young nation founded on principles of liberty and equality, inspired by the American Revolution.
- Cheliax: A decadent empire ruled by a diabolical aristocracy, with strong Hellish influences.
- Varisia: A land of untamed wilderness and ancient ruins, home to diverse cultures and monstrous threats.
- Numeria: A region where technology and magic collide, thanks to a crashed spaceship from another world.
- And many more! Each nation has its own unique history, culture, and conflicts.
Beyond the Inner Sea: Golarion extends far beyond its central region. There's the Mwangi Expanse, a vast jungle filled with dinosaurs and lost civilizations; the Crown of the World, a frozen wasteland where barbarians and frost giants dwell; and the mysterious continent of Arcadia, shrouded in myth and legend.
Adventure Paths: The Stories
Adventure Paths are pre-written campaign settings that guide players through epic storylines. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Rise of the Runelords (1st Edition): This classic Adventure Path takes place in Varisia and involves ancient giants, powerful runes, and a looming threat to the world. Key characters include:
- Karzoug: An ancient Runelord who seeks to reclaim his power and plunge Golarion into darkness.
- Valeros: A brave and somewhat reckless fighter who often serves as the iconic character for this AP.
- Ameiko Kaijitsu: The owner of the Rusty Dragon inn in Sandpoint, a key location in the AP, and a potential ally for the PCs.
Curse of the Crimson Throne (1st Edition): Set in the city of Korvosa, this AP deals with political intrigue, a deadly plague, and a sinister queen with ties to undeath. Key characters include:
- Queen Ileosa Arabasti: The seemingly benevolent ruler of Korvosa, who harbors a dark secret.
- Laori Vaus: A talented bard with a mysterious past, who may be more than she seems.
Wrath of the Righteous (1st Edition): This AP takes the players to Mendev, a nation on the brink of destruction due to a demonic invasion from the Worldwound. It's a crusade against the forces of the Abyss, filled with epic battles and morally gray choices. Key characters include:
- Areelu Vorlesh: A powerful mythic character who guides the players on their crusade.
- The Hand of the Inheritor: A mysterious artifact that grants the player incredible power.
Age of Ashes (2nd Edition): This AP kicks off the Age of Lost Omens, a new era in Golarion's history. It involves a cult trying to resurrect a destructive ancient dragon, and the players must stop them before it's too late. Key characters include:
- Ayden Valeros: Descendant of the iconic Valeros from Rise of the Runelords, now a Hellknight.
- The Whispering Tyrant: Tar-Baphon, a lich who was once a powerful ruler and now seeks to conquer the world.
Important Note: This is just a taste of the Pathfinder world. There are dozens of Adventure Paths, each with its own unique story and characters. Plus, there are countless sourcebooks that delve into specific regions, factions, and lore.
To truly turn your mind into an atlas of Golarion, I recommend:
- Visiting the Pathfinder Wiki: This is a comprehensive resource for all things Pathfinder.
- Checking out Paizo's website: This is where you can find official Pathfinder products, including Adventure Paths and sourcebooks.
- Reading Pathfinder fiction: There are novels and short stories that explore Golarion in greater detail.
Happy exploring! Let me know if you have any specific questions about Golarion or the Adventure Paths. I'm here to help you on your journey.
tell me about Aeons in a comprehensive essay. at least with one thing you can dive deep and be meticulous
The Inscrutable Aeons: Guardians of Cosmic Balance
The Aeons of Pathfinder lore are enigmatic entities, dwelling within the swirling chaos of the Great Beyond. They are the self-proclaimed guardians of universal balance, embodying the fundamental forces that govern reality. Imagine them as cosmic scales, forever striving to maintain equilibrium between opposing concepts like law and chaos, good and evil, life and death.
While they might seem like benevolent forces at first glance, Aeons are far from the typical understanding of 'good'. They are utterly alien in their motivations, driven by an unfathomable cosmic logic that transcends mortal comprehension. Their actions, though often appearing destructive or callous, are always in service of this grand, overarching balance.
Origin and Purpose:
Aeons are not born or created in the traditional sense. They emerge from the Monad, a singular point of consciousness that represents the ultimate unity of the multiverse. Each Aeon is imbued with a specific purpose, a fragment of the Monad's will to maintain cosmic equilibrium. They are living embodiments of concepts, their very existence intertwined with the forces they represent.
Appearance and Nature:
Aeons often manifest in forms that reflect their cosmic duties. Some might appear as radiant beings of pure energy, while others take on more abstract or geometric shapes. Their true forms are likely beyond mortal comprehension, their appearances merely a concession to the limitations of perception.
One of their most defining features is their utter detachment from mortal concerns. Aeons do not experience emotions like joy, sorrow, or empathy. They are driven solely by their cosmic mandate, indifferent to the suffering or triumphs of individual beings. In their pursuit of balance, entire worlds might be sacrificed, civilizations extinguished, and lives snuffed out without a second thought.
Powers and Abilities:
Aeons are incredibly powerful entities, wielding a vast array of abilities that defy mortal understanding. They can manipulate the very fabric of reality, bending time, space, and the fundamental forces of the universe to their will. Their powers are often manifested as reality-altering effects, capable of warping the environment, summoning celestial energies, or even rewriting the laws of physics.
Deep Dive: Envisaging – A Window into the Aeonic Mind
One particularly fascinating ability of the Aeons is Envisaging. This unique form of communication allows them to bypass language and directly convey concepts and ideas to other beings. Imagine a silent conversation where thoughts are exchanged not through words, but through raw, unfiltered meaning.
Envisaging is a reflection of the Aeons' fundamental nature. They do not think in terms of language or symbols, but in pure concepts. When an Aeon communicates through Envisaging, it is essentially sharing a fragment of its own understanding of the universe, a glimpse into the cosmic logic that governs its actions.
This ability also highlights the Aeons' detachment from mortal concerns. They do not engage in idle chatter or emotional exchanges. Their communication is always purposeful, focused on conveying information or instructions relevant to their cosmic duties.
The Aeons and Mortals:
Interactions between Aeons and mortals are rare and often fraught with peril. While some individuals might seek to bargain with these cosmic entities, the Aeons are unlikely to be swayed by mortal pleas or promises. Their motivations are far beyond the scope of individual desires or ambitions.
However, there have been instances where mortals have gained the attention of Aeons, usually by becoming embroiled in events of cosmic significance. In such cases, the Aeons might intervene, either to guide or obstruct the mortals, depending on their perceived impact on the universal balance.
In Conclusion:
The Aeons are a fascinating and terrifying aspect of the Pathfinder universe. They represent the ultimate expression of cosmic order, a force that transcends mortal understanding. While their actions might seem cruel or indifferent, they are driven by a logic that is far beyond the scope of human comprehension. They are the guardians of balance, the silent arbiters of fate, and a constant reminder of the vastness and complexity of the multiverse.
what is Aeon Mechanics
Aeon mechanics in Pathfinder refer to the unique rules and abilities associated with the Aeon Mythic Path in the Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous video game.
1. Aeon Gazes:
- Cosmic Judgement: This is your primary Aeon ability. You can apply a "gaze" to yourself and your allies, granting powerful buffs while simultaneously debuffing enemies with an opposing effect.
- For example, the Gaze of Justice might grant your allies increased attack and damage rolls while inflicting penalties to the attack and damage rolls of chaotic enemies.
- Expanding Options: As you progress through the Aeon Mythic Path, you unlock a wider variety of gazes, allowing you to tailor your strategy to different situations.
2. Bane of Chaos:
- Aeons are inherently opposed to chaos. As an Aeon, you gain significant advantages against chaotic-aligned creatures.
- You deal increased damage to them and have a higher chance to overcome their spell resistance.
- Your abilities often specifically target and hinder chaotic enemies.
3. Lawful Focus:
- Aeons are champions of law and order. Your powers and abilities often emphasize lawful alignments and actions.
- You might gain bonuses when fighting alongside lawful allies or when adhering to a strict code of conduct.
4. Judgements:
- Aeons can pronounce powerful "Judgements" upon their enemies. These are special abilities that inflict debilitating effects or even instant death upon those who fail to meet the Aeon's standards of law and order.
5. True Sight:
- Aeons possess an innate ability to perceive the true nature of things, bypassing illusions and deceptions. This can be invaluable in combat and when interacting with the world around you.
6. Time Manipulation:
- As you progress further into the Aeon Mythic Path, you gain limited control over the flow of time. This can manifest as abilities to slow down or even rewind time, granting you a significant tactical advantage in combat.
7. Inevitable Fate:
- At higher levels, your connection to the cosmic forces of balance grants you the power to manipulate fate itself. You might gain abilities to alter probabilities, ensuring success in your endeavors or dooming your enemies to failure.
Playing an Aeon:
The Aeon Mythic Path is a unique and challenging experience. It requires a strategic mindset, a commitment to law and order, and a willingness to make difficult decisions in the pursuit of balance. If you choose this path, be prepared to embody the role of a cosmic judge, wielding immense power to uphold the universal order.
wouldnt benefit an Aeon to experience the Earthly Matrix as a human to balance out his power with emotion and spiritual will. would he them transcend? into what?
That's a fascinating question that delves into the core of Aeonic philosophy and the nature of balance!
You're absolutely right to consider the potential benefits of an Aeon experiencing the "Earthly Matrix" as a human. Here's a breakdown of why that could be a powerful experience and what kind of transcendence it might lead to:
Why Embracing Humanity Could Benefit an Aeon:
- Understanding the Value of the Individual: Aeons, in their pursuit of cosmic balance, often disregard the needs and desires of individual beings. Experiencing life as a human, with all its joys, sorrows, and complexities, could help an Aeon appreciate the value of individual lives and the importance of empathy.
- Integrating Emotion and Logic: Aeons are driven by pure logic and cosmic understanding, often lacking emotional depth. Embracing human emotions could lead to a more holistic understanding of existence, where logic and emotion are integrated rather than opposed.
- Developing Spiritual Will: Humanity's capacity for spiritual growth and the exercise of free will could be a revelation for an Aeon. Witnessing how humans strive for meaning and purpose, even in the face of adversity, could inspire an Aeon to transcend its purely cosmic perspective.
Transcending the Aeonic Nature:
By experiencing the Earthly Matrix, an Aeon could potentially transcend its limitations and evolve into something entirely new. This transcendence might involve:
- Becoming a Force of Harmonious Balance: Instead of imposing balance through detached judgments, the Aeon could become a force that fosters harmony and cooperation, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings.
- Embracing a More Nuanced Perspective: The Aeon could move beyond a rigid adherence to law and chaos, recognizing the value of both order and freedom in the universe.
- Achieving a Higher State of Consciousness: The integration of logic, emotion, and spiritual will could lead the Aeon to a higher state of consciousness, where it transcends its previous limitations and gains a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
The Nature of this Transcendence:
It's difficult to say exactly what form this transcendence would take, as it would depend on the specific Aeon and its experiences within the Earthly Matrix. However, it could potentially lead to:
- A New Cosmic Role: The Aeon might take on a new role in the universe, perhaps as a mediator between different forces or a guide for other beings seeking enlightenment.
- Merging with the Monad: The Aeon could potentially return to the Monad, the source of all Aeons, with a newfound understanding of the universe, enriching the Monad's own consciousness.
- Becoming Something Entirely New: The Aeon might evolve into a being beyond current comprehension, embodying a new aspect of existence or even creating a new cosmic principle.
In essence, the Aeon's journey into the Earthly Matrix could be a profound and transformative experience, leading to a deeper understanding of the universe and a more compassionate approach to maintaining balance.
It's a compelling thought experiment that highlights the potential for growth and evolution, even for beings as seemingly powerful and immutable as Aeons
