Gerik

I have been running Pathfinder 2e for a long time now, and it is undoubtedly my go-to TTRPG system for an enjoyable TTRPG experience. There are many reasons why, some of which you may see in other reviews here. But I would like to highlight some things not often mentioned: 1. Narrative and Roleplay: Pathfinder 2e is often thought to be less narrative-focused, but I'd like to challenge that notion. As an experienced GM here on SPG, as well as a writer of multiple original campaigns for the system, PF2E is one of the easiest systems to write for. That includes creating roleplay challenges and events that allow for both player/GM creativity. What separates PF2e from other systems is that it provides you with a framework from which to start, so very rarely do you find yourself unsure how to structure any potential scene. An experienced GM knows how to leverage PF2e's various subsystems like influence, infiltration, leadership, chase, and others to create vivid roleplay scenes that carry the tension from one second to another. All of this coalesces into moments your table is sure to remember. I've run scenes of intense political intrigue, fancy dinner parties, escapes from monstrous beasts in the wild, a battle of the bands with satyrs, and a competition of tall tales with a leprechaun! Despite what others may say, Pathfinder isn't only about combat. I believe you can tell great narrative stories with this system with the tools at your disposal! 2. Clarity: Pathfinder's emphasis on providing clear language in as many places as possible results in less at-the-table adjudication, which means you spend more time actually playing the game. GMs can expect a game where the rules help support you, while players spend less time being confused about what is and isn't possible. A phrase I am fond of for this system is "limitation breeds creativity." This shared baseline ensures everyone at the table starts at the same place, and from there GMs and players can flex their creative muscles in ways they may never have thought possible. 3. Original Campaign Potential: Due to how much support the system provides to its GMs, crafting whole campaigns is much easier. From creating narrative arcs to designing unique creatures and appropriate on-level challenges, nearly everywhere you turn the system helps guide you in the creative process. With an experienced GM, players can expect original campaigns that function just as well as any officially released Paizo material (Which are also great on their own!) With the tools available I've been able to create campaigns about knights who champion the only democracy in Golarion, a survival horror campaign where players were part of strange experiments, to an all-orc sandbox campaign focused on growing their clan. Those same tools can also be used to craft wonderful personalized stories for players within campaigns as well! The tools let you take care of all the mechanical minutiae, so you can focus on the narrative and stories you and the players want to tell. 4. The Lore: Pathfinder 2e’s rich lore is a treasure trove for players and GMs who value the world's connective tissue. Paizo offers a wealth of inspiration to draw from, regardless of your campaign theme. Special mention to the Mythkeeper YouTube channel, which provides comprehensive lore overviews! These videos can inspire you to dive deeper into the books to uncover more details. Conclusion Much has been said in other reviews about the mechanical grace of Pathfinder 2e, and many of these things are true! But I hope this review helps others understand that Pathfinder 2e is so much more than that. It provides you with a rich world to draw from, supports you in your endeavors to create and manipulate that world, and encourages you to work alongside others at your table with its team-based mechanics and collaborative storytelling potential.

I played in a Blood Lords campaign with Jacob from levels 2-9. Despite the campaign theme and story ultimately not being my jam, I had a blast playing my character and interacting with the other players. Me leaving had nothing to do with Jacob as a GM, and I often think about how that was one of my favorite characters to play and how Jacob allowed me to express that character in a creative way that made my experience with him incredibly enjoyable. If you're looking for a GM who knows how to make you feel welcome and free to express your character, you can't go wrong with Jacob!

Kevin was a great GM for an introductory game of Pathfinder 2e. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who is looking to try out this system. We played a nice simple story that was entertaining and had a good balance of combat, exploration, and roleplay. He provided a helpful sheet that explains the action economy that I will probably keep forever. All in all a great GM who made us look forward to playing more games of Pathfinder.