A true beginner's guide!

"Hero's Handbook" by Jason Bulmahn and Sean Reynolds Published and distributed by Paizo Publishing ISBN-13: 978-1601256300 The Hero's Handbook is an integral part of the Beginner Box. It is probably the very best way for a new player to become at least semi-familiar with the basic Pathfinder rules. In its scant 64 pages, it gives new players a great way to immediately enter the world of Golarion! Instead of the usual boring "What is a Role-Playing Game", it has a very short solo adventure called "The Skeleton King's Crypt". It is more like the old "Choose Your Own Adventure" books. In only seven pages, it is a rather unique entry into Pathfinder and Role-Playing Games. The "Getting Started" section it gives info on "Creating a Character", then moves into choosing a race. There are only three choices, but they are the "bread and butter" of a Fantasy Role-Playing Game. Only Dwarves, Elves, and Humans are covered. At that point, it gives player info on the various character classes available in this book. It covers: Clerics, Fighters, Rogues, and Wizards. After that, it allows players an opportunity to customize their first character. Skills are next, and there are only 12 of these. Once again, these are the skills that a beginner might use. Feats follow, with thirty classic feats. So - what is your character going to need while adventuring? The equipment section gives a few ideas. Some weapons, some armor, and some gear. Now - Let's roll some dice! In the "Playing the Game" section, it deals with how to use the "Rules of the Road". Do you want to strike out and adventure? Go exploring! There are three basic environments - Dungeons, Wilderness, and Cities. The remainder of this pamphlet is devoted to thing like: Combat, Special Actions, Criticals and Threats, Armor Class, Damage, Concealment, Injury and Death, Casting Spells, Saving Throws, Mounted Combat, Reading Spells, and Leveling Up. Virtually the entire booklet is used. Even the inside front cover, inside back cover, and outside back cover are not wasted! I'd say this was a pretty good book for beginning Pathfinder - especially if you are new to the game. Even an experienced Dungeon Master like me can use this book for basic info. If you want to start with Pathfinder, there is almost no better book - despite the forthcoming Pathfinder 2.0.