Character Creation

First order of business is character creation. Click the links in this post even if you don't think you need to because you already have the material.  It reveals a few cool things I've found this morning.

Character Generator

You can, of course, go all old school and use the Core Rulebook  to work out your character.  Please note we are using only the Pathfinder Core Rulebook  for the moment. However, I recommend downloading and using PCGen, an open-source (ie free) program for generating RPG characters.  This will guide you through the generation process without the need to understand intimately all the subtle differences between 3.5e and PFRPG.  If you do your character 'old school' I'll verify with PCGen anyway.  It's not pretty (like Hero Lab) but it's a lot more free.

1. Download and install PCGen
2. Settings > Preferences > Character Stats > Purchase mode > High Fantasy (20) > OK
3. File > New
4. Follow the "Things to be Done" list on the Summary Tab (I managed to nut it out at 2 in the morning so you'll figure it out)

Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide 

The Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide is available for free on the Paizo website.

1. Create an account at Piazo
2. Add   Rise of the Runelords Player's Guide PDF
3. Go to the My Downloads section and download your PDF
4. While you are there you can also grab the free Character Sheet if you like
5. There are some other freebies around the site if you look long enough

Rise of the Runelords Bonus Feats

You cannot have a bonus feat as described in this Guide.  This is because:

• the players guide was written for 3.5 prior to PFRPG.  
• You get more feats in PFRPG anyway
• in later adventure paths, these were replaced with "traits"

Exception - Varisian Tattoos and Shoanti Totem Spirits

• If you are (1) Varisian; (2) meet the prerequisite; and (3) come from Sandpoint- you can have a Varisian Tattoo as a free bonus 
• If you are (1) Shoanti; and (2) come from Sandpoint- you can have a Totem Spirit as a free bonus 

Traits

One of the exceptions to the only Core Rulebook rule is that you can choose a trait if you like.  You don't have to choose a trait, it's purely optional.

Get info on traits from:

• the bottom of the Advanced Player's Guide New Rules section of the PRD; 
• downloading the free Pathfinder Character Traits Web Enhancement PDF from the My Downloads section;
• PCGen > Feats & Abilities tab > Traits sub-tab (2nd row of tabs appears when you choose Feats & Abilities tab in 1st row)

Choose carefully though, I'll be expecting you to exhibit the trait and will assume that it is perceived as a trait of your character by others.  If you're claiming the benefit of a trait, I might be tempted to have some fun with it. For example, if you chose the trait courageous (+2 trait bonus on saving throws against fear effects) I could see myself tempted to ensuring you are actually "courageous".