paizo.com Recent Blog Posts in Ralph Horsleypaizo.com Recent Blog Posts in Ralph Horsley2016-11-03T02:09:50Z2016-11-03T02:09:50ZShy Knives Sample Chapterhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lj8i?Shy-Knives-Sample-Chapter2016-11-03T19:00:00Z<blockquote>
<br />
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "/pathfindertales"><img src = "//static4.paizo.com/image/content/Logos/PathfinderTales_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Shy Knives Sample Chapter</h1>
<p class="date">Thursday, November 3, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div class = "blurb360"><a href = "/products/btpy9j5t"><img src = "/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO8535_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<p itemprop="description"><i>Shaia "Shy" Ratani used to be a member of the most powerful thieves' guild in Taldor—right up until she cheated her colleagues by taking the money and running. The frontier city of Yanmass seems like a perfect place to lie low, until a job solving a noble’s murder reveals an invading centaur army ready to burn the place to the ground. Of course, Shy could stop that from happening, but doing so would reveal her presence to the former friends who now want her dead. Add in a holier-than-thou patron with the literal blood of angels in her veins, and Shy quickly remembers why she swore off doing good deeds in the first place...</i></p>
<blockquote>
<h2>Chapter 1: Sociality and Shackles</h3>
<p>"Shaia Ratani."</p>
<p>This wasn't how I wanted to be introduced.</p>
<p>"Approach."</p>
<p>My chains rattled as I shuffled slowly across the floor on bare feet. Despite the multitudes of burning candelabras stretching down the hall on either side of me, the tattered rags I wore failed to ward off a chill. Even if I hadn't been walking the length of a hall so grand and drenched in opulence, I would have felt small.</p>
<p>"That's close enough, thief."</p>
<p>I stopped. The shackles around my wrists seemed heavy enough to pull my eyes to the ground. In the reflection of tile so polished you'd pay to eat off it, I could make out someone looking back at me, black hair hanging in greasy strands before a face covered in grime.</p>
<p>My face.</p>
<p>"Shaia Ratani," a deep, elegant voice said. "You are accused of a thousand crimes against the aristocracy of Taldor, the most heinous of which include larceny, fraud, extortion, assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to murder, unsanctioned use of poison, trespassing, public indecency ..."</p>
<p>I was hard pressed to think of any legends that began like this.</p>
<p>"...and consorting with deviant powers."</p>
<p>Hell, I couldn't even think of a good tavern story that began like this.</p>
<p>But it was bards who were concerned with how stories began. In my line of work, you learned early on that it's only the ending that matters.</p>
<p>"You may look up, thief."</p>
<p>Bold, commanding words from a bold, commanding voice. You'd think, upon looking up, that they'd belong to a bold, commanding man.</p>
<p>Those were not the first words you'd think upon seeing Lord Herevard Helsen. They <em>might </em>have been the thirty-second and thirty-third ones, if you were generous.</p>
<p>Tall and thin as a stalk of corn and with ears to match, the aristocrat who stood upon a raised dais at the end of the hall seemed an ill fit for his fancy clothes. Hell, he seemed a poor fit for his own home.</p>
<p>While his hall was bedecked with tapestries and servants standing at attention and portraits of strong men and women with strong, noble features, Herevard, with his weak chin and shrewd eyes, shifted uncomfortably. Like he could sense his ancestors' disapproval emanating from the portraits and was already imagining what they'd say if they could see him now.</p>
<p>I never knew them, but I imagined they probably wouldn't be pleased to see a filthy Katapeshi girl in shackles dirtying up their halls.</p>
<p>"Understand this, Miss Ratani." Lord Helsen spoke down an overlarge nose at me, as though the dais he stood upon wasn't high enough to separate us. "I have had you brought from my private dungeons at the behest of another. A mission of mercy that relies entirely on your ability to be civil. Do you understand?"</p>
<p>That would have sounded significantly more authoritative if his face weren't beaded with sweat. I chose not to call attention to that, though. I merely nodded and received a nod in exchange.</p>
<p>Lord Helsen glanced to his side.</p>
<p>"She was captured not two months ago. My guards found her robbing my study. She's been serving penance in my dungeons ever since, my lady."</p>
<p>"Penance?" another voice chimed in. A lyrical birdsong to his squawk: soft, feminine, gentle.</p>
<p>I wasn't sure how I hadn't noticed the woman standing beside him before, but the moment she spoke, I couldn't see anything else in the room.</p>
<p>Had Lord Helsen not addressed her as "lady," I might never have guessed her to be a noble. She certainly wasn't what you'd think of when someone mentioned the word, let alone what I'd think of. Her dress was a simple thing of white and blue linens, easy to move in and functional—words that make aristocratic tailors cringe. Her brown hair was clean and washed, but not styled with any particular elegance. She didn't look especially rich.</p>
<p>Pretty, though.</p>
<p>Or at least, she might have been. It was hard to tell, what with the massive spectacles resting upon the bridge of her nose.</p>
<p>"Penance, my lady." Lord Helsen nodded to the woman. "As you know, Yanmass's laws are rather ...archaic when it comes to crimes against the gentler class." He chuckled. "Why, I'm told that Lady Stelvan, upon finding a vagrant in her wine cellar, appealed to the courts to have him walled up inside and—"</p>
<p><em>"Please!"</em> The woman held up a hand. "Er, that is, Lord Helsen, I do not need to be privy to the details."</p>
<p>"Of ...of course, Lady Sidara." Lord Helsen made a hasty, apologetic bow. "Regardless, I couldn't let her walk away freely. Time to reflect upon her misdeeds in the dungeons seemed adequate." He glanced back toward me. "I suspect that she will be ideal for your purposes."</p>
<p>"Purposes?"</p>
<p>I hadn't intended to sound quite so alarmed when I spoke. I hadn't intended to speak at all. </p>
<p>Lord Helsen hadn't intended me to either, judging from the annoyed glare he shot me. "Yes, thief. Purposes." </p>
<p>I bowed my head. </p>
<p>"The Lady Sidara has need of someone with particular ...talents," he continued.</p>
<p>I nodded, head still lowered. Somehow, I figured it was going to be about this.</p>
<p>The three things nobles hate most, in order, are losing money, bad wine, and being reminded they have the same needs as anyone else. No matter how big your house is or who you pay to wipe your ass, eventually everyone needs a treasure stolen, a throat cut, or something set on fire.</p>
<p>They might have used words like "talents," but nobody needed dirty work done more than a noble.</p>
<p>And they didn't come nobler than they did in Taldor.</p>
<div class="blurbCenter"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Cover.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Cover_500.jpeg"></a><br /><i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i></div>
<p>"She is firmly bound, my lady, and no danger at all." Herevard gestured to me with one white-gloved hand. "You may inspect her at your leisure."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara cast him a nervous look before glancing back at me. I was, at that moment, keenly aware of every inch of grime on my skin, every ounce of weight in my chains, every tear in the raggedy shirt and trousers I wore. Something about this woman, with her drab dress and giant spectacles, made me feel naked. Vulnerable.</p>
<p>Unworthy.</p>
<p>Still, she wasn't the first person to do that to me. Certainly not the worst person, either. I kept my head respectfully low, my body reassuringly still as she approached me.</p>
<p>One dainty hand reached out as if to touch me, but she seemed to think better of it and drew it away. I averted my gaze as she studied me from behind those big round spectacles.</p>
<p>"You're not Taldan," she said. "From the south, maybe?"</p>
<p>Lord Helsen spoke from the dais. "She's Qadiran, my lady." </p>
<p>I stiffened at that. My hands tightened into fists, only relaxing when Lady Sidara spoke again.</p>
<p>"Not Qadiran, Herevard. Her features are a little too fine." She hummed a moment before her face lit up. "Ah! Of course. You're from Katapesh."</p>
<p>Herevard yawned. "Same thing."</p>
<p>Still, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Not a lot of people from Taldor appreciated the difference between us southern nations, let alone a noble.</p>
<p>"You poor dear," she said, eyeing the sorry state of my dress and hygiene. "Listen. I know this might seem ...unorthodox. It certainly wasn't my first choice. But I have ...an issue." She glanced around, as though wary of who might be listening. "An issue that Herevard said you might be able to help with."</p>
<p>I cast her a sidelong look but said nothing. As if embarrassed, she turned away and readjusted her spectacles.</p>
<p>"I can't give you the details here," she said. "Nor can I promise it will be easy. But I can promise you'll be adequately rewarded. I'll see you safely exonerated of your crimes and granted a handsome sum besides, in exchange for your assistance." She drew herself up, fixed me with a hard look. "Of this, you have my word, Miss Ratani."</p>
<p>Funny how words, common as they are, seem to mean an awful lot to some people. Nobles and their heritages, wizards and their spells, paladins and their oaths—words mean a lot to the kind of person who woke up one day and heard a higher calling.</p>
<p>I once heard that calling.</p>
<p>Then I put the pillow over my head and went back to sleep.</p>
<p>People like me, we don't put much stock in words. We know how cheap they are. We know how quickly they spin on glib tongues and how swiftly they scatter on the floor. People like me, we needed firmer stuff.</p>
<p>"I know this must sound odd," Lady Sidara said. "Is there ...is there anything I can get you? To help you make up your mind?"</p>
<p>I took a breath and spoke softly.</p>
<p>"A drink."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara nodded and made a gesture to Herevard. Herevard, in turn, gestured to a nearby servant. The servant ran to a table set up against one of the hall's walls and, in a few moments, came rushing up to me with a goblet upon a tray. I took it, nodded my gratitude, first to him and then to her. I closed my eyes and took a long, slow sip of cold, refreshing liquid.</p>
<p>And immediately spat it out.</p>
<p>"What the hell is <em>this</em>?" I snapped at the servant.</p>
<p>"W-water!" he replied, holding up his tray like a shield.</p>
<p>"Well, did I <em>ask </em>for water, Cecim, or did I ask for a gods-damned <em>drink</em>?"</p>
<p>"S-sorry, Shy!" he cried out, cowering. "Sorry, Mistress!"</p>
<p>"'Shy'? 'Mistress'?"</p>
<p>It wasn't until I looked and saw Lady Sidara, her mouth wide open in puzzlement, that I realized I <em>might </em>have just ruined things.</p>
<p>"What did you call her?" The noblewoman glanced from Cecim to me, and the puzzlement turned to irritation. It was a full-blown scowl when she whirled upon Lord Helsen and saw the thin nobleman quaking upon the dais, the sweat on his face having gone from beads to big as moons.</p>
<p>"What did he call her?" she demanded. "What's going on here, Herevard?"</p>
<p>"Uh, well ...that is ..." Lord Helsen's tongue seemed two sizes too large for him at that moment, and he fumbled over his words. "You see, Lady Sidara, when ...when we make mistakes and ...and things are said ...and we try to make them right, and ..."</p>
<p>"Ah, give it up, Herevard," I said. "Whatever excuse you're choking on, it's obvious she's not going to buy it."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara turned to me, shock wrestling with outrage on her features as she watched me unfasten the shackles around my wrists and drop them to the floor. </p>
<p>I looked up at her, blinking. "What?"</p>
<p>"You ...you're not a prisoner at all!" She pointed a finger at me that would have been accusing had it not been so dainty. "You <em>lied </em>to me!"</p>
<p>"If you'll recall, good lady," I replied, holding up my liberated hands in defense, "I didn't say ten words to you. Any lying came specifically from <em>that </em>man."</p>
<p>Lord Helsen squirmed under my finger, flailing as though he could pull an excuse from thin air. But instead, all he did was thrust a finger right back at me and let out a rather unlordly screech.</p>
<p>"She was <em>blackmailing </em>me!"</p>
<p>"I was not!" I shouted back. "I asked you <em>specifically </em>what the information was worth to you! <em>You're </em>the one that came up with the number!"</p>
<p>"Oh, don't you turn this on <em>me, </em>you lying Qadiran—"</p>
<p>"<em>Katapeshi!</em>"</p>
<p>"<em>ENOUGH!</em>"</p>
<p>To look at her, you wouldn't have thought such a little lady could come up with such a bellowing voice. But it seemed Lady Sidara, breathing heavily, holding her hands up in a demand for silence, was a woman of more than a few surprises.</p>
<p>"No more lies." She split her scowl between me and Lord Helsen. "And no more blaming. The truth. Now."</p>
<p>The nobleman and I exchanged glances for moment—or rather, <em>I </em>exchanged a glance and he gave me a look that suggested he might soil himself. At that, I just rolled my eyes and sighed.</p>
<p>"All right, fine. What I did might, in some countries, be construed as blackmail." I waved absently toward the dais. "I got some information on Herev—" I caught myself; didn't want to rub salt in the wound. "—on Lord Helsen and asked him what it was worth to him to keep it quiet."</p>
<p>"And what <em>was </em>it worth?" Lady Sidara asked.</p>
<p>"Two months in a nice bedroom at his manor," I replied. "Waited on hand and foot by Cecim here." I shot a glare at the servant. "Who should damn well <em>know </em>by now what I mean when I say I want a drink!"</p>
<p>Cecim squealed and scurried off, still holding his tray up. I sighed and looked back to Lady Sidara.</p>
<p>"Anyway, when he said you had a job that needed doing, we made up this bit about the private dungeon." I gestured to my clothes and grime. "Though had I known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have bothered painting so much dirt on myself."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara frowned.</p>
<p>"And what information did you have to make ...<em>" </em>She gestured over me. "<em>This </em>seem intelligent?"</p>
<p>"Well, I—"</p>
<div class = "blurb180"><a href = "/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Shaia.jpg"><img src = "/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Shaia_180.jpeg"></a><br />
<i>Illustration by Roberto Pitturru</i></div>
<p>"You <em>swore </em>you wouldn't tell!" Lord Helsen piped up, his face a red-hot contortion of embarrassment.</p>
<p>"Herevard, what good do you think <em>not </em>telling her would do?" I looked back to the noblewoman and sighed. "I found out about his mistress. A lovely little halfling woman who visits his chambers every other night." I shot her a wink. "Herry likes his short women."</p>
<p>Lord Helsen's mouth hung open. His eyes looked like they were about to roll out of their sockets. I had no doubt that, if I could have read his thoughts, they'd be mostly my name attached to variations of the word "strangle."</p>
<p>Frankly, I wasn't sure what the big deal was. I always thought they looked cute together.</p>
<p> Lady Sidara, for her part, didn't seem particularly upset, either. She slowly turned a sweet, sad smile on Lord Helsen.</p>
<p>"Oh, Herevard," she said. "We've all known about Numa for years now."</p>
<p>"W-what?" Lord Helsen said. "Everyone? All of Yanmass?"</p>
<p>She nodded gently. He made a soft whimpering sound.</p>
<p>"Even Lady Stelvan?"</p>
<p>"She was the first to know, Herry."</p>
<p>"Well, then." I kicked off my ankle shackles and sent them skidding across the hallway. "I guess we've all learned an important lesson about honesty today." I began wiping the painted-on grime from my skin. "And it seems my time with Herry is at an end. Give me a couple of hours to have a bath and I'm all yours, my lady."</p>
<p>"What?" Lady Sidara looked at me, anger flashing across her features. "You assume I'd still hire you now, after ...after ..."</p>
<p>"Oh, what? You were happy to have me when you thought I was a thief, but now that I'm an extortionist, you're too good for me?" I rolled my eyes. "A touch hypocritical, don't you think?"</p>
<p>"It's not that! It's just ..." She rubbed the back of her neck, helpless. "This ...this is a delicate operation, one that I am intent on seeing carried through. I need people I can trust."</p>
<p>"Liar."</p>
<p>She looked at me like I had just slapped her. "What?"</p>
<p>"If you needed people you could trust, you would have found a knight or a brave warrior or some lovesick noble. What you <em>need </em>is someone who can get the job done, and the fact that you're here tells me that the people you can trust simply can't do that."</p>
<p>She fixed me with a long, methodical stare. And though it made me feel every bit as naked as it had the first time, I held my ground and my smile like a sword and shield.</p>
<p>"And can you get the job done?" she asked.</p>
<p>"Are you still going to pay?"</p>
<p>"I will."</p>
<p>"Then I can." I turned to walk away toward the hall's exit. "But, as I said, let me get a bath first. I'm not going to talk business covered in filth."</p>
<p>"Yes, fine, whatever." Lady Sidara stalked behind me. "Glad to be doing business then, Miss ..." She paused. "Is your name even Shaia?"</p>
<p>"Of course it is." I glanced over my shoulder, spared her a wink. "But my friends call me Shy." </p>
</blockquote>
<p style = "text-align: center;"><b><a href = "/products/btpy9j5t">Purchase the whole novel here!</a></b></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Tales, Ralph Horsley, Sam Skyes, Roberto Pitturru —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderTales">Pathfinder Tales</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/robertoPitturru">Roberto Pitturru</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/samSkyes">Sam Skyes</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "/pathfindertales"><img src = "//static4.paizo.com/image/content/Logos/PathfinderTales_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Shy Knives Sample Chapter</h1>
<p class="date">Thursday, November 3, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div class = "blurb360"><a href = "/products/btpy9j5t"><img src = "/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO8535_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<p itemprop="description"><i>Shaia "Shy" Ratani used to be a member of the most powerful thieves' guild in Taldor—right up until she cheated her colleagues by taking the money and running. The frontier city of Yanmass seems like a perfect place to lie low, until a job solving a noble’s murder reveals an invading centaur army ready to burn the place to the ground. Of course, Shy could stop that from happening, but doing so would reveal her presence to the former friends who now want her dead. Add in a holier-than-thou patron with the literal blood of angels in her veins, and Shy quickly remembers why she swore off doing good deeds in the first place...</i></p>
<blockquote>
<h2>Chapter 1: Sociality and Shackles</h3>
<p>"Shaia Ratani."</p>
<p>This wasn't how I wanted to be introduced.</p>
<p>"Approach."</p>
<p>My chains rattled as I shuffled slowly across the floor on bare feet. Despite the multitudes of burning candelabras stretching down the hall on either side of me, the tattered rags I wore failed to ward off a chill. Even if I hadn't been walking the length of a hall so grand and drenched in opulence, I would have felt small.</p>
<p>"That's close enough, thief."</p>
<p>I stopped. The shackles around my wrists seemed heavy enough to pull my eyes to the ground. In the reflection of tile so polished you'd pay to eat off it, I could make out someone looking back at me, black hair hanging in greasy strands before a face covered in grime.</p>
<p>My face.</p>
<p>"Shaia Ratani," a deep, elegant voice said. "You are accused of a thousand crimes against the aristocracy of Taldor, the most heinous of which include larceny, fraud, extortion, assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault with intent to murder, unsanctioned use of poison, trespassing, public indecency ..."</p>
<p>I was hard pressed to think of any legends that began like this.</p>
<p>"...and consorting with deviant powers."</p>
<p>Hell, I couldn't even think of a good tavern story that began like this.</p>
<p>But it was bards who were concerned with how stories began. In my line of work, you learned early on that it's only the ending that matters.</p>
<p>"You may look up, thief."</p>
<p>Bold, commanding words from a bold, commanding voice. You'd think, upon looking up, that they'd belong to a bold, commanding man.</p>
<p>Those were not the first words you'd think upon seeing Lord Herevard Helsen. They <em>might </em>have been the thirty-second and thirty-third ones, if you were generous.</p>
<p>Tall and thin as a stalk of corn and with ears to match, the aristocrat who stood upon a raised dais at the end of the hall seemed an ill fit for his fancy clothes. Hell, he seemed a poor fit for his own home.</p>
<p>While his hall was bedecked with tapestries and servants standing at attention and portraits of strong men and women with strong, noble features, Herevard, with his weak chin and shrewd eyes, shifted uncomfortably. Like he could sense his ancestors' disapproval emanating from the portraits and was already imagining what they'd say if they could see him now.</p>
<p>I never knew them, but I imagined they probably wouldn't be pleased to see a filthy Katapeshi girl in shackles dirtying up their halls.</p>
<p>"Understand this, Miss Ratani." Lord Helsen spoke down an overlarge nose at me, as though the dais he stood upon wasn't high enough to separate us. "I have had you brought from my private dungeons at the behest of another. A mission of mercy that relies entirely on your ability to be civil. Do you understand?"</p>
<p>That would have sounded significantly more authoritative if his face weren't beaded with sweat. I chose not to call attention to that, though. I merely nodded and received a nod in exchange.</p>
<p>Lord Helsen glanced to his side.</p>
<p>"She was captured not two months ago. My guards found her robbing my study. She's been serving penance in my dungeons ever since, my lady."</p>
<p>"Penance?" another voice chimed in. A lyrical birdsong to his squawk: soft, feminine, gentle.</p>
<p>I wasn't sure how I hadn't noticed the woman standing beside him before, but the moment she spoke, I couldn't see anything else in the room.</p>
<p>Had Lord Helsen not addressed her as "lady," I might never have guessed her to be a noble. She certainly wasn't what you'd think of when someone mentioned the word, let alone what I'd think of. Her dress was a simple thing of white and blue linens, easy to move in and functional—words that make aristocratic tailors cringe. Her brown hair was clean and washed, but not styled with any particular elegance. She didn't look especially rich.</p>
<p>Pretty, though.</p>
<p>Or at least, she might have been. It was hard to tell, what with the massive spectacles resting upon the bridge of her nose.</p>
<p>"Penance, my lady." Lord Helsen nodded to the woman. "As you know, Yanmass's laws are rather ...archaic when it comes to crimes against the gentler class." He chuckled. "Why, I'm told that Lady Stelvan, upon finding a vagrant in her wine cellar, appealed to the courts to have him walled up inside and—"</p>
<p><em>"Please!"</em> The woman held up a hand. "Er, that is, Lord Helsen, I do not need to be privy to the details."</p>
<p>"Of ...of course, Lady Sidara." Lord Helsen made a hasty, apologetic bow. "Regardless, I couldn't let her walk away freely. Time to reflect upon her misdeeds in the dungeons seemed adequate." He glanced back toward me. "I suspect that she will be ideal for your purposes."</p>
<p>"Purposes?"</p>
<p>I hadn't intended to sound quite so alarmed when I spoke. I hadn't intended to speak at all. </p>
<p>Lord Helsen hadn't intended me to either, judging from the annoyed glare he shot me. "Yes, thief. Purposes." </p>
<p>I bowed my head. </p>
<p>"The Lady Sidara has need of someone with particular ...talents," he continued.</p>
<p>I nodded, head still lowered. Somehow, I figured it was going to be about this.</p>
<p>The three things nobles hate most, in order, are losing money, bad wine, and being reminded they have the same needs as anyone else. No matter how big your house is or who you pay to wipe your ass, eventually everyone needs a treasure stolen, a throat cut, or something set on fire.</p>
<p>They might have used words like "talents," but nobody needed dirty work done more than a noble.</p>
<p>And they didn't come nobler than they did in Taldor.</p>
<div class="blurbCenter"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Cover.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Cover_500.jpeg"></a><br /><i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i></div>
<p>"She is firmly bound, my lady, and no danger at all." Herevard gestured to me with one white-gloved hand. "You may inspect her at your leisure."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara cast him a nervous look before glancing back at me. I was, at that moment, keenly aware of every inch of grime on my skin, every ounce of weight in my chains, every tear in the raggedy shirt and trousers I wore. Something about this woman, with her drab dress and giant spectacles, made me feel naked. Vulnerable.</p>
<p>Unworthy.</p>
<p>Still, she wasn't the first person to do that to me. Certainly not the worst person, either. I kept my head respectfully low, my body reassuringly still as she approached me.</p>
<p>One dainty hand reached out as if to touch me, but she seemed to think better of it and drew it away. I averted my gaze as she studied me from behind those big round spectacles.</p>
<p>"You're not Taldan," she said. "From the south, maybe?"</p>
<p>Lord Helsen spoke from the dais. "She's Qadiran, my lady." </p>
<p>I stiffened at that. My hands tightened into fists, only relaxing when Lady Sidara spoke again.</p>
<p>"Not Qadiran, Herevard. Her features are a little too fine." She hummed a moment before her face lit up. "Ah! Of course. You're from Katapesh."</p>
<p>Herevard yawned. "Same thing."</p>
<p>Still, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Not a lot of people from Taldor appreciated the difference between us southern nations, let alone a noble.</p>
<p>"You poor dear," she said, eyeing the sorry state of my dress and hygiene. "Listen. I know this might seem ...unorthodox. It certainly wasn't my first choice. But I have ...an issue." She glanced around, as though wary of who might be listening. "An issue that Herevard said you might be able to help with."</p>
<p>I cast her a sidelong look but said nothing. As if embarrassed, she turned away and readjusted her spectacles.</p>
<p>"I can't give you the details here," she said. "Nor can I promise it will be easy. But I can promise you'll be adequately rewarded. I'll see you safely exonerated of your crimes and granted a handsome sum besides, in exchange for your assistance." She drew herself up, fixed me with a hard look. "Of this, you have my word, Miss Ratani."</p>
<p>Funny how words, common as they are, seem to mean an awful lot to some people. Nobles and their heritages, wizards and their spells, paladins and their oaths—words mean a lot to the kind of person who woke up one day and heard a higher calling.</p>
<p>I once heard that calling.</p>
<p>Then I put the pillow over my head and went back to sleep.</p>
<p>People like me, we don't put much stock in words. We know how cheap they are. We know how quickly they spin on glib tongues and how swiftly they scatter on the floor. People like me, we needed firmer stuff.</p>
<p>"I know this must sound odd," Lady Sidara said. "Is there ...is there anything I can get you? To help you make up your mind?"</p>
<p>I took a breath and spoke softly.</p>
<p>"A drink."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara nodded and made a gesture to Herevard. Herevard, in turn, gestured to a nearby servant. The servant ran to a table set up against one of the hall's walls and, in a few moments, came rushing up to me with a goblet upon a tray. I took it, nodded my gratitude, first to him and then to her. I closed my eyes and took a long, slow sip of cold, refreshing liquid.</p>
<p>And immediately spat it out.</p>
<p>"What the hell is <em>this</em>?" I snapped at the servant.</p>
<p>"W-water!" he replied, holding up his tray like a shield.</p>
<p>"Well, did I <em>ask </em>for water, Cecim, or did I ask for a gods-damned <em>drink</em>?"</p>
<p>"S-sorry, Shy!" he cried out, cowering. "Sorry, Mistress!"</p>
<p>"'Shy'? 'Mistress'?"</p>
<p>It wasn't until I looked and saw Lady Sidara, her mouth wide open in puzzlement, that I realized I <em>might </em>have just ruined things.</p>
<p>"What did you call her?" The noblewoman glanced from Cecim to me, and the puzzlement turned to irritation. It was a full-blown scowl when she whirled upon Lord Helsen and saw the thin nobleman quaking upon the dais, the sweat on his face having gone from beads to big as moons.</p>
<p>"What did he call her?" she demanded. "What's going on here, Herevard?"</p>
<p>"Uh, well ...that is ..." Lord Helsen's tongue seemed two sizes too large for him at that moment, and he fumbled over his words. "You see, Lady Sidara, when ...when we make mistakes and ...and things are said ...and we try to make them right, and ..."</p>
<p>"Ah, give it up, Herevard," I said. "Whatever excuse you're choking on, it's obvious she's not going to buy it."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara turned to me, shock wrestling with outrage on her features as she watched me unfasten the shackles around my wrists and drop them to the floor. </p>
<p>I looked up at her, blinking. "What?"</p>
<p>"You ...you're not a prisoner at all!" She pointed a finger at me that would have been accusing had it not been so dainty. "You <em>lied </em>to me!"</p>
<p>"If you'll recall, good lady," I replied, holding up my liberated hands in defense, "I didn't say ten words to you. Any lying came specifically from <em>that </em>man."</p>
<p>Lord Helsen squirmed under my finger, flailing as though he could pull an excuse from thin air. But instead, all he did was thrust a finger right back at me and let out a rather unlordly screech.</p>
<p>"She was <em>blackmailing </em>me!"</p>
<p>"I was not!" I shouted back. "I asked you <em>specifically </em>what the information was worth to you! <em>You're </em>the one that came up with the number!"</p>
<p>"Oh, don't you turn this on <em>me, </em>you lying Qadiran—"</p>
<p>"<em>Katapeshi!</em>"</p>
<p>"<em>ENOUGH!</em>"</p>
<p>To look at her, you wouldn't have thought such a little lady could come up with such a bellowing voice. But it seemed Lady Sidara, breathing heavily, holding her hands up in a demand for silence, was a woman of more than a few surprises.</p>
<p>"No more lies." She split her scowl between me and Lord Helsen. "And no more blaming. The truth. Now."</p>
<p>The nobleman and I exchanged glances for moment—or rather, <em>I </em>exchanged a glance and he gave me a look that suggested he might soil himself. At that, I just rolled my eyes and sighed.</p>
<p>"All right, fine. What I did might, in some countries, be construed as blackmail." I waved absently toward the dais. "I got some information on Herev—" I caught myself; didn't want to rub salt in the wound. "—on Lord Helsen and asked him what it was worth to him to keep it quiet."</p>
<p>"And what <em>was </em>it worth?" Lady Sidara asked.</p>
<p>"Two months in a nice bedroom at his manor," I replied. "Waited on hand and foot by Cecim here." I shot a glare at the servant. "Who should damn well <em>know </em>by now what I mean when I say I want a drink!"</p>
<p>Cecim squealed and scurried off, still holding his tray up. I sighed and looked back to Lady Sidara.</p>
<p>"Anyway, when he said you had a job that needed doing, we made up this bit about the private dungeon." I gestured to my clothes and grime. "Though had I known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have bothered painting so much dirt on myself."</p>
<p>Lady Sidara frowned.</p>
<p>"And what information did you have to make ...<em>" </em>She gestured over me. "<em>This </em>seem intelligent?"</p>
<p>"Well, I—"</p>
<div class = "blurb180"><a href = "/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Shaia.jpg"><img src = "/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8535-Shaia_180.jpeg"></a><br />
<i>Illustration by Roberto Pitturru</i></div>
<p>"You <em>swore </em>you wouldn't tell!" Lord Helsen piped up, his face a red-hot contortion of embarrassment.</p>
<p>"Herevard, what good do you think <em>not </em>telling her would do?" I looked back to the noblewoman and sighed. "I found out about his mistress. A lovely little halfling woman who visits his chambers every other night." I shot her a wink. "Herry likes his short women."</p>
<p>Lord Helsen's mouth hung open. His eyes looked like they were about to roll out of their sockets. I had no doubt that, if I could have read his thoughts, they'd be mostly my name attached to variations of the word "strangle."</p>
<p>Frankly, I wasn't sure what the big deal was. I always thought they looked cute together.</p>
<p> Lady Sidara, for her part, didn't seem particularly upset, either. She slowly turned a sweet, sad smile on Lord Helsen.</p>
<p>"Oh, Herevard," she said. "We've all known about Numa for years now."</p>
<p>"W-what?" Lord Helsen said. "Everyone? All of Yanmass?"</p>
<p>She nodded gently. He made a soft whimpering sound.</p>
<p>"Even Lady Stelvan?"</p>
<p>"She was the first to know, Herry."</p>
<p>"Well, then." I kicked off my ankle shackles and sent them skidding across the hallway. "I guess we've all learned an important lesson about honesty today." I began wiping the painted-on grime from my skin. "And it seems my time with Herry is at an end. Give me a couple of hours to have a bath and I'm all yours, my lady."</p>
<p>"What?" Lady Sidara looked at me, anger flashing across her features. "You assume I'd still hire you now, after ...after ..."</p>
<p>"Oh, what? You were happy to have me when you thought I was a thief, but now that I'm an extortionist, you're too good for me?" I rolled my eyes. "A touch hypocritical, don't you think?"</p>
<p>"It's not that! It's just ..." She rubbed the back of her neck, helpless. "This ...this is a delicate operation, one that I am intent on seeing carried through. I need people I can trust."</p>
<p>"Liar."</p>
<p>She looked at me like I had just slapped her. "What?"</p>
<p>"If you needed people you could trust, you would have found a knight or a brave warrior or some lovesick noble. What you <em>need </em>is someone who can get the job done, and the fact that you're here tells me that the people you can trust simply can't do that."</p>
<p>She fixed me with a long, methodical stare. And though it made me feel every bit as naked as it had the first time, I held my ground and my smile like a sword and shield.</p>
<p>"And can you get the job done?" she asked.</p>
<p>"Are you still going to pay?"</p>
<p>"I will."</p>
<p>"Then I can." I turned to walk away toward the hall's exit. "But, as I said, let me get a bath first. I'm not going to talk business covered in filth."</p>
<p>"Yes, fine, whatever." Lady Sidara stalked behind me. "Glad to be doing business then, Miss ..." She paused. "Is your name even Shaia?"</p>
<p>"Of course it is." I glanced over my shoulder, spared her a wink. "But my friends call me Shy." </p>
</blockquote>
<p style = "text-align: center;"><b><a href = "/products/btpy9j5t">Purchase the whole novel here!</a></b></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Tales, Ralph Horsley, Sam Skyes, Roberto Pitturru —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderTales">Pathfinder Tales</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/robertoPitturru">Roberto Pitturru</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/samSkyes">Sam Skyes</a></p>2016-11-03T19:00:00ZRolling Up to Gen Conhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lizj?Rolling-Up-to-Gen-Con2016-07-26T21:00:00Z<blockquote>
<br />
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "http://gencon.com" target = "_blank"><img src = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Conventions/GenConLogo_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Rolling Up to Gen Con</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, July 26, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articlebody">
<div class = "blurb360"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO1135-Ghost.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO1135-Ghost_360.jpeg"></a><br /><i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i></div>
<p itemprop="description">There's less than a week until the Paizo crew arrives in Indianapolis for <a href = "http://gencon.com" target = "_blank">Gen Con 2016</a>! If you're heading to the show, stop by the Paizo booth (#103), the Sagamore Ballroom where we'll be hosting the weekend's <a href = "/pathfindersociety">Pathfinder Society</a> events, or catch Paizonians at a variety of events taking place throughout the show.</p>
<p>Visitors to the Paizo booth will be able to pick up our latest hardcover, <a href = "/products/btpy9n5a"><em>Pathfinder RPG: Horror Adventures</em></a>! <em>Horror Adventures</em> takes game masters and players into the darkest reaches, where madness and death lurk around every corner. You can catch up with our previews of <a href = "/paizo/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame"><em>Horror Adventures</em> blog updates here</a>. And if you pick up your copy at the booth, there will be opportunities to get it and other Pathfinder swag autographed at our signing table. <i>And</i> Pathfinder contributing and cover artist of <em>Horror Adventures</em>, Wayne Reynolds will be joining us in the booth!</p>
<p>In addition to <em>Horror Adventures</em>, we'll be bringing along all of our new releases, including: <a href = "/products/btpy9nmc"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #108: Hell Comes to Westcrown</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9nfu"><em>Pathfinder Module: Gallows of Madness</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9k5m"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Card Game—Class Deck: Goblins Burn!</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy9jcw"><em>Goblins Fight!</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9nfl"><em>Pathfinder Player Companion: Legacy of Dragons</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9l30"><em>Pathfinder Pawns: Pathfinder Society Pawn Collection</em></a>, and more! You'll also be able to pick up a copies of our new Pocket Editions of the <a href = "/products/btpy9kfe"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy9kff"><em>Bestiary</em></a>—a great product for newcomers to Pathfinder and for travel-sized adventuring. There will also be a loaded complement of other Pathfinder products for you to fill in your collection.</p>
<p>If you're a collector of shirts, we're once again teaming up with Scotty's Brewhouse, the official Pathfinder clubhouse of Gen Con, to bring a new horrifying Goblin and pub themed shirt exclusively for the show. Scotty's will also be serving a special Golarion themed menu, and a limited edition Pathfinder Cthulhu Brew. The new Goblin t-shirt will only be available at Scotty's, but we will be bringing along last year's <a href = "/products/btpy9gd8">Ghost Goblin Ale</a> t-shirt to Gen Con for purchase. We'll also have new Year of the Stolen Storm shirts, and for the first time ever: Pathfinder Society Academy t-shirts in kid's sizes.</p>
<p>Of course we'll have our collectable buttons, a new design each day, available on a first come, first serve basis, no purchase required. Attendees who make a $50 or more purchase at our booth will receive a free Pathfinder Battles promotional miniature, limit one per customer while supplies last.</p>
<p>Pathfinder Adventure Card Game fans will be able to demo this year's upcoming <a href = "/pathfinder/adventureCardGame/mummysMask">Mummy's Mask</a> set in a space near the Paizo booth all weekend along. And, if you stop by to demo the latest ACG hotness, you'll be able to pick up a new convention promotional card, <em>We Be Goblins!</em> recurring fighty, toothy goblin, Reta Bigbad! Reta Bigbad will be a great addition to your Card Game Goblin hijinks, especially in combination with this month's <em>Goblins Burn!</em> and <em>Goblins Fight!</em> decks. Reta is a Mummy's Mask promotional card.</p>
<p>Over the course of the weekend are our partners from <a href = "http://www.wolflair.com" target = "_blank">Lone Wolf</a>, <a href = "https://www.obsidian.net" target = "_blank">Obsidian</a>, and <a href = "https://www.facebook.com/trapdoortech/" target = "_blank">Trapdoor Technologies</a> will also be showing off their latest Pathfinder licensed projects. Build a character in Hero Lab or try out the Pathfinder features in the Playbook app near the Sagamore ballroom to enhance your Pathfinder Society experience. Or, if you're more into the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, Obsidian will be near our booth's demo area showing off the Pathfinder Adventures app. Stop by and check out these awesome projects!</p>
<p>Organized Play Coordinator, Tonya Woldridge, and our crew of awesome Venture-Officers and volunteers are throwing down with a full lineup of Year of the Serpent and Season of the Runelords Pathfinder Society adventures, including the following Specials: <a href = "/products/btpy9mbe"><em>The Cosmic Captive</em> on Friday night (<a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/98008" target = "_blank">seats are still available for the Adventure Card Guild tables!</a>), <a href = "/products/btpy9lzy"><em>Serpents' Ire</em></a> on Thursday and Sunday (<a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97556" target = "_blank">seats still available for Thursday evening), <a href = "/products/btpy9mbd"><em>Through the Maelstrom Rift</em></a> on Saturday and Sunday. We're also launching the new Pathfinder Society Academy program at the show. This program is designed to introduce kids ages 6 and up to the world of Pathfinder through Kid's Track scenarios and Transitions lessons. There are still tickets left for many of the Pathfinder Society event slots, so if you plan on attending, check out the listings on the <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder" target = "_blank">Gen Con website</a> to grab a spot!</p>
<p>Other than the robust schedule of Pathfinder Society games, we'll also be hosting a number of panels in seminar room #212, near the Sagamore ballroom. There are still opportunities to reserve yourself a seat for: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97631" target = "_blank">The Art of Pathfinder</a>, Ask the Paizo GMs (on <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97731" target = "_blank">Friday</a> and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99492" target = "_blank">Saturday</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99498" target = "_blank">Developing Pathfinder</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99495" target = "_blank">Secrets of Golarion</a> and more. And if you weren't at PaizoCon 2016 and want to get more information about <a href = "/starfinder">Starfinder</a>, our recently announced foray into space's geat unknown, you'll want to check out <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99490" target = "_blank">Pathfinder in Space!</a> on Saturday. <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder/Host/Paizo%20Inc./Category/Seminar?ag%5B%5D=un&ag%5B%5D=eo&ag%5B%5D=tn&ag%5B%5D=ma&ag%5B%5D=tw&exp%5B%5D=no&exp%5B%5D=so&exp%5B%5D=ep&opt%5B%5D=ta&opt%5B%5D=hh" target = "_blank">You can find all of Paizo's seminars here!</a>
<p>We're also partnering up with our friends at Lone Wolf Development and Syrinscape for this year's "LiveRPGPlus!" event, featuring Jason Bulmahn, Crystal Frasier, Erik Mona, and F. Wesley Schneider, and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/87618">tickets are still available</a>!</p>
<p>This year we're excited to announce that a number of Paizo's rockstar creative team submitted and have been selected to be part of Gen Con's Industry Insider program! Gen Con insiders are featured presenters and minds behind select seminars and panels at the show. Please join me in congratulating: Developer Crystal Frasier (author of <a href = "/products/btpy9g0q"><em>In Hell's Bright Shadow</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy8lv9"><em>The Harrowing</em></a>, and <a href = "/products/btpy9j4r"><em>We B4 Goblins</em></a>), Developer Amanda Hamon Kunz (contributing author for <a href = "/products/btpy991v"><em>Ships of the Inner Sea</em></a> and co-author of <a href = "/products/btpy9m01"><em>All for Immortality, Part 2: All the Gods Beyond</em></a>), Project Manager Jessica Price (contributing author for <a href = "/products/btpy99sk"><em>Pathfinder RPG Strategy Guide</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Inner Sea Gods</em></a>, co-author of <a href = "/products/btpy9nd2"><em>Qadira, Jewel of the East</em></a>), and Editor-in-Chief F. Wesley Schneider (author of <a href = "/products/btpy9e43"><em>Bloodbound</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9l39"><em>Path of the Hellknight</em></a>, and <a href = "/products/btpy9nry"><em>In Search of Sanity</em></a>)! Be sure to look out for their events, which include:</p>
<ul><li><b>Thursday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100241" target = "_blank">Worldbuilding</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100232" target = "_blank">Starting Out: Getting Into the Games Industry</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100220" target = "_blank">It's a Jungle Out There: Safety for Gamers</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100195" target = "_blank">Beyond 101: Evolving Discussions of Women in Games</a></li>
<li><b>Friday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100235" target = "_blank">The Freelancers 10 Commandments</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100219" target = "_blank">Inclusive Gaming: How to Host & Create a Safe & Welcoming Space for All</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100170" target = "_blank">5 Ways of Finding Your Spark</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100234" target = "_blank">Storytelling & Self-Censorship</a></li>
<li><b>Saturday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100242" target = "_blank">Writing Trans Characters for Games & Fiction</a></li>
<li><b>Sunday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100213" target = "_blank">Gaming Needs You!</a></li></ul>
<p>Find more information on the <a href = "http://www.gencon.com/experience/industryinsiderprogram" target = "_blank">Gen Con Industry Insider program</a> and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder/Host/Industry%20Insider?opt[]=ta&opt[]=hh&ag[]=un&ag[]=eo&ag[]=tn&ag[]=ma&ag[]=tw&exp[]=no&exp[]=so&exp[]=ep" target = "_blank">check out all Insider events here</a>.</a></p>
<p>Finally, if you've been interested in joining our pool of freelance artists, there will be opportunities to have your portfolio reviewed by Creative Design Director Sarah Robinson. She'll be conducting these over by the Artist Alley (not at the Paizo booth) Thursday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM to 3 PM. Signup sheets for portfolio reviews will be available at the show.</p>
<p>Not attending the Gen Con this year? Track <b>#paizoatgencon</b> or <b>#goblinhorde</b> for pictures and updates by attendees and Paizo staff!</p>
<p>We still can't believe it's only 8 days until the Best Four Days in Gaming are here! Safe travels to all making the trek to Indy! If you have Gen Con stories to share or things you're excited to see from Paizo at the show, let us know in the comments.</p>
<p>Chris Lambertz<br />
<i>Community & Digital Content Director</i></p>
</div>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Society, Conventions, Pathfinder Society Academy, Gen Con, Gen Con 2016, Ralph Horsley —>
</blockquote><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/conventions">Conventions</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/conventions/genCon">Gen Con</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/genCon2016">Gen Con 2016</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSocietyAcademy">Pathfinder Society Academy</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "http://gencon.com" target = "_blank"><img src = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Conventions/GenConLogo_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Rolling Up to Gen Con</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, July 26, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articlebody">
<div class = "blurb360"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO1135-Ghost.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO1135-Ghost_360.jpeg"></a><br /><i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i></div>
<p itemprop="description">There's less than a week until the Paizo crew arrives in Indianapolis for <a href = "http://gencon.com" target = "_blank">Gen Con 2016</a>! If you're heading to the show, stop by the Paizo booth (#103), the Sagamore Ballroom where we'll be hosting the weekend's <a href = "/pathfindersociety">Pathfinder Society</a> events, or catch Paizonians at a variety of events taking place throughout the show.</p>
<p>Visitors to the Paizo booth will be able to pick up our latest hardcover, <a href = "/products/btpy9n5a"><em>Pathfinder RPG: Horror Adventures</em></a>! <em>Horror Adventures</em> takes game masters and players into the darkest reaches, where madness and death lurk around every corner. You can catch up with our previews of <a href = "/paizo/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame"><em>Horror Adventures</em> blog updates here</a>. And if you pick up your copy at the booth, there will be opportunities to get it and other Pathfinder swag autographed at our signing table. <i>And</i> Pathfinder contributing and cover artist of <em>Horror Adventures</em>, Wayne Reynolds will be joining us in the booth!</p>
<p>In addition to <em>Horror Adventures</em>, we'll be bringing along all of our new releases, including: <a href = "/products/btpy9nmc"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #108: Hell Comes to Westcrown</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9nfu"><em>Pathfinder Module: Gallows of Madness</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9k5m"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Card Game—Class Deck: Goblins Burn!</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy9jcw"><em>Goblins Fight!</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9nfl"><em>Pathfinder Player Companion: Legacy of Dragons</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9l30"><em>Pathfinder Pawns: Pathfinder Society Pawn Collection</em></a>, and more! You'll also be able to pick up a copies of our new Pocket Editions of the <a href = "/products/btpy9kfe"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy9kff"><em>Bestiary</em></a>—a great product for newcomers to Pathfinder and for travel-sized adventuring. There will also be a loaded complement of other Pathfinder products for you to fill in your collection.</p>
<p>If you're a collector of shirts, we're once again teaming up with Scotty's Brewhouse, the official Pathfinder clubhouse of Gen Con, to bring a new horrifying Goblin and pub themed shirt exclusively for the show. Scotty's will also be serving a special Golarion themed menu, and a limited edition Pathfinder Cthulhu Brew. The new Goblin t-shirt will only be available at Scotty's, but we will be bringing along last year's <a href = "/products/btpy9gd8">Ghost Goblin Ale</a> t-shirt to Gen Con for purchase. We'll also have new Year of the Stolen Storm shirts, and for the first time ever: Pathfinder Society Academy t-shirts in kid's sizes.</p>
<p>Of course we'll have our collectable buttons, a new design each day, available on a first come, first serve basis, no purchase required. Attendees who make a $50 or more purchase at our booth will receive a free Pathfinder Battles promotional miniature, limit one per customer while supplies last.</p>
<p>Pathfinder Adventure Card Game fans will be able to demo this year's upcoming <a href = "/pathfinder/adventureCardGame/mummysMask">Mummy's Mask</a> set in a space near the Paizo booth all weekend along. And, if you stop by to demo the latest ACG hotness, you'll be able to pick up a new convention promotional card, <em>We Be Goblins!</em> recurring fighty, toothy goblin, Reta Bigbad! Reta Bigbad will be a great addition to your Card Game Goblin hijinks, especially in combination with this month's <em>Goblins Burn!</em> and <em>Goblins Fight!</em> decks. Reta is a Mummy's Mask promotional card.</p>
<p>Over the course of the weekend are our partners from <a href = "http://www.wolflair.com" target = "_blank">Lone Wolf</a>, <a href = "https://www.obsidian.net" target = "_blank">Obsidian</a>, and <a href = "https://www.facebook.com/trapdoortech/" target = "_blank">Trapdoor Technologies</a> will also be showing off their latest Pathfinder licensed projects. Build a character in Hero Lab or try out the Pathfinder features in the Playbook app near the Sagamore ballroom to enhance your Pathfinder Society experience. Or, if you're more into the Pathfinder Adventure Card Game, Obsidian will be near our booth's demo area showing off the Pathfinder Adventures app. Stop by and check out these awesome projects!</p>
<p>Organized Play Coordinator, Tonya Woldridge, and our crew of awesome Venture-Officers and volunteers are throwing down with a full lineup of Year of the Serpent and Season of the Runelords Pathfinder Society adventures, including the following Specials: <a href = "/products/btpy9mbe"><em>The Cosmic Captive</em> on Friday night (<a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/98008" target = "_blank">seats are still available for the Adventure Card Guild tables!</a>), <a href = "/products/btpy9lzy"><em>Serpents' Ire</em></a> on Thursday and Sunday (<a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97556" target = "_blank">seats still available for Thursday evening), <a href = "/products/btpy9mbd"><em>Through the Maelstrom Rift</em></a> on Saturday and Sunday. We're also launching the new Pathfinder Society Academy program at the show. This program is designed to introduce kids ages 6 and up to the world of Pathfinder through Kid's Track scenarios and Transitions lessons. There are still tickets left for many of the Pathfinder Society event slots, so if you plan on attending, check out the listings on the <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder" target = "_blank">Gen Con website</a> to grab a spot!</p>
<p>Other than the robust schedule of Pathfinder Society games, we'll also be hosting a number of panels in seminar room #212, near the Sagamore ballroom. There are still opportunities to reserve yourself a seat for: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97631" target = "_blank">The Art of Pathfinder</a>, Ask the Paizo GMs (on <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/97731" target = "_blank">Friday</a> and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99492" target = "_blank">Saturday</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99498" target = "_blank">Developing Pathfinder</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99495" target = "_blank">Secrets of Golarion</a> and more. And if you weren't at PaizoCon 2016 and want to get more information about <a href = "/starfinder">Starfinder</a>, our recently announced foray into space's geat unknown, you'll want to check out <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/99490" target = "_blank">Pathfinder in Space!</a> on Saturday. <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder/Host/Paizo%20Inc./Category/Seminar?ag%5B%5D=un&ag%5B%5D=eo&ag%5B%5D=tn&ag%5B%5D=ma&ag%5B%5D=tw&exp%5B%5D=no&exp%5B%5D=so&exp%5B%5D=ep&opt%5B%5D=ta&opt%5B%5D=hh" target = "_blank">You can find all of Paizo's seminars here!</a>
<p>We're also partnering up with our friends at Lone Wolf Development and Syrinscape for this year's "LiveRPGPlus!" event, featuring Jason Bulmahn, Crystal Frasier, Erik Mona, and F. Wesley Schneider, and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/87618">tickets are still available</a>!</p>
<p>This year we're excited to announce that a number of Paizo's rockstar creative team submitted and have been selected to be part of Gen Con's Industry Insider program! Gen Con insiders are featured presenters and minds behind select seminars and panels at the show. Please join me in congratulating: Developer Crystal Frasier (author of <a href = "/products/btpy9g0q"><em>In Hell's Bright Shadow</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy8lv9"><em>The Harrowing</em></a>, and <a href = "/products/btpy9j4r"><em>We B4 Goblins</em></a>), Developer Amanda Hamon Kunz (contributing author for <a href = "/products/btpy991v"><em>Ships of the Inner Sea</em></a> and co-author of <a href = "/products/btpy9m01"><em>All for Immortality, Part 2: All the Gods Beyond</em></a>), Project Manager Jessica Price (contributing author for <a href = "/products/btpy99sk"><em>Pathfinder RPG Strategy Guide</em></a> and <a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Inner Sea Gods</em></a>, co-author of <a href = "/products/btpy9nd2"><em>Qadira, Jewel of the East</em></a>), and Editor-in-Chief F. Wesley Schneider (author of <a href = "/products/btpy9e43"><em>Bloodbound</em></a>, <a href = "/products/btpy9l39"><em>Path of the Hellknight</em></a>, and <a href = "/products/btpy9nry"><em>In Search of Sanity</em></a>)! Be sure to look out for their events, which include:</p>
<ul><li><b>Thursday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100241" target = "_blank">Worldbuilding</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100232" target = "_blank">Starting Out: Getting Into the Games Industry</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100220" target = "_blank">It's a Jungle Out There: Safety for Gamers</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100195" target = "_blank">Beyond 101: Evolving Discussions of Women in Games</a></li>
<li><b>Friday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100235" target = "_blank">The Freelancers 10 Commandments</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100219" target = "_blank">Inclusive Gaming: How to Host & Create a Safe & Welcoming Space for All</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100170" target = "_blank">5 Ways of Finding Your Spark</a>, <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100234" target = "_blank">Storytelling & Self-Censorship</a></li>
<li><b>Saturday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100242" target = "_blank">Writing Trans Characters for Games & Fiction</a></li>
<li><b>Sunday</b>: <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/events/100213" target = "_blank">Gaming Needs You!</a></li></ul>
<p>Find more information on the <a href = "http://www.gencon.com/experience/industryinsiderprogram" target = "_blank">Gen Con Industry Insider program</a> and <a href = "https://www.gencon.com/event_finder/Host/Industry%20Insider?opt[]=ta&opt[]=hh&ag[]=un&ag[]=eo&ag[]=tn&ag[]=ma&ag[]=tw&exp[]=no&exp[]=so&exp[]=ep" target = "_blank">check out all Insider events here</a>.</a></p>
<p>Finally, if you've been interested in joining our pool of freelance artists, there will be opportunities to have your portfolio reviewed by Creative Design Director Sarah Robinson. She'll be conducting these over by the Artist Alley (not at the Paizo booth) Thursday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM to 3 PM. Signup sheets for portfolio reviews will be available at the show.</p>
<p>Not attending the Gen Con this year? Track <b>#paizoatgencon</b> or <b>#goblinhorde</b> for pictures and updates by attendees and Paizo staff!</p>
<p>We still can't believe it's only 8 days until the Best Four Days in Gaming are here! Safe travels to all making the trek to Indy! If you have Gen Con stories to share or things you're excited to see from Paizo at the show, let us know in the comments.</p>
<p>Chris Lambertz<br />
<i>Community & Digital Content Director</i></p>
</div>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Society, Conventions, Pathfinder Society Academy, Gen Con, Gen Con 2016, Ralph Horsley —>
</blockquote><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/conventions">Conventions</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/conventions/genCon">Gen Con</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/genCon2016">Gen Con 2016</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSocietyAcademy">Pathfinder Society Academy</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a></p>2016-07-26T21:00:00ZSpreading the Good Word of the Inner Sea!https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lilx?Spreading-the-Good-Word-of-the-Inner-Sea2016-03-23T19:00:00Z<blockquote>
<br />
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Kess.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Kess_120.jpeg" /></a><br />
Replace the weights with boxes and this (mostly) accurately depicts our warehouse now!<br />
<i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i>
</div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Spreading the Good Word of the Inner Sea!</h1>
<p class="date">Wednesday, March 23, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articlebody">
<p itemprop="description">By now, <a href = "/products/btpy9j74"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Faiths</em></a> has shipped out to friendly local game stores and subscriber mailboxes everywhere, giving you details on some of the lesser-known gods of the Inner Sea—and a couple of them really bug me!</p>
<p>Bug me in the best possible way, of course. Achaekek and his Red Mantis assassins first showed up in as part of the <a href = "/pathfinder/adventurePath/curseOfTheCrimsonThrone"><em>Curse of the Crimson Throne Adventure Path</em></a> (which we'll be happily returning to <a href = "/products/btpy9kg6">this fall</a>), and I've had a fondness for them ever since their debut. I'd tell you where Ghlaunder and some of these other gods might show up in an adventure, but that might be a bit too spoilery (although it's not much of a spoiler to say that some of these cults would prefer to stay hidden). On to more art previews for <a href = "/products/btpy9j74"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Faiths</em></a>!</p>
<div class ="blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AchaekekOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AchaekekOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-GroetusOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-GroetusOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AlsetaOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AlsetaOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<br />
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Ghlaunder.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Ghlaunder_180.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Brigh.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Brigh_120.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Milani.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Milani_180.jpeg" /></a><br />
<em>Illustrations by Kiki Moch Rizky, Shen Fei, Ralph Horsley, Firat Solhan, Leonardo Borazio, and Will O'Brien</em>
</div>
<p style = "clear: both;">Until next time, I'm heading to the woods to talk with a black goat,</p>
<p>Liz Courts<br />
<em>Community Manager</em></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Campaign Setting, Inner Sea Faiths, Kiki Moch Rizky, Leonardo Borazio, Firat Solhan, Shen Fei, Ralph Horsley, Will O'Brien—>
</blockquote><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/firatSolhan">Firat Solhan</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/kikiMochRizky">Kiki Moch Rizky</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/leonardoBorazio">Leonardo Borazio</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderCampaignSetting">Pathfinder Campaign Setting</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/shenFei">Shen Fei</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/willOBrien">Will O'Brien</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Kess.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Kess_120.jpeg" /></a><br />
Replace the weights with boxes and this (mostly) accurately depicts our warehouse now!<br />
<i>Illustration by Ralph Horsley</i>
</div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Spreading the Good Word of the Inner Sea!</h1>
<p class="date">Wednesday, March 23, 2016</p>
<div itemprop="articlebody">
<p itemprop="description">By now, <a href = "/products/btpy9j74"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Faiths</em></a> has shipped out to friendly local game stores and subscriber mailboxes everywhere, giving you details on some of the lesser-known gods of the Inner Sea—and a couple of them really bug me!</p>
<p>Bug me in the best possible way, of course. Achaekek and his Red Mantis assassins first showed up in as part of the <a href = "/pathfinder/adventurePath/curseOfTheCrimsonThrone"><em>Curse of the Crimson Throne Adventure Path</em></a> (which we'll be happily returning to <a href = "/products/btpy9kg6">this fall</a>), and I've had a fondness for them ever since their debut. I'd tell you where Ghlaunder and some of these other gods might show up in an adventure, but that might be a bit too spoilery (although it's not much of a spoiler to say that some of these cults would prefer to stay hidden). On to more art previews for <a href = "/products/btpy9j74"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Faiths</em></a>!</p>
<div class ="blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AchaekekOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AchaekekOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-GroetusOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-GroetusOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AlsetaOpener.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-AlsetaOpener_360.jpeg" /></a>
<br />
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Ghlaunder.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Ghlaunder_180.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Brigh.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Brigh_120.jpeg" /></a>
<a href = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Milani.jpg"><img src = "//static3.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9290-Milani_180.jpeg" /></a><br />
<em>Illustrations by Kiki Moch Rizky, Shen Fei, Ralph Horsley, Firat Solhan, Leonardo Borazio, and Will O'Brien</em>
</div>
<p style = "clear: both;">Until next time, I'm heading to the woods to talk with a black goat,</p>
<p>Liz Courts<br />
<em>Community Manager</em></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Campaign Setting, Inner Sea Faiths, Kiki Moch Rizky, Leonardo Borazio, Firat Solhan, Shen Fei, Ralph Horsley, Will O'Brien—>
</blockquote><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/firatSolhan">Firat Solhan</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/kikiMochRizky">Kiki Moch Rizky</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/leonardoBorazio">Leonardo Borazio</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderCampaignSetting">Pathfinder Campaign Setting</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/shenFei">Shen Fei</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/willOBrien">Will O'Brien</a></p>2016-03-23T19:00:00Z2014 Art Reviewhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lgvc?2014-Art-Review2014-12-31T20:30:00Z<blockquote>
<br />
<h1 itemprop="headline">2014 Art Review</h1>
<p class="date">Wednesday, December 31, 2014</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<p itemprop="description">As we close out 2014, I wanted to end on a high note and give you one last year-end blog. I went to our Managing Art Director Sarah Robinson and Senior Art Director Andrew Vallas to get some help rounding up some favorite illustrations from the past year. Seeing how great their selections were, I also asked various members of our editorial team to pick a few of their own favorites to add. So here are some of our best illustrations from 2014!</p>
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Cover.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9275-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9275-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9546-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9546-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9445-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9445-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>Let's start off with some covers! The above are selections were made by Andrew, Sarah, and Developer John Compton.</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds,
<a href = "/products/btpy99sa"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Lost Treasures</em></a> Illustrated by Igor Grechanyi,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy99se"><em>Pathfinder Module: Plunder and Peril</em></a> Illustrated by Kiki Moch Rizky, and
<a href = "/products/btpy959n"><em>Pathfinder Player Companion: Alchemy Manual</em></a> Illustrated by Kerem Beyit</p></div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-FireGiants.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-FireGiants_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Goblins.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Goblins_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Gods.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Gods_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9269-Dragons.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9269-Dragons_180.jpeg"></a><br /><br />
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-ShelynZonKuthon.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-ShelynZonKuthon_500.jpeg"></a>
<p>Monsters and gods are up next! The above selections were made by Andrew, Sarah, and Designer Stephen Radney-MacFarland</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustrations by Subroto Bhaumik and Jason Rainville,
<a href = "/products/btpy94vv"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #80: Empty Graves</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy95zo"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Occult Mysteries</em></a> Illustration by Ralph Horsley, and
<a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods</em></a> Illustration by Yu Cheng Hong</p>
</div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9086-Brigh.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9086-Brigh_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9089-Zyphus.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9089-Zyphus_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>Brigh and Zyphus are two of the many Golarion deities featured this year. The above selections were made by Adam Daigle and myself.</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy97az"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #86: Lords of Rust</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier, and
<a href = "/products/btpy99si"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #89: Palace of Fallen Stars</em></a> Illustration by Matias Tapia</p>
</div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-RatfolkGnawer.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-RatfolkGnawer_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Ra.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Ra_120.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Sekhmet.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Sekhmet_120.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9084-Swordswoman.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9084-Swordswoman_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-PrinceInChains.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-PrinceInChains_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8520-Maedora.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8520-Maedora_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>And to round out this art blog, some portraits of deities, monsters and important characters of 2014!<br />The above selections were made by Andrew, Associate Editor Judy Bauer, Editor Ryan Macklin, Developer Rob McCreary, and Managing Editor James L. Sutter</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustration by Tim Kings-Lynne,
<a href = "/products/btpy94vv"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #80: Empty Graves</em></a> Illustrations by Ekaterina Burmak,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy97av"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #84: Pyramid of the Sky Pharaoh</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier,
<a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods</em></a> Illustration by Maichol Quinto, and<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy94r3"><em>Pathfinder Tales: The Redemption Engine</em></a> Illustration by Eric Belisle</p>
</div>
<p>What was your favorite piece of Pathfinder art from 2014?</p>
<p>Mark Moreland<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Wayne Reynolds, Igor Grechanyi, Kiki Moch Rizky, Kerem Beyit, Subroto Bhaumik, Jason Rainville, Johan Grenier, Ralph Horsley, Yu Cheng Hong, Matias Tapia, Tim Kings-Lynne, Ekaterina Burmak, Maichol Quinto, Eric Belisle, Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder Adventure Path, Pathfinder Campaign Setting, Pathfinder Player Companion, Pathfinder Modules, Pathfinder Tales —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/ekaterinaBurmak">Ekaterina Burmak</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBelisle">Eric Belisle</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/igorGrechanyi">Igor Grechanyi</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/jasonRainville">Jason Rainville</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/johanGrenier">Johan Grenier</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/keremBeyit">Kerem Beyit</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/kikiMochRizky">Kiki Moch Rizky</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/maicholQuinto">Maichol Quinto</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/matiasTapia">Matias Tapia</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderAdventurePath">Pathfinder Adventure Path</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderCampaignSetting">Pathfinder Campaign Setting</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame">Pathfinder Roleplaying Game</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderTales">Pathfinder Tales</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/subrotoBhaumik">Subroto Bhaumik</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/timKingsLynne">Tim Kings-Lynne</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/wayneReynolds">Wayne Reynolds</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/yuChengHong">Yu Cheng Hong</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<h1 itemprop="headline">2014 Art Review</h1>
<p class="date">Wednesday, December 31, 2014</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<p itemprop="description">As we close out 2014, I wanted to end on a high note and give you one last year-end blog. I went to our Managing Art Director Sarah Robinson and Senior Art Director Andrew Vallas to get some help rounding up some favorite illustrations from the past year. Seeing how great their selections were, I also asked various members of our editorial team to pick a few of their own favorites to add. So here are some of our best illustrations from 2014!</p>
<div class = "blurbCenter"><a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Cover.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9275-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9275-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9546-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9546-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9445-Cover.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9445-Cover_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>Let's start off with some covers! The above are selections were made by Andrew, Sarah, and Developer John Compton.</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustrated by Wayne Reynolds,
<a href = "/products/btpy99sa"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Lost Treasures</em></a> Illustrated by Igor Grechanyi,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy99se"><em>Pathfinder Module: Plunder and Peril</em></a> Illustrated by Kiki Moch Rizky, and
<a href = "/products/btpy959n"><em>Pathfinder Player Companion: Alchemy Manual</em></a> Illustrated by Kerem Beyit</p></div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-FireGiants.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-FireGiants_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Goblins.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-Goblins_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Gods.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Gods_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9269-Dragons.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9269-Dragons_180.jpeg"></a><br /><br />
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-ShelynZonKuthon.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-ShelynZonKuthon_500.jpeg"></a>
<p>Monsters and gods are up next! The above selections were made by Andrew, Sarah, and Designer Stephen Radney-MacFarland</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustrations by Subroto Bhaumik and Jason Rainville,
<a href = "/products/btpy94vv"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #80: Empty Graves</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy95zo"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Occult Mysteries</em></a> Illustration by Ralph Horsley, and
<a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods</em></a> Illustration by Yu Cheng Hong</p>
</div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9086-Brigh.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9086-Brigh_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9089-Zyphus.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9089-Zyphus_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>Brigh and Zyphus are two of the many Golarion deities featured this year. The above selections were made by Adam Daigle and myself.</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy97az"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #86: Lords of Rust</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier, and
<a href = "/products/btpy99si"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #89: Palace of Fallen Stars</em></a> Illustration by Matias Tapia</p>
</div>
<div class = "blurbCenter">
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-RatfolkGnawer.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1130-RatfolkGnawer_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Ra.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Ra_120.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Sekhmet.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9080-Sekhmet_120.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9084-Swordswoman.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderAdventurePath/PZO9084-Swordswoman_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-PrinceInChains.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCampaignSetting/PZO9267-PrinceInChains_180.jpeg"></a>
<a href = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8520-Maedora.jpg"><img src = "//static1.paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderTales/PZO8520-Maedora_180.jpeg"></a>
<p>And to round out this art blog, some portraits of deities, monsters and important characters of 2014!<br />The above selections were made by Andrew, Associate Editor Judy Bauer, Editor Ryan Macklin, Developer Rob McCreary, and Managing Editor James L. Sutter</p>
<p><a href = "/products/btpy9926"><em>Pathfinder Roleplaying Game: Monster Codex</em></a> Illustration by Tim Kings-Lynne,
<a href = "/products/btpy94vv"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #80: Empty Graves</em></a> Illustrations by Ekaterina Burmak,<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy97av"><em>Pathfinder Adventure Path #84: Pyramid of the Sky Pharaoh</em></a> Illustration by Johan Grenier,
<a href = "/products/btpy94wj"><em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Inner Sea Gods</em></a> Illustration by Maichol Quinto, and<br />
<a href = "/products/btpy94r3"><em>Pathfinder Tales: The Redemption Engine</em></a> Illustration by Eric Belisle</p>
</div>
<p>What was your favorite piece of Pathfinder art from 2014?</p>
<p>Mark Moreland<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Wayne Reynolds, Igor Grechanyi, Kiki Moch Rizky, Kerem Beyit, Subroto Bhaumik, Jason Rainville, Johan Grenier, Ralph Horsley, Yu Cheng Hong, Matias Tapia, Tim Kings-Lynne, Ekaterina Burmak, Maichol Quinto, Eric Belisle, Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, Pathfinder Adventure Path, Pathfinder Campaign Setting, Pathfinder Player Companion, Pathfinder Modules, Pathfinder Tales —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/ekaterinaBurmak">Ekaterina Burmak</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBelisle">Eric Belisle</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/igorGrechanyi">Igor Grechanyi</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/jasonRainville">Jason Rainville</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/johanGrenier">Johan Grenier</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/keremBeyit">Kerem Beyit</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/kikiMochRizky">Kiki Moch Rizky</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/maicholQuinto">Maichol Quinto</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/matiasTapia">Matias Tapia</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderAdventurePath">Pathfinder Adventure Path</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderCampaignSetting">Pathfinder Campaign Setting</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame">Pathfinder Roleplaying Game</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderTales">Pathfinder Tales</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/subrotoBhaumik">Subroto Bhaumik</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/timKingsLynne">Tim Kings-Lynne</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/wayneReynolds">Wayne Reynolds</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/yuChengHong">Yu Cheng Hong</a></p>2014-12-31T20:30:00ZBest of Both Worldshttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lfqm?Best-of-Both-Worlds2014-02-06T18:00:00Z<blockquote>
<br />
<h1 itemprop="headline">Best of Both Worlds</h1>
<p class="date">Thursday, February 6, 2014</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy93na">
<img src="https//paizo.com/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO9442_180.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<br /> Cover by Ralph Horsley
</div>
<p><span itemprop="description">Some of Golarion's greatest heroes hail from not one world but two, caught between dueling cultures and impulses, and it's your turn to become one of them! <i>Bastards of Golarion</i> is due out soon, and this is one Player Companion you won't want to miss. Here are five reasons why:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><b>Half-Elves and Half-Orcs</b>: Readers have been asking for a book on these unusual races for years, and <i>Bastards of Golarion</i> makes such wishes a reality. Numerous details and expanded flavor provide inspiration for these mixed-blooded adventurers and inform players how their half-elf or half-orc character may interact with others in the world of Golarion. Oh, and did I mention a flurry of new traits and rules options for each of these races?</li>
<li><b>Regional Variants</b>: The half-human child of a Snowcaster elf is sure to be different than that of an elf from Kyonin, and the same can be said for desert orcs from Osirion versus orcs from the Hold of Belkzen. All-new details on ten (five for half-elves, five for half-orcs) of these half-blooded variants breathe life into your game and allow for a bevy of new character choices. New alternative racial traits make sure the rules represent your unique character, whether she be descended from the jungle orcs of southern Garund or the mysterious elves of the Mordant Spire.</li>
<li><b>Character Themes</b>: Half-elves and half-orcs aren't the only people of Golarion to come from unusual or dubious origins. Even seemingly unassuming humans can be bastards given the right backstory! Four diverse character themes in this book provide inspiration for an infinite number of characters and stories. Whether your character calls himself a bastard or a celebrity, an outcast or an unfortunate, these character themes and related rules options shine a light on previously unenviable origin stories and show how such characters can rise from regret to resplendence!</li>
<li><b>Half-Race Hometowns</b>: You've decided your bastardly adventurer's race and background story, but where did this character even come from? Information on Averaka—the city of half-orcs—and Erages—haven for half-elves—make sure your bastard's hometown is as fleshed out as she is. Regional traits and archetypes for characters from either of these unique locales tie your character's formidable past to her heroic present.</li>
<li><b>Build-A-Bastard</b>: In addition to details and traits for bastards of unusual origins (such as the strange gillmen of Absalom or the half-hag changelings from northern Avistan), the last few pages of this book provide suggestions and rules for creating characters whose racial ancestry is perhaps less obvious or more distant. Ever wanted to play a human character that's actually 1/8th orc and 1/8th dhampir? This book shows you how.</li>
</ul>
<div class="blurbCenter">
<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_HalfOrc_500.jpeg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_HalfOrc_120.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_Oread_500.jpeg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_Oread_180.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<br />Illustrations by Ian Llanas and Michael Rookard </div>
<p>And because I would be remiss to write a blog post about this book without including some of its some juicy art, here are two of my favorite pieces to tide you over until <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy93na"><i>Bastards of Golarion</i></a> is in your hands.</p>
<p>Patrick Renie<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Player Companion, Locations, Elves, Orcs, Races, Ian Llanas, Michael Rookard, Ralph Horsley —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races/elves">Elves</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ianLlanas">Ian Llanas</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/locations">Locations</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/michaelRookard">Michael Rookard</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/monsters/orcs">Orcs</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races">Races</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<h1 itemprop="headline">Best of Both Worlds</h1>
<p class="date">Thursday, February 6, 2014</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy93na">
<img src="https//paizo.com/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO9442_180.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<br /> Cover by Ralph Horsley
</div>
<p><span itemprop="description">Some of Golarion's greatest heroes hail from not one world but two, caught between dueling cultures and impulses, and it's your turn to become one of them! <i>Bastards of Golarion</i> is due out soon, and this is one Player Companion you won't want to miss. Here are five reasons why:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><b>Half-Elves and Half-Orcs</b>: Readers have been asking for a book on these unusual races for years, and <i>Bastards of Golarion</i> makes such wishes a reality. Numerous details and expanded flavor provide inspiration for these mixed-blooded adventurers and inform players how their half-elf or half-orc character may interact with others in the world of Golarion. Oh, and did I mention a flurry of new traits and rules options for each of these races?</li>
<li><b>Regional Variants</b>: The half-human child of a Snowcaster elf is sure to be different than that of an elf from Kyonin, and the same can be said for desert orcs from Osirion versus orcs from the Hold of Belkzen. All-new details on ten (five for half-elves, five for half-orcs) of these half-blooded variants breathe life into your game and allow for a bevy of new character choices. New alternative racial traits make sure the rules represent your unique character, whether she be descended from the jungle orcs of southern Garund or the mysterious elves of the Mordant Spire.</li>
<li><b>Character Themes</b>: Half-elves and half-orcs aren't the only people of Golarion to come from unusual or dubious origins. Even seemingly unassuming humans can be bastards given the right backstory! Four diverse character themes in this book provide inspiration for an infinite number of characters and stories. Whether your character calls himself a bastard or a celebrity, an outcast or an unfortunate, these character themes and related rules options shine a light on previously unenviable origin stories and show how such characters can rise from regret to resplendence!</li>
<li><b>Half-Race Hometowns</b>: You've decided your bastardly adventurer's race and background story, but where did this character even come from? Information on Averaka—the city of half-orcs—and Erages—haven for half-elves—make sure your bastard's hometown is as fleshed out as she is. Regional traits and archetypes for characters from either of these unique locales tie your character's formidable past to her heroic present.</li>
<li><b>Build-A-Bastard</b>: In addition to details and traits for bastards of unusual origins (such as the strange gillmen of Absalom or the half-hag changelings from northern Avistan), the last few pages of this book provide suggestions and rules for creating characters whose racial ancestry is perhaps less obvious or more distant. Ever wanted to play a human character that's actually 1/8th orc and 1/8th dhampir? This book shows you how.</li>
</ul>
<div class="blurbCenter">
<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_HalfOrc_500.jpeg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_HalfOrc_120.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_Oread_500.jpeg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderPlayerCompanion/PZO9442_Oread_180.jpeg" border="0"></a>
<br />Illustrations by Ian Llanas and Michael Rookard </div>
<p>And because I would be remiss to write a blog post about this book without including some of its some juicy art, here are two of my favorite pieces to tide you over until <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy93na"><i>Bastards of Golarion</i></a> is in your hands.</p>
<p>Patrick Renie<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Player Companion, Locations, Elves, Orcs, Races, Ian Llanas, Michael Rookard, Ralph Horsley —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races/elves">Elves</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ianLlanas">Ian Llanas</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/locations">Locations</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/michaelRookard">Michael Rookard</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/monsters/orcs">Orcs</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races">Races</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a></p>2014-02-06T18:00:00ZSnagged from the Vault: Beyond the Vault of Soulshttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5laan?Snagged-from-the-Vault-Beyond-the-Vault-of-Souls2009-05-06T07:00:00Z<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9519-Cover.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9519-Cover_180.jpeg" border=0 align=right hspace=9></a>
<blockquote>
<h1><br>Snagged from the Vault: Beyond the Vault of Souls</h1>
<p class=date>Wednesday, May 6, 2009</p>
<p><i>Greetings, dear readers—as the Golem busies itself crafting the deadly artifact known only as the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy85k5"><i>Pathfinder RPG Bestiary</i> </a>, the Preview Purloiners have struck once again deep into its fathomless Vault. Today we bring you Ralph Horsley's cover to <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinder/pathfinderModules/v5748btpy85jr">Pathfinder Module J5: <i>Beyond the Vault of Souls</i></a>. The foolish minions of the Golem won't even known it's missing! But what is that pounding on the door...?</i></p>
<p><i>Vadid and Nahk</i>
<br>Preview Purloiners</p>
<p>A wizard is capturing souls and binding them to magical gems to keep the spirits of the dead from departing to their just rewards, and the church of Pharasma, goddess of death, has had enough of his meddling with the afterlife. When a magical security feature in the wizard's tower sends the gems spinning off to several different planes, the church calls on the PCs to track them down. From the vault of the gods in the planar nexus of Axis, to the fields of Elysium where righteous heroes battle endlessly even in death, and on past the gates of Hell itself, the PCs must race through portal after portal to recover the lost souls before sinister outsiders can beat them to the prize.</p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: beyond the vault of souls, cover, art, Ralph Horsley, Demons, pathfinder modules —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/monsters/demons">Demons</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/paizo/snaggedFromTheVault">Snagged From the Vault</a></p><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9519-Cover.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9519-Cover_180.jpeg" border=0 align=right hspace=9></a>
<blockquote>
<h1><br>Snagged from the Vault: Beyond the Vault of Souls</h1>
<p class=date>Wednesday, May 6, 2009</p>
<p><i>Greetings, dear readers—as the Golem busies itself crafting the deadly artifact known only as the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/v5748btpy85k5"><i>Pathfinder RPG Bestiary</i> </a>, the Preview Purloiners have struck once again deep into its fathomless Vault. Today we bring you Ralph Horsley's cover to <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinder/pathfinderModules/v5748btpy85jr">Pathfinder Module J5: <i>Beyond the Vault of Souls</i></a>. The foolish minions of the Golem won't even known it's missing! But what is that pounding on the door...?</i></p>
<p><i>Vadid and Nahk</i>
<br>Preview Purloiners</p>
<p>A wizard is capturing souls and binding them to magical gems to keep the spirits of the dead from departing to their just rewards, and the church of Pharasma, goddess of death, has had enough of his meddling with the afterlife. When a magical security feature in the wizard's tower sends the gems spinning off to several different planes, the church calls on the PCs to track them down. From the vault of the gods in the planar nexus of Axis, to the fields of Elysium where righteous heroes battle endlessly even in death, and on past the gates of Hell itself, the PCs must race through portal after portal to recover the lost souls before sinister outsiders can beat them to the prize.</p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: beyond the vault of souls, cover, art, Ralph Horsley, Demons, pathfinder modules —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/monsters/demons">Demons</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/paizo/snaggedFromTheVault">Snagged From the Vault</a></p>2009-05-06T07:00:00ZSnagged from the Vault: Taldor, Echoes of Gloryhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5la84?Snagged-from-the-Vault-Taldor-Echoes-of-Glory2009-03-18T16:48:00Z<a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCompanion/PZO9405-EchoesOfGlory.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCompanion/PZO9405-EchoesOfGlory_180.jpeg" border=0 align=right hspace=9></a>
<blockquote>
<h1><br>Snagged from the Vault: Taldor, Echoes of Glory</h1>
<p class=date>Wednesday, March 18, 2009</p>
<p><i>Huzzah! The Preview Purloiners return from the treacherous Vault of the Golem once again with a fantastic prize—Ralph Horsley's art for the cover of <a href="https://paizo.com/store/v5748btpy84bi"><i>Pathfinder Companion: Taldor, Echoes of Glory</i></a>. Such beauteous art is particularly coveted by the Golem and its minions; but of course, the danger to our own lives is of no concern to you, our faithful readers. Now, please excuse us as we don hastily assembled disguises.</i></p>
<p><i>Vadid and Nahk</i>
<br>Preview Purloiners</p>
<p><b>Chivalry Tarnished</b>
<br>Knights, fair maidens, heroic adventures, and righteous quests—these are the legends of old Taldor. But the once powerful empire has fallen from its former glory. Now rival nobles battle each other with bitter knights and proxy armies for personal power rather than honor. A smoldering truce with Qadira again threatens to ignite into war, and Taldor's daughter states look down upon her with contempt. Yet there is still greatness in Taldor, a stone foundation under the flaking gold adornments. Sons and daughters of forgotten royal bloodlines hear change on the wind—but is it the whisper of greatness to come, or the death rattle of an empire long past its prime?</p>
<p>This Pathfinder Companion describes the country of Taldor and its capital of Oppara. Become one of the Lion Blades, a secret agent prestige class for the empire! Learn the magic of the oppressed church of the Dawnflower! Rise to greatness from humble origins with new feats! Gain the ostentatious magic of Taldor's wealthy elite! Taldor needs champions—are you ready for the challenge?</p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Companion, Taldor, cover, art, Ralph Horsley —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/paizo/snaggedFromTheVault">Snagged From the Vault</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety/factions/taldor">Taldor</a></p><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCompanion/PZO9405-EchoesOfGlory.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderCompanion/PZO9405-EchoesOfGlory_180.jpeg" border=0 align=right hspace=9></a>
<blockquote>
<h1><br>Snagged from the Vault: Taldor, Echoes of Glory</h1>
<p class=date>Wednesday, March 18, 2009</p>
<p><i>Huzzah! The Preview Purloiners return from the treacherous Vault of the Golem once again with a fantastic prize—Ralph Horsley's art for the cover of <a href="https://paizo.com/store/v5748btpy84bi"><i>Pathfinder Companion: Taldor, Echoes of Glory</i></a>. Such beauteous art is particularly coveted by the Golem and its minions; but of course, the danger to our own lives is of no concern to you, our faithful readers. Now, please excuse us as we don hastily assembled disguises.</i></p>
<p><i>Vadid and Nahk</i>
<br>Preview Purloiners</p>
<p><b>Chivalry Tarnished</b>
<br>Knights, fair maidens, heroic adventures, and righteous quests—these are the legends of old Taldor. But the once powerful empire has fallen from its former glory. Now rival nobles battle each other with bitter knights and proxy armies for personal power rather than honor. A smoldering truce with Qadira again threatens to ignite into war, and Taldor's daughter states look down upon her with contempt. Yet there is still greatness in Taldor, a stone foundation under the flaking gold adornments. Sons and daughters of forgotten royal bloodlines hear change on the wind—but is it the whisper of greatness to come, or the death rattle of an empire long past its prime?</p>
<p>This Pathfinder Companion describes the country of Taldor and its capital of Oppara. Become one of the Lion Blades, a secret agent prestige class for the empire! Learn the magic of the oppressed church of the Dawnflower! Rise to greatness from humble origins with new feats! Gain the ostentatious magic of Taldor's wealthy elite! Taldor needs champions—are you ready for the challenge?</p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Companion, Taldor, cover, art, Ralph Horsley —>
<p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderPlayerCompanion">Pathfinder Player Companion</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ralphHorsley">Ralph Horsley</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/paizo/snaggedFromTheVault">Snagged From the Vault</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety/factions/taldor">Taldor</a></p>2009-03-18T16:48:00Z