paizo.com Recent Posts by Aaron Tysenpaizo.com Recent Posts by Aaron Tysen2023-08-05T01:29:20Z2023-08-05T01:29:20ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Pathfinder Society (second edition) Character OptionsAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sh3j&page=3?Pathfinder-Society-Character-Options#1072020-02-03T03:13:20Z2020-02-03T03:13:20Z<p>Thanks so much for making this available! I particularly appreciate your willingness to drop the document in this format, rather than allowing whatever technical bottlenecks stand in the way of a prettier presentation delay things further. This day, the perfect was not the enemy of the good!</p>Thanks so much for making this available! I particularly appreciate your willingness to drop the document in this format, rather than allowing whatever technical bottlenecks stand in the way of a prettier presentation delay things further. This day, the perfect was not the enemy of the good!Aaron Tysen2020-02-03T03:13:20ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Ancestry/Heritage surveyAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42v7l?AncestryHeritage-survey#342019-12-14T06:35:15Z2019-12-12T19:04:49Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jack Brown wrote:</div><blockquote> -2001 Ouat Dwarf. (Though no benefits from the ethnicity) </blockquote><p>Saves on shampoo. That's a benefit in my book!Jack Brown wrote:-2001 Ouat Dwarf. (Though no benefits from the ethnicity)
Saves on shampoo. That's a benefit in my book!Aaron Tysen2019-12-12T19:04:49ZRe: Forums: Starfinder Society: Paizo Blog: October 2019 Starfinder Society ReleasesAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sgzb?October-2019-Starfinder-Society-Releases#142019-10-24T16:14:11Z2019-10-24T15:45:16Z<p>Yo Joe! (Blomquist) Can't wait to see what you cooked up for us!</p>Yo Joe! (Blomquist) Can't wait to see what you cooked up for us!Aaron Tysen2019-10-24T15:45:16ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Alternative Uses of Pathfinder ProductsAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42svx?Alternative-Uses-of-Pathfinder-Products#62019-10-13T04:27:24Z2019-10-12T22:33:41Z<p>The P2 Rulebook was designed by a secret cabal of chiropractors. Because ow my back.</p>The P2 Rulebook was designed by a secret cabal of chiropractors. Because ow my back.Aaron Tysen2019-10-12T22:33:41ZRe: Forums: Rules Discussion: Stealthing past a sentryAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42sgg?Stealthing-past-a-sentry#212019-10-02T21:21:05Z2019-10-02T16:21:14Z<p>Hmmm... as I understand the rules, if you're sneaking in exploration mode, you don't roll. The guards have to check vs. your Stealth DC.</p>
<p>Either way, I'd roll as few dice as possible, to avoid rolling to failure, which was the OP's concern.</p>Hmmm... as I understand the rules, if you're sneaking in exploration mode, you don't roll. The guards have to check vs. your Stealth DC.
Either way, I'd roll as few dice as possible, to avoid rolling to failure, which was the OP's concern.Aaron Tysen2019-10-02T16:21:14ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: A Place to be HappyAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42piq?A-Place-to-be-Happy#212019-08-19T23:34:36Z2019-08-15T16:50:36Z<p>My players and I are all digging how much more fluid battles have become. Between the new action economy and limitations on AOOs, we're moving around a lot. It's more fun and feels more tactical. No more "locked in place and five-foot shuffling for flanks."</p>My players and I are all digging how much more fluid battles have become. Between the new action economy and limitations on AOOs, we're moving around a lot. It's more fun and feels more tactical. No more "locked in place and five-foot shuffling for flanks."Aaron Tysen2019-08-15T16:50:36ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: GM Question for other Society GMs.Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42p9a?GM-Question-for-other-Society-GMs#22019-08-15T14:02:42Z2019-08-15T14:02:42Z<p>If the character was captured by the Jinsuls, they would be among the prisoners in the final encounter, without their weapons. If the remainder of the party doesn’t secure Ekkerah’s help, he won’t free or re-equip the captured character before the fight. The scenario doesn’t call out what happens to the lost gear. Since nothing calls out that the weapons are lost for good, I would allow the PCs to recover the missing items from the dead Jinsuls at the end of the encouter, rather than having them be lost forever. When in doubt, it’s best (I think) to err on the side of the players.</p>
<p>How did the character in question manage to fall off the chase vehicle? Were they yanked off by the Jinsuls? I don’t see anything else in the chase scene that would cause that problem.</p>If the character was captured by the Jinsuls, they would be among the prisoners in the final encounter, without their weapons. If the remainder of the party doesn’t secure Ekkerah’s help, he won’t free or re-equip the captured character before the fight. The scenario doesn’t call out what happens to the lost gear. Since nothing calls out that the weapons are lost for good, I would allow the PCs to recover the missing items from the dead Jinsuls at the end of the encouter, rather than having...Aaron Tysen2019-08-15T14:02:42ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Problems with Rarity in Society PlayAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42ooz&page=2?Problems-with-Rarity-in-Society-Play#762019-08-14T15:59:40Z2019-08-14T14:51:35Z<p>I'll bring the arsenic. I take two lumps of rat poison with my tea.</p>I'll bring the arsenic. I take two lumps of rat poison with my tea.Aaron Tysen2019-08-14T14:51:35ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: August Update— Team News, OPF News, Spotlights and Conventions!Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sgu2?August-Update-Team-News-OPF-News-Spotlights#202019-08-08T22:52:01Z2019-08-08T21:17:50Z<p>Congrats to all you deserving folks, with special shiny ones to our local yokels: Heather, Ivis and Sean.</p>Congrats to all you deserving folks, with special shiny ones to our local yokels: Heather, Ivis and Sean.Aaron Tysen2019-08-08T21:17:50ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Optional Encounters (an opinion and signal to scenario designers)Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42o85?Optional-Encounters#202019-08-06T23:03:19Z2019-08-06T14:44:42Z<p>Worth noting that it's possible in PFS2 to decouple loot drops from treasure points, so the optional could hand out useful-for-boss-fight items without mucking up the chronicle rewards.</p>Worth noting that it's possible in PFS2 to decouple loot drops from treasure points, so the optional could hand out useful-for-boss-fight items without mucking up the chronicle rewards.Aaron Tysen2019-08-06T14:44:42ZRe: Forums: Starfinder Society: New to starfinder/Pathfinder society, little confusedAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42o9b?New-to-starfinderPathfinder-society-little#42019-08-04T18:03:56Z2019-08-04T18:03:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Boooooog wrote:</div><blockquote> Alright, this covers the brunt of what I was concerned about. Is it only ever point-buy character constructuon or are you allowed to roll for it? </blockquote><p>That is covered in the links above, but we do not use random generation.Boooooog wrote:Alright, this covers the brunt of what I was concerned about. Is it only ever point-buy character constructuon or are you allowed to roll for it?
That is covered in the links above, but we do not use random generation.Aaron Tysen2019-08-04T18:03:56ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: PF2 really makes GMing harderAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42o4n?PF2-really-makes-GMing-harder#72019-08-16T15:47:29Z2019-08-03T13:53:23Z<p>Re: secret rolls and misinformation; Muhahaha! Muhahahaha! Mwahahahaha! •slinks back to evil GM bunker•</p>Re: secret rolls and misinformation; Muhahaha! Muhahahaha! Mwahahahaha! *slinks back to evil GM bunker*Aaron Tysen2019-08-03T13:53:23ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: 10-98 Siege of Gallowspire QuestionsAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42kck?1098-Siege-of-Gallowspire-Questions#282019-08-02T14:57:01Z2019-08-02T14:57:01Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">pjrogers wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Steven Schopmeyer wrote:</div><blockquote> The abilities for the aid characters are more thematic than mechanical. Character level is what is used. </blockquote>Does character level affect whether or not aid characters survive? Are higher level aid characters in more, less, or the same danger as lower level ones? </blockquote><p>Higher level aid characters are more likely to succeed and less likely to get dead. That said, you can choose to play it safe with your aid characters, at the cost of getting less actual aid from them.pjrogers wrote:Steven Schopmeyer wrote: The abilities for the aid characters are more thematic than mechanical. Character level is what is used.
Does character level affect whether or not aid characters survive? Are higher level aid characters in more, less, or the same danger as lower level ones? Higher level aid characters are more likely to succeed and less likely to get dead. That said, you can choose to play it safe with your aid characters, at the cost of getting less actual aid from...Aaron Tysen2019-08-02T14:57:01ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Pathfinder Society's Gen Con 2019 ScenariosAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sgso?Pathfinder-Societys-Gen-Con-2019-Scenarios#322019-07-29T19:36:27Z2019-07-29T18:32:09Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Lau Bannenberg wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Steven Schopmeyer wrote:</div><blockquote> And she's got the prestige. </blockquote>Every time you run the Confirmation, Janira gets Prestige. And I think most of the time she survives it. </blockquote><p>She always survives. She and her sidekick, Angus, stage the battle. I think their fishy friend is in on it, too.Lau Bannenberg wrote:Steven Schopmeyer wrote: And she's got the prestige.
Every time you run the Confirmation, Janira gets Prestige. And I think most of the time she survives it. She always survives. She and her sidekick, Angus, stage the battle. I think their fishy friend is in on it, too.Aaron Tysen2019-07-29T18:32:09ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: "Out of character mode activated"Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42n3l?Out-of-character-mode-activated#182019-07-19T14:06:28Z2019-07-19T14:06:28Z<p>I get grumpy when players try to use OOC chatter as free telepathy among their characters. If they haven't worked out their plan before they walk up to the guards and start bluffing, it's too late. The guards are <i>right there</i>. They can hear you. "But we're talking OOC" doesn't cut it. Ditto if you have limited rounds before the next bad thing happens. Your planning is in real time. Of course, I'll stop the clock for actual OOC stuff. We can pause while you talk sportsball scores. But you can't use OOC as a way to magically share information between characters.</p>I get grumpy when players try to use OOC chatter as free telepathy among their characters. If they haven't worked out their plan before they walk up to the guards and start bluffing, it's too late. The guards are right there. They can hear you. "But we're talking OOC" doesn't cut it. Ditto if you have limited rounds before the next bad thing happens. Your planning is in real time. Of course, I'll stop the clock for actual OOC stuff. We can pause while you talk sportsball scores. But you can't...Aaron Tysen2019-07-19T14:06:28ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: PF2 GenCon Core Rules and timeAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42lwi?PF2-GenCon-Core-Rules-and-time#72019-06-25T19:23:16Z2019-06-25T18:05:51Z<p>On that note: GMs, please don't be shy about volunteering for PF2 because you're nervous about Rules-Fu. We'll all be feeling our way along together! I know I'll make mistakes at my tables, no matter how much prep I squeeze in, but it'll be a sight better than not offering the tables at all. It's an adventure!</p>On that note: GMs, please don't be shy about volunteering for PF2 because you're nervous about Rules-Fu. We'll all be feeling our way along together! I know I'll make mistakes at my tables, no matter how much prep I squeeze in, but it'll be a sight better than not offering the tables at all. It's an adventure!Aaron Tysen2019-06-25T18:05:51ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: 5-Nova Rubric DiscussionAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42jt0&page=2?5Nova-Rubric-Discussion#882019-05-31T15:01:10Z2019-05-30T16:24:43Z<p>I’m glad that this thread has finally emerged! I’m definitely in the “Qualitative Aspect” camp—not so much as a gatekeeping function than as a means to spur us to get better at what we do. So, cheers to the Powers that Be for putting this scheme together! This is not to say that I don’t appreciate many of the concerns that have been raised. The most important question for me is whether the new standards move us to collectively raise our game as GMs, or whether they just add more hoops and create friction. This concern motivates all of the following.</p>
<p>It certainly does seem as if there will be issues getting timely reviews of some of our more far-flung GMs. Would it be possible to cut those folks a break? I don’t have an issue if GM Freezerburn at McMurto Station has to do fewer observation tables than I. They have enough problems. Dang penguins never manage to keep their chronicle sheets in order.... And, yeah, that’s unfair to the GMs who can easily schedule three reviews. But there doesn’t seem to be a fair option available, so why not choose the one that at least gives everyone a shot?</p>
<p>There might also be some crazy solutions involving prioritizing VC time at conventions (which carries its own drawbacks) or, I dunno, telepresence. Not saying that’s realistic, but maybe worth thinking about.</p>
<p>We should also consider the obvious concern that any qualitative assessment will be inevitably subjective. Of course, that’s why you have a rubric (which I’ll talk about in a bit), but it’s going to be open to interpretation. Expect table variation, as they say. What we don’t know—and won’t know until the process is up and running—is how problematic subjectivity is going to be. What we also don’t know is how much of a positive impact the reviews will have on the quality of GMing by aspiring 5-stars. Given that lack of knowledge, I ask the Powers That Be to periodically review the system to see whether it is functioning as intended.</p>
<p>It is certainly possible, in principle, to train the reviewers in order to mitigate variation. This begins with making the rubric as clear and detailed as possible. The next step might be something like having multiple reviewers observe the same game—even a recorded one, or excerpts thereof—and compare notes on their reactions. Whether this is a wise use of the VCs’ limited time I leave as an open question.</p>
<p>As for the rubric, it’s definitely headed in a good direction. There are a few additional items which I find essential to a good game that I’d like to see included. I get grumpy when they aren’t handled well—particularly if I’m the GM, when I grump mercilessly at myself! Here’s a list; I’ll discuss them in more detail afterward.</p>
<p>1. Coherent presentation: Did the GM present the story, setting, critters and NPCs in a way that the players could understand?</p>
<p>2. Adjust to the table: Did the GM modulate the game (within appropriate limits) to meet the play style and experience level of the players?</p>
<p>3. Monitor player engagement: Did the GM ensure that all players had a chance to contribute? Were certain players allowed to dominate the table? Did the GM encourage the reticent players? Were the players given the space to introduce themselves and their characters early in the session? If some players are repeating the scenario, did the new kids get the chance to drive?</p>
<p>Discussion:</p>
<p>1. This item could probably fit in Category 3. I want to mention that successful presentation is sometimes at odds with Category 4 (run as written) in the following way: sometimes, scenarios do a terrible job of presenting information to players in a coherent fashion at appropriate times. For example, I recently ran a table of 10-16 that I am not proud of. I’d prepped it, but hadn’t realized, until I was deep into the session, that it gives out information in the wrong order. For the story to work, the players should start with the recorded version of events, then uncover the truth. The scenario isn’t written that way, and, worse, gates the few drabs of the “official” story behind knowledge checks. Run-as-written is important, but the next time I’m running this scenario, I’m doing it differently. Otherwise, the story falls flat. And, yeah, I’ll die on this hill.</p>
<p>More generally, this category covers things like going beyond box text to make sure that players understand what they’re looking at, especially in complex environments; or giving extra background on NPCs, events, or locations, so that the players have appropriate context for the adventure.</p>
<p>2. Unlike point (1), I’m really not talking here about deviating from the published adventure. But a GM can (and should) adjust tone and (to a certain extent) challenge to fit the group and the scenario. By “tone,” I mean things like the amount and depth of roleplaying and the level of silliness and meta-references the GM allows or instigates. As for “challenge,” it is obviously verboten to change encounter design, but it is often possible to make things more or less deadly while still following stated tactics. And, please, try not to kill the one new player at the table right off the bat.</p>
<p>3. This probably goes in Category 3. Though that category is starting to feel a bit bloated. Oh, and it’s important that we not ding GMs for getting saddled with problem players. Y’all know what I’m talking about.</p>
<p>On that note, I’d like to make a general plea for leniency. Some issues are beyond a GM’s control. The real measure is how they dealt with the challenge. And let’s be nice to the folks who, for example, got a con schedule of a whole bunch of Pathfinder prior to running a Starfinder review table, then try for a 5-foot-step. It happens.</p>
<p>Finally, I think Category 4, “Run As Written,” calls for some discussion. Let’s crank open that can of worms. How do we prioritize running a good game vs. sticking to the script, particularly when faced with incoherent, contradictory, or plot-hole-laden scenarios? To what extent ought we to stick to complex special mechanics rather than taking a more freeform approach, when we know the former is likely to be frustrating? There’s a reason, for example, why social combat encounters have become increasingly pared down over time. Is it acceptable—better, even—to apply that strategy when running earlier scenarios? Should we disregard tactics in order to spare the characters of inexperienced players? That sort of thing. I’m curious to see what people think.</p>I’m glad that this thread has finally emerged! I’m definitely in the “Qualitative Aspect” camp—not so much as a gatekeeping function than as a means to spur us to get better at what we do. So, cheers to the Powers that Be for putting this scheme together! This is not to say that I don’t appreciate many of the concerns that have been raised. The most important question for me is whether the new standards move us to collectively raise our game as GMs, or whether they just add more hoops and...Aaron Tysen2019-05-30T16:24:43ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: #10-16: What The Helms HideAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42imf?1016-What-The-Helms-Hide#302019-05-16T15:08:31Z2019-05-16T15:08:31Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Steven Schopmeyer wrote:</div><blockquote> All quest series are only worth 1 XP, no matter how many quests you complete. </blockquote><p>Right, of course. That'll teach me to post while tired. I blame the decaf.Steven Schopmeyer wrote:All quest series are only worth 1 XP, no matter how many quests you complete.
Right, of course. That'll teach me to post while tired. I blame the decaf.Aaron Tysen2019-05-16T15:08:31ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: #10-16: What The Helms HideAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42imf?1016-What-The-Helms-Hide#282019-05-16T02:25:32Z2019-05-16T02:25:32Z<p>Speaking of borked chronicle sheets, how much XP is this thing actually worth? The chart makes it appear as if it’s always only one point.</p>Speaking of borked chronicle sheets, how much XP is this thing actually worth? The chart makes it appear as if it’s always only one point.Aaron Tysen2019-05-16T02:25:32ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Origins ins and OutsAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42jtp?Origins-ins-and-Outs#32019-05-02T20:41:44Z2019-05-02T18:26:05Z<p>Event Reg goes live Saturday. You can see the event grid on the Origins website. Just navigate to Events. The area is pretty flat. The hotel hike is easy with a Roller Bag of Holding.</p>Event Reg goes live Saturday. You can see the event grid on the Origins website. Just navigate to Events. The area is pretty flat. The hotel hike is easy with a Roller Bag of Holding.Aaron Tysen2019-05-02T18:26:05ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: New March Pathfinder Society Scenarios!Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sgjn?New-March-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios#222019-03-21T18:05:32Z2019-03-21T18:05:32Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">John Compton wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Cyrad wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">roysier wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Robert Hetherington wrote:</div><blockquote> Thank you all for helping dispel my 7/10th of my confusion. </blockquote>..Obviously he regenerated those lost fingers using divine magic to avoid being recognized. </blockquote><p>But that's like if One-Eyed Willy grew a new eye!
</p>
Two-Eyed Willy just doesn't have the same ring to it... </blockquote><p>Yeah, well, the story they never tell you is that Willy was a cyclops.
<p>Suddenly Two-Eyed Willy is a lot more interesting. </blockquote><p>So... a bicyclops, then? •rimshot•John Compton wrote:Cyrad wrote: roysier wrote: Robert Hetherington wrote: Thank you all for helping dispel my 7/10th of my confusion.
..Obviously he regenerated those lost fingers using divine magic to avoid being recognized. But that's like if One-Eyed Willy grew a new eye!
Two-Eyed Willy just doesn't have the same ring to it... Yeah, well, the story they never tell you is that Willy was a cyclops. Suddenly Two-Eyed Willy is a lot more interesting. So... a bicyclops, then? *rimshot*Aaron Tysen2019-03-21T18:05:32ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: How many players for a scenario?Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42hjk?How-many-players-for-a-scenario#22019-02-26T19:13:08Z2019-02-26T19:13:08Z<p>Easy peasy. The scenarios designed for 6 have a 4-player adjustment built in. If you have 3, add a pregen to the party. Every lodge has a Kyra dispenser in the closet.</p>Easy peasy. The scenarios designed for 6 have a 4-player adjustment built in. If you have 3, add a pregen to the party. Every lodge has a Kyra dispenser in the closet.Aaron Tysen2019-02-26T19:13:08ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Pathfinder Society 2: GM Stars, Replay, and Boon CarryoverAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo6sgdh&page=3?Pathfinder-Society-2-GM-Stars-Replay-and-Boon#1102018-11-23T02:43:16Z2018-11-19T16:57:04Z<p>I'm going to squirrel, here. I don't care about boons. I don't care about star benefits carrying over. I am happy to retire all of my characters and start fresh.</p>
<p>I completely understand that those things are important to other folks. I just want to make the point that some (or at least one) of us aren't that worried about them.</p>
<p>What I do care about is whether or not PF2, when it arrives, gives us a fun game that I want to run and players want to play. To the extent that I care about replay, I am concerned only that we have enough content available to keep tables firing; there will be a dearth of scenarios for PF2 at the outset.</p>
<p>Personally, and I get that this is not a universal opinion, I'd rather the powers that be spent their limited resources hammering out more and better PF2 content than mucking about with boon carryover and such.</p>
<p>If that's the route they take, I will understand that this doesn't mean Paizo doesn't love me anymore, or that they don't value all the effort I've put into PFS to date. It just means that they're focused on supporting the game which, unless something really weird happens, is going to be the core of organized play in the future. And that's a good thing.</p>I'm going to squirrel, here. I don't care about boons. I don't care about star benefits carrying over. I am happy to retire all of my characters and start fresh.
I completely understand that those things are important to other folks. I just want to make the point that some (or at least one) of us aren't that worried about them.
What I do care about is whether or not PF2, when it arrives, gives us a fun game that I want to run and players want to play. To the extent that I care about replay,...Aaron Tysen2018-11-19T16:57:04ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Playtest: Anathema in PFS.Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42a26?Anathema-in-PFS#282018-10-06T22:03:33Z2018-10-04T15:02:25Z<p>I hope that PF2 will have more nuanced rules regarding anathemas vs the playtest. It's not unlikely that the brief, hard-line rules we have now are a function of page count restrictions.</p>
<p>Failing that (or possibly in addition to that), I also hope that PFS finds a way to soft pedal anathema. As it stands, the current rules lean more toward creating OOC drama than they do interesting roleplaying. <i>Pace</i> Bob, bringing different characters is not a particularly robust solution—not everyone has a deep roster to select from and it is generally not obvious which characters would be poor fits for a given mission ahead of time. Plus, drama again.</p>
<p>Judging by the posts above, there isn't much push among players for a hard interpretation of anathema. Do we have a consensus? Does anyone want a strict rule here? If so, why? Genuinely curious.</p>
<p>Finally, shifting gears a bit, I would ask that we not discuss anathema conflicts in terms of ethics—unless you're a strict deontologist, they really aren't all ethical problems. They're just a question of whether you've followed the bylaws of (Insert Deity) Club. In other words, we're not asking anyone, especially GMs, to make calls about what is "right" or "good," merely whether specific strictures have been violated. By putting the problem in an ethical framework, we again stir up unnecessary drama.</p>I hope that PF2 will have more nuanced rules regarding anathemas vs the playtest. It's not unlikely that the brief, hard-line rules we have now are a function of page count restrictions.
Failing that (or possibly in addition to that), I also hope that PFS finds a way to soft pedal anathema. As it stands, the current rules lean more toward creating OOC drama than they do interesting roleplaying. Pace Bob, bringing different characters is not a particularly robust solution--not everyone has a...Aaron Tysen2018-10-04T15:02:25ZForums: Skills, Feats, Equipment & Spells: Out of Combat Only Healing ItemAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs429qy?Out-of-Combat-Only-Healing-Item#12018-09-13T20:41:19Z2018-09-13T20:41:19Z<p>Is there a design space for an item—magical or alchemical—that provides significant healing (so is resonance-efficient), cheaper than equivalent wands/potions/scrolls, but which can only be used outside of combat? Maybe something that requires you to sit perfectly still for a full minute before it takes effect. If you're interrupted, you lose the charge (or the item, if they're one shot). Alternately, it could provide very gradual healing that
<br />
breaks on strenuous action by the recipient.</p>
<p>My intent is to provide some between-encounter healing to extend the adventuring day. Also, it's a fun opportunity for an evil GM to interrupt the PCs while they take five. Muhahaha.</p>
<p>A spell that did something similar could work, too. I suppose the much-maligned Infernal Healing did something similar (as it took a while to deliver its full effect); the effect would be increased hp/spell slot efficiency, with the drawback that it won't save you in a fight.</p>
<p>I'm not convinced these are good ideas, just something to play around with.</p>Is there a design space for an item--magical or alchemical--that provides significant healing (so is resonance-efficient), cheaper than equivalent wands/potions/scrolls, but which can only be used outside of combat? Maybe something that requires you to sit perfectly still for a full minute before it takes effect. If you're interrupted, you lose the charge (or the item, if they're one shot). Alternately, it could provide very gradual healing that
breaks on strenuous action by the recipient.
...Aaron Tysen2018-09-13T20:41:19ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: Table credit, GM Stars, and Novas all disappearedAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v9xx?Table-credit-GM-Stars-and-Novas-all-disappeared#72018-08-24T18:32:15Z2018-08-08T18:19:19Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Lambertz wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Aaron Tysen wrote:</div><blockquote> I’m missing my GM stars as well. “Refresh Points” did not fix the issue. I am the sad. </blockquote>Hey Aaron, unfortunately, without more details our team doesn't have much to go on to help with this issue. If you could point to specific event IDs, counts, or any specific information that will enable us to troubleshoot this error, please that info to webmaster@paizo.com. </blockquote><p>And now they’re displaying. Previously, I showed a table count and venture-agent status, but no stars (even when downloading my ID card). But it seems that the gremlins have moved on to mess with someone else. Thanks for taking a look at this!Chris Lambertz wrote:Aaron Tysen wrote: I’m missing my GM stars as well. “Refresh Points” did not fix the issue. I am the sad.
Hey Aaron, unfortunately, without more details our team doesn't have much to go on to help with this issue. If you could point to specific event IDs, counts, or any specific information that will enable us to troubleshoot this error, please that info to webmaster@paizo.com. And now they’re displaying. Previously, I showed a table count and venture-agent status, but...Aaron Tysen2018-08-08T18:19:19ZForums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Feedback: Raiders of Shrieking Peak GM feedbackAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2vb2u?Raiders-of-Shrieking-Peak-GM-feedback#12018-08-08T18:14:29Z2018-08-08T18:14:29Z<p>I ran this puppy six times at GenCon. It was a blast! Thanks to my many players for a good time! I wish I had known (prior to doing the survey) that it is only possible to do it once; I would have tried to give answers more reflective of the overall play experience. The session I had in mind when I did the survey was a bit of an outlier with respect to time. With that in mind, lemme give some more detailed feedback.</p>
<p>Spoiler city follows:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>I’m going to wrap this text wall up with three comments that are very not specific to the playtest scenario. First, the three-action economy is great. The players were nearly always able to do something useful with every action. Once things got hot, it often felt like not-quite-enough to do what they wanted, which is probably the sweet spot! It forced tough choices, but still let characters do cool things.</p>
<p>Second, dropping AOOs made for faster, more fluid combats. Yay!</p>
<p>Third... resonance. So much grumble before the game got started. Much less as the game went on. The only character that ever felt checked by resonance was the pregen alchemist, which was probably ok, as that’s his limiting resource. And this was mostly because his starting allocation was low on bombs. The players who adjusted his loadout before heading off into the woods had (as I recall) plenty of boom-boom.</p>
<p>Once again, thanks to my lovely players, and thanks to the creative folks who put this bad boy together.</p>I ran this puppy six times at GenCon. It was a blast! Thanks to my many players for a good time! I wish I had known (prior to doing the survey) that it is only possible to do it once; I would have tried to give answers more reflective of the overall play experience. The session I had in mind when I did the survey was a bit of an outlier with respect to time. With that in mind, lemme give some more detailed feedback.
Spoiler city follows:
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler
...Aaron Tysen2018-08-08T18:14:29ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: Table credit, GM Stars, and Novas all disappearedAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v9xx?Table-credit-GM-Stars-and-Novas-all-disappeared#52018-08-07T18:11:22Z2018-08-07T15:05:31Z<p>I’m missing my GM stars as well. “Refresh Points” did not fix the issue. I am the sad.</p>I’m missing my GM stars as well. “Refresh Points” did not fix the issue. I am the sad.Aaron Tysen2018-08-07T15:05:31ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Why all the hate of Janira Gavix?Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v5r9?Why-all-the-hate-of-Janira-Gavix#172018-05-24T17:13:21Z2018-05-24T17:13:21Z<p>Janira 4eva! Run well, she's a fabulous, in-character way to introduce new players to the sorts of threats and countermeasures they need to know about but might not expect. Be ready for swarms; always bring rope and light sources. Run from things you can't handle. And go down swinging!</p>Janira 4eva! Run well, she's a fabulous, in-character way to introduce new players to the sorts of threats and countermeasures they need to know about but might not expect. Be ready for swarms; always bring rope and light sources. Run from things you can't handle. And go down swinging!Aaron Tysen2018-05-24T17:13:21ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Playtest: Request: Unlimited 1e replayAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uycc&page=2?Request-Unlimited-1e-replay#882018-04-30T18:48:56Z2018-04-30T18:48:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">nosig wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
So, any suggestions on how to modify/change/etc. the suggested procedure? </p>
<p></blockquote><p>I figure you could get by with a blogpost or language in whatever document governs future seasons similar to: "All Season 0 scenarios are eligible for replay, once each as a player and GM. This replay does not count against those granted by other sources (GM Stars, the Expanded Narrative Boon, etc.). No character can ever have more than one copy of the same chronicle sheet attached to it."
<p>Then a year on, you alter it to "Seasons 0 and 1" and so forth.</p>
<p>Either way, it's just a different mechanical implementation of the same basic premise, and it's the premise I'm fighting for. :)</p>
<p>Another complication: it would be possible to restrict replay to those who played the scenario prior to the unlock (to restrict replay to the old hands), but I'm not advocating for that.</p>
<p>Of course, in my dream world, the old scenarios would be re-released in a remastered version. But that's probably a terrible use of the devs time. Maybe a Greatest Hits album?</p>nosig wrote:So, any suggestions on how to modify/change/etc. the suggested procedure?
I figure you could get by with a blogpost or language in whatever document governs future seasons similar to: "All Season 0 scenarios are eligible for replay, once each as a player and GM. This replay does not count against those granted by other sources (GM Stars, the Expanded Narrative Boon, etc.). No character can ever have more than one copy of the same chronicle sheet attached to it." Then a year on,...Aaron Tysen2018-04-30T18:48:56ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Playtest: Request: Unlimited 1e replayAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uycc&page=2?Request-Unlimited-1e-replay#842018-04-29T15:46:13Z2018-04-29T15:46:13Z<p>How much do I love that idea, Nosig? Lots! Not that it needs to be implemented in exactly that way, but a gradual unlock of scenarios for replay (once, as if they were an entirely new thing) is awesome. I think I’d still disallow putting the same scenario (even if it were renumbered) on the same character. Because that’s just silly.</p>How much do I love that idea, Nosig? Lots! Not that it needs to be implemented in exactly that way, but a gradual unlock of scenarios for replay (once, as if they were an entirely new thing) is awesome. I think I’d still disallow putting the same scenario (even if it were renumbered) on the same character. Because that’s just silly.Aaron Tysen2018-04-29T15:46:13ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Playtest: First Edition Boons in Second Edition Pathfinder SocietyAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0lu&page=3?First-Edition-Boons-in-Second-Edition#1212018-04-18T16:14:51Z2018-04-18T16:14:51Z<p>Stepping back from the specific discussion of convention boons, I'd like to chime in on the original question about boon carryover into PFS2. First: Wow! Some folks really are really invested in their boons (or lack thereof). Me, not so much. I'll be able to use anything I'm really excited about between now and the time PFS1 winds down; and anything else, well, I wasn't that excited about it to begin with. So, really, any of the proposed solutions would work for me. Of course, not everyone feels the same way. Which is why it is important to get to a solution as close to right as possible. But it's also important to get clear about our goals.</p>
<p>If there's anything that (I hope) we all want, it's this: a happy, fun community going forward. The old guard needs to feel valued, and the new kids need to feel welcome. We're going to have to compromise on this one, folks, and we can't be bitter about it. The question we need to ask ourselves isn't so much "What's fair to me?" as "What's best for the game?" We're going to have to give up some of our old toys, even the ones we GM'd our butts off for/traded for/cut a check to a charity for, or risk making the new folks feel left out.</p>
<p>This isn't because the leadership stoppped valuing us, or doesn't want us to have nice things. It's because we can't walk into a fresh campaign with a giant pile of nice things that aren't available to all the new players that we (I hope) want very much to attract and retain. Plus, obviously, there are lots of boons that will simply be mechanically obsolesced by changes in the rules.</p>
<p>That isn't to say that there shouldn't be some value carried over from our legacy boons. I fully support some sort of trade-in option. But it will have to be at a reduced rate, and probably amortized over the first year or two of the campaign, to ensure that we are all, new players and old alike, given the chance to progress at a similar pace.</p>
<p>I hope this made some sort of sense, and that I haven't made too many fresh enemies.</p>Stepping back from the specific discussion of convention boons, I'd like to chime in on the original question about boon carryover into PFS2. First: Wow! Some folks really are really invested in their boons (or lack thereof). Me, not so much. I'll be able to use anything I'm really excited about between now and the time PFS1 winds down; and anything else, well, I wasn't that excited about it to begin with. So, really, any of the proposed solutions would work for me. Of course, not everyone...Aaron Tysen2018-04-18T16:14:51ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Can owlbear animal companions use the statistics of a grizzly bear?Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v1wg?Can-owlbear-animal-companions-use-the#222018-04-16T22:22:32Z2018-04-16T17:55:44Z<p>Owl your bears are belong to us!</p>Owl your bears are belong to us!Aaron Tysen2018-04-16T17:55:44ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Playtest: Lawful Evil for PFS 2.0Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uzd0&page=2?Lawful-Evil-for-PFS-20#602018-03-17T04:28:57Z2018-03-16T17:59:19Z<p>I’m firmly in the “no” camp on this one. To be fair, I agree with the idea upthread that PF2 would do well to jettison the alignment system entirely. But, if the system remains, “no evil” is a very, very useful shorthand way of setting expectations for players in the campaign, specifically that while they need not be shining beacons of virtue, active villainy is unacceptable.</p>
<p>To those who are advocating allowing evil alignments, other than writing “E” on your character sheet, what is it you want to do that is currently prohibited? Are those behaviors really out of scope for an “N,” and, if so, are they still appropriate for a public game with strangers? I’m honestly curious, here.</p>I’m firmly in the “no” camp on this one. To be fair, I agree with the idea upthread that PF2 would do well to jettison the alignment system entirely. But, if the system remains, “no evil” is a very, very useful shorthand way of setting expectations for players in the campaign, specifically that while they need not be shining beacons of virtue, active villainy is unacceptable.
To those who are advocating allowing evil alignments, other than writing “E” on your character sheet, what is it you...Aaron Tysen2018-03-16T17:59:19ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Hello allAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uw85?Hello-all#32018-02-20T23:31:44Z2018-02-20T23:31:44Z<p>I see your confusion. On the Pathfinder Society Roleplaying Guild Guide page, hit the "Add To Cart" button below the picture of the guide. That will drop the guide into your My Downloads page, where you will (finally) be able to download it.</p>
<p>Welcome aboard!</p>I see your confusion. On the Pathfinder Society Roleplaying Guild Guide page, hit the "Add To Cart" button below the picture of the guide. That will drop the guide into your My Downloads page, where you will (finally) be able to download it.
Welcome aboard!Aaron Tysen2018-02-20T23:31:44ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Legendary Spirits in PFSAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uvpn?Legendary-Spirits-in-PFS#22018-02-14T01:42:14Z2018-02-14T01:42:14Z<p>Unless I’m missing something, Legendary Spirits are simply not allowed in PFS (as they are not listed in Additional Resources).</p>Unless I’m missing something, Legendary Spirits are simply not allowed in PFS (as they are not listed in Additional Resources).Aaron Tysen2018-02-14T01:42:14ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Deeper Darkness Interaction ClarificationSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uu68?Deeper-Darkness-Interaction-Clarification#22018-01-23T17:52:00Z2018-01-23T17:52:00Z<p>As written, no to both. Deeper Darkness is not Darkness—the “functions as darkness” is rules shorthand. On the other hand, if your GM is nuts enough to let you play a Drow in the first place, you could probably make the case for allowing it to work that way. Also, just as a note, be sure to pick up “see in darkness” somehow, otherwise you’ll be blinding yourself when you turn off the lights.</p>As written, no to both. Deeper Darkness is not Darkness—the “functions as darkness” is rules shorthand. On the other hand, if your GM is nuts enough to let you play a Drow in the first place, you could probably make the case for allowing it to work that way. Also, just as a note, be sure to pick up “see in darkness” somehow, otherwise you’ll be blinding yourself when you turn off the lights.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2018-01-23T17:52:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Adventure Authors and immunity to IntimidateSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2utgz?Adventure-Authors-and-immunity-to-Intimidate#372018-01-18T04:53:01Z2018-01-11T03:31:21Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">RealAlchemy wrote:</div><blockquote> Just remember the timer on when the target will treat the intimidating character as unfriendly and report the party to the authorities. A party who goes around intimdating everything indiscrimately could end up cooling their heels in a cell. </blockquote><p>Which brings us to one of the problems with using Intimidate as a social tool in PFS: the GM rarely has the resources (in terms of encounter blocks) or the permission to deploy an appropriate response to PCs threatening the hell out of the locals. Yes, it would be better to include that kind of contingency response in scenarios, but it's not necessarily a good use of page count and developer time. Failing that, it makes sense, I think, to simply declare, as appropriate, that a straightforward use of Intimidate will not achieve the party's objective in particular cases.RealAlchemy wrote:Just remember the timer on when the target will treat the intimidating character as unfriendly and report the party to the authorities. A party who goes around intimdating everything indiscrimately could end up cooling their heels in a cell.
Which brings us to one of the problems with using Intimidate as a social tool in PFS: the GM rarely has the resources (in terms of encounter blocks) or the permission to deploy an appropriate response to PCs threatening the hell out of...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2018-01-11T03:31:21ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: First Time playing.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uqyk?First-Time-playing#32017-11-28T01:26:04Z2017-11-28T01:26:04Z<p>Flutter,</p>
<p>Check the "The Guide to Pathfinder Society" link in your guide. It's borked.</p>
<p>Cheers.</p>Flutter,
Check the "The Guide to Pathfinder Society" link in your guide. It's borked.
Cheers.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-11-28T01:26:04ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: [Contest] Here Be Monsters 4: Out of the Primal WorldAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ului&page=2?Contest-Here-Be-Monsters-4-Out-of-the-Primal#942017-10-16T20:56:34Z2017-10-16T20:56:34Z<p>Woot! Congrats, Kim!</p>Woot! Congrats, Kim!Aaron Tysen2017-10-16T20:56:34ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: [Contest] Here Be Monsters 4: Out of the Primal WorldAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ului&page=2?Contest-Here-Be-Monsters-4-Out-of-the-Primal#632017-10-09T20:49:38Z2017-10-09T19:53:10Z<p>Thanks and a raised glass to the judges for your careful commentary!</p>Thanks and a raised glass to the judges for your careful commentary!Aaron Tysen2017-10-09T19:53:10ZRe: Forums: Online Play: Play-by-Post Gameday VI: Ask the Organized Play Team PanelSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2umrr&page=2?PlaybyPost-Gameday-VI-Ask-the-Organized-Play#662017-09-30T15:26:46Z2017-09-30T15:19:50Z<p>Hi gang! Thanks for taking the time to engage our curiosity! Just one question: what motivates the inclusion of unusual mechanics (chases, Influence, verbal duels, etc.) in scenarios? Are they generally part of a design brief, or the author's invention?</p>Hi gang! Thanks for taking the time to engage our curiosity! Just one question: what motivates the inclusion of unusual mechanics (chases, Influence, verbal duels, etc.) in scenarios? Are they generally part of a design brief, or the author's invention?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-09-30T15:19:50ZForums: Website Feedback: New PFS Page is LovelySabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ume1?New-PFS-Page-is-Lovely#12017-09-21T21:56:36Z2017-09-21T21:56:36Z<p>Title says it all. Sooo pretty!</p>Title says it all. Sooo pretty!Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-09-21T21:56:36ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: June, July, and August 2017 Additional ResourcesSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2um8v?June-July-and-August-2017-Additional-Resources#392017-09-21T13:01:28Z2017-09-21T13:01:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cyrad wrote:</div><blockquote> Gloves of improvised might are legal! Rejoice for today improvised weapon builds are finally viable! </blockquote><p>The important question is whether the bonus applies to the quality of the grog in the barrrel. That swill you lug around tastes like ogre feet.Cyrad wrote:Gloves of improvised might are legal! Rejoice for today improvised weapon builds are finally viable!
The important question is whether the bonus applies to the quality of the grog in the barrrel. That swill you lug around tastes like ogre feet.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-09-21T13:01:28ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: How do you handle recreating maps from modules?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2um0n?How-do-you-handle-recreating-maps-from-modules#32017-09-19T18:14:23Z2017-09-17T17:41:00Z<p>I'll often print out a copy of the full map on a standard sized page and reveal it as the party explores the dungeon. When a fight happens, we move to the full-size grid, where I've sketched (or can quickly draw) the battle area. This saves effort and prevents the tedium of moving models every time anybody does anything.</p>I'll often print out a copy of the full map on a standard sized page and reveal it as the party explores the dungeon. When a fight happens, we move to the full-size grid, where I've sketched (or can quickly draw) the battle area. This saves effort and prevents the tedium of moving models every time anybody does anything.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-09-17T17:41:00ZRe: Forums: Advice: How to make a magic item with an interesting history?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ulrw?How-to-make-a-magic-item-with-an-interesting#22017-09-14T15:49:10Z2017-09-14T15:49:10Z<p>If the items are meant to be legendary, introduce the legends in advance, preferably well before the party stumbles across them. Hopefully, the players will be excited to discover something they've been hearing about since they first started clearing giant rats out of basements. Of course, if you need an adventure hook, you could have them specifically go out looking for the items. The legends don't have to be about the items themselves; it would be fun to find gear that once belonged to famous adventurers of old. I know I'd be thrilled to find a cloak with Durvin Gest's nametag sewn into the lining.</p>
<p>Another approach would be to slow burn the reveal. It turns out (stop me if you've heard this one) that the simple Ring of Invisibility you've had for years does interesting things if you chuck it into the fireplace.</p>
<p>Object reading and similar abilities open up some interesting possibilities in the form of fragmentary impressions you can seed with clues about other mysteries the PCs might be investigating.</p>If the items are meant to be legendary, introduce the legends in advance, preferably well before the party stumbles across them. Hopefully, the players will be excited to discover something they've been hearing about since they first started clearing giant rats out of basements. Of course, if you need an adventure hook, you could have them specifically go out looking for the items. The legends don't have to be about the items themselves; it would be fun to find gear that once belonged to...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-09-14T15:49:10ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: **Official** Gen Con 50 Feedback ThreadAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ujjn&page=4?Official-Gen-Con-50-Feedback-Thread#1712017-09-01T21:26:03Z2017-09-01T21:26:03Z<p>Hoo! What a ride! GenCon was great. Is it next year yet? Thanks to all for their hard work, and to my players for putting up with me.</p>
<p>On to the meaty stuff: I'll start with the overnight slots, as Bob has asked about them specifically. I had a lot of fun running them; I wish my third late night slot had fired. I would definitely do overnights again. There is a certain joy in playing in a near-empty Sagamore, especially after the chaos of the specials. As a personal note: I apologize for getting stroppy with a player at one point. My feedback for myself includes taking more deep breaths next year.</p>
<p>I was a big fan of the little breaks during the specials. It's nice to be able to run to the Little GM's Room without feeling like I'm putting my individual table on hold.</p>
<p>Signage was greatly improved this year, kudos to the leadership. And I know you guys are still working on it. Would it be possible (or even helpful) to mark mustering areas with, say, colored tape on the floor? I know that you can't put up Tensabarriers, but it might be helpful to direct people to, for example, the red or blue zone. If you were feeling really crazy, and this is pure spitballing, you could even have videos looping on wall-mounted screens outside the Sag, similar to the ones used in airports to explain security procedures.</p>
<p>After my non-firing 2 AM slot, I got to help clean up the Sagamore. That's cool, somebody has to do it. But I was, frankly, astounded at the sloppiness of my fellow gamers. Can it be part of the GM's responsibility to make sure that they (and their players) clean up their messes before they leave? Starburst purveyors, I'm looking at you in particular. This is something that could be communicated in the GM instructions, which brings me to my next topic.</p>
<p>I understand the motivation behind breaking information down into a series of small chunks, sent out over several weeks. I don't know whether it worked, though I hope it did. The downside was that it made searching for any particular bit of information that I needed while at the con much more difficult. Might I suggest a single handy-dandy-can't-live-without-it GenCon GM guide sent as a single PDF in addition to all of the other messages? It could go out whenever, but would warehouse all the policies and procedures in a single place that would be easier to navigate.</p>
<p>Judging by the AAR, it seems that some GMs were caught flat-footed by tables of new players, or players playing at unfamiliar level ranges for which they (the players) were unprepared. I agree with Tonya that this is ultimately a GM training issue. I don't think a structural solution (e.g. mustering new players only to certain tables or GMs) is practical or called for. But I do think that the solution begins with a friendly warning, early in the GM email packets, that these sorts of situations can and will crop up and directing them to helpful resources.</p>
<p>I guess what I'm suggesting is language like this:
<br />
"At GenCon, you may run into some unfamiliar, challenging situations, such as:
<br />
<ul><li>groups of brand new players<li>people playing pregens in unfamiliar level ranges<li>larger table sizes than you're used to <li>other things that I can't remember</ul></p>
<p>If any of these possibilities make you nervous, have a chat with your local Venture Officers, they're sure to have some helpful tips. Or check out this (LINK) here."</p>
<p>After all, there's plenty of expertise in the PFS community; the trick is to encourage GMs to engage those resources ahead of time.</p>
<p>One final note on communication, and I'm very serious about this: tone is important! I found the GM newsletters abrasive and condescending. I think the writers were going for "businesslike" but ended up with "harsh." Please take more care next year.</p>Hoo! What a ride! GenCon was great. Is it next year yet? Thanks to all for their hard work, and to my players for putting up with me.
On to the meaty stuff: I'll start with the overnight slots, as Bob has asked about them specifically. I had a lot of fun running them; I wish my third late night slot had fired. I would definitely do overnights again. There is a certain joy in playing in a near-empty Sagamore, especially after the chaos of the specials. As a personal note: I apologize for...Aaron Tysen2017-09-01T21:26:03ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Slug SlippersSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ui5u?Slug-Slippers#82017-08-08T15:45:46Z2017-08-08T15:45:46Z<p>I really like the concept behind this item. It could be useful in the hands of a clever player, and it's a bit icky—definitely not something you'd want to wear around the house. I think the design direction you've indicated could use a bit of massaging. For what it's worth, I'll give it a shot.</p>
<p>You probably don't want to have the slippery slime effect active all the time. Anyone wearing the slippers would be permanently banished to the back of the marching order, and greasing up the party's backtrail sounds kinda dangerous. You don't want to have to keep constant track of the exact squares the wearer moved through, especially if the trail's duration is short enough that you're also tracking round-by-round slime removal.</p>
<p>I suppose a character could get around the problem by changing shoes, if you don't mind the inevitable Mr. Rogers references.</p>
<p>How committed are you to the speed reduction aspect of the slippers? It certainly fits the theme of the item, but it also moves it further into joke territory. "They're sluggish! Get it?" Movement speed is important and I wouldn't penalize it lightly. Allowing the item to scale in utility with speed doesn't strike me as a bad idea.</p>
<p>So, with all that in mind, here's my quick pass at statting these slimy slippers up. I've added an always-on effect, providing both a benefit and a drawback, and put some limitations on the full-on slime trail.</p>
<p><b>Sluggish Slippers</b>
<br />
<b>Aura</b> faint abjuration; <b>CL</b> 7th
<br />
<b>Slot</b> feet; <b>Price</b> 4000 gp; <b>Weight</b> 1 lb.
<br />
<b>Description</b>
<br />
These slughide slippers are the color of old snot and faintly warm to the touch. When worn, they leave behind a thin trail of slime, which decays after an hour but provides a +2 circumstance bonus to anyone attempting to track the wearer. A character wearing the slippers suffers no penalties for walking across greasy or slimy surfaces, including the effects of <i>Grease</i>. The slippers provide no particular benefit when traversing ice or similar sheer surfaces.</p>
<p>Three times a day, the wearer can activate the slippers, causing them to spew out copious quantities of slime. The wearer's current square, and any other squares she walks through, are coated in slippery goo, to a total distance of 60 ft. Slimed squares are treated as if affected by <i>Grease</i>. The slime lasts for one minute after the slippers are activated. This ability can only be used while standing on a solid surface.
<br />
<b>Construction Requirements</b> Craft Wondrous Item, <i>Freedom of Movement, Grease</i>; <b>Cost</b> 2000 gp</p>I really like the concept behind this item. It could be useful in the hands of a clever player, and it's a bit icky—definitely not something you'd want to wear around the house. I think the design direction you've indicated could use a bit of massaging. For what it's worth, I'll give it a shot.
You probably don't want to have the slippery slime effect active all the time. Anyone wearing the slippers would be permanently banished to the back of the marching order, and greasing up the party's...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-08-08T15:45:46ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Vent my friends. Let me hear your worst DM stories.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ostg&page=8?Vent-my-friends-Let-me-hear-your-worst-DM#3572017-07-19T17:07:40Z2017-07-18T15:24:04Z<p>Any other insecure GMs looking for descriptions of their own games in this thread? Anyway, I'll share a campfire tale of gaming horror. I can't give any backstory, because nothing in the game made any sense whatsoever. We always had the feeling that somehow the story worked in the GM's head, but only he and the voices understood it. </p>
<p>For some reason or other, we were on a really long overland journey. We spent a couple of weeks wandering through an endless prairie. Eventually, we hit a really wide river. The GM informed us that our chances of swimming to the far side were nil, it was so wide. We were first, maybe second level and had no magical resources suitable for the task.</p>
<p>So, fine, we decided to build a raft. No trees! Anywhere. I'm from Kansas. I know from prairie. If there's a river like that, there are going to be trees around it. Nope. Eventually, we got the GM to admit that we had passed at least one tree a week or so back. Great! We turned around and walked for a week, cut down the lone tree, and hauled it back to the river. We weren't able to make a raft out of it, because reasons, so we lined up along one side of the log and kicked our way across the river. The GM insisted that our plan wouldn't work because we'd get dragged downstream. Of course, we didn't care where we ended up on the far bank (it was apparently also featureless prairie), so we explained about vectors and made our way across.</p>
<p>As I recall, we made the trip several times, hauling the stupid log around everywhere we went.</p>
<p>Not sure why I stuck the campaign out for more than one session. Probably because it was too fascinating a train wreck to look away from. Eventually, we found a bag of devouring. My character wore it as a hat, hoping it would eat him. The GM never took the hint.</p>Any other insecure GMs looking for descriptions of their own games in this thread? Anyway, I'll share a campfire tale of gaming horror. I can't give any backstory, because nothing in the game made any sense whatsoever. We always had the feeling that somehow the story worked in the GM's head, but only he and the voices understood it.
For some reason or other, we were on a really long overland journey. We spent a couple of weeks wandering through an endless prairie. Eventually, we hit a really...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-07-18T15:24:04ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Scenario calls for skill check, do you roll all options or only one?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ug7g?Scenario-calls-for-skill-check-do-you-roll#482017-07-11T20:36:59Z2017-07-11T15:40:48Z<p>I will absolutely allow a PC to attempt all relevant Knowledge skills on a post-briefing Knowledge check. Knowledge isn't only testing recall, it's testing whether you ever learned something in the first place. Each skill represents a separate expenditure of time and effort (and precious skill points) acquiring information. Maybe I nodded off in History class whilst we were discussing Tar-Baphon's imprisonment, but that doesn't mean I wasn't paying attention in my Geography lesson on the Isle of Terror. Furthermore, there is usually little point in playing coy with those checks. Generally, they're providing context, rather than hints. Context is good, it helps keep scenarios from being "Generic Dungeon #19".</p>
<p>In the case of allowing multiple checks to overcome an obstacle, it is not metagaming to attempt various options, insofar as the various skills represent different approaches to the obstacle, all of which are apparent to the characters. For example: I'm faced with a door, secured by a runic puzzle, for which the relevant skills are Linguistics, Knowledge (Engineering) and Disable Device. I have a choice: I can try to suss out the runes, ignore the runes and rely on my expertise in sliding puzzle mechanisms, or I can pull out my tool kit and jimmy the thing. My player knowledge of the three skill choices directly represents my character's understanding of the challenge. Giving me those options is a shorthand description of the situation.</p>
<p>As for the example upthread of the dead body and the bugs, would a successful Heal check notice the insects? If not, I would allow a Perception check as well, maybe calling for one automatically if the poor healer had to kneel down in the middle of a swarm to work. Not a Swarm swarm, of course. That would be a Fortitude save.</p>I will absolutely allow a PC to attempt all relevant Knowledge skills on a post-briefing Knowledge check. Knowledge isn't only testing recall, it's testing whether you ever learned something in the first place. Each skill represents a separate expenditure of time and effort (and precious skill points) acquiring information. Maybe I nodded off in History class whilst we were discussing Tar-Baphon's imprisonment, but that doesn't mean I wasn't paying attention in my Geography lesson on the Isle...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-07-11T15:40:48ZForums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: OPC Log—7 Sarenith 4717Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5ljvi?OPC-Log-7-Sarenith-4717#22017-06-08T21:47:44Z2017-06-08T21:00:58Z<p>Congratulations to all of y'all, but an extra big personal shout-out from me to our local yokels, Heather Vigil and David Setty! You rock.</p>Congratulations to all of y'all, but an extra big personal shout-out from me to our local yokels, Heather Vigil and David Setty! You rock.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-06-08T21:00:58ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: 06-22 Out of Anarchy [SPOILERS!]Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2segh&page=2?0622-Out-of-Anarchy-SPOILERS#702017-05-30T22:42:59Z2017-05-30T22:42:59Z<p>I put together some handouts for my players before running this last week and chucked them (the handouts, not the players) onto PFSprep: <a href="http://pfsprep.com/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?2412.last" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> Link </a> </p>
<p>The first is a little guide that Poppo drew up to help his Passfinder friends keep track of their quarry's secret identities. They can take notes on it. Or not.</p>
<p>The second is a set of broadsheets attributed to the mysterious Printsmith, who needs some introduction prior to Olandil's big reveal. Perhaps the PCs can find them posted here and there as they explore the town?</p>I put together some handouts for my players before running this last week and chucked them (the handouts, not the players) onto PFSprep: Link
The first is a little guide that Poppo drew up to help his Passfinder friends keep track of their quarry's secret identities. They can take notes on it. Or not.
The second is a set of broadsheets attributed to the mysterious Printsmith, who needs some introduction prior to Olandil's big reveal. Perhaps the PCs can find them posted here and there as...Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-05-30T22:42:59ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: PFS Authors (In-game characters)Garner Stoneford (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p9rb?PFS-Authors#182017-04-08T14:01:12Z2017-04-07T17:15:27Z<p>I've been submitting the reports of my investigations, the <i>Stoneford Files</i>, to the Decemvirate for years. I can happily report that the resultant rejection letters have provided a comfortable layer of extra insulation for my shack. Stay tuned for my latest installment, "Grandmaster Torch's Disappearing Soap," which should be completed just as soon as I remember to stop drinking the ink.</p>I've been submitting the reports of my investigations, the Stoneford Files, to the Decemvirate for years. I can happily report that the resultant rejection letters have provided a comfortable layer of extra insulation for my shack. Stay tuned for my latest installment, "Grandmaster Torch's Disappearing Soap," which should be completed just as soon as I remember to stop drinking the ink.Garner Stoneford (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-04-07T17:15:27ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Can PC cast spell during the downtime?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u93b&page=2?Can-PC-cast-spell-during-the-downtime#662017-03-26T16:42:48Z2017-03-26T16:42:48Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tallow wrote:</div><blockquote>I'm mostly concerned about the implications of showing up to a game fully charged for abilities that are supposed to soak up daily limit things to be able to do. It negates the daily limitation if you come pre-charged. </blockquote><p>You could also evade your daily limit by bringing along things like scrolls, wands, and potions. Are spell-storing items so much more efficient, in terms of action or gold economy, as to warrant extra concern?Tallow wrote:I'm mostly concerned about the implications of showing up to a game fully charged for abilities that are supposed to soak up daily limit things to be able to do. It negates the daily limitation if you come pre-charged.
You could also evade your daily limit by bringing along things like scrolls, wands, and potions. Are spell-storing items so much more efficient, in terms of action or gold economy, as to warrant extra concern?Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-03-26T16:42:48ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Sacred and Profane bonuses to ACSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u462?Sacred-and-Profane-bonuses-to-AC#352017-01-12T00:18:03Z2017-01-11T20:36:29Z<p>Pretty sure that when the gods teamed up to imprison Rovagug, there was some serious sacred/profane buff stacking going on.</p>
<p>Similar things happen, I suspect, when LN orders of Hellknights or Abadar's Church Militant get stuck in.</p>Pretty sure that when the gods teamed up to imprison Rovagug, there was some serious sacred/profane buff stacking going on.
Similar things happen, I suspect, when LN orders of Hellknights or Abadar's Church Militant get stuck in.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-01-11T20:36:29ZForums: Website Feedback: AP 113 misfiled on My DownloadsSabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u456?AP-113-misfiled-on-My-Downloads#12017-01-10T21:38:27Z2017-01-10T21:38:27Z<p>AP 113 is showing up under "Paizo-other" rather than in Strange Eons on the My Downloads page.</p>AP 113 is showing up under "Paizo-other" rather than in Strange Eons on the My Downloads page.Sabretooth Turtle (alias of Aaron Tysen)2017-01-10T21:38:27ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Magic Weapon +10 cap and Deliquescent GlovesAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u43k?Magic-Weapon-10-cap-and-Deliquescent-Gloves#32017-01-10T05:58:27Z2017-01-10T05:58:27Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Gallant Armor wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Quick question; Are the abilities added by <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/e-g/gloves-deliquescent" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Deliquescent Gloves</a> and <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic-items/wondrous-items/wondrous-items/e-g/gloves-demonic-smith-s" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Demonic Smith's Gloves</a> included in the +10 magic weapon cap?</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Given that "[a] single weapon cannot have a modified bonus (enhancement bonus plus special ability bonus equivalents, including those from character abilities and spells) higher than +10" (from the PRD), I'd say no. The corrosive or flaming ability is a special ability bonus equivalent.
<p>Linkage <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/coreRulebook/magicItems/weapons.html#weapons" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here</a></p>Gallant Armor wrote:Quick question; Are the abilities added by Deliquescent Gloves and Demonic Smith's Gloves included in the +10 magic weapon cap?
Given that "[a] single weapon cannot have a modified bonus (enhancement bonus plus special ability bonus equivalents, including those from character abilities and spells) higher than +10" (from the PRD), I'd say no. The corrosive or flaming ability is a special ability bonus equivalent. Linkage HereAaron Tysen2017-01-10T05:58:27ZRe: Forums: Advice: PFS Character Build Legality CheckAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u3z1?PFS-Character-Build-Legality-Check#22017-01-07T21:31:36Z2017-01-07T21:31:36Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Mathos Crus wrote:</div><blockquote> I am planning to play this character in PFS in a couple weeks. I usually use PCGen to build my characters, but the Living Grimoire is a bit too new right now for PCGen to have included it. Could some people please double check it and make sure that it is legal? </blockquote><p>Additional Resources gives all archetypes from Horror Adventures as legal, apart from a long list that does not include Living Grimoire, so, yes.Mathos Crus wrote:I am planning to play this character in PFS in a couple weeks. I usually use PCGen to build my characters, but the Living Grimoire is a bit too new right now for PCGen to have included it. Could some people please double check it and make sure that it is legal?
Additional Resources gives all archetypes from Horror Adventures as legal, apart from a long list that does not include Living Grimoire, so, yes.Aaron Tysen2017-01-07T21:31:36ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: #8–07 From the Tome of Righteous Repose GM Thread [SPOILERS]Aaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tzer&page=2?8-07-From-the-Tome-of-Righteous-Repose-GM#942016-12-23T03:03:51Z2016-12-23T03:03:51Z<p>I'm prepping this one now and have been trying to figure out what a "bloody öeld" is (from Handout #1). Turns out, it's a "field," but the font garbles the characters. Silly font.</p>I'm prepping this one now and have been trying to figure out what a "bloody öeld" is (from Handout #1). Turns out, it's a "field," but the font garbles the characters. Silly font.Aaron Tysen2016-12-23T03:03:51ZRe: Forums: Advice: 1st time GM needing helpAaron Tysenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ttem?1st-time-GM-needing-help#32016-08-01T18:43:03Z2016-08-01T18:43:03Z<p>I second Turelus's recommendation of RotR. And constraining your own design space is a good idea, especially your first time out of the gate.</p>
<p>Solo games are a unique challenge to balance. The standard Challenge Rating system assumes at least four players, so it won't help you too much. As a rule of thumb, I'd suggest that anything with a CR more than your brother's level +1 is a seriously mortal threat. I'd shoot for CRs two below his level as standard encounters. So at first level, CR 1/2 or 1/3.</p>
<p>The thing is, not only does a solo character have fewer actions per round than a team, but also a vastly narrower toolbox/bag of tricks.</p>
<p>Never be afraid to adjust a planned encounter on the fly, should you discover that you miscalculated its difficulty. Balance is a tricky thing; don't punish your players for design errors!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>I second Turelus's recommendation of RotR. And constraining your own design space is a good idea, especially your first time out of the gate.
Solo games are a unique challenge to balance. The standard Challenge Rating system assumes at least four players, so it won't help you too much. As a rule of thumb, I'd suggest that anything with a CR more than your brother's level +1 is a seriously mortal threat. I'd shoot for CRs two below his level as standard encounters. So at first level, CR 1/2...Aaron Tysen2016-08-01T18:43:03Z