paizo.com Recent Posts by Ciaran Barnespaizo.com Recent Posts by Ciaran Barnes2022-05-11T07:39:20Z2022-05-11T07:39:20ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: My GM needs some advice on dealing with a problem player.Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs43m8k?My-GM-needs-some-advice-on-dealing-with-a#42022-05-11T00:37:12Z2022-05-11T00:37:12Z<p>Sounds like a bad situation, the GM and the problem player being in a relationship. It’s cool that you want to help, but because the relationship, this is probably a thing they need to work out between themselves. My significant other is in a game I run and is not on my list of problem players. Having read this post, I am actually pretty grateful for that.</p>Sounds like a bad situation, the GM and the problem player being in a relationship. It’s cool that you want to help, but because the relationship, this is probably a thing they need to work out between themselves. My significant other is in a game I run and is not on my list of problem players. Having read this post, I am actually pretty grateful for that.Ciaran Barnes2022-05-11T00:37:12ZRe: Forums: Rules Discussion: Can you raise a broken shield? and is t worth it to have a shield?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42wqr?Can-you-raise-a-broken-shield-and-is-t-worth#422020-01-28T20:45:33Z2020-01-28T20:45:33Z<p>A raised shield saved our last character standing from dying yesterday. By extension, it saved the entire party. The reduced damage turned what would have been two rounds of combat into six, which gave him the time to land some hits of his own. I had been skeptical until now.</p>A raised shield saved our last character standing from dying yesterday. By extension, it saved the entire party. The reduced damage turned what would have been two rounds of combat into six, which gave him the time to land some hits of his own. I had been skeptical until now.Ciaran Barnes2020-01-28T20:45:33ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Regional Gods and Pantheon OversaturationCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42wst?Regional-Gods-and-Pantheon-Oversaturation#142020-01-27T14:47:04Z2020-01-27T14:47:04Z<p>Stick to core if you need to, and when you feel like it.</p>Stick to core if you need to, and when you feel like it.Ciaran Barnes2020-01-27T14:47:04ZRe: Forums: Advice: Strange play patterns during combat have emerged.Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42sr6?Strange-play-patterns-during-combat-have-emerged#132019-10-09T21:37:12Z2019-10-09T08:20:28Z<p>A GM should role play the enemies during combat too. The tactic described makes sense for gnolls or a thieves guild for example but not for standard orcs, unless they have some kind of tactically-minded leader strong enough to keep them all in line. I mean, their Int and Wis are lacking to they can be more physically competent.</p>A GM should role play the enemies during combat too. The tactic described makes sense for gnolls or a thieves guild for example but not for standard orcs, unless they have some kind of tactically-minded leader strong enough to keep them all in line. I mean, their Int and Wis are lacking to they can be more physically competent.Ciaran Barnes2019-10-09T08:20:28ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Homebrew Orc AncesteryCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42o2v?Homebrew-Orc-Ancestery#72019-10-03T04:17:07Z2019-10-03T04:17:07Z<p>Losing Con bonus seems suitable considering how orcs have been portrayed in cinema for many years. They tend to fall over dead pretty easily. Almost anything would be better than what the 3rd edition orcs got.</p>Losing Con bonus seems suitable considering how orcs have been portrayed in cinema for many years. They tend to fall over dead pretty easily. Almost anything would be better than what the 3rd edition orcs got.Ciaran Barnes2019-10-03T04:17:07ZRe: Forums: Advice: Familiar IdeasCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42q9p?Familiar-Ideas#72019-09-29T03:37:23Z2019-09-29T03:37:23Z<p>The familiar rules are simple by design, I get it, but too simple I think. Some land animals can climb and swim pretty well, for example, and my level 1 wizard’s cat familiar should probably have a better athletics bonus that +1. It’s not a big deal really but if I had designed this system I would have broken down familiars into general animal types like they did for animal companions. Not really as a power boost, but to introduce a little more variety. I think a duck familiar should play out differently from a cat or a snake.</p>The familiar rules are simple by design, I get it, but too simple I think. Some land animals can climb and swim pretty well, for example, and my level 1 wizard’s cat familiar should probably have a better athletics bonus that +1. It’s not a big deal really but if I had designed this system I would have broken down familiars into general animal types like they did for animal companions. Not really as a power boost, but to introduce a little more variety. I think a duck familiar should play out...Ciaran Barnes2019-09-29T03:37:23ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Understanding moneyCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42rwv?Understanding-money#242019-09-29T03:17:20Z2019-09-29T03:17:20Z<p>A skilled laborer gets paid 5 sp per day, so I’d think a bribe of 50 days of wages could be quite generous - depending on whats being asked for.</p>A skilled laborer gets paid 5 sp per day, so I’d think a bribe of 50 days of wages could be quite generous - depending on whats being asked for.Ciaran Barnes2019-09-29T03:17:20ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Detect Magic is getting tediousCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42s0d?Detect-Magic-is-getting-tedious#152019-10-02T12:40:32Z2019-09-29T03:11:24Z<p>I haven’t though of an algorithm method yet... just had my first 2e sessions a week ago. However, when something came up on the radar and I needed to isolate it, I immediately started wondering how I could triangulate its position. The GM recognized this and - seeking to avoid the ensuing monotony - hand-waived the process. I foresee some glossing over in our future.</p>I haven’t though of an algorithm method yet... just had my first 2e sessions a week ago. However, when something came up on the radar and I needed to isolate it, I immediately started wondering how I could triangulate its position. The GM recognized this and - seeking to avoid the ensuing monotony - hand-waived the process. I foresee some glossing over in our future.Ciaran Barnes2019-09-29T03:11:24ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Not enough backgrounds.Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42s5z?Not-enough-backgrounds#172019-09-29T03:08:17Z2019-09-29T03:08:17Z<p>Eh.</p>
<p>Maybe you’re looking for more powerful backgrounds?</p>Eh.
Maybe you’re looking for more powerful backgrounds?Ciaran Barnes2019-09-29T03:08:17ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Flying Ancestries, how to balance them?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42s6c?Flying-Ancestries-how-to-balance-them#232020-04-18T21:28:18Z2019-09-29T03:06:51Z<p>You could impose a maximum height the creature can fly to and/or make it a slow speed. Maybe a penalty to attack rolls while flying? </p>
<p>Feats could gradually make the character fast and agile while in flight.</p>You could impose a maximum height the creature can fly to and/or make it a slow speed. Maybe a penalty to attack rolls while flying?
Feats could gradually make the character fast and agile while in flight.Ciaran Barnes2019-09-29T03:06:51ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Hex CombatCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42goh?Hex-Combat#112019-02-06T15:45:29Z2019-02-06T15:45:29Z<p>You have a fudge a few things, but I’ve liked it when I’ve implemented it.</p>You have a fudge a few things, but I’ve liked it when I’ve implemented it.Ciaran Barnes2019-02-06T15:45:29ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Why do assassins have to be evil?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42cjr?Why-do-assassins-have-to-be-evil#72018-10-31T15:04:24Z2018-10-31T15:04:24Z<p>4-level spellcasting isn’t very impressive, and the assassin’s soellcasting audfered from ASF, which makes wearing armor tricky, which is not good for a weapon-wielding class.</p>4-level spellcasting isn’t very impressive, and the assassin’s soellcasting audfered from ASF, which makes wearing armor tricky, which is not good for a weapon-wielding class.Ciaran Barnes2018-10-31T15:04:24ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Poll: Are you Switching to 2e?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42c9f&page=2?Poll-Are-you-Switching-to-2e#802018-10-31T16:25:40Z2018-10-31T14:58:29Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dale McCoy Jr wrote:</div><blockquote> Tell us if you are switching from Pathfinder 1e to 2e (or anticipate doing so). Curious publishers want to know (what to support). </blockquote><p>I would like to thank you for calling it 2e and not 2.0.Dale McCoy Jr wrote:Tell us if you are switching from Pathfinder 1e to 2e (or anticipate doing so). Curious publishers want to know (what to support).
I would like to thank you for calling it 2e and not 2.0.Ciaran Barnes2018-10-31T14:58:29ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: It's a Round Earth Conspiracy!Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v8lo?Its-a-Round-Earth-Conspiracy#52018-08-09T13:58:50Z2018-08-09T13:58:50Z<p>In the Greyhawk setting, the sun and all the planets orbit around Greyhawk. What do you supposed that does to the other planets’ seasons? :D</p>In the Greyhawk setting, the sun and all the planets orbit around Greyhawk. What do you supposed that does to the other planets’ seasons? :DCiaran Barnes2018-08-09T13:58:50ZRe: Forums: Classes: Fighter Armor Proficiencies are rough for archersCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2vavl?Fighter-Armor-Proficiencies-are-rough-for#242018-08-08T14:23:19Z2018-08-08T14:23:19Z<p>Fighters choose a weapon group to focus on. They should also choose an armor type to focus on. I believe that most fighters will choose heavy armor, but I don’t think it should be the default.</p>Fighters choose a weapon group to focus on. They should also choose an armor type to focus on. I believe that most fighters will choose heavy armor, but I don’t think it should be the default.Ciaran Barnes2018-08-08T14:23:19ZRe: Forums: Advice: Building a true professional Rogue: Need some helpCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v8x2?Building-a-true-professional-Rogue-Need-some#72018-07-22T21:46:15Z2018-07-22T21:46:15Z<p>Oh, and use the unchained rogue so you get weapon finesse for free.</p>Oh, and use the unchained rogue so you get weapon finesse for free.Ciaran Barnes2018-07-22T21:46:15ZRe: Forums: Advice: Building a true professional Rogue: Need some helpCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v8x2?Building-a-true-professional-Rogue-Need-some#62018-07-22T21:45:30Z2018-07-22T21:45:30Z<p>The rogue already has loads of skills and skill points - and even more so with traits and a good Intelligence score. Playing a half elf improves skills too. I don’t see the perks of using this archetype worth giving up sneak attack. You can have sneak attack, and still have the best skill bonuses in your group. Being able to finish off an enemy is part of being a good team player.</p>The rogue already has loads of skills and skill points - and even more so with traits and a good Intelligence score. Playing a half elf improves skills too. I don’t see the perks of using this archetype worth giving up sneak attack. You can have sneak attack, and still have the best skill bonuses in your group. Being able to finish off an enemy is part of being a good team player.Ciaran Barnes2018-07-22T21:45:30ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Barbarian Archetype balance HelpCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v87j?Barbarian-Archetype-balance-Help#72018-07-21T04:59:19Z2018-07-21T04:58:00Z<p>I know what archetypes do, and most of them replace only a few features. Your changes are more significant and I think you would enjoy more creative freedom in putting together a new class. It’s difficult but people do it all the time. You have enough material to make a good start of it. Also, you would benefit from opening yourself discussing criticism instead of dismissing it.</p>I know what archetypes do, and most of them replace only a few features. Your changes are more significant and I think you would enjoy more creative freedom in putting together a new class. It’s difficult but people do it all the time. You have enough material to make a good start of it. Also, you would benefit from opening yourself discussing criticism instead of dismissing it.Ciaran Barnes2018-07-21T04:58:00ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Barbarian Archetype balance HelpCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v87j?Barbarian-Archetype-balance-Help#42018-07-18T03:27:11Z2018-07-18T03:27:11Z<p>This is a concept I am interested in. I have played a barbarian rogue, and have created something on the flip side of it - a nature themed rogue archetype. My thought on this overall is that you have made pretty significant changes to the base class. You’re bordering on creating a hybrid class, as opposed to an archetype.</p>
<p>SKILLS
<br />
The extra skill points and altered list are good, but I think the chosen skills need work. I like the idea of the barbarian sneaking around, but picking locks seems odd. Also, a barbarian without survival is a stretch off the imagination - to me at least.</p>
<p>PROFICIENCIES
<br />
I would actually be in favor of allowing all martial weapons, but if you want to have a custome list so as to put abilities elsewhere, don’t just use the rogue’s list. Why would a full-BAB class with a Strength boosting ability be using a hand crossbow, sap, and short sword? Perhaps rapier, longsword, warhammer, scimitar, and shortbow? Just an idea.</p>
<p>UNCANNY RAGE
<br />
I strongly suggest basing this on the unchained barbarian’s rage instead of the original CRB rage. I also suggest keying the duration off of Constitution. rage is physically demanding. I assuse this archetype stilll gets the the barbarian’s fast movement ability? You’ve slapped on an addition +20 ft. Seems like overkill, and at higher levels it gets higher. The monk also gets a significant speed boost, but the monk’s is an enhancement bonus. Perhaps yours could be the same.</p>
<p>TRAPFINDING
<br />
Trap sense seems a better fit to my imagination.</p>
<p>You stripped away quite a most of what makes the barbarian. It’s most work, but I think you should rewrite this as a new class instead of trying to force the concept into an existing one.</p>This is a concept I am interested in. I have played a barbarian rogue, and have created something on the flip side of it - a nature themed rogue archetype. My thought on this overall is that you have made pretty significant changes to the base class. You’re bordering on creating a hybrid class, as opposed to an archetype.
SKILLS
The extra skill points and altered list are good, but I think the chosen skills need work. I like the idea of the barbarian sneaking around, but picking locks seems...Ciaran Barnes2018-07-18T03:27:11ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Homebrew Class BalanceCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v81x?Homebrew-Class-Balance#22018-07-03T21:48:30Z2018-07-03T21:48:30Z<p>I cannot say with all certainty, but that sounds reasonable. Alternately you could check out this inquisitor archetype: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/inquisitor/archetypes/inquisitor-archetypes-paizo/sanctified-slayer" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SANCTIFIED SLAYER</a></p>I cannot say with all certainty, but that sounds reasonable. Alternately you could check out this inquisitor archetype:
SANCTIFIED SLAYERCiaran Barnes2018-07-03T21:48:30ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Critique My Class: DemonbrandCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v7ok?Critique-My-Class-Demonbrand#82018-06-30T13:05:07Z2018-06-30T13:05:07Z<p>Keep on making updates and I’ll weigh in again. I only commented on the 1st level features because the foundation of the class is important. And it was getting late.</p>Keep on making updates and I’ll weigh in again. I only commented on the 1st level features because the foundation of the class is important. And it was getting late.Ciaran Barnes2018-06-30T13:05:07ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Critique My Class: DemonbrandCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v7ok?Critique-My-Class-Demonbrand#62018-06-30T04:53:31Z2018-06-30T04:53:31Z<p>Saving Throws
<br />
Just change these progressions to match the rangers: goof fort/ref, bad will. Two of your current progressions occur -nowhere- in Paizo classes. I imagaine you are toying with 1st level balance, but don’t bother trying this with standardized progressions.</p>
<p>Demon Tattoo
<br />
Is it a tattoo or a presence? I’m not clear on this. If the character literally gets a demonic tattoo, does it have to be visible to gain the bonuses? Untyped bonuses aren’t necessarily wrong, but they can be useful for balance. As written this sounds like a circumstance bonus, but this bonus type is typically only handed out by the GM as a result of an in-game situation. The weird thing about this feature is that it makes it harder for the character for Intimidate lawful and good characters. This is my opinion of course, but that seems counter to what I believe the intent fo the feature is.</p>
<p>Possession
<br />
Why can’t he wear armor or use a shield? Do the demons forbid it? The characters AC is going to suck badly. Not good for a melee character. Why is the duration exactly four rounds? The healing progression is odd to me, but I don’t have a suggestion to better it at this time. Why does the healing not occur when you use a bow specifically? Does it trigger with a crossbow? What about a blowgun or a sling? Perhaps you mean to say that that ranged attacks don’t count? When the character’s uses of this feature are used up, he cannot use mental-based skills until he rests. How long does he have to rest? 4 rounds? 8 hours? 8 hours would be a terrible choice. After one fight, the character is basically done role-playing. I don’t think that’s your intent.</p>
<p>Devotion
<br />
I don’t like it. Expect for specific cases from the earler material available for the game, the design of Pathfinder is intended to allow easy multi-classing. Assigning the morale type to the bonuses already disallows stacking it with rage, so that’s taken care of. Though I’m not sure morale is appropriate. You make this sound like a physical transformation.</p>
<p>Unholy Weapon
<br />
I’m not a fan. The war priest only gets something like this because he doesn’t start out with a +1 BAB. A feature like this should be a selectable option. Not the default at 1st level. Some demons have a favored weapons like dagger.</p>Saving Throws
Just change these progressions to match the rangers: goof fort/ref, bad will. Two of your current progressions occur -nowhere- in Paizo classes. I imagaine you are toying with 1st level balance, but don’t bother trying this with standardized progressions.
Demon Tattoo
Is it a tattoo or a presence? I’m not clear on this. If the character literally gets a demonic tattoo, does it have to be visible to gain the bonuses? Untyped bonuses aren’t necessarily wrong, but they can be...Ciaran Barnes2018-06-30T04:53:31ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: RabbitfolkCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v7v9?Rabbitfolk#102018-06-30T04:18:06Z2018-06-30T04:18:06Z<p>Meier,
<br />
You’re thinking of evasion. However, I also don’t feel that it appropriate as a racial feature. </p>
<p>Slim Jim,
<br />
I know that you are going for something more exotic here, but this race would be better utilized and easier to build as a bipedal humanoid.</p>Meier,
You’re thinking of evasion. However, I also don’t feel that it appropriate as a racial feature.
Slim Jim,
I know that you are going for something more exotic here, but this race would be better utilized and easier to build as a bipedal humanoid.Ciaran Barnes2018-06-30T04:18:06ZRe: Forums: Advice: Ranger animal companion which to get?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v70b?Ranger-animal-companion-which-to-get#62018-06-17T15:14:17Z2018-06-17T15:14:17Z<p>Because you say your GM prefers role-play over optimized combat, I wanted to say that there are other approaches to choosing an animal companion than attack power. I’m not at all saying that I’m above ACs who can lay down some damage...</p>
<p>If you think you will be in town role-playing quite a bit, you may do well to choose a domesticated animal. They will blend in better than a cheetah, for example. A bird can easily be sent to the skies for safety and can easily zip around during combat to provide a flank. A badger is not a strong choice, but it has climb and burrows speeds and can rage. Kind of fun. A dog can hang out on the street waiting for you, and while it is not as bad ass as a wolf or cheetah, it is a well rounded companion. A dire rat has both a swim and climb speed.</p>
<p>Your AC might have the fewest hit points in the party, so you might consider how well it defends instead of how well it attacks. You could look for something with decent hit points and armor class. If it doesn’t present itself as a threat, the GM will likely attack it less often. In this case, it can provide flanks for the melee combatants in the party. </p>
<p>I’m kind of partial to the elephant, but its not as flashy as some other companions.</p>Because you say your GM prefers role-play over optimized combat, I wanted to say that there are other approaches to choosing an animal companion than attack power. I’m not at all saying that I’m above ACs who can lay down some damage...
If you think you will be in town role-playing quite a bit, you may do well to choose a domesticated animal. They will blend in better than a cheetah, for example. A bird can easily be sent to the skies for safety and can easily zip around during combat to...Ciaran Barnes2018-06-17T15:14:17ZRe: Forums: Advice: How would you run an "monster" campaign?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v6zl?How-would-you-run-an-monster-campaign#52018-06-17T14:54:04Z2018-06-17T14:54:04Z<p>What kind of undead will the characters be?</p>What kind of undead will the characters be?Ciaran Barnes2018-06-17T14:54:04ZRe: Forums: Advice: How would you run an "monster" campaign?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v6zl?How-would-you-run-an-monster-campaign#22018-06-17T01:20:46Z2018-06-17T01:20:46Z<p>I have run and played in “monster campaigns”, but the monsters were gnolls, goblins, orcs, etc. Undead would be new territory for me. Sounds like an interesting premise though.</p>
<p>It sounds like the characters would all be evil. Are your players down for this? Do you think they can handle it? Some players can play evil well, others can not. Some players use it as an excuse to be a murderous sociopath or wot not. I’ve seen it done, and while its amusing in the short term its not something of want for a campaign. Besides, this demon boss would have chosen minions who are in it for the long term victory - not just for thrills. I supppose your group could have a mix of traits, but the demon boss would still want reliable minions.</p>
<p>I don’t think you need to start them at level 5 or higher. It could be that they begin at level 1 and must regain the power they once had. There should be additional undead emtombed, so one of them can awaken that when one of the characters is robbed of its undead life force.</p>
<p>Looks like you have a good starting point for missions. Just keen brainstorming, and maybe take suggestions from your players. You can draw inspiration from prewritten advantures as well - just flip the hooks from good guy stuff to bad guy stuff.</p>I have run and played in “monster campaigns”, but the monsters were gnolls, goblins, orcs, etc. Undead would be new territory for me. Sounds like an interesting premise though.
It sounds like the characters would all be evil. Are your players down for this? Do you think they can handle it? Some players can play evil well, others can not. Some players use it as an excuse to be a murderous sociopath or wot not. I’ve seen it done, and while its amusing in the short term its not something of...Ciaran Barnes2018-06-17T01:20:46ZRe: Forums: Homebrew: Suggest Actions for a Ship's "First Officer"Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v6xg?Suggest-Actions-for-a-Ships-First-Officer#52018-06-16T17:07:54Z2018-06-16T17:07:54Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Claxon wrote:</div><blockquote> First Officer, is basically just another "captain" mechanically. They're in charge when the captain is indisposed or away.</blockquote><p>If we look at the various Star Trek series as cinematic depictions of starships and their crews, the captain and first officer always have different approaches to handling things. A mechanical ways to simulate this could be to come up with some captain-like abilities that are Wisdom or Intelligence based.Claxon wrote:First Officer, is basically just another "captain" mechanically. They're in charge when the captain is indisposed or away.
If we look at the various Star Trek series as cinematic depictions of starships and their crews, the captain and first officer always have different approaches to handling things. A mechanical ways to simulate this could be to come up with some captain-like abilities that are Wisdom or Intelligence based.Ciaran Barnes2018-06-16T17:07:54ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: My 2 cents: DruidsCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v3wo?My-2-cents-Druids#42018-04-30T00:23:31Z2018-04-30T00:23:31Z<p>Gain a few levels and things will work themselves out.</p>Gain a few levels and things will work themselves out.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-30T00:23:31ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: What's the reason behind the decision to make Combat Maneuver Defense so outrageously difficult to hit?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v3g0?Whats-the-reason-behind-the-decision-to-make#112018-04-27T12:08:08Z2018-04-27T12:08:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Brofessor X wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I have a player who is pissed because he made a melee grappling character with 18 STR, Combat Maneuver Focus (Grapple), and +1 BAB. He has a +9 to grapple opponents. With ncs having and average 22 combat maneuver defense, he has to roll a 14 or higher to grapple. Thats a 30% chance to succeed when he spent a feat to be the best at this. That's so silly. I was mad for him.</p>
<p>The CMD and CMB system in Pathfinder worked way better than this. What is the reasoning for such a ridiculous DC? </blockquote><p>I recommend changing CMD from KAC +8 to KAC +5.Brofessor X wrote:I have a player who is pissed because he made a melee grappling character with 18 STR, Combat Maneuver Focus (Grapple), and +1 BAB. He has a +9 to grapple opponents. With ncs having and average 22 combat maneuver defense, he has to roll a 14 or higher to grapple. Thats a 30% chance to succeed when he spent a feat to be the best at this. That's so silly. I was mad for him.
The CMD and CMB system in Pathfinder worked way better than this. What is the reasoning for such a...Ciaran Barnes2018-04-27T12:08:08ZRe: Forums: Advice: Shovel-themed WarriorCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v3fn?Shovelthemed-Warrior#342018-04-27T00:56:52Z2018-04-27T00:56:52Z<p>I’ve never seen any shovel-knight media, but stumbled across a pic a few years back and was briefly infatuated with the idea of creating and playing such a character. Such a fun picture. Ultimately I did not, because well... its kind of silly. :)</p>I’ve never seen any shovel-knight media, but stumbled across a pic a few years back and was briefly infatuated with the idea of creating and playing such a character. Such a fun picture. Ultimately I did not, because well... its kind of silly. :)Ciaran Barnes2018-04-27T00:56:52ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Allow Gnoll?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v2xi?Allow-Gnoll#322018-04-25T03:51:11Z2018-04-25T03:51:11Z<p>I have enjoyed playing a few “monster” races in the past, but it is a bit odd to me that multiple should become core races. Eh. I’m interested to see what becomes of it.</p>
<p>Maybe this is a long term effect of the two sides in WoW.</p>I have enjoyed playing a few “monster” races in the past, but it is a bit odd to me that multiple should become core races. Eh. I’m interested to see what becomes of it.
Maybe this is a long term effect of the two sides in WoW.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-25T03:51:11ZRe: Forums: Advice: What can one find on a boat?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v30a?What-can-one-find-on-a-boat#92018-04-23T18:27:01Z2018-04-23T18:25:51Z<p>Ok. Sound like you have thought this out, but my next question is why are the two PCs five levels apart? That’s how we sometimes did things back in 1st and 2nd ed. and that doesn’t sound like fun to me for the lower level character’s player.</p>Ok. Sound like you have thought this out, but my next question is why are the two PCs five levels apart? That’s how we sometimes did things back in 1st and 2nd ed. and that doesn’t sound like fun to me for the lower level character’s player.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-23T18:25:51ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Dumb ways to DieCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uvet&page=3?Dumb-ways-to-Die#1102018-05-11T05:38:34Z2018-04-23T17:30:39Z<p>When we played skull and shackles, one of the characters literally drank himself to death in a drinking contest. The player was aware of how much constitution damage he had taken, and kept on going.</p>When we played skull and shackles, one of the characters literally drank himself to death in a drinking contest. The player was aware of how much constitution damage he had taken, and kept on going.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-23T17:30:39ZRe: Forums: Advice: What can one find on a boat?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v30a?What-can-one-find-on-a-boat#42018-04-23T02:12:58Z2018-04-23T02:12:58Z<p>Why do you want some of the NPC’s to be such a level? What level is the adventuring party? Perhaps the captain and a couple others would be capable characters, but I think the rest of the crew should be fairly low level. Lower than fifth. What level is the adventuring party? Perhaps the captain and a couple others would be capable characters, but I think the rest of the crew should be fairly low level. Lower than fifth. Once they have enough magic available to them, sailing around on a ship just doesn’t seem practical anymore. Teleportation and flight would become the norm.</p>Why do you want some of the NPC’s to be such a level? What level is the adventuring party? Perhaps the captain and a couple others would be capable characters, but I think the rest of the crew should be fairly low level. Lower than fifth. What level is the adventuring party? Perhaps the captain and a couple others would be capable characters, but I think the rest of the crew should be fairly low level. Lower than fifth. Once they have enough magic available to them, sailing around on a ship...Ciaran Barnes2018-04-23T02:12:58ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Allow Gnoll?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v2xi?Allow-Gnoll#142018-04-23T12:07:43Z2018-04-22T17:56:16Z<p>There are some serious problems if you role-play how NPCs would respond to a gnoll. At least in most traditional fantasy settings, he might not be allowed through the town gate or into inns and shops. Many/most “civilized” humanoids would see a humanoid monster, and one more dangerous than goblins and kobolds. The mechanical benefits have a cost in that sense. I have played some monstrous humanoids in the past, and they were not treated the same as the core races. It’s your setting though, so anything is possible.</p>There are some serious problems if you role-play how NPCs would respond to a gnoll. At least in most traditional fantasy settings, he might not be allowed through the town gate or into inns and shops. Many/most “civilized” humanoids would see a humanoid monster, and one more dangerous than goblins and kobolds. The mechanical benefits have a cost in that sense. I have played some monstrous humanoids in the past, and they were not treated the same as the core races. It’s your setting though, so...Ciaran Barnes2018-04-22T17:56:16ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Revising the Core ClassesCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v02r?Revising-the-Core-Classes#112018-04-18T00:42:15Z2018-04-18T00:42:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">John Lynch 106 wrote:</div><blockquote><i>Combat Reflexes:</i> A fighter may make 2 additional Attacks of Opportunity each round. This can be taken multiple times.</blockquote><p>A draft of one of my fighter rewrites allowed you to choose between several options as an alternative to Bravery. Adding the bravery bonus to the number of AoOs that can be made in a round was one, a bonus to a skill of choice was another, etc.John Lynch 106 wrote:Combat Reflexes: A fighter may make 2 additional Attacks of Opportunity each round. This can be taken multiple times.
A draft of one of my fighter rewrites allowed you to choose between several options as an alternative to Bravery. Adding the bravery bonus to the number of AoOs that can be made in a round was one, a bonus to a skill of choice was another, etc.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-18T00:42:15ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Homebrewing a mouse familiarCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v1on?Homebrewing-a-mouse-familiar#22018-04-10T05:54:37Z2018-04-10T05:54:37Z<p>Use rat.</p>Use rat.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-10T05:54:37ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Balancing a Homebrew Animal CompanionCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v1d2?Balancing-a-Homebrew-Animal-Companion#42018-04-07T01:01:44Z2018-04-07T01:01:44Z<p>Why do you want to reinvent the animal companion system? I think that losing favored enemy is reasonable to lose, but losing spells too might be too much unless you also give some other abilities at higher levels.</p>Why do you want to reinvent the animal companion system? I think that losing favored enemy is reasonable to lose, but losing spells too might be too much unless you also give some other abilities at higher levels.Ciaran Barnes2018-04-07T01:01:44ZRe: Forums: Conversions: Dread Necromancer: Thoughts?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0q1?Dread-Necromancer-Thoughts#32018-04-04T18:11:55Z2018-04-01T23:52:57Z<p>As far as a direct 3.5 to PF conversion goes, sure it looks pretty decent. However, I think the GITP poster should have done a rewrite keeping in line with the spirit of the class. I would use a class like the alchemist of summoner as a framework. 6 levels of spells with a bunch of class features. Some of the higher-level necromancy spells would be lower level for this new class and thus accessible. Using the summoner as a base, you could “summon” undead creatures on the fly. If there are corpses around then they would be more powerful. You could also have an undead minion like the eidolon. The alchemist has an undead-centered archetype and you could find some ideas in there. Charnel touch is a waste. By the time it goes up to d8 (plus nothing) the character will probably not be wasting time with touch attacks. At least a cleric’s domain power that give an attack get to add 1/2 level. The idea of this feature is good, but mechanically it stinks. In the spirit of PF classes, there should be a list of talents that the player gets to choose from as levels are gained.</p>As far as a direct 3.5 to PF conversion goes, sure it looks pretty decent. However, I think the GITP poster should have done a rewrite keeping in line with the spirit of the class. I would use a class like the alchemist of summoner as a framework. 6 levels of spells with a bunch of class features. Some of the higher-level necromancy spells would be lower level for this new class and thus accessible. Using the summoner as a base, you could “summon” undead creatures on the fly. If there are...Ciaran Barnes2018-04-01T23:52:57ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Do you like it when bad things happen to your character?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uzvy?Do-you-like-it-when-bad-things-happen-to-your#312018-03-30T21:00:06Z2018-03-30T21:00:06Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">DRD1812 wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">SteelGuts wrote:</div><blockquote> I would rather be « screwed » in roleplay than by a Death Glyph and a 1 on the save roll. </blockquote><p>I thought about this a bit more since I posted. My wife recently lost a elf rogue to a massive crit. Happily, her adopted dwarven brother had reincarnate handy. She came back as a dwarf, which decidedly NOT her vision for the character.
<p>In that sense, I think it's not so much RP vs. sudden onset death syndrom. Rather, it's important to feel like you made a conscious choice that lead to the bad stuff. </blockquote><p>On both occasions over the years that a character of mine has been reincarnated, he came back as a dwarf. The first was previously a goblin archer and the second a half-elf cha caster. In both case the character suffered mechanically, but there were also some role-playing challenges and I think that can be worth it.DRD1812 wrote:SteelGuts wrote: I would rather be « screwed » in roleplay than by a Death Glyph and a 1 on the save roll.
I thought about this a bit more since I posted. My wife recently lost a elf rogue to a massive crit. Happily, her adopted dwarven brother had reincarnate handy. She came back as a dwarf, which decidedly NOT her vision for the character. In that sense, I think it's not so much RP vs. sudden onset death syndrom. Rather, it's important to feel like you made a conscious choice...Ciaran Barnes2018-03-30T21:00:06ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Pathfinder Campaign setting idea: Blood MagicCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0nx?Pathfinder-Campaign-setting-idea-Blood-Magic#102018-03-30T20:53:42Z2018-03-30T20:53:42Z<p>This could give rise to casters using other peoples’ hit points as well. Impractical during combat, but easy enough when there is time to perform a bloodletting ritual or a sacrifice. ;-)</p>This could give rise to casters using other peoples’ hit points as well. Impractical during combat, but easy enough when there is time to perform a bloodletting ritual or a sacrifice. ;-)Ciaran Barnes2018-03-30T20:53:42ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: What is your Best Character Backstory in 15 words or less?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uztr&page=2?What-is-your-Best-Character-Backstory-in-15#602018-03-31T18:51:12Z2018-03-27T13:03:13Z<p>Left home to become a ________. Ended up sex-crazed addict with ________ ________ instead.</p>Left home to become a ________. Ended up sex-crazed addict with ________ ________ instead.Ciaran Barnes2018-03-27T13:03:13ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Negative CON hit points questionCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0jt?Negative-CON-hit-points-question#42018-03-27T16:48:35Z2018-03-27T12:55:47Z<p>Warped Savant, that would be true for ability score damage but not when a creature’s base ability score is 9.</p>Warped Savant, that would be true for ability score damage but not when a creature’s base ability score is 9.Ciaran Barnes2018-03-27T12:55:47ZRe: Forums: Advice: Another sword and board threadCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0dq?Another-sword-and-board-thread#22018-03-27T06:29:19Z2018-03-25T23:03:45Z<p>My last sword & board tank was a barbarian with a rapier.</p>My last sword & board tank was a barbarian with a rapier.Ciaran Barnes2018-03-25T23:03:45ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Sniping/Rouge Unchained PFSCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0b9?SnipingRouge-Unchained-PFS#52018-03-25T21:27:15Z2018-03-25T21:27:15Z<p>It’s spelled rogue, not rouge.</p>It’s spelled rogue, not rouge.Ciaran Barnes2018-03-25T21:27:15ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: so.... what would you do to take from the war priest to merge with the clericCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2v0cd?so-what-would-you-do-to-take-from-the-war#42018-03-25T20:10:04Z2018-03-25T20:10:04Z<p>It doesn’t need a power boost, but its class features could stand to be more interesting or dynamic. Newer classes’ features are more “fun”. You could say a wizard has the same issue, but the wizard’s spell list is much more diverse.</p>It doesn’t need a power boost, but its class features could stand to be more interesting or dynamic. Newer classes’ features are more “fun”. You could say a wizard has the same issue, but the wizard’s spell list is much more diverse.Ciaran Barnes2018-03-25T20:10:04ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: Homebrew Class- ValkyrieCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uvt2?Homebrew-Class-Valkyrie#42018-02-19T19:09:32Z2018-02-19T19:09:32Z<p>I like the concept, but only criticism is helpful. Here we go.</p>
<p>REQUIREMENTS
<br />
I am familiar with Norse mythology and understand that Valkyrie were exclusively female. Still, I believe that gender requirements are counter to the way Pathfinder and most modern RPGs do things. Most people who would choose to play a female Valkyrie anyways, I think, but this could easily be reflavored to work in a different culture where gender isn’t important.</p>
<p>PROFICIENCIES
<br />
I don’t agree with handing out all exotic weapon proficiencies in two weapon groups at 1st level. There are already plenty of options in the simple and martial groups. If you want the class to be great with these weapon groups, then reduce the penalty for non-proficiency by 1, and then scale it up with level until the penalty is gone.</p>
<p>EDICT OF ODIN
<br />
Renaming this could be helpful so it is easier to fit into a game without Norse deities. Also, some of the specific edicts seems peculiar to me, given that the character is required to be non-lawful. Not impossible to role-play, but counter-intuitive. Just because Odin was probably chaotic neutral, that doesn’t mean all of his followers are.</p>
<p>CHOSEN WEAPON
<br />
I am not a fan of this type of class feature, particularly when chosen at 1st level. Who knows what kind of magic weapons will come to the character’s hands as they advance in level? Wouldn’t it suck to choose a favorite pole arm, and then later on come across a very powerful pole arm of a different type? I recommend doing away with this. Maybe take a cue from the unchained rogue’s weapon finesse feature where he gets to choose multiple weapons over the course of his career. I don’t think 1st level is the best time for this.</p>
<p>CHEAT DEATH
<br />
This is too overpowered for 1st level. Even with a modest Fort save you will have a reasonable chance of succeeding. I suggest raising the required level, and then changing the DC to reflection of the negative hit points the character would be at.</p>
<p>BATTLE TRAINED
<br />
Maybe begin with medium armor and then advance to heavy armor?</p>
<p>DEATHWATCH
<br />
This a so iconic to the Valkyrie, that I think it should be a spell-like ability used as a move action. Like the paladin’s detect evil class feature. It would not be overpowered to do so.</p>
<p>DIVINITY
<br />
The language needs revision for clarity. I know you don’t want to out of control, but I would suggest expanding the spell list a bit. The restoration spells would be in line, although maybe require material components be paid for. Spell-like abilities are not cast, they are used. I see no reason to enforce a caster level penalty. I think you should also speed up the advancement a -bit-. At 19th level, a Valkyrie may not have a whole round to stop to remove blindness.</p>I like the concept, but only criticism is helpful. Here we go.
REQUIREMENTS
I am familiar with Norse mythology and understand that Valkyrie were exclusively female. Still, I believe that gender requirements are counter to the way Pathfinder and most modern RPGs do things. Most people who would choose to play a female Valkyrie anyways, I think, but this could easily be reflavored to work in a different culture where gender isn’t important.
PROFICIENCIES
I don’t agree with handing out all...Ciaran Barnes2018-02-19T19:09:32ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: New Class: The ChannelerCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uw0n?New-Class-The-Channeler#42018-02-18T05:03:59Z2018-02-18T05:03:59Z<p>Three of Gozreh’s five domains have obscuring mist as their 1st level domain spell. I haven’t gone through all of the deity’s lists, but that’s an example from my personal experience. </p>
<p>If your intent is for channeling to be the primary feature wth spells as a secondary, I suggest switching to the bard’s spells per day progression. I don’t think it is fair to call 9-level spell casting a secondary feature. An experienced player who spends time researching and has access to sub-domains could come up with a potent selection of spells</p>
<p>I did a cleric rewrite last year with some of the same design goals as yours. I’ll share one piece of it. I got rid of the “+1” entries on the spells per day, and implanted a new feature for domain spells. This cleric had a pool of points (level + Cha) that were used to fuel various class features. He had access to all of the deity’s domains and could spontaneously cast a domain spell from any of those lists by spending points equal to the spell’s level. He had access to the powers of only one domain, but could switch each day. Anyway, just sharing.</p>Three of Gozreh’s five domains have obscuring mist as their 1st level domain spell. I haven’t gone through all of the deity’s lists, but that’s an example from my personal experience.
If your intent is for channeling to be the primary feature wth spells as a secondary, I suggest switching to the bard’s spells per day progression. I don’t think it is fair to call 9-level spell casting a secondary feature. An experienced player who spends time researching and has access to sub-domains could...Ciaran Barnes2018-02-18T05:03:59ZRe: Forums: Homebrew and House Rules: New Class: The ChannelerCiaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uw0n?New-Class-The-Channeler#22018-02-17T21:45:02Z2018-02-17T21:45:02Z<p>I don’t think that adding two extra uses of channel per level is necessary. It won’t take many levels before the extra uses are absolutely meaningless. This would change if there were ways to burn through additional uses of channel. For example, bumping the dice from d6 to d8 could require an extra channel. Using a channel power or domain power (such as dealing fire damage) could require an extra channel. Just examples.</p>
<p>I don’t like the way you are dealing with spells known. Depending on which domains are chosen, it is possible that a 1st level character knows literally one spell. I love that domains are to play a larger part in spell casting, but this is too restricting. At this moment, I don’t know of a solution that is a compromise between your spells known and standard spells known. While I’m on the subject, three domains at 1st level is probably too much too soon. I would recommend two, and then gain additional domains at higher levels until all are known.</p>I don’t think that adding two extra uses of channel per level is necessary. It won’t take many levels before the extra uses are absolutely meaningless. This would change if there were ways to burn through additional uses of channel. For example, bumping the dice from d6 to d8 could require an extra channel. Using a channel power or domain power (such as dealing fire damage) could require an extra channel. Just examples.
I don’t like the way you are dealing with spells known. Depending on...Ciaran Barnes2018-02-17T21:45:02ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: do you have to hold a scroll to use it?Ciaran Barneshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2uw02?do-you-have-to-hold-a-scroll-to-use-it#22018-02-17T06:22:22Z2018-02-17T06:22:22Z<p>Couldn’t an unattended scroll be used by someone else?</p>Couldn’t an unattended scroll be used by someone else?Ciaran Barnes2018-02-17T06:22:22Z