Dale McCoy Jr's page

Vancian necromancers will eclipse your power no more! Give your wordcaster the means to destroy or ward off undying terrors — or create such horrors for his own ends. Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words give you new spell words that harm undead, protect against undead, and create powerful undead creatures. This short supplement is a must-have for any wordcaster who faces off against zombie hordes and powerful liches — or who seeks to make one to do his own bidding.

This short supplement provides 10 new spell words for you to use with the Words of Power spellcasting system. Get this supplement today in either printer-friendly view or a laptop/tablet-friendly format. Download today from d20PFSRD, DriveThru/RPGNow and Paizo.

I'll be putting up the official announcement in a minute or two, but Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words is now available at d20PFSRD, DriveThru/RPGNow and Paizo.

And to answer your question Xein, Dexion1619 has it right. Both Command Undead and Control Undead are Sorcerer/Wizard only spells so we kept it the same here.

Now Available at Paizo.com

Author: Dale C. McCoy, Jr (Me)
Editor: Richard Moore
Pages: 5 (printer version), 7 (tablet version)
Number of spell words in this book: 10

I'm curious how you'd tackle cleaning up that keyword's use, and other target restrictions...

Short answer: good question.

Long answer: there are a good many questions like this that have not yet begun to ponder how I am going to do it. Best I can say right now involves a confused look and some mumbling.

Maybe I should start sacrificing babies to Orcus now.

Is your intention to see to players casting spells such as Wrack and Fire Blast to create a Fireball that also sickens, as a level 4 spell? Don't you think that, while the combination seems to suggest it should a full spell-level higher, that being able to combine effects like this is a major action economy advantage? Why, given this rule-change, would I ever NOT cast a spell that deals damage AND provides lasting status effects, for a higher spell cost? Why cast any Barrier, if instead you could use Wind Blast with any instantaneous damage spell, to create a superior effect?

I'm not going to get into hard commitments at this point (way, WAY too early for that), but my current line of thinking at the moment is that the odd level damage spells be instantaneous damage spells and the even number levels be a lower damage dealing spell but does duration. This is similar to how wall of fire deals much less damage than fireball, despite wall of fire being a higher level spell. This keeps the duration rule in place and allowing for high damage when you need it while allowing for damage spells to be combined with condition spells.

I didn't say that the barrier word should be removed. I mean that the grouping of words of "wall" should be removed. Why should fire wall not be a fire word? And for what reason (other than wall of fire is a vancian spell) can I not make a cone of fire that stays in a place for a while? Or a burst? The wall group each require the spell use the barrier word. Barrier requires it be grounded to a surface. Why can't I have a ball of fire hanging in the air? If a bunch of flying zombies are coming through a hole in the ceiling, why can't I place a duration ball of fire infront of the hole and weaken or eliminate them all? The rules as they stand right now forbid it for no good reason. That's what I want to fix.

Bit off-topic but:

One thing I really want to do with a Wordcaster is play as one in a long-ish running game purely for the excuse to create physical cards or runes or something to cast with. I just want to cast spells as if I'm casting bones or reading a fortune.

Interesting idea for an archetype. Maybe even a new class. Anybody elese have other ideas for archetypes/prestige classes/new classes that you feel is perfect for a wordcaster.

Cavalier Mounts was featured in today's Store Blog Post. Thank you Liz.

Just want to say thank you for mentioning Cavalier Mounts (available now at Paizo.com), Liz.

If I were allowed to completely redesign Words of Power, it would be a very different animal. It would have one word per school of magic, and a few different modifier words. The actual effects would hinge largely on the spellcaster's intent and the GM's interpretation of a fair translation of that intent. Of course, this is leaning heavily into GM fiat, which is the antithesis of "modern" gaming.

From what I've seen, the biggest complaint about WoP boils down to, "that is not how I would have made it."

What you are saying, Kthulhu, is exactly what I was talking about before. Everyone has their own idea of what the system actually should be. Heck, I shelved the rules for over a year after they came out. When I finally tried them, I realized they are a pretty good set of rules.

My group has never used the WoP because of the time it would take at the game table when you have someone wanting to change their words every round to find the "Perfect" combination for that round.

We have toyed with the idea of allowing it if the person had pre-made words ready when they sat at the game table. None of us have actually sat down and tried to play with them though,

I thought the same thing beforehand, but it really is no different than choosing burning hands vs fireball. As a 6th level sorcerer, you choose burning hands for the nameless numbskulls and fireball for the boss. As a 6th level wordcaster sorcerer you choice comes down to choosing to do damage of a 1st level spell (i.e. 5d4 fire damage) or 3rd level spell (i.e. 6d6 fire damage). Mind you, when you choose to do 3rd level damage, you can choose to use the 3rd level damage word or you can use two 1st level damage words (i.e. 3d4 fire plus 3d4 electricity). Using the mixed words deals less damage than using the full level word, but it is really nice to have if you do not know if the boss you are facing has fire resistance or electricity resistance or both or neither.

The system looks complex but it really is quite simple once you get the hang of it. See above on how the presentation of the WoP system gets in its way.

variety is what's needed. As in, more than ten spells : /

10 Undead Spell Words isn't meant to be a rules overhaul or clean-up. It's an expansion, in the same way that Book of Magic: Signature Spells 2 is an expansion of the vancian magic system.

But it is more than that. It is the first expansion of these rules. This is the first real test of interest in these rules. I've worked on enough projects where people expressed major interest online that sold so terribly that doing anything more with it was just throwing good money after bad (I'm not going to name specifics). I'm not doing that again.

Variety is what is needed, and it is getting that with this (albeit in a small way). But a major upgrade is not what it is going to get until it is proven to be commercially viable. I want to make a major upgrade. Help me do it by buying Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words when it comes out next week.

These 10 words are coming out on the 21st. So far a total of 13 people have posted on this thread expressing interest in Word of Power. Producing a larger project for 13 people isn't feasible. The PDF coming out next week will be a test balloon. If it does well, more will come. If it does as well as, say, Book of Beasts: Ratfolk of the Ruins (which FYI, has sold to date only slightly better than 13 copies), its not going to happen. For a larger project, I need to see larger interest ahead of time.

I know that d20pfsrd had spelled out that any specific granted bonus spells such as those from a sorcerers bloodline or a clerics domains were to be used normally rather then converted.

That's not what I was referring to. I mean, how is it that a wordcaster can cast vancian magic, even if it was only 1 spell/level? I justified it to myself as "It is not a vancian spell. It is a pre-constructed word spell that cannot be changed."

especially if it included additional information on “side by side” or “mixed magic” paradigms

One of the things I had to figure out on my own (because the rules gave absolutely no help) was Sorcerer bloodlines and how the spells granted from them fit in with the WoP rules. I finally settled on the explanation that the bloodline granted pre-made word spells that could not be otherwise deconstructed. It was a "take it or leave it" word spell.

So yes, if this is done, I will be sure to have some kind of explanation on how vancian magic and Words of Power can mix in the same game.

Maybe I'm missing something, but doesn't the Undeath effect word already do this? It seems to already be Animate Dead minus the 25 gp/hd cost.

Eh, poor phrasing on my part. I meant there is no equivalent of create undead and create greater undead.

I'm playing a wordcaster in Skull and Shackles, so I'm interested in Words of Power. Sadly, my GM doesn't like third party rules, so it's not likely I'll be able to use these as a player.

Doesn't mean I won't be picking them up. ;)

If he's seen the Book of the River Nations, tell him this is being done by the same guy that cleaned those rules up. ;)

reply PM sent.

Now, you have to evaluate the return of investment on your time I realize. I'm just one guy. Yet I think that would be a great gateway product with a series of new Words.

...

I think that is the hurdle you want to overcome, and if you can, you may have found a cool niche.

That's my hope. I don't have any idea if there is interest in the WoP system after all this time beyond those that have said so in this thread. (BTW, thank you everyone that posted interest on this thread; it is really making me hopeful.) I'm giving it a shot with this one. We'll see.

Oh and if you and/or Terraleon want to share specifics what needs addressed, I'm all ears.

The major, sweeping change is the removal of (most) target word restrictions to the effect words.

There's a whole host of minor changes I will be making as well. Among them will be the removal of the "wall" words. There's no reason for them. Any damage with a duration on the barrier target will do the same job. So yea, I'm right with you on that.

I was fairly disheartened to see a complete lack of support for WoP wince their release, by Paizo or and 3rd party publishers.

Paizo did say before they released the WoP rules they were not going to be doing any expansions for them at all. When it was announced, I fully planned to jump on them and support them and then I saw the final rules, and, well, see above.

IMO, Summoner is just broken. No other class can you re-choose all your class options from just-shy-of-the-ground-up each level. Plus you can cast a spell and attack (from the eidolon/summoned monster) in the same round (yes, the druid's animal companion can do that too, but one is an animal, the other is an outsider with a bunch of abilities like spells, energy resistance, no comparison). All this for the trade off of being a 6-level caster, which is really a 9-level caster smushed into 6.

All the other APG classes+magus, I'm cool with.

Gunslinger, Ninja and Samurai don't work for me, flavor-wise.

My issue lies in the structure of the material. I want to give it more attention, but its current format is a hot mess. It may be well developed, but its presentation makes it nearly inscrutable.

-Ben.

I won't argue with that. Noted for future development.

I admit to be attracted to the idea, but is the lack of "words" the primary issue with the system.

From what I've seen, the biggest complaint about WoP boils down to, "that is not how I would have made it." I was certainly guilty of that and I've talked with others that, when it comes down to it, have a similar complaint.

Then I actually played the system. I love it now. When I compare what is actually there to what I would have come up with, I prefer WoP. It really is a well developed system. Mind you, I don't believe it is perfect, but I'll take it over Vancian magic any day.

After having actually played it for a few months, there are, IMO, two main problems with the system as it stands right now. 1) the sum total of the spell words available don't even let you do the full breadth of spells in the core rulebook, let alone the APG, UM, UC, etc. This is easily fixed with additional support, such as Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words. I'm not saying that every spell needs an equivalent spell word, but when you can't create an undead creature with the system, you're missing something. And 2) the damage spell words don't work well with the condition words. [technical] The duration of any word spell is equal to the lowest duration of any one spell word. So if you mix a spell word that has duration rounds/level and hours/level, the duration is rounds/level (sorry hours/level spell word, your spell got shortened). So when you mix an instantaneous damage spell word (like the equivalent of fireball) with a longer duration spell word (like the equivalent of slow), what happens? Slow becomes useless because it is an instantaneous duration wordspell. There are a few damage spells with duration in the rules, but no where near where it should be to really make it useful. Fixing this would actually require some of the spell words to be rewritten. Hence the longer project I am discussing. [/technical]

I mean spell words that are the equivalent of disrupt undead, command undead, animate dead and so on. I noticed those were glaringly absent when I spell a wordcaster (in a Carrion Crown campaign) so I started there.

Do you enjoy the Words of Power system? Have you been interested in it but have been disappointed that no one has been supporting it? Do you like the idea of an on-the-fly magic system but were not happy with all the design choices behind Words of Power. Well your prayers have been answered. Jon Brazer Enterprises will be releasing Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words on May 21st. And we have more coming in the future ... if this one does well.

That's the catch. No one really knows right now how many people are interested in expansions to the Words of Power system or even if there is any interest at all in the system. This is where you come in. We need you to download Book of Magic: 10 Undead Spell Words from either d20PFSRD, Paizo.com or DriveThruRPG/RPGNow once it is released if you want to see more of it.

So tell your friends at your Pathfinder game, on social media, at your local game store, everywhere about it. Show us your interest. And please tell us what other spell words you would like to see.

There's nothing in the book saying they are prohibited from flying mounts. All the book say is (link):

The creature must be one that he [the cavalier] is capable of riding and is suitable as a mount. A Medium cavalier can select a camel or a horse. A Small cavalier can select a pony or wolf, but can also select a boar or a dog if he is at least 4th level. The GM might approve other animals as suitable mounts.

Paizo, or anyone else for that matter, has yet to publish other suitable mounts. So, I am.

Today we posted the full list of new animals that, as a cavalier, you can ride. These new mounts include:

Riding Ant (Medium)
Cave Salamander
Giant Darkling Beetle
Elk
Riding Eagle
Giant Gila Monster (Medium)
Riding Hawk (Medium)
Ostrich
Riding Spider
Tumble Pig (Medium)
Wolfhound

All the mounts are Large except those marked Medium. Ride something extraordinary in your game.

Today we posted the full list of new animals that, as a cavalier, you can ride. These new mounts include:

Riding Ant (Medium)
Cave Salamander
Giant Darkling Beetle
Elk
Riding Eagle
Giant Gila Monster (Medium)
Riding Hawk (Medium)
Ostrich
Riding Spider
Tumble Pig (Medium)
Wolfhound

All the mounts are Large except those marked Medium. Ride something extraordinary in your game.

the monster from "The Host" (one of the best monster movies ever made, by the way!)

Total agreement. The vomited beer can was awesome.

Be sure to check out the Umbral Kobold Racial Traits at JonBrazer.com.

In a fantasy game where you can play a dwarf, why is the cavalier limited to riding a horse? Ride a beast into battle, delve the depths under the mountain and take to the skies on a mount that earns its place in fantasy. Whether you go bareback on an elk or have a specialized saddle made for your riding spider, none will forget your mount. Tell an epic tale of your knightly deeds and the mount that braved the dangers the whole way.

Cavalier Mounts is now available in Printer Friendly and Laptop/Tablet formats. Download today from DriveThruRPG (Printer/Laptop)/RPGNow.com (Printer/Laptop), Paizo.com, and d20PFSRD.com.

Now Available at Paizo.com.
The Printer Friendly version is 4 pages long, the Laptop/Tablet Friendly version is 5 pages long. Both contain the same material.

The Cartography of Alyssa Faden

I recommend Alyssa Faden. Tell her Dale sent you.

And this Dale too. Excellent work she does.

Whenever I need map work done, I post on the cartographer's guild. I'll post a link when I'm at a real computer, but you can probably Google it before then.

Jon Brazer Enterprises is announcing the Book of Beasts: Legendary Foes. Read all about it and see the cover artwork at JonBrazer.com.

Players, Prepare to be Afraid.

The evil-hate-filled Cthulhu from a dimension far away.
Fly through gates of madness and into your heart.

Turning dreams into nightmares destroying all he sees.

Now begins a new adventure for ... meeeeeeeeeee!

I got the first Work in Progress image for Book of Beasts: Legendary Foes cover. Check it out at JonBrazer.com

Read the whole list of vehicles within and two of the vehicles included.

Thank you Endzeitgeist for the really nice review. I appreciate it.

Good question. I don't know. But while we're on the topic, do you have a portfolio?

From the ultimate high ground for a squad of archers to a land barge that can quickly move a catapult across a battlefield, vehicles of all shapes and sizes are essential components of warfare. Now you can bring the awesome power of siege engines and transports to your game with these 20 new vehicles in Book of Multifarious Munitions: Vehicles of War. Whether you want a lone rider on a demon horse, a small adventuring party armed with a mobile barricade, or a large crew manning a sky dreadnaught, these vehicles will make your battles and your game epic.

This 12 page PDF details 20 new awesome vehicles for your Pathfinder game. Download Book of Multifarious Munitions: Vehicles of War today at DriveThruRPG/RPGNow, Paizo.com and d20PFSRD today.

If i buy: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook (OGL), will i then be set for using booth OGL and PFRPG products?

I like to have my rules in hardcover book and not on some printed foils only.

OGL products will work with Pathfinder, but they will take some conversion. Its like buying an a lamp in England and trying to plug it in in America. You'll need a converter to use it, but it can be done. However, it would be better if you bought the lamp (or the closest you can find) in America.

In the same way, it is typically best to go with something written natively for Pathfinder.

Now available at Paizo.com
Author: Dale C. McCoy, Jr (Me)
Editor: Richard Moore
Pages: 12
Number of Vehicles in this book: 20

Prepare for War!

Richard speaks the truth. This book really is amazing and will make you go, "OMG! I WANT THAT IN MY GAME!!!!!!1!!!!!"

Don't take my word for it either. Check out these two vehicles that will be in it.

Tomorrow, Jon Brazer Enterprises will be releasing Book of Multifarious Munitions: Vehicles of War. In our first preview, we list all the magical vehicles we described in this book. Read all about them now.

As soon as I get a sketch from the artist, I'll be sure to share.

Today is the last day of the Superstar of a Sale. Get the Book of Beasts for $3.

Hodge
Vaughan
Atleast half of the above list others mentioned.

Just a quick reminder, the Superstar of a Sale is still going on, but is ending soon. Download it today before this sale ends.

Just a quick reminder, the Superstar of a Sale is still going on, but is ending soon. Download it today before this sale ends.

I didn't know Endzeitgeist had his own website,

Now you know.

And knowing is half the battle!

*All together*

G. I. Joe!

Dale--

Thanks for the fast reply!

Considering the original question was posted 2 years ago, I don't think I'm going to win any speed races.