Jason Beardsley's page

Jason Beardsley wrote:

I'd like to see Paizo's take on 'epic' rules, whatever name they decide to give it. I'd like to see a good 1/3 or more of the book these rules are printed in to be just that topic. In that same book, I'd like to see at least 1 chapter or more on the subject of high level play (12+), and how to manage it. I'd also like to see 1 chapter or more on alternative campaign/game styles, such as a reprint of the full kingmaker rules.

This book would be more like a "campaign guide" than an "epic level handbook".

That's what I'd like to see, personally.

just for the record ELH already had advice for high level play and in my consideration are pretty good

Not sure if you're trolling, but there's literally no advice for high level play (12+), as the entire book is about "epic" levels (21+).

I'd like to see Paizo's take on 'epic' rules, whatever name they decide to give it. I'd like to see a good 1/3 or more of the book these rules are printed in to be just that topic. In that same book, I'd like to see at least 1 chapter or more on the subject of high level play (12+), and how to manage it. I'd also like to see 1 chapter or more on alternative campaign/game styles, such as a reprint of the full kingmaker rules.

This book would be more like a "campaign guide" than an "epic level handbook".

That's what I'd like to see, personally.

Amber Chronicles by Roger Zelazny

I wont lie. 5e does hold more than minor interest in me at this point. I can't help but be intrigued by all the chatter going on about it. And, yes, I'll give it a look-see when it comes out. I may even try it out. But, I don't expect to be buying into it at all. I love Pathfinder, and the myriad of other games on my shelf (Hounds of G.O.D. and Panty Explosion, to name a couple). I have enough as it is. I don't need yet another fantasy gaming system.

Do familiars gain feats?

No.

Dude! That blue map GIMP tutorial was you? Holy crap! I loved that tutorial! I had read it when it was still new years ago, and absolutely loved it =D

...still do, lol

Like a dwarf barbarian skeleton...

Exactly! Using the Skeletal Champion's CR guideline, I'd say a level 6 dwarf barbarian should be CR 7. But, as James said, make sure you check the table to make sure your dwarf falls in line with his appropriate CR. =)

True. But, the CR for a skeleton with 2 HD is CR 1. Adding one level of Warrior adds 1 to the CR.

A normal human skeleton uses an npc class, as appropriate for 'races without HD', giving it it's CR 1/3. Champion gives it 2 HD, making it CR 1, as appropriate for a skeleton with 2 HD. Giving it a level in warrior makes it CR 2. Giving it a PC class bumps it up by one, IIRC, making your wizard 11 a CR 13.

That is, assuming I did that math right. It basically ends up being that you figure out the CR of the human/elf/tiefling/whatever skeleton is first (after its hd boost). Then follow the guidelines for 'Adding Class Levels to Monsters'.

Wow! Blog bookmarked! G+ Circled! =D

What you're remembering is from pre-3e. Before 3.X, specialist wizards got +1 to the DC of their spells. Evokers were scary. That was removed with 3.X. Instead, you get a bonus spell slot to prepare one of your specialist spells.

In 3.X and PRPG, a 5th level evoker, for example, has access to 3rd level spells. She could prepare burning hands, scorching ray, and fireball in addition to her normal allotment of spells.

Thanks! That's very helpful. I really should read more. :)

The argument for stacking is that it's not an actual penalty. It's just a stat reduction, and the wording of the weakened portion of blasphemy is identical in every way, except duration, to ability drain.

So, if ability drain stacks, wouldn't the weakened portion of blasphemy?

My players brought up a question to me today about Blasphemy.

You see, their party is facing a group of foes. Two foes have 16th caster level blasphemy spells, usable once per day each (they're half-fiends). The party is 15th level. This makes them eligible for dazed and weakened. The foes go one after another. 1st casting produces a roll of 5. 2nd casting produces a roll of 10. Does it stack?

Are they going to reduce their strength score by 10 (if it does not stack), or 15 (if it does stack)?

I'd greatly appreciate if anyone from the Pathfinder Rules line could answer this question directly, but I'm more than grateful for everyone and anyone to chime in with their answers as well!

You may have just missed the bus on the last thread that came up with this request. See it here

Linkified.

It was confirmed on WoTC's website.

To clarify:

D&D (Swords & Wizardry) is being used, albeit loosely, for it's ability scores, modifiers, and core system of 1d20 + score.

Dragonlance 5th Age is being used for its magic system.

Elder Scrolls is being used for its item creation.

So, over on Rolpuncture, I have a couple blog posts about an RPG I'm working on. It takes elements from D&D (Swords & Wizardry), Dragonlance 5th Age RPG (Saga system), and the Elder Scrolls series. I'm looking for some feedback, constructive criticism, and general help. Here's what I've got so far:

After discussing the RPG Mash-up with my play-testers, I’ve decided to standardize the ability scores and their modifiers. All modifiers will follow:

Score | Modifier | Proficiency

3 | -3 | None
4-5 | -2 | Very Light
6-8 | -1 | Light
9-12 | 0 | Medium
13-15 | +1 | Medum
16-17 | +2 | Heavy
18 | +3 | Very Heavy
19 | +4 | Very Heavy

Strength modifiers are applied to melee attacks and damage. It also determines proficiency with melee weapons. When determining your encumbrance, multiply the modifier by 5 and add the result to 100.

Dexterity modifiers are applied to ranged attacks and your defense score. It determines proficiency with ranged weapons.

Constitution modifiers are applied to your endurance score and physical save score. It determines proficiency with armour. When determining your revival percentage, multiply the modifier by 5 and add the result to 70.

Intelligence modifiers determine how many schools of arcane magic you know, if the modifier is positive. Add 2 to your modifier to determine how many bonus languages you start with. Your arcane mana pool is equal to your modifier plus 1, then multiplying by 10.

Wisdom modifiers are added to your mental save, and determine how many spheres of divine magic you know. Use the same formula as arcana mana when determining your divine mana pool.

Charisma modifiers determine how many special hirelings you can have at one time. Add 4 to your modifier to determine the maximum number of special hirelings your character is allotted.

This is the core of the RPG Mashup. Everything else will be built on top this system. Endurance replaces hit points. There are no classes, only traits. Many other things are going to be tacked on this system, which will be discussed in future posts.

Keep in mind that this isn't set in stone, and I'm willing to change things (some things I already have). So, what do you think?

Woohoo!

How loyal is it to the video game?

I'd say it's not only loyal, but more than that. Nationalities only briefly mentioned are playable options, is mostly what I mean.

How good is it compared to other RPGs?

The core system is great. I love it a lot. Moreso than many other games, honestly. I've got ideas to use the system for my own purpose, but that's neither here nor there.

How is the quality of the game?

It's wonderful. The art is stunning, and the writing seems great as well. Though, I'm no writer myself, so ymmv.

The thing about the DragonAge RPG, is that, you, as the GM, together with your players, decide what blots and background stories are present in your game. This applies to any RPG really, but there is plenty of stuff in there for the GM to make his/her game as dark and gritty as they want.

Personally I like it a lot, and would recommend getting it if you're thinking about it.

Done! Thanks for the tip! =D

And, I'd like to load it up with new applications. I got Dice Bag, Summoner, and Pathfinder Spellbook.
I'm disappointed with summoned, but really want to like it.
Spellbook is great, but wish I could save individual spell lists. It's just a spell reference app with a favorite function.
I love Dice Bag.

What else would you recommend for gaming applications?

Jason Beardsley wrote:

A create-your-own spell system would be awesome. Something like what was done in Dragonlance 5th Age RPG. Create your spell based on which schools of magic you knew, the spell would cost a number of point, which instead of spending points from a pool, the point cost would basically be the DC you'd have to beat in order to cast the spell.

Green Ronin's True Sorcery allows for this.

One option you could do, is adapt the (simple, modular, awesome, made-of-win) Magic system from Ghosts of Albion, or develop something similar.

Its on a different power scale, so that would be the part that requires adjusting. Think if D&D/PF was always e6.

Sorry for skipping you! Thank you for the pointer, I'll definitely check it out =)

DΗ wrote:

Jason Beardsley wrote:

A create-your-own spell system would be awesome. Something like what was done in Dragonlance 5th Age RPG. Create your spell based on which schools of magic you knew, the spell would cost a number of point, which instead of spending points from a pool, the point cost would basically be the DC you'd have to beat in order to cast the spell.

Green Ronin's True Sorcery allows for this.

One option you could do, is adapt the (simple, modular, awesome, made-of-win) Magic system from Ghosts of Albion, or develop something similar.

Its on a different power scale, so that would be the part that requires adjusting. Think if D&D/PF was always e6.

The problem with these systems is that they really require a lot of math and calculations. You think a combat round takes a while now? Now get a novice player trying to come up with creative uses of their spells and see how long it takes them to calculate the final cost.

I second the desire for more flexibility in spellcasting, but if it's not quick and simple, it's just going to be a pain in the tuckus.

I, personally, would make sure the player(s) with a mage have a few spells already made before combat started.

I've been mulling over an idea similar to what TOZ mentioned:

TOZ wrote:

Spell points = (Spell Slots X Spell Level)

Spell cost = Spell Level.

E.G. 1st Level Cleric with 3 spells has 3 points, and his spells cost 1 point each.
6th Level Wizard with 4 1st, 4 2nd, and 3 3rd has 21 points, and spells cost 1, 2, or 3 points to cast.

That's it. He can cast any spell level as long as he has the points left. No funky math to deal with. You get X number of spells depending on how you use them.

This system has always felt more intuitive to me than the Psionics/Spell point formula of ([level x2]-1).

I agree, and I really like how simple TOZ's system is. I might give it a try sometime.

A create-your-own spell system would be awesome. Something like what was done in Dragonlance 5th Age RPG. Create your spell based on which schools of magic you knew, the spell would cost a number of point, which instead of spending points from a pool, the point cost would basically be the DC you'd have to beat in order to cast the spell.

Has there been any resolution to this?

Which discoveries do you have? Unless you have Fast Bombs, you're not going to be able to throw more than one in a round.

1) 10th, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise in the Demoniac class entry.

2) No, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise in the Demoniac class entry.

3) Personally, I'd go with stoneskin, to deflect damage from those that'd get too close in melee with him.

4) Dodge is always a good feat to have. Why not Two Weapon Fighting to throw an extra bomb every round?

5) Not sure what the question is here. But, you can always use another body between you and your enemies! =)

Good to know. Trial-by-error then ;)

So, with that knowledge check, does Darvesch know what type (and/or subtype) of creature this "god" is?

Praise Sebastian! July 28, 2008; 139 posts.

=)

After some browsing, I simply decided to get a regular tablet instead. Looking at an Acer that we sell at work.. Thanks everyone =)

Short answer to OP:
In PFS, no.
In your games, it's up to you to decide.

Though, I think this issue has already been resolved. So.. don't mind me.. I'll be over here.. lurking in the shadows..

Thank you =)

Nevermind my request. PCs killed him already. -_-

Seeking professional help isn't really an option for me. I work a minimum wage job, have absolutely no health coverage, and simply can't afford it.

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I legitimately have depression, as diagnosed by a military therapist. I was in a really bad funk when I posted the question, and have since got back up and dusted myself off. I tend to fall occasionally, metaphorically speaking. My personal beliefs make suicide a near impossibility, despite how dark and horrible my thoughts get at times, so do not fret. I do realize that is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

I spent the day with my brother, cleaning, rearranging, watching movies, and helped making his new character for my Pathfinder game on Saturday. Had fun, and I do feel mostly better.

I can't express how much I despise depression. I find that most people around me that don't have it, don't understand just how debilitating it really can be. With that, and crazy work hours, I've not been able to finish several projects that I've started.

I hope to rectify that.

And again.. thank you, everyone.

Well?

How's this different from taking 10 or 20?

I typically play Wizards. I have played many different types of characters, but Wizards I always fall back to.

Have you tried PCGen? Not sure how much they have beyond core, as I haven't been keeping up with it like I used to. I typically type my characters out these days.

Jason Beardsley wrote:

An eidolon with the minor magic (cure light wounds) evolution should be able to use a wand of cure light wounds, provided he has hands to do so.

Incorrect. having a spell like ability does not qualify you as a caster. This has been covered time and time again in other threads.

Didn't have to be so demeaning about it. I don't spend much time on the threads anymore, and it's just not that big of a deal for my group to allow it anyway.

An eidolon with the minor magic (cure light wounds) evolution should be able to use a wand of cure light wounds, provided he has hands to do so.

Holy crap! Awesome job Paizo!

Hmm.. Thought it might be a bit easier than that. I still can't find any reference online that will help me. Oh well =/

Amazing job! I was just about to make a thread thanking whoever is responsible for this, guess I'm late! =D

Paizo.. you're awesome *tear*

Didn't really know where to post this, and my Google-fu is weak right now (distracted by several things at the moment), so I figured I'd enlist the aid of the wonderful Paizo community to aid me.

How does one determine the average of dice rolls if some of those dice are being ignored?

Example: 3d6 averages to 10.5, or 10 or 11. What would the average of the highest 3 of 4d6 be? Or the highest 3 of 5d6?

Next time I go to Best Buy, I'll check out the Nook they have on display. I'll download my copy of We Be Goblins!, and a couple other free pdf's, and check out how it displays. If I like it, I'll get it =)