Khairn's page

When GM'ing I encourage my players to look at level advancements and PrC's as story elements first and only afterward as crunchy new abilities and powers. I also like to justify any changes in a PC's class by introducing experienced NPC's or story elements that will help in the transition. This doesn't work all the time, but when all the story elements come together the PC and adventure become very memorable.

So in my current campaign, one of my players has created a dwarven fighter, and is looking to eventually develop his birthright as a descendant of one of the ancient scouts (pathfinders?) who lead the dwarves out of the Darklands during their Quest for Sky. Its a concept that I really like, especially given the link to this pivotal moment in dwarven history.

I haven't made a final decision on how this came about, but his suggestion is that his ancestor was in someway linked (half breed? gensai-like? etc)with the elemental earth and that this long lost "bloodline" has re-awakened within him. The obvious cultural / social implications of this will be worked out later. But my question is what abilities or powers do you think are appropriate to a melee/skill focused PrC with this kind of background?

So far I'm looking at possibly including ...
Natural Armor
DR
Elemental Movement (Burrowing)
Blind-Fight (Sight?)
Stone Shaping (Shape stone with hands)
Stone Melding (Travel through stone)

Any suggestions?

I'm working on Scotty and will have him completed later tonight.

Well Shisumo ... you're up to 8 players expressing interest, so far. How many are you planning for?

I agree with Hogarth. Don't sweat the language issue in the least, unless you're driving, in which case make certain to get a good GPS or set of directions. And remember you can't turn right on a red light in the city.

Since you're going to be in the downtown core, might I recommend an hour or 2 at Chez Paree. It might not be the gaming center you're hoping to find, but as my old stomping ground, I never regretted a single visit.

Whoa. This game just went from looking as moribund as the IN/M&M game to possibly being ready to go. Catman, you still interested? JZ? If we have 4 players with the book (or some reasonable facsimile thereof), we can actually do this!

Here is a readers digest version of his concept.
Scotty is a determined and passionate conspiracy theorist geek (Mulder without the FBI connection) who's intuitive ability to connect vague and seemingly obscure events has led many to think of him as not just a great investigator, but a slightly unhinged, and potentially dangerous kook. But ever since his visitation, he now knows that its his connection to the Guardian of the Bifrost Bridge that is enabling him to see the plans of the titans as they unfold.

Let me know.

I'll be there along with a few buddies from Cols GA.

Khairn wrote:

A few of us are coming in on Thursday night, and with the Con only starting at 12, that leaves us with free time on Friday morning. Idle time combined with idle hands and a brain in neutral are certain to get me into trouble. So do you think that we can sneak into one of the open rooms on Friday morning to get in some early gaming?

Ahem, you mean like this

:D

So no open gaming rooms for Friday morning ... but there will be tables and chairs in the lobby that can be used. Great!

A few of us are coming in on Thursday night, and with the Con only starting at 12, that leaves us with free time on Friday morning. Idle time combined with idle hands and a brain in neutral are certain to get me into trouble. So do you think that we can sneak into one of the open rooms on Friday morning to get in some early gaming?

Email sent.

I'm happy to help out in anyway I can. Just let me know how.

I was wondering if you guys were any closer to a posting up a schedule for the convention? I'm bouncing off the walls thinking about what is going to happen at this event. So you have to help me before I end up all bruised and post that schedule soon. ;)

For those that don't know Dark Space, its a "Sci Fi - Fantasy - Horror Adventure in a realm of Softech and Sorcery" setting that Monte wrote during his days at ICE.

I'll definitely be GM'ing something, but before committing to a particular game (s) I'd like to see what "official" events are planned and when they'll be starting.

One note here....along with these great ideas for games and conversions, we do need volunteer GMs to DO said conversions, and to RUN said converted games during sessions.

I love working on conversions and love GM'ing them. Maybe we could put up a poll of some classic modules and see which ones those attending the Con want to play?

Maybe Dead Gods, Nightmare Keep, Ruins of Undermountain etc etc

To save the work of levelling, time spent on feat and spell selection choices, etc, you could just use preprinted character sheets for the iconics, and switch in the ones for the next level at the stage in the adventure where they would advance. (I think this may have been suggested before on a previous thread considering marathon sessions).

Edit:
I think they all have detailed biographies somewhere on the Paizo blog, don't they, for those players who like to have a feel for a character's background?

Another idea to consider is giant dungeon adventure using Monte Cook's new Dungeon a Day. I've been enjoying everything that he's done so far, and think it would be a great option. Either way I'd be stoked to run a late night game if there is enough interested players.

Therefore, I am calling for volunteers that would be interested in taking this on and running it. If several people are interested, then there is no reason we can't have more than one Streamlined AP going on.

Depending on the schedule of events on Sat and Sun morning, I would be willing to take this on.

Playing a session in a 4 hour slot is fun ... but a multi-slot adventure would be even better.

Maybe starting on Thursday night for those arriving early?

Let's see ...

-Game Auction where the proceeds are donated to charity?

-Since many of us are only able to interact together online, how about a panel on running Pathfinder (or other RPG's) in a Play-by-Post or Virtual Table Top format?

-Backwards Combatibility? A panel to discuss the challenges of using Paathfinder as system of choice when playing in other D20 settings / modules.

-Old Skool! Playing a classic D&D adventure using Pathfinder

-I am Actually Interested in your Character and/or Setting - Bring your GM or player notes, step up on the stage, and explain in 5 minutes how/why your material is great!

-PaizoCon Adventure Brainstorm - We gather to brainstorm ideas and concepts for a new adventure or setting. We then get one of the great Paizo writers / designers to put that baby into print.

There are some more idea's perkolating around, but I'm worried that it might be gas from last nights pizza, so I'll wait a little longer before adding to the list.

Ticket for the Con and the Banquet bought.

Now all I have to deal with is the mounting anticipation.

arghh.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the last 3 AP's but I now need to cancel my subscription due to some changing priorities. I hope to join again in August with the release of the Pathfinder RPG.

Scott, I just wanted to start off by saying thanks. Your conversion has been a great help in my quest to find adventures and a setting that I enjoy for a 4E game that I am starting this month.

I've played 4E a number of times but with only a "'meh" view of the game. But now my goal is to delve into the heart of 4E by GMing it and your work with RotRL has helped out a lot.

Kudo's !

I've playtested PFRPG and Pathfinder Society) a few times at my FLGS, and along with some other GM's have worked diligently to keep the buzz and interest in the game at a high level.

Last night the owner of my FLGS shared with me some of the troubles he's having with the game. Apparently the interest that we've helped to generate in our area continues to bring in a flood of requests for the book that he can't support. His distributor has also removed it from their catalog.

I explained that the pdf was available for free, that only a limited number of copies of the book were printed because its a play-test, and that the Beta book was at a price point where Paizo covered little more than cost.

He understood all that but was adamant that a number of players (20-30 in his estimate)just don't want to play from a pdf. In his opinion, the dis-satisfaction that he is seeing from some 4E players is making them look elsewhere for their gaming fix, and that their first choice appears to be Pathfinder. But without a book to sell, that interest is dampened, and he is now pushing them towards White Wolf and other games.

I'm a little bummed out that our efforts to push Pathfinder are being hurt by the lack of books, but I don't see any easy solution.

Has anyone seen or experienced this? With another 8 months to go before the game is published, do you think the lack of books is hurting interest in the game?

Any chance of a short re-print? i doubt it but I promised that I would ask the question.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to One and All.

There are more than a few location gems like Isgar in the setting. Its description may only be 2 pages, but it contains enough plot hooks for an entire adventure path.

hmmmmmm

Sure .... Isgar is the Thrall of Cheliax. Damn that has to suck. But this blood soaked land is quickly becoming one of my favorite nations in all Golarion.

From the impossible alliance between Hellknights, Mercs and Eagle Knights, to its own Steward abandoning all but but Conerica Straits to the Goblin hordes of the Chitterwood, the nation is practically screaming for heroes to come to the rescue!

Has anyone done any work to flesh out this fantastic spot?

Jack FM in Seattle.

I know its canned music, but its mix of older and new rock just hits a sweet spot.

The fly skill in PFRPG has intrigued me enough to take another look at introducing a favored race of mine that can fly. But balancing a flying race can be a bit of a problem. Especially when you don't want to introduce a race with a Lv penalty.

I've used flying races in the past, namely Monte's Spryte's from AE, but never included a race that could fly from the start. So here are some of the crunchy parts of the race I am trying to work on.

-2 Str -2 Con +2 Dex
or
-2 Str -2 Con +2 Cha

Size - Medium

Move - 30'
Fly - 50' The character needs a 15' of open area to fly and 20' to hover. He cannot fly while under a Med or Heavy Load.

Keen Vision - +2 bonus on sight Perception Checks

I am looking at this race having rogue as a favored class but also having a sub-section of the race that is blessed with enchanted blood (sorcerer).

So I guess my question is whether in your opinion the stat penalty and flying restrictions are balanced against the benefit that a flying PC gains.

Thoughts?

The fly skill in PFRPG has encouraged me enough to take another look at introducing a favored race of mine that can fly, but balancing a flying race can be a bit of a problem. Especially when you don't want to introduce a race with a Lv penalty.

I've used flying races in the past, namely Monte's Spryte's from AE, but never included a race that could fly from the start. So here are some of the crunchy parts of the race I am trying to work on.

-2 Str -2 Con +2 Dex
or
-2 Str -2 Con +2 Cha

Size - Medium

Move - 30'
Fly - 50' The character needs a 15' of open area to fly and 20' to hover. He cannot fly while under a Med or Heavy Load.

Keen Vision - +2 bonus on sight Perception Checks

I am looking at this race having rogue as a favored class but also having a sub-section of the race that is blessed with enchanted blood (sorcerer).

So I guess my question is whether in your opinion the stat penalty and flying restrictions are balanced against the benefit that a flying PC gains.

Thoughts?

So are there any Pathfinders going to Dragon-Con in Atlanta?

I never got the chance to sign up to run a PFRPG session which was a shame. So, anyone interested in some late night play-testing of PF Beta?

Or beer.

Beta or beer ... whichever sounds more enticing?

Thanks for the suggestions.

Pygon, I'll make certain to check it out !

Hey gang!

I was wondering if anyone is playing in a group that uses a virtual table top? Examples would be Fantasy Grounds II, KloOge Werks, Open RPG, Screen Monkey etc. If so, which have you used, what has been your experience, the good, the bad and the ugly?

There is a chance that my old group may want to give Pathfinder a try, and since we're spread out across the country a VTT would be our only choice.

The DDI will not be a choice for us as none of us are interested in a subscription payment model. A one time purchase is fine, but ongoing payments just aren't going to fly.

Thanks for the help.

I know this has been said before, and I hate to sound like a broken record, but I wanted to send out a heart-felt "Thank You" to Erik, Jason, Nick and EVERYONE else at Paizo. Over the past year, despite many challenges, you have been able to not just stay afloat, but have been able to increase your reputation as gamers, game designers, publishers, and astute business people who have an ability to see an opportunity in almost any situation.

Over the last few weeks and especially days, I've been disappointed with much of what I have seen being published in the RPG industry. Yet when I look at the work you've completed, see the direction you've chosen for the future, and know that you are truly interested in the opinions of my gaming group ... I can see that there is indeed a very bright future for this hobby that I truly love.

So thanks once again, and keep up the good work!

Excellent job KaeYoss!

Privateer Press has made no public decision regarding the future system for IK as of yet, nor do I personally think that they will anytime soon.

The IK fans have been very vocal about their opinions, which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. The 3 main camps appear to be 1- leave it as is, 2- switch to 4E or 3- make a new system all their own, possibly based on the Warmachine / Horde mechanics. Time will tell.

I just think that a number of the Pathfinder rule changes would work with IK. I'm particularly excited about what changes to make for the IK specific core classes to bring them more in line with Pathfinder's model.

Trent, those wallpapers are outstanding!

One of the very best results of the OGL were the many outstanding settings and rules variations that sprang from it. My favorite such variant (along with AE, IH, GT and GoT) is Iron Kingdoms by Privateer Press. Now even though the rules for IK can be a little "wonky" at times, I really enjoyed the games and how the races, classes, spells and monsters were tweaked in a way that really captured the IK flavor.

My favorite design goal of Pathfinder is the backwards compatibility. So with a new IK campaign on the horizon, I've decided to use the Pathfinder rules for IK. I'm not certain how much effort is needed to create Pathfinder Gun Mages, Arcane Mechanics, Ogrun, Bodgers, Trollkin and of course 'jacks, but I think the results could be very interesting.

So has anyone given Pathfinder and IK a try?

Hot Damn !

Congrats to Paizo and Monte!

Can anyone share with me the full list of monsters that are included in this book?

Thanks

Although I can understand a decision to exclude cartoons in the RPG, I have to admit that a couple funny & iconic ones (such as Belkar suffering Weapon Shrinkage in Order of the Stick #1) would be priceless and would help to establish the identity of the game.

Something that truly hearkens back to D&D's earlier days would be great.

Jason, thanks for the feedback.

I'm surprised, pleasantly so, by your statement that based on feedback from your customers you are already considering changes to something as fundamental as the skill format. Managing an ever changing flow of customer feedback will be challenging, but I really appreciate the commitment to creating a game that the players want.

Indeed something to differentiate the new/altered rules would be great!
Also, sidebar comments on why changes were made would be an excellent addition too!
And more exclamation points!!!
Or not!

In my playtest group we have 1 player for each of the classes in PF-RPG Alpha which is great. Next weekend, a 5th player will be joining us and would like to play a Paladin. At first I was ok with it as it will be a nice test for the compatibility of the new classes with the old. But now I'm thinking that it's also a chance to try out some new class-tweaks that might be under consideration by Paizo.

So what do you think a PF-RPG Paladin will look like?

In our first session we used the "Bonus Hit Point based on Race" option and it worked out very well. It provided extra flavor for the races without knocking them out of balance. Our elf wizard was very satisfied with how the additional 5 hit points worked out.

When Alpha Release 2 comes out, it will replace the current file in My Downloads, and we'll send you an e-mail letting you know it's available. (This will be true of all Alphas and the Beta.)

It's not an addendum, it's a replacement. This is because—unless Jason has changed his thoughts on the matter since I last talked to him about it—it will incorporate changes to material in Alpha release 1 as well as adding all-new material.

We don't have a firm timeline, but I'd anticipate releases being close to a month apart.

This will make it easier (and faster) to incorporate new material into ongoing playtest groups.

Cintra Bristol wrote:

QUESTION
So...can some of those with positive/successful experiences at Organized Play (as DMs or as players) share some insights into what makes a session work well? What should an Organized Play DM do to make a session successful? How do you deal with "difficult" players who show up at your table (I recall stories of cheaters, spotlight-hogs, and even some obnoxious/abusive/drunk folks)? Any insights/stories you care to share would be helpful...and entertaining to read, while we wait for plans to be finalized. Thanks!

I've DM'd a few hundred Living Greyhawk tables, I imagine. The first rule is be sure you've read the adventure before you run it. You'd be surprised how often it has only just been skimmed. Look at the stat blocks, and think at least a little bit about how you'll react to what the PCs do. Clearly identify the hook. Try and anticipate questions.

When you actually run the adventure, adapt to what the table wants. Treat the adventure as an outline, not box. Yes, you need to stick to what is generally there, but if the adventure doesn't cover an option, wing it. Try and spread out the attention given the adventure - make sure those who don't grab the spotlight still get some screen time.

Come with a battle matt. Running the game without one just doesn't work that well in an organized play environment. Consider a few props: copies of the handouts are nice, minis of some sort, and if it is something like a scavenger hunt, try and line up the items so you can hand them out as they're found. If you have good scenery, consider bringing that. Little things can add a lot.

Difficult players - not really that big an issue, in my experience. Do be prepared to have some rules arguments, and do listen to them, but remember as the DM, your table ruling generally stands. Cheaters, I make them roll on the the matt where we can see it. Occasionally, I do a "bonus check" if something seems to high. Abusive, drunk, I've just never had happen. Most RPGA players are at least...

That last bit of advice is the one that I think is overlooked the most by many organized play GM's.

Creativity, imagination and fun are the cornerstones of this hobby. Let's not forget that just because we're all sharing in some "organized" play.

Any kind of "spread the word" document, posters, maps or hand-outs would be a step in the right direction, especially as many RPGA games are coming to an end.

I was very disillusioned with the RPGA decision to drop Greyhawk and changes that had been made to Faerun. Arcanis was looking to be the only "Living" game left to consider. Which is why I am so very excited about the Pathfinder Society.

I can't wait to get started.

Has anyone thought of creating, or are there any sites already existing, that are specific Pathfinder RPG & PF Adv focused? When I look at the great support and content created by sites like Against the Shadow (Midnight) or Delvers Square (Ptolus) or Diamons Throne (Arcana Evolved)... I think it would be a natural fit for Pathfinder.

Also, I seem to have trouble from time to time with the Paizo site & boards, and I would love to participate on a site just a little more stable.

Thoughts?

Well done Paizo!

I had been buying all your PF adventures from my FLGS. But with your recent announcement, I'm keeping my promise to support those companies that actually prove they know what I am looking for as a gamer. I have now signed up as a new subscriber as well.

Paizo has proven to me that they know what I am looking for. From the outstanding adventures, exciting worlds, built in electronic support and now a new edition of my favorite system that will be backwards compatible .... All I have to say is THANK YOU.

Thanks for the update Phil. The Campaign Workbook is one of my most anticipated purchases, and although anxious to get this issue resolved, I suppose we can give you a little time to get it fixed.

.

..

...

Is it fixed yet?

Has anyone run SCAP using any of the electronic GM aides that are available (DM Genie etc)? And if you did use one, did it help?

I'm trying to determine their usefulness, and make a call on whether to pick one up or not.

I'll be running SCAP in just a few weeks so these tips are greatly appreciated! Anymore come to mind?