Khairn's page

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!

We can never have enough exclamation points !!!! They're just so cool !!!

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.

When Release 2 comes out, would it be possible for changes to previous rules, or new rules, be identified in some manner. Perhaps a change to a rule that was previously included in Release 1 would have a blue font, whereas a brand new rule (class, spell feat etc) will have a shadowed heading or some other identifying mark.

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...

Russ, it looks like you and I came from the same background. The advise you provided is outstanding, especially the part about battlemats, knowing the rules, the module, and not being afraid to make some changes (subtle?) to suite what the table needs.

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.

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?