paizo.com Recent Posts by Michael Madisonpaizo.com Recent Posts by Michael Madison2024-03-12T22:10:30Z2024-03-12T22:10:30ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: GM Stars IncorrectMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42b5m?GM-Stars-Incorrect#32018-10-04T20:47:27Z2018-10-04T20:47:27Z<p>19738</p>19738Michael Madison2018-10-04T20:47:27ZForums: GM Discussion: GM Stars IncorrectMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42b5m?GM-Stars-Incorrect#12018-10-04T20:40:12Z2018-10-04T20:40:12Z<p>(I had asked this through CS, but was referred to my VC, who cannot access the system in question)</p>
<p>I have over 150 tables reported in the system as a GM, but I took a hiatus for a couple of years. I recently returned, and the website is showing I am a 1-star GM. Is this a common problem? I tried the "Reset Points" button and that did not appear to affect anything.</p>(I had asked this through CS, but was referred to my VC, who cannot access the system in question)
I have over 150 tables reported in the system as a GM, but I took a hiatus for a couple of years. I recently returned, and the website is showing I am a 1-star GM. Is this a common problem? I tried the "Reset Points" button and that did not appear to affect anything.Michael Madison2018-10-04T20:40:12ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Knowing What Scenarios Were RanMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sl94?Knowing-What-Scenarios-Were-Ran#162015-07-26T23:33:22Z2015-07-26T23:33:22Z<p>Correct, it is intended for a player to keep track themselves, but it does help to have a standardized form that a GM is familiar with when trying to find a scenario to run.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Correct, it is intended for a player to keep track themselves, but it does help to have a standardized form that a GM is familiar with when trying to find a scenario to run.
-MichaelMichael Madison2015-07-26T23:33:22ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Knowing What Scenarios Were RanMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sl94?Knowing-What-Scenarios-Were-Ran#122015-07-26T04:04:47Z2015-07-26T04:04:47Z<p>The St Louis Pathfinder group keeps a version up-to-date in the Facebook group. It currently has all the scenarios that will be run at Gencon (as far as I know). We're at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/201419609956061/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">St. Louis Pathfinder Society</a> and the file is under the "Files" section.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>The St Louis Pathfinder group keeps a version up-to-date in the Facebook group. It currently has all the scenarios that will be run at Gencon (as far as I know). We're at St. Louis Pathfinder Society and the file is under the "Files" section.
-MichaelMichael Madison2015-07-26T04:04:47ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: 6-02 The Silver Mount Collection [Spoilers]Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rc9r?602-The-Silver-Mount-Collection-Spoilers#122014-08-10T14:35:43Z2014-08-10T14:35:43Z<p>In regards to actual mechanics of the creatures, I think I'm noticing a typo on the Gearsman Robot on p9:</p>
<p>ATK: ... or mwk spear +10 (1d8 + 5/x3 + 1d6 electricity)</p>
<p>The damage should be 1d8 + 7, yes? The higher tier robot is 1.5xSTR, but the lower tier is 1 x STR.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>In regards to actual mechanics of the creatures, I think I'm noticing a typo on the Gearsman Robot on p9:
ATK: ... or mwk spear +10 (1d8 + 5/x3 + 1d6 electricity)
The damage should be 1d8 + 7, yes? The higher tier robot is 1.5xSTR, but the lower tier is 1 x STR.
-MichaelMichael Madison2014-08-10T14:35:43ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: News about Gen Con 2014 and Official Call for Gen Con 2014 VolunteersMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lfx4?News-about-Gen-Con-2014-and-Official-Call-for#502014-03-04T03:14:34Z2014-03-04T03:14:34Z<p>Yeah, the rooms provided by paizo are in an already reserved block, not in the general public block.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Yeah, the rooms provided by paizo are in an already reserved block, not in the general public block.
-MichaelMichael Madison2014-03-04T03:14:34ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: So, When was the FAQ ruling on Defender stacking with itself?Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qkql?So-When-was-the-FAQ-ruling-on-Defender#302014-01-16T17:35:13Z2014-01-16T17:35:13Z<p>Here's the catch in this whole conversation, though.</p>
<p>If I cast a spell, although I may create a better version than another caster, my casting is not generating the bonus, the spell is. And it is thus the same spell. A belt of strength and bull's strength are negated differently because they are the same "type" of bonus.</p>
<p>Defending in this case is an untyped bonus that has multiple sources (each weapon). As a GM, I would not allow a single weapon to be used multiple times to grant the defending bonus (unless specifically called out in the rules), but multiple weapons would be fine.</p>
<p>I would add that it's not really a cost-effective way to get more ac unless you're really high level. And even then, hp > ac imo</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Here's the catch in this whole conversation, though.
If I cast a spell, although I may create a better version than another caster, my casting is not generating the bonus, the spell is. And it is thus the same spell. A belt of strength and bull's strength are negated differently because they are the same "type" of bonus.
Defending in this case is an untyped bonus that has multiple sources (each weapon). As a GM, I would not allow a single weapon to be used multiple times to grant the...Michael Madison2014-01-16T17:35:13ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Calculating 3 tiers out of subtier goldMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qc09?Calculating-3-tiers-out-of-subtier-gold#32013-11-06T22:10:58Z2013-11-06T22:10:58Z<p>I'm assuming you're talking about earlier season scenarios that run 1-7.</p>
<p>In that case, you'd still use the same technique. You'd have regular 1-2, 1-5 out-of-subtier, 3-4, 3-7 out-of-subtier and 6-7. Since a level 1 or 2 character can't play a scenario at level 6-7 (nor vice-versa), you don't need a 1-7 out-of-subtier.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I'm assuming you're talking about earlier season scenarios that run 1-7.
In that case, you'd still use the same technique. You'd have regular 1-2, 1-5 out-of-subtier, 3-4, 3-7 out-of-subtier and 6-7. Since a level 1 or 2 character can't play a scenario at level 6-7 (nor vice-versa), you don't need a 1-7 out-of-subtier.
-MichaelMichael Madison2013-11-06T22:10:58ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: 5-Star GM in St. Louis!Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q0mv?5Star-GM-in-St-Louis#112013-08-02T23:33:40Z2013-08-02T23:33:40Z<p>Nathan beat me to five stars, dagnabbit.</p>
<p>All aside, congrats Nathan!</p>
<p>Now I just need to get my specials in :)</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Nathan beat me to five stars, dagnabbit.
All aside, congrats Nathan!
Now I just need to get my specials in :)
-MichaelMichael Madison2013-08-02T23:33:40ZForums: GM Discussion: Four Stars in St LouisMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pbly?Four-Stars-in-St-Louis#12012-12-31T18:39:04Z2012-12-31T18:39:04Z<p>Yep, I think I'm there now...</p>
<p>Now I just need to work on getting specials and such under my belt.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Yep, I think I'm there now...
Now I just need to work on getting specials and such under my belt.
-MichaelMichael Madison2012-12-31T18:39:04ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: God of the Written Word?Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p92d?God-of-the-Written-Word#22012-12-11T04:48:12Z2012-12-11T04:10:11Z<p>I would say Irori would be the best fit, as he seeks the preservation of knowledge in all forms.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I would say Irori would be the best fit, as he seeks the preservation of knowledge in all forms.
-MichaelMichael Madison2012-12-11T04:10:11ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Paizo Blog: Sanctioning Adventure Paths for Pathfinder SocietyMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5le7p&page=2?Sanctioning-Adventure-Paths-for-Pathfinder#582012-12-10T20:38:48Z2012-12-10T20:38:48Z<p>I had another question, just wanted to make sure I'm reading it properly.</p>
<p>Per the rules, you can run your own home game and receive credit in PFS as if playing a pregen. So for Shattered Star that means you can only get credit for Shards of Sin and Curse of the Lady's Light because pregens can't be played in The Asylum Stone and beyond, correct? Or is it intended to still be able to gain credit, just with the "hold or reduce" rule?</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I had another question, just wanted to make sure I'm reading it properly.
Per the rules, you can run your own home game and receive credit in PFS as if playing a pregen. So for Shattered Star that means you can only get credit for Shards of Sin and Curse of the Lady's Light because pregens can't be played in The Asylum Stone and beyond, correct? Or is it intended to still be able to gain credit, just with the "hold or reduce" rule?
-MichaelMichael Madison2012-12-10T20:38:48ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: How the Run Factions?Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p7b4?How-the-Run-Factions#192012-12-10T04:37:55Z2012-12-10T04:37:55Z<p>In one of the recent times when I actually played (instead of GMed) a scenario, I was given a mission that my character, flat out, would not do. The (un)fortunate part was that the other player in the same faction (both of us Shadow Lodge playing as Chelaxians) also would not do once I explained the mission fully. Although we probably could have convinced one of the other party members to do the mission, we just took the loss of the point since both of our characters were opposed to the very idea of the mission.</p>
<p>However, I do have another item to bring in relation to the line of questioning. Do you do anything to inform the player if the secrecy/lack thereof is in disagreement between the player handout and the GM notes. I saw this in several scenarios where the GM notes specified that the mission must be performed secretly, while the player handout made no such mention of that requirement. I've taken to the habit of reading over the handout before I give it to the players just so I know what info they have versus what I have.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>In one of the recent times when I actually played (instead of GMed) a scenario, I was given a mission that my character, flat out, would not do. The (un)fortunate part was that the other player in the same faction (both of us Shadow Lodge playing as Chelaxians) also would not do once I explained the mission fully. Although we probably could have convinced one of the other party members to do the mission, we just took the loss of the point since both of our characters were opposed to the very...Michael Madison2012-12-10T04:37:55ZForums: Rules Questions: Knowledge and Creature Type/SubtypeMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p26w?Knowledge-and-Creature-TypeSubtype#12012-10-18T23:26:03Z2012-10-18T23:26:03Z<p>So...I have an interesting situation that came up last night.</p>
<p>Identifying a creature is the 5/10/15 + CR which gives you their type and subtype (if applicable), perhaps their name, and a certain number of additional questions based on how much you beat the DC by. My question is actually not for that.</p>
<p>Let's say that players <b>know</b> that they are going to be facing X type/subtype (they've been told by an NPC). What kind of roll, if any, is needed for a character to know if that type/subtype is, in general, susceptible to their primary class ability.</p>
<p>For specifics, the situation in question involved a witch who was told they would be facing devils. She was wondering if her Evil Eye hex would work against them. Does she know that, normally, devils are susceptible to her hex, or is there a roll involved? She's arguing that since it's her main hex (and right now her only one), that she is versed in its use and her character knows that some creatures are immune to it and other aren't.</p>
<p>Note I'm not asking about specific creatures that might be different from the norm, I'm just talking about type/subtype-based questions.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>So...I have an interesting situation that came up last night.
Identifying a creature is the 5/10/15 + CR which gives you their type and subtype (if applicable), perhaps their name, and a certain number of additional questions based on how much you beat the DC by. My question is actually not for that.
Let's say that players know that they are going to be facing X type/subtype (they've been told by an NPC). What kind of roll, if any, is needed for a character to know if that type/subtype is,...Michael Madison2012-10-18T23:26:03ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Proud Moments at the tableMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2oswi&page=2?Proud-Moments-at-the-table#792012-10-10T17:00:42Z2012-10-10T17:00:42Z<p>So, this reminds me of two that my players pulled on me a while ago...</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>So, this reminds me of two that my players pulled on me a while ago...
[Spoiler omitted]
[Spoiler omitted]Michael Madison2012-10-10T17:00:42ZForums: GM Discussion: Monks with Vow of Poverty in PFS playMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2p0i3?Monks-with-Vow-of-Poverty-in-PFS-play#12012-11-09T20:23:35Z2012-10-10T03:01:11Z<p>I have a player locally who is playing a monk and has taken the Vow of Poverty. My question is, how does this work in PFS play?</p>
<p>He is trying to say that he puts the money into a bank and just lets it stockpile (this never "carrying" more than he needs), but that seems to me to fly in the face of the vow. Obviously in an AP or other campaign, the character would just not take a share of the treasure, but that's not an option in PFS.</p>
<p>So, how do we handle this in PFS play?</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I have a player locally who is playing a monk and has taken the Vow of Poverty. My question is, how does this work in PFS play?
He is trying to say that he puts the money into a bank and just lets it stockpile (this never "carrying" more than he needs), but that seems to me to fly in the face of the vow. Obviously in an AP or other campaign, the character would just not take a share of the treasure, but that's not an option in PFS.
So, how do we handle this in PFS play?
-MichaelMichael Madison2012-10-10T03:01:11ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Level 12 Character listMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2okt9?Level-12-Character-list#482012-08-10T22:29:48Z2012-08-10T22:29:48Z<p>I have three to report (two of them are mine, one is my girlfriend's):</p>
<p>Level 13, Andoran, Sorcerer 6, Dragon Disciple 7 - Venture-Captain Sir Obseden Deshat, Knight Captain of Andoran</p>
<p>Level 12, Grand Lodge, Magus 12 - Ganohroc L'Enjale (I have played him twice in scenarios...GM credit FTW)</p>
<p>And my girlfriend's character:</p>
<p>Level 13, Cheliax, Witch 13 - Armiger Anya (unfortunately she missed by one point)</p>
<p>However, unless I can convince her otherwise, none of them will be making an appearance at RftRK (even if we can get in with our generics) as Sara wants to play our low characters.</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I have three to report (two of them are mine, one is my girlfriend's):
Level 13, Andoran, Sorcerer 6, Dragon Disciple 7 - Venture-Captain Sir Obseden Deshat, Knight Captain of Andoran
Level 12, Grand Lodge, Magus 12 - Ganohroc L'Enjale (I have played him twice in scenarios...GM credit FTW)
And my girlfriend's character:
Level 13, Cheliax, Witch 13 - Armiger Anya (unfortunately she missed by one point)
However, unless I can convince her otherwise, none of them will be making an appearance...Michael Madison2012-08-10T22:29:48ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Gen Con 2012 GMs! Post Your Schedule Here!Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2np8f&page=2?Gen-Con-2012-GMs-Post-Your-Schedule-Here#622012-07-13T15:50:29Z2012-07-13T15:50:29Z<p>I'll go ahead and post mine, too.</p>
<p><b>Thursday, August 16</b>
<br />
Slot 1 (0800-1300): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
<br />
Slot 2 (1300-1800): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5) [OF]
<br />
Slot 3 (1900-2400): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
<br />
<b>Friday, August 17</b>
<br />
Slot 4 (0800-1300): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5)
<br />
Slot 5 (1300-1800): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
<br />
Slot 6 (1900-2400):
<br />
<b>Saturday, August 18</b>
<br />
Slot 7 (0800-1300): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5)
<br />
Slot 8 (1300-1800): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5)
<br />
Slot 9 (1900-2400):
<br />
<b>Sunday, August 19</b>
<br />
Slot 10 (0900-1400): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)</p>
<p>Now I just need to camp the special to try and get my girlfriend and I tickets...</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I'll go ahead and post mine, too.
Thursday, August 16
Slot 1 (0800-1300): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
Slot 2 (1300-1800): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5) [OF]
Slot 3 (1900-2400): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
Friday, August 17
Slot 4 (0800-1300): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5)
Slot 5 (1300-1800): #4-03: The Golemworks Incident (5-9)
Slot 6 (1900-2400):
Saturday, August 18
Slot 7 (0800-1300): #3-21: Temple of Empyreal Enlightment (1-5)
Slot 8...Michael Madison2012-07-13T15:50:29ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: #3-21 The Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment (spoilers)Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2o7zq?321-The-Temple-of-Empyreal-Enlightenment#82012-06-07T19:39:51Z2012-06-07T19:39:51Z<p>I ran this last night, and I had a couple of questions/snags I wanted to ask about since I'll be running it again at GenCon:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I ran this last night, and I had a couple of questions/snags I wanted to ask about since I'll be running it again at GenCon:
[Spoiler omitted]
-MichaelMichael Madison2012-06-07T19:39:51ZForums: Pathfinder Society: Disappointment with Wonders in the WeaveMichael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nde6?Disappointment-with-Wonders-in-the-Weave#12012-01-03T00:03:20Z2012-01-03T00:03:20Z<p>So, I was planning on running Wonders in the Weave, Part I tomorrow for our high-level table, but after reading through the mod, found that there is essentially no point in doing so until the end of January. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>I am very disappointed that Paizo released a scenario that most players would not play during the first month of its release if they knew the full details of the chronicle sheet. I would rather see any multiple-part scenarios like this released together or at least closer together.</p>
<p>I realize that the product page for the scenario indicates that they should be played in order, but it does •not• indicate [Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>-Michael</p>So, I was planning on running Wonders in the Weave, Part I tomorrow for our high-level table, but after reading through the mod, found that there is essentially no point in doing so until the end of January.
[Spoiler omitted]
I am very disappointed that Paizo released a scenario that most players would not play during the first month of its release if they knew the full details of the chronicle sheet. I would rather see any multiple-part scenarios like this released together or at least...Michael Madison2012-01-03T00:03:20ZRe: Forums: Jade Regent: The Brinewall Legacy (GM Reference)Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mpts?The-Brinewall-Legacy#372011-09-15T03:43:38Z2011-09-15T03:43:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Michael Madison wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Michael Madison wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...</p>
<p>•• spoiler omitted ••</p>
<p>-Michael </blockquote><p>Yep, I had found the size modifiers (I forget them on my own chars since I mostly play medium...don't know where the +1 on the damage is coming from, though), but was curious about something else:
<p>•• spoiler omitted ••</p>
<p>-Michael </blockquote><p>Actually,
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Michael Madison wrote:Michael Madison wrote:Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...
** spoiler omitted **
-Michael
Yep, I had found the size modifiers (I forget them on my own chars since I mostly play medium...don't know where the +1 on the damage is coming from, though), but was curious about something else: ** spoiler omitted **
-Michael Actually, [Spoiler omitted]Michael Madison2011-09-15T03:43:38ZRe: Forums: Jade Regent: The Brinewall Legacy (GM Reference)Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mpts?The-Brinewall-Legacy#362011-09-15T03:42:20Z2011-09-15T03:42:20Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Michael Madison wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...</p>
<p>•• spoiler omitted ••</p>
<p>-Michael </blockquote><p>Yep, I had found the size modifiers (I forget them on my own chars since I mostly play medium...don't know where the +1 on the damage is coming from, though), but was curious about something else:
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Michael Madison wrote:Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...
** spoiler omitted **
-Michael
Yep, I had found the size modifiers (I forget them on my own chars since I mostly play medium...don't know where the +1 on the damage is coming from, though), but was curious about something else: [Spoiler omitted]
-MichaelMichael Madison2011-09-15T03:42:20ZRe: Forums: Jade Regent: The Brinewall Legacy (GM Reference)Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mpts?The-Brinewall-Legacy#342011-09-15T02:44:39Z2011-09-15T02:44:39Z<p>Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>-Michael</p>Odd question...and I'm probably just missing something, but...
[Spoiler omitted]
-MichaelMichael Madison2011-09-15T02:44:39ZForums: Carrion Crown: Question about an Encounter in Carrion Crown Part 1Michael Madisonhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lz4p?Question-about-an-Encounter-in-Carrion-Crown#12011-03-09T02:13:00Z2011-03-09T02:13:00Z<p>I've been reading the PDF of the first installment of Carrion Crown since I'll be running it for my players pretty soon, and I had a question regarding one of the encounters:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Thanks for the assistance!</p>
<p>-Michael</p>I've been reading the PDF of the first installment of Carrion Crown since I'll be running it for my players pretty soon, and I had a question regarding one of the encounters:
[Spoiler omitted]
Thanks for the assistance!
-MichaelMichael Madison2011-03-09T02:13:00Z