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Great work!

Hooray!

It has got to be Blake Davis.

Congratulations, Stealer's Wheeler!

... kiss your spouse and spawn ...

Are you using spawn as a verb or a noun?

Great work, Lucas!

I am pleased to announce that Mike Welham is now a Venture-Lieutenant for the Winston-Salem, NC area! Visit beautiful North Carolina and he will likely GM Doom Comes to Dustpawn for you!

This may be helpful:
Magical AC bonus by fame

Initially I tried to create one diagram for all possible lighting locations, but it was less cluttered dividing them into four separate diagrams.
Outside direct sunlight
Under forest canopy
Outside moonlight or starlight
Underground or cloudy moonless night

Here is the information I used to create these diagrams.
Five lighting conditions:

• Bright light (BL): outside in direct sunshine
  
• Normal light (NL): underneath a forest canopy during the day
  
• Dim light (DL): outside at night with a moon in the sky, bright starlight
  
• Darkness (DN): unlit dungeon chamber, most caverns, and outside on a cloudy, moonless night
  
• Supernatural darkness (Su): This functions like darkness, but even creatures with darkvision cannot see within the spell's confines.

Methods to increase and decrease illumination levels:

• A torch sheds normal light in a 20-foot radius and increases the light level by one step for an additional 20 feet beyond that area (darkness becomes dim light and dim light becomes normal light). A torch does not increase the light level in normal light or bright light.
• Light and continual flame are equivalent in brightness to a torch.
  
• A daylight spell sheds bright light in a 60-foot radius and increases the light level for an additional 60 feet by one step. Daylight brought into an area of magical darkness (or vice versa) is temporarily negated, so that the otherwise prevailing light conditions exist in the overlapping areas of effect.
• The darkness spell causes an object to radiate darkness out to a 20-foot radius. This darkness causes the illumination level in the area to drop one step, from bright light to normal light, from normal light to dim light, or from dim light to darkness. This spell has no effect in an area that is already dark. Nonmagical sources of light, such as torches and lanterns, do not increase the light level in an area of darkness. Magical light sources only increase the light level in an area if they are of a higher spell level than darkness (2nd). This spell does not stack with itself.
• The spell, deeper darkness, functions as darkness, except that objects radiate darkness in a 60-foot radius and the light level is lowered by two steps. Bright light becomes dim light and normal light becomes darkness. Areas of dim light and darkness become supernaturally dark. This functions like darkness, but even creatures with darkvision cannot see within the spell's confines. This spell does not stack with itself.

• Ignore low-light vision.
  
• All spells are already in effect and brought to within overlapping areas of each other. No countering or dispelling is occurring.
  
• Since deeper darkness states that it "functions as darkness," and since both deeper darkness and darkness state that "This spell does not stack with itself" I assume that deeper darkness does not stack with darkness.
  
• Conversely, torches and light spells stack with themselves and other spells (up to stated limits). Though the darkness spells have the not-stacking-with-itself clause, the light spells do not have such a clause.
  
• The magical darkness stated in the daylight spell description refers to any darkness created by magic, not just the supernaturally dark area created by deeper darkness within dim light or darkness. Therefore, daylight (3rd) brought into an area of darkness (2nd) negates both spells and the prevailing light conditions exist in the overlapping areas of effect.
  
• The negating power of daylight only functions within the center 60-foot radius – not the additional 60 feet illumination increasing outer ring given that "Creatures that take penalties in bright light take them while within the 60-foot radius of this magical light."
  
• Even though darkness has the clause "This spell has no effect in an area that is already dark." it can still be cast in an area that is already dark and brought into an illuminated area, thus dropping the illumination level one step.
  
• Similarly though a torch (and therefore light and continual flame) does not increase the light level in normal light or bright light, it can be lit (or cast) in normal or bright light and brought into darkness or dimly lit areas and still increase the illumination level by one step within the additional 20-foot outer ring.
  
• Under the same lighting and darkening conditions, the center of a light source is never at a lower illumination level than its own outer ring of increase-the-light-level.
  Example:

  Underneath forest canopy, deeper darkness, 30 feet from the center of a heightened continual flame (4th), 70 feet from the center of a daylight spell. Normal light under the canopy drops two steps from deeper darkness and increases one step from 30-feet-away heightened continual flame (4th) and one step from 70-feet-away daylight for a total amount of illumination equal to normal light. Move to within 10 feet of the center of the heightened continual flame (4th) and keep everything else the same. Normal light under the canopy (and normal light from the heightened continual flame (4th) gets reduced two steps from deeper darkness and is increased one step from 70-feet-away daylight for a total of amount of illumination equal to dim light. It doesn't make sense that the center of a continual flame spell would be dimmer than 30 feet away under otherwise identical lighting conditions. This problem arises from the stated rule that a torch sheds normal light in a 20-foot radius, but doesn't specifically state how many steps it raises the light level within that first 20 feet.
• Increases and decreases in illumination levels are applied in a way so as to not truncate up against the illumination limits (bright light and supernaturally dark).
  Example:

  Underground, deeper darkness, 30 feet from the center of a heightened continual flame (4th), 110 feet from the center of a daylight spell. Deeper darkness drops illumination levels 2 steps, but when applied to the naturally dark underground it creates a supernaturally dark area. Then apply the one step increase of the 30-foot-away heightened continual flame (4th) and the one step increase from the 110-feet-away daylight spell. Does that bring it up to dim light? No, in this example the diagrams take the naturally dark area and apply the light spells first (+2) then apply the darkening (-2) for a result of regular darkness. The opposite case occurs in direct sunshine at the same location between the three spells. If the light spells are applied first to bright light, they have no effect. Apply deeper darkness and the illumination drops 2 levels to dim light. Apply deeper darkness first (-2) then the light spells (+2) and the light remains bright light.

• Low-light vision.
  
• Show how darkvision penetrates darkness but not supernatural darkness.
  
• Add a torch or lower than 3rd level light spell to the area where daylight overlaps darkness spells to raise the question "Does the 'negate nonmagical sources of light' power of darkness still function even when daylight is overlapping it?
  
• Hatching or shading the different areas of illumination rather than just labeling

When talking about lighting conditions please remember to make a distinction between darkness and darkness.

A good review

I'm sorry you didn't care much for the scenario. Thanks for writing a review, though. The Refuge of Time title was a play on the refuge tokens the PCs are tasked to find. I'm pleased to read that the scenario played in the allotted 4-5 hour slot.

• In my manuscript turnover the briefing was supposed to be delivered in character by an NPC, but he got cut from the scenario and replaced with a letter. I agree that a handout would have been a great addition. When I GM this, I have the question answerer simply hand the PCs the letter so that they can ask simple questions if they are not experienced players.
  
• The angel encounter was designed to be a combat for folks who like combat and to be a social encounter for folks who like social encounters. I intentionally placed an extremely high DC to sort them out. Yes, GMs forbidding PCs from re-equipping their magic items after the angel encounter are cruel. I am surprised this happens as often as I hear about it.
  
• There are 5 NPCs in Area 2: Jeor, Wattlee, and three Shoanti. All three Shoanti behave similarly.
  
• I, too, was disappointed when I read the final version of Emketta's scaling. However, I have come to believe that the developer made a good change considering that if the PCs go the right way and destroy the minion before this fight, they will have used more game time to do so. Having this fight be slightly easier should help make up for the increased time and the scenario could still be run in the 4-5 hour slot.
  When writing the description of this room I wanted to convey what it once was, but not have any obstacles in the way of the mounted rider. I purposely left off any furniture decorations on my map turn-in, but the final (beautiful) version included furniture. I was worried that GMs might rule difficult terrain and it appears some have :( Also note that at subtier 10—11, the phantom mount can air walk.
  
• I'd like to hear more about Naroth's tactics and why they aren't working. In my experience solid fog shuts down many PCs, giving the caster time to summon allies. I recommend using quickened acid arrow on a caster type to force concentration checks to cast each round or waste some kind of action to remove the acid. The minions in my turnover were 6th level slothspawn clerics each channelling negative energy twice a round for 3d6 at DC 21 selecting out those on their side. Again, the developer made a wise change and now they are easier to handle.
  
• I'm glad you like the Taldan faction mission and the angel encounter in theory.
  
• Regarding the boon and the ioun stone: I was surprised when I saw that show up in the scenario. I'd love to be able to answer the many questions floating around about it, but I have no better insight as to how it is supposed to work than anyone else.

My name is Steve Miller and I approve this message.

The Atlanta region is an exception to the rule with as many times as EoT has been run from start to finish. Heck, we were one of the first two regions to complete all four parts and report them. I suspect, off the top of my head, Atlanta region has run it twice as many times as any other region minimum.

Mike's suspicion above prompted me to task our Venture-Ensign, Illeist to collect 12+ level play in the Raleigh region. Here is what Illeist has uncovered:

• Eyes of the Ten (all four scenarios): 9 tables
  
• The Ruby Phoenix Tournament (10-12): 2 tables
  
• Reign of Winter - The Frozen Stars (11-13): 1 table
  
• Race for the Runecarved Key (12+): 2 tables
  
• Siege of the Diamond City (12-13)(14-15): 2 tables
  
• Academy of Secrets (12-14): 2 tables
  
• Tomb of the Iron Medusa (13-15): 3 tables
  
• Rise of the Runelords - Sins of the Saviors (14-16): 1 table
  
• Witchwar Legacy (16-18): 3 tables

My cleric of Pharasma gained a few converts thanks to Bonekeep.

I represent actions in combat like this:
-
-
-
-
In one normal round you may take one of the following combinations of actions:
|---Standard Action---|-------Move your speed-------|-I or S-|-F-|
|---Standard Action---|----Move Action-----|-5' step-|-I or S-|-F-|
|-----Move Action------|----Move Action-----|-5' step-|-I or S-|-F-|
|----------------------------Run------------------------------|-I or S-|-F-|
|--------------------------Charge---------------------------|-I or S-|-F-|
|------------------------Withdraw--------------------------|-I or S-|-F-|
|----Move 5 Feet through really difficult terrain------|-I or S-|-F-|
|-------------------Full Attack-------------------|-5' step-|-I or S-|-F-|
|-----------Other Full Round Actions---------|-5' step-|-I or S-|-F-|
|-----Cast a 1 round casting time spell----|-5' step-|-I or S-|-F-|

|-I or S-|-F-| = A character may take an immediate action or swift action each round and free actions.

• I use easily readable dice.
• Rolling attack and damage together, I report the AC and damage mentioning that it includes flanking, bless, and inspire courage.
• When asked to make a save or skill check I reply "22 or 24 vs fear"; "13 or 16 vs traps."
• I ask "Who's turn is it?" when things get off track and need to return to the game.
• When my turn is done, I say I'm done.

Characters above 11th level can play (acceptable character levels in parenthesis):

Scenarios:
Eyes of the Ten Parts 1-4 (12)
Race for the Runecarved Key (12+)
Siege of the Diamond City (12-15)

Modules:
Academy of Secrets (12-14)
Tomb of the Iron Medusa (13-15)
The Ruby Phoenix Tournament (12) {10 and 11 too, but I'm just listing greater than 11}
The Moonscar (15-17)
Witchwar Legacy (16-18)

Adventure Path portions:
Rise of the Runelords - Fortress of the Stone Giants (12-14)
Rise of the Runelords - Sins of the Saviors (14-16)
Rise of the Runelords - Spires of Xin-Shalast (16-18)
Shattered Star - Beyond the Doomsday Door (12-13) {11 too}
Shattered Star - Into the Nightmare Rift (13-15)
Shattered Star - The Dead Heart of Xin (16-18)
Reign of Winter - The Frozen Stars (12-13) {11 too}
Reign of Winter - Rasputin Must Die (13-15)
Reign of Winter - The Witch Queen's Revenge (15-17)
Skull and Shackles - The Price of Infamy (12-13) {11 too}
Skull and Shackles - From Hell's Heart (13-15)
Jade Regent - Forest of Spirits (12){10 and 11 too}
Jade Regent - Tide of Honor (11-13)
Jade Regent - The Empty Throne (14-16)
Carrion Crown - Ashes at Dawn (12-13) {11 too}
Carrion Crown - Shadows of Gallowspire (13-15)

Characters above 11th level can play (acceptable character levels in parenthesis):

Scenarios:
Eyes of the Ten Parts 1-4 (12)
Race for the Runecarved Key (12+)
Siege of the Diamond City (12-15)

Modules:
Academy of Secrets (12-14)
Tomb of the Iron Medusa (13-15)
The Ruby Phoenix Tournament (12) {10 and 11 too, but I'm just listing greater than 11}
The Moonscar (15-17)
Witchwar Legacy (16-18)

Adventure Path portions:
Rise of the Runelords - Fortress of the Stone Giants (12-14)
Rise of the Runelords - Sins of the Saviors (14-16)
Rise of the Runelords - Spires of Xin-Shalast (16-18)
Shattered Star - Beyond the Doomsday Door (12-13) {11 too}
Shattered Star - Into the Nightmare Rift (13-15)
Shattered Star - The Dead Heart of Xin (16-18)
Reign of Winter - The Frozen Stars (12-13) {11 too}
Reign of Winter - Rasputin Must Die (13-15)
Reign of Winter - The Witch Queen's Revenge (15-17)
Skull and Shackles - The Price of Infamy (12-13) {11 too}
Skull and Shackles - From Hell's Heart (13-15)
Jade Regent - Forest of Spirits (12){10 and 11 too}
Jade Regent - Tide of Honor (11-13)
Jade Regent - The Empty Throne (14-16)
Carrion Crown - Ashes at Dawn (12-13) {11 too}
Carrion Crown - Shadows of Gallowspire (13-15)

I agree that if Harry pipes up and says, "Don't do that to my character" continuing with the action would be jerkish.
My characters trip, channel negative energy without enough de-selects, and infamously fireball druids. However, doing any of the above when the player of the victim PC says not to – is being a jerk.

... a PC dies and the player takes it maturely.

I never do seem to play rangers though.

Unless I force you to.

I am pleased to announce that Venture-Lieutenant, Joe Jungers, has achieved 5-star-status! Joe has been performing V-L duties since before there were official V-Ls.

Point of interest: I have just used my five-star re-roll with Poog to slay a giant toad.
Best. Use. Ever.

Congrats to you all! Now monsters monsters monsters!

Also I'm wondering if there's anyone from NC once again. ;)

Casey Clements is from our area, Todd.

Subtier 10–11
Other than fight off the runelord's minions while Lialda kept the master busy, Ajit Karan's greatest accomplishment during this scenario was to orchestrate the combination of an emerald elixir, bull's strength, greater false life, infernal healing, and summoning of a lantern archon to cast aid - all to get enough hit points, temporary hit points, and Constitution score so than when the ring of delayed doom stopping ticking from the horrid wilting he could stabilize at one hit point above his negative (newly-enhanced) Constitution score.
Many thanks to Lady Lumikello, Samhain, Shelly, and Malonyx who each have their own contributions to document. Thanks to our great GM as well.

I finally have an answer for all the North Carolinians asking about when RPG Superstar 2014 starts! Look out rest of the world, NC has a nice crop of undiscovered talent ready to get recognized.

My neutral cleric with death knell as his domain spell from the death domain would take offense to the notion that 'recycling' the otherwise lost energy in fallen creatures is evil.

Congratulations to Michael Eshleman for earning his 5th GM star! 146 GM credits were earned within the past year as seen in this chart. North Carolina is blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer.

I can vouch that "Weasel" has recently worked tirelessly to advance the formation of the Taldan-Gebite Joint Expeditionary Regiment. Expect scores of recruits for the glory of Taldor.

Congratulations to Mike Welham on earning a Pathfinder Society star! Thanks for GMing Doom Comes to Dustpawn for us.

Andrew, asthyril let's take it down a notch. I've shared a room at Gen Con with Andrew and I've shared a drink and a meal with asthyrill. I think the two of you would be friends if you met under different circumstances.

I also think that we all can agree on a few things:
1) A swarm has "no discernible anatomy, so it is not subject to critical hits or flanking".
2) Swarm traits does not include the term "sneak attack" anywhere in the text.
3) This issue should either be included in the FAQ or be included in the errata.

It is acceptable to have differing takes on the issue, but please envision how the other party came to their stance and agree that it could be interpreted different ways.

I do not recommend going with the dimensions in the scenario, otherwise you end up with a key this big: Runecarved Key

Last night I hosted a party for area RPG Supertar past contestants and Paizo authors. We read through the encounters discussing the virtues and misteps of each.
pictures here
You might recognize Todd Stewart, Mike Welham, Sam Polak, and myself.

Now you go host a RPG Superstar party and playtest these encounters!

We made you a cake - and are going to eat it in your honor.

Then, at the end, with all enemies taken care of, after Osirion did his mission and received a heal, the cleric/barbarian of Gorum said, "Wow, cool! I do that too!" and I rolled...a 5. So I asked him his greatest fear. He said "A world without war." So I described to him how he saw a world where swords were bent into plowshares and he was completely unneeded. He failed both saves and died. Later he rolled really well on his Craft: Basketweaving day job, so I told him "After seeing a world without war, you realize that at least you'll still have Basketweaving, and you pursue it with a renewed vigor."

I love hearing the trap stories. Thank you.

On the 27th of Lamashan, 4712 six parties of Pathfinders answered Shelia Heidmarch's call to obtain the Runecarved Key by any means necessary.
Many attempted to secure the Key, but only one team emerged victorious - though they did have help from the veteran Pathfinders at one point.
The delay in this report to the Decemvirate is due to the ongoing investigation as to why the dragon suddenly appeared on scene.

I started it! I started it!

I was just following your lead.

As an aside, I had no idea so many people would read my review so soon. You're about the 4th or 5th person to contact me about it since I posted it. Go figure.

Jacob - come on, one star-review?

I'm curious about what Emketta would do if one of the PCs happened to openly worship Lissala. One example, openly displaying an unholy symbol of Lissala..

I recommend

As of 2:00 PM PST,
Congratulations to the Top 32. You made it in! Some of your items were outstanding, some were satisfactory, and some I did not care for. But that doesn't matter anymore - you made it past the judges. They saw potential and gave you a shot. Now you need to impress the voters, yet keep in mind that the first posts after your submission will still be what the judges think of your ideas and writting.

Remember rule #5! You will be so tempted to respond to comments, remark on other people's submissions, or just drop a single word to answer all the questions. Don't do it. Paizo is not afraid to disqualify for this behavior. When voting is open, I recommend not making a single post in the Superstar forum. Avoid taking about your stuff anywhere else for that matter. Spend your time thinking and writting about the next assignment.

Good luck.

This item demonstrates that you can still make the top 32 even with an error like neglecting the item name at the top of the body of text. You just need a great item to pull it off. A number of items this year buried the lead, but the cobra-hood cloak takes the cake. It starts with a static bonus, continues into a spell three times per day, goes into a number of disadvantages, and finishes with the most useful power: auto escape grapple about the torso. The ‘about the torso’ should have been left out. It only invites trouble adjudicating which grapple/entangle effects are ‘about the torso’

This season, give the gift of rest.