Pete Apple's page

While it might push the cost up, I wonder if Paizocon...

I usually put visiting guests up at the Marriot at Redmond Town Center - lots of food and shops all within walking distance. And a game store! Plus it's right on the bus line straight to downtown.

-Pete

You were great as the cleric Pete! That game was a blast.

Where else can you play:
An Amnesic Wizard that hears barking dogs
An Agoraphobic Cleric in a carriage (and her warhorse, Daisy)
A Barbarian that panics at the sight of blood
A Rogue that's afraid of the dark
A Paladin under a permanent "Suggestion"
A Hemopheliac, OCD Monk that counts everything he sees

Extremely creative and lots of opportunities to play off one another.

"The Monk is bleeding! Turn him off! Gaaa!"

And the wooden house! Brilliant!

Karui Kage wrote:

And yes, Object in a Box. I hope I get the banana!

I don't know.. the banana is quite rare...

You might get a used post-it or a used car battery.. who knows?

Jason

Agoraphobic Cleric

"My Roof, My Roof, My Roof is on Fire..."

Don't worry, it isn't in Indiana either.

Literally, one of the stupidist things I've ever heard is holding a convention for a large number not always quite HWP gamers in Indiana in the middle of *August*. "Humidity Index" SHEESH!

Come to Seattle! We have Salmon! And.. Cool Ocean Air!

This was definitely one of the best conventions I've been to in a looong time.

Pre-made characters (and several of them per person most likely) will be provided by Jason.

I got home late last night but my wife was still up. Went through the goody bag and thought the Fanzine was one of the Paizo-produced goodies. I had to convince her it was Fan produced.

'Nuff said. Great job!

Go! Btw, what was the name of the winning team again? My favorite moment was still the one-man SKR wave. Classic!

-1 Gotta help the wife finish her DNA data models tomorrow. Big presentation on Monday and I've got "plans" for the weekend. ;-)

Tim, I should be able to make this. Sorry to not back to you sooner, let me know if there is still room. We can discuss further at Geoff's game on Sunday. Woot!

Pre-made characters (and several of them per person most likely) will be provided by Jason.

Something I hadn't considered before is the Microsoft Visitor's Center (Museum + Company Store) that just opened up in new digs if you're into that sort of thing. Might be good for a quick Friday morning visit if you've got a car. Not sure they're going to have a Natal in there to try out yet. :-)

Definitely looking better. Thanks folks! Dang interwebs!

Sooo.... I'm attempting to sign up for cursed lot, cause it says 4 out of six slots taken (and I have my drums of doom polished) but the website keeps not taking it... and I had to drop my other items in order to get it to not complain about conflicts... so... is the event sign up actually working? Is the information on there accurate? Should I sign back up for the original events before they get full?

Any advice on a good steak place?

Now I'm not talking dress up fancy (seriously, I own one tie for interview purposes and it's in storage in Boise, with everything else) and be a snob, but good steak and fixings that's okay with my showing up in jorts, steel-toed hiking shoes and a t-shirt.

A good beer selection is solid, too, so long as I don't have to drive back...if I've got to drive, then I either don't drink or drag out the meal so as to not be intoxicated by the end of the meal...or get blitzed and taxi-it. ;)

Plus the Tango's fun to watch ( and participate in, if you're so inclined)

If you want more reasonably priced and has a location on the eastside, try Jak's

In bellevue there are Daniel's and El Gaucho, both of which are way overpriced for what you get. Oh and there's a Ruth's Chris at the Bellevue Mall. Bleh.

-Pete

Still wondering about these things.

Juice Bar. I want Wheat Grass Shots!

Nature's Pantry.

Bakery! I want to hit the best bakery in town!

The best bakery in Bellevue is Belle Pasty. It's not as good as Bakery Nouveau, but, then again, it's not in West Seattle either.. :-) We hit it up before heading to BelSquare on the weekends.

Organic Food Store Yes, the good stuff.

Nature's Pantry.

There's also a Whole Paycheck and Trader Joe's in Bellevue. PCC is better, but there isn't one in Bellevue.

But seriously, stop in at Nature's Pantry. It's in the same building as the University book store and it's a great place.

Stadium/IMAX Movie Theatre I am ashamed of watching movies in my town.

Lincoln Square

IMAX just down the street from the hotel! We have indoor plumbing too. You'll love it.

Cheese: You just missed the Seattle Cheese Festival! Now that was a fun time.

We like Byblos -- Of course it's primarily Med. based cheeses, but that's the kind we like! :-)

If you're going to be anywhere near Pike's Market, just go to DeLaurenti and make sure you bring enough for everyone else. ;-)

Hope this helps!

Pete Apple wrote:

On the eastside you're limited to some very scary hotel bars with divorcees looking for love in all the wrong places...

Oh thanks for the tip!

*Googlemaps for Eastside, clickity click....*

If we just rent a car to get to Bellevue and drive around Bellevue and back to Seattle, could we get around Seattle ok with public transportation? We plan on going to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Underground Tour, and maybe the Science Museum. We are staying at the Quality Inn Sea-Tac for the first two nights before the con.

Then, take the Monorail down to Westlake center and walk down the hill to Pike Place market. Have some lunch and see the flying fish and do a bit of shopping.

From there, take the stairs down from Pike Place market to the waterfront, and take the Waterfront Trolly down to Pioneer square for the Underground. The Underground is better later in the day anyway.

And yes, I've done this before. Many, many times. Lots of visitors over the years....

*CLUBS: If you actually want to go out dancing, you'll want to hit up the gay clubs like R Place and Neighbors on Capitol Hill in the city proper. If you're straight, you'll also want to to hit up the gay clubs. Seriously - the straight dance clubs here tend to be in places like Pioneer Square, and they're totally gross. Meathead fratboys and sorority hoochie-mamas galore. Cool bars, on the other hand, are a dime a dozen in the city, as are nifty local coffee shops. Bellevue, again, is much more limited, but nobody says you can’t have fun drinking at the Cheesecake Factory.

On the eastside you're limited to some very scary hotel bars with divorcees looking for love in all the wrong places...

Jason Nelson wrote:

I'd agree with the Salmon House, though I also like Chinook's out at Fisherman's Terminal - a little bit harder to find if you're an out-of-towner, though.

Oh, yes, Chinook's is mighty tasty as well. I like the Salmon House because of the view of Lake Union, and the motif of the restaurant. Plus, Ivar's is part of Seattle's history. I think my visitors get a big kick out of it.

Then, after dinner, I take them up to the Fremont Troll nearby. :D

http://www.seastarrestaurant.com/

F**K Yah! I am all for being hardcore with you guys.

What are the rules on hookers and blow in public areas of the hotel?

At this point I know of 4 and we are probably going to have to play Saturday afternoon or evening. Just two more to make the game happen.

If you want a hike that's quick and easy to get to, I would recommend you head out I-90 to the High Point exit. From there you can hit the Tiger Mountain trails pretty easy. Lots of signage.

If you want something quick and easy take the trail around Tradition Lake that starts at the same spot. Nice and flat, easy for kids/dogs or folks who don't want to work too hard. :-)

http://www.pnwhikes.com/hike.asp?hid=Issaquah%20-%20High%20Point%20Trail

Poo-Poo Point is also a good one - 2 miles but pretty steep at the top. It's where the local paragliders head out from. Great views of Seattle and the sound in one direction and Mt. Rainier in the other. If it's a clear day make sure to bring your camera.

http://www.pnwhikes.com/hike.asp?hid=92

I live out this way so if you want other suggestions happy to pass them along.

Oops. Well it WILL be in Seattle by PaizoCon-time:

May 23 to August 16, 2009.

Cmon, Tim, you know which homeless guy I'm talking about, he's a hoot!

Speaking of street people... Went to a Mariner's game. I miss Tuba Man. Sigh.

We're visiting Seattle for the first time and bringing our three daughters (11, 13, 16). We are flying in Wednesday night so that we will have Thursday for sight-seeing. I'm looking for suggestions for say the "top 3" things you would want to see with children of that age. Space needle I'm guessing would be one...any other suggestions???

Depending upon their interest in such at this point, there's the Doll Museum in Bellevue. http://www.dollart.com/

If they're more into nature you can head out to the falls - fun to hike down to the bottom. http://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

**CAUTION: Do Not Taunt Happy Fun Editor**

The bus doesn't get you as close so if you've got luggage it can be an issue. Shuttle express is ok, and if you've got a collection of folks going to the same area it's not too bad.

I use Seattle City Car http://seattlecitycar.com/ when I travel. They're very reliable and I feel they're worth the extra money.

If you're coming from Texas it depends upon the airport. Dallas the best deals are using American or Alaska. Houston is Continental. Definitely fly into SeaTac. Of course also always check to see what Southwest specials are running, but you'll have a transfer with that.

Can you tell I used to travel alot? :-)

These folks know value for your dollar!

Yodaeatsmyheadsperson:

When I was a wee lad in the 80's, I depended upon a multitude of friendly folk for floor space, ramen, and host suite leftovers many a time. As such, I felt it necessary to "pay it forward" now that I am decrepit and such. So, some funds have flown via the interwebs to your paypal account. Enjoy, and I look forward to see your personage in person!

-Pete

I am totally stoked to run a one-shot again, and
perhaps even demo the Pathfinder edition of the pact magic books (I'm starting the process now.)

And I'm happy to contribute a pact magic book or two to a raffle.

If anyone wants to hear about the writing and publishing process from a small publishers point of view I am happy to contribute to that.

WOOT!

PaizoCon! WOOT!

Dank yew! It's 29 this year. (And thank you too Niel!)

OK, So I could not go to Gen Con this year. Therefore, I sent a friend to the Paizo booth pick me up a copy of the Beta. I saw this thread and I was concerned that I did not get a copy.

He came to work today with my copy and said it was a birthday present.

He told me that this copy was THE LAST copy sold at Gen Gon.

Sannos

I have to say I'm a bit annoyed with the amount of Errata put out already. Not sure how I'm going to integrate all of that.

See it for yourself here!

Too often folks define "WotC" as this faceless corporate entity. Sounds like it's clear that just like any other medium-large company you gots internal battles you sometimes win and sometimes lose -- you do the best you can then put on your game face for the outside world. Been there, done that, got the "Microsoft Bob" T-shirt.

Sounds like they made their case on the issues with the GSL/SRD and finally got traction on it. It would be amusing to know how many of them said "we told you so" but can't actually state that externally.

-Pete

But all in all, this is good for the industry.

Anything that could provide 3rd parties with 4E revenue opportunities with less risk to their current product lines would be goodness for them and the industry.

As well, if the 3rd parties could more easily leverage their current/future IP (Content) for multiple editions of the game that's also goodness from a manpower standpoint.

We'll have to wait and see but I'm cautiously optomistic. Heck, it's already clear that it won't be worse. :-)

And as well, speculating on what Paizo might or might not do before anything concrete is out really isn't useful. They will produce great products (as usual) that their fans demand. If the new GSL/SRD appear to allow 4E products from Paizo and they see a business case for it, I'm sure they'll take a look, because they're smart cookies.

Link

WotC to Revise D&D 4th Edition GSL and SRD
08/11/2008News Archive

Wizards of the Coast announces a forthcoming revision to the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Game System License (GSL) and System Reference Document (SRD).

“We recognize the important role third party publishing support plays in the success of the 4th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. We have listened to the community and our valued colleagues and have taken their concerns and recommendations to heart. Our commitment to the health of the industry and hobby gaming lifestyle is reflected in the revisions to the Game System License.”
--Linae Foster D&D Licensing Manager

While the delivery date is not yet firmly established, the revised documents will be available in the very near future.

The new fan site policy, to be made public at a later date, will be posted upon completion.

1-2 or 4-5?

Is there no love for 3rd level?

Rovagug is nothing more than a cockroach squashed under the heel of our master's boot. It would seem our feeble counterparts from that ridiculously insignificant collection of dandys and old men that call themselves Taldan, don't understand their own insignificance. All souls ultimately belong to the master, some just come to that realization later than others. No matter. My brothers and I will be glad to draw up the paperwork to allow you to enjoy the same power and riches the enlightened obtain through their partnership with the master.

Please, I do so enjoy a good cucumber sandwich and mint julip. Thank you for such a delightful buffet. I have to have the contact information for your event planner. This hummus is to die for! Is your cook a Qadiran?

Oh, we have quests! Do please tell us of your recent travels. It is just so *fascinating* to hear the thrilling accounts from our neighbors on their "empire building". <Snicker> Aren't they so adorable everyone?

Excuse me goodly sirs, is this the garden party for the...

<notices the Chelaxian Handy BBQ Smoker(tm) in the background>

Oh. FINGER Sandwiches. How Terribly Witty. Please, do carry on.

1888 - And the card still doesn't download. Love that I.E.! :-)

I chose the Taldorans for obvious reasons:

"NOW YOU DAMN KIDS GET OUT OF MY YARD!!"

Webmonsters: Thread should be renamed:

4.0: PAIZO IS STILL DECIDED

Lisa Stevens wrote:

Aberzombie wrote:

So now, if Brett wants to be in the Hall of Fame as a Packer, won't they have to hire him back? That could be interesting.

Actually, if I understand the system correctly, when you are voted into the Hall of Fame, the player gets to decide which team he played on he is inducted as. Reggie White went in as a Packer even though he started his career as an Eagle and ended as a Panther. I have no doubt Brett will be going in as a Packer.

-Lisa

This is a popular misconception.

From the HOF website:
Is a New Hall of Fame Member Enshrined as a Member of a Team?

What is common is a "1-day contract" so the player can retire as a member of their original team. I remember Everett Smith did that so he could retire as a Cowboy.

I suspect the Packers would do the same for Mr. Fav-ray in a couple years once he's bounced around the league a bit after retiring a few more times.

while assisting Sarah Jane Smith with the strange

You're correct that Alliance wouldn't have their stock yet, but they're more than happy to take preorders for anything that hasn't arrived yet.

I find it amusing* that a store called Amazing Stories hasn't heard of the company that most recently published that magazine.

*"amusing" is not the actual word I was thinking of.

The gaming section was in the back and they had all the new WotC stuff prominently displayed. It was good to see the bulletin board with gamer notices - nice! They even had three full bookshelves of RPG materials, I saw Green Ronin and a number of other 3rd parties items out there. Not one Paizo book, though! I got all Verkelmpt!

If you ever come up with some sort of "retail kit" you should let folks know so we can nominate the clueless FLGS in our area. :-)

And how could I forget Repo Man?! I watched it as a child when I was really ill and couldn't eat and watching the movie wrapped up in a blanket on the sofa made me feel all warm inside. It changed my life.