The Outlaw Josie Whales's page

Roll for sure. I like getting into the story but have never been found of actually pretending to be my character or true "role" play

you could run your campaign/adventure if the pbp/online section and get feedback from the players through that.

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

If everyone who has already pledged were to pledge $52 more the project would be fully funded without additional backers. $52 while not insignificant does seem manageable. Perhaps a better way to go about driving rather than relying on new donors.

That's what the Add-ons have been about.

Ya I wasn't trying to be smart ass but rather motivating in that $296,000 while a lot isn't as daunting as it may seem to others

If everyone who has already pledged were to pledge $52 more the project would be fully funded without additional backers. $52 while not insignificant does seem manageable. Perhaps a better way to go about driving rather than relying on new donors.

ahh ok then I think for it to work for me firearms would have to be confined to muskets and pistols but only because I want bows to have meaningful and logical role in the world.

@ hitdice, :) well I understand they are different but would not be able to go into great detail. I would say I mostly use the term interchangeably. Are there single shot rifles that do not have bored barrels? That's what I'm talking about.

I thought about this more and I think for it to work for me the following has to be true (ie my world has these rules/characteristics)

1) Firearms are flintlock weapons both rifles & pistols

2) Firearms are expensive/difficult to craft but not rare. Using them requires about the same training as a crossbow and is easier than a bow

3) They are more powerful than bows & crossbows however getting hit with a bullet is not as bad as getting hit by say a two handed sword all things being equal

4) They are less accurate at greater distances (boring doesn't exist)

5) Gunpowder is more expensive than arrows/bolts and cannot be reused (obviously) It also more dangerous to carry in large quantities

6) Guns are obviously loud and this can carry consequences

7) A loaded gun can be fired quicker than a bow but takes longer to reload

8) gunpowder doesn't work when wet, guns must be cleaned

I think the above allows the existence of firearms without rendering all of the other things I love (swords,bows,spears, armor) obsolete.

Agree?

I guess my main problem is connecting a world with guns to a world where swords & bows & crossbows are still used and really still dominant. Also I think I've just been programmed to not visualize armor and guns together.

I want to make it clear though these questions are sincere and this is not some hidden attempt to complain. I get that this is fantasy and all imagination. I'm just wondering if people had the same problems and eventually were able to answer their questions.

Also thanks for the tips on Iron Kingdom and the guildwars video (extremely cool)

I really want to like the use of gunslingers within pathfinder. I think it's an incredibly cool concept and should work. I mean this with absolute sincerity. However for some reason I have this mental block that is preventing my imagination for completely embracing the idea. It's like I can't picture it like I can picture other more typical fantasy stuff. And because of this I can't fully enjoy it. Logically I completely understand this makes no sense. It's fantasy first of all! Also I love star wars for crying out loud!

Has anyone else had similar issues? Can anyone point me in the direction of some good concept art of firearms combined with fantasy?

Thanks

Intro: The players come across a small hut and open the door. Inside the see an orc eating a pie.

Where is goes from here: Whatever the players want. This campaign is completely open ended and subject to the player's imagination.

Are you Will Wheaton or Will Wheaton's nephew? Because I am pretty sure I remember reading an article were he discussed coming up with this exact scenario

Wow I really like the layout and presentation of your site/blog.

I don't have any suggestions as I've only ever played the original Legend of Zelda many years ago.

However thumbs up for the idea and being an enjoyable read

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

Truth is there just is not a huge market for the D&D brand UNLESS (and this is a big unless) one of the video game companies decided they wanted it.

You know that. I know that. But I'm not convinced Hasbro does.

Out of curiosity, assuming it does happen: Do you see Paizo abandoning Pathfinder as a brand, or just using individual pieces of IP (mind flayers, beholders, etc.)?

I don't think they (and I wouldn't) abandon the Pathfinder brand but rather find a way to have the two brands operate and thrive together. A lot of companies are able to do this so it's not out of the question.

Many of the settings could immediately be used for both rpg's for example. Plus it seemed like Paizo had a better handle on the pdf market and could possible derive more use from out of print material. I would also guess that many of the old adventures could also be re-energized under the Paizo creative direction. Things like that just lots of revenue generating possibilities that would add up.

The big reason though would be able to share common costs (overhead, fixed cost, website) across both audiences (D&D & Pathfinder).

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

Shivok wrote:

If not then I give it about 5 years before the D&D brand is in Paizo's portfolio as an IP and not as a product licensee(they got bit once already).

Astute observation

You really think so, eh?

I can't see it. WotC would be looking to sell a brand, while Paizo would be looking to buy an RPG. I have a really difficult time imaging they could settle on a price. Add Hasbro's well-established penchant for brand hoarding and I think this outcome is very unlikely indeed. Then again, I've been wrong before. :)

Yes I think so. IMO, Paizo would only be interested in the Brand. When companies decide to end of line of business (which would not surprise me) they tend to go for a pretty good price. Truth is there just is not a huge market for the D&D brand UNLESS (and this is a big unless) one of the video game companies decided they wanted it. If that doesn't happen I imagine Paizo would be one of the few in a position to grab it and actually make use of the various IP.

Note: I completely understand this is unfounded speculation

Awesome idea, please do a campaign journal

I gave Maxximilius the right to reproduce it for non-commercial purposes. If Paizo does want to use anything from my version of the gunslinger, then they need but ask. I like Paizo, and I think they have the right heart when it comes to the game and all of us.

Perhaps it seems selfish to want to at least be somewhat recognized for the work that you put forward, and if so, I apologize; but I did put forth a lot of effort to design and balance a usable gunslinger based on a theme I felt Paizo was going for, without using any of Paizo's material; including writing a moderate amount of mechanics, including an entire class, weapons, weapon rules, additional items, gunpowder, gunpowder items (including alchemical bombs), the feats listed with the gunslinger, and even drew some concept art for it (I'm no Wayne Reynolds though; that amazing fellow, him).

I'm a designer. Unpaid, but a designer. I enjoy what I write; I put a lot of effort into it; I'm very finicky about making sure that what I write is good, useful, and with a standard of quality; and I want to do it professionally one day; and while I may be misinterpreting, I feel like a bit of a negative vibe from your posts because of this.

If there is hard feelings, I apologize.

Standard feelings for anyone who does creative work for a living. I wouldn't worry about it

A couple of possible answers

the easy one. To not be needed. It seems that the pathfinder community/player base more so than other games really likes the most of the prpg rules. It's a large reason why the game exists. If I was a Paizo manager I would be very hesitant to rock the boat too much.

That being said

Something that would appeal to me would be to really shake up the rules (example changing the core abilities, etc) while maintaining the original product line. Basically when Jason designed Pathfinder he explicitly stated his objective was to stay true to D&D 3.5 which limited how creative he could be. I'd like to see what he could or would do without that constraint. Again while fully maintaining (bringing new products to market) pathfinder 1.0

If not then I give it about 5 years before the D&D brand is in Paizo's portfolio as an IP and not as a product licensee(they got bit once already).

Astute observation

They only way one learns to deal with those issues is through experience.

This is not true, if it was than your opinion on any of these issues would be absolutely meaningless. Do you see why?

IdleMind wrote:

Damian Magecraft wrote:

Stuff

Take a step back for a moment.

Your arguing.
On the internet.
About a game.

A game where you pretend to be people/things you aren't.

Your arguing about how people should respect you for your knowledge of such a thing.

This is not, in and of itself, ridiculous to you?

-Idle

And asking for a modicum of respect for my experience and knowledge of a game is different from giving respect to an athlete, or teacher,or game writer/designer for their dedication to their craft how?

To be blunt because its a niche game and nobody knows or gives a crap who you are. Go earn respect from your friends and family not some message board.

Also LOL at the kids (i'm 35) being jealous of your age or experience. They are young, having fun and don't care and that's the way it should be

No not evil or even wrong. However IMO it's boring to play min-maxed characters.

This is my first pathfinder adventure.

Story is pretty basic. There is a large old fortress which has been magically sealed for many years. Recently a large earthquake rocked the castle opening it up for would be explores and treasure seekers. This is where the PC's come in. However, there is an unknown danger which also has claimed the castle for its own!

I love the way Master of the fallen Fortress starts out. Bam, you’re at the fortress which you’re exploring and by the way here come some vicious dogs to attack you. Perfect for a new GM & new players.

Party(4 1st level characters)

Rutten Vas, Fighter: light crossbow & scimitar

Luna, Elemental bloodline sorceress: dual wielding sickles

Jeremiah, Cleric : Morningstar Sun & Healing domain

Eli Jax, Rogue : short bow

Part 1.

The party approaches a gaping hole in the eastern wall of the fortress brought on by a massive earthquake with the rogue taking the lead ready with his bow. Before they can enter however they are attacked from behind by a 3 rabies infected dogs

Luna reacts quickly and slashes the lead dog with her sickle wounding it badly. Eli sides step in order to get a clear shot and then buries an arrow in the 2nd dog.

No more hits are scored on either end and the 2 wounded dogs flee leaving just one which Rutten kills with a massive shot from his crossbow.

The party has tasted its first combat and now prepares to enter the fortress.

The party moves into the 2nd room on the ground floor and is immediately set upon by a large spider lurking in its web on the ceiling.

DM’s note: I was unsure how to deal with the whole fighting in web thing but I did rule that as long as the spider was using its ranged web attack it was doing so from a the ceiling and could only be hit with ranged attacks.

As Eli Jax was the first to enter I had him first do a DC 21 perception check which he passed (otherwise Spider gets a surprise attack). I then had Eli & the Spider do an initiative roll and then attack. After the first round the remaining party members rolled initiative and moved into normal combat.

Although the combat was more dangerous due to the Spider being out of range for melee attacks the party was able to finish it off quickly using a combination of bow/crossbow attacks combined with Luna’s elemental bloodline lighting strike which came in handy.

After killing the spider Eli Jax spotted a jeweled dog collar and assumed its former bearer would no longer miss it. The first rewards of adventure.

With the first level cleared out, the party prepares to climb to level 2!

All we ever have asked for is the modicum of respect our experience and dedication to the hobby has earned us.

Sarcasm?

PURE OPINION: People need to talk about the gamers less, and the game more.

And playing the game is way better than talking about it.

People love to fracture into tribes and squabble over minutiae, but all of these factions are far more similar than you'd ever imagine, especially in the eyes of outsiders. We're all gathering together to fuel fantasy lives with dice and math.

90% of these labeling threads just remind me of those Original Trek aliens who are half black and half white.

Very awesome post, completely agree.

Additionally every community on the internet ever has this exact same dynamic. I played poker professionally online for 5 years starting during the poker boom. At first I was the "new school player" because I played online then I became the old school player as more and more players joined with new styles.

I've been on forums where there was no singe topic and exactly the same thing happens. I have started following MMA recently and if you go to any forum guess what you find? Exactly the same discussions along with a bunch of BS about respect blah blah blah.

IMO this is as silly as having back and forth (really endless) discussions about whether or not monopoly should be played with or without free parking and respecting the parker bros tradition.

It's a game! That's all it is and all it ever will be

"Can you honestly say that it is any more strange than the western obsession with bombs, bullets, and blood"

Yes, easily

"Still, I find that what really makes a character is coming up with a look and style. Not just for roleplaying, but in-combat as well. Get a couple of flashes of what you want your character to look like, then roll with it. Or, come up with a full backstory explaining what your character looks like, as well as his adventures, and then use that to define your character. Yeah, some builds look boring on paper or seem boring at first, but if you get a firm grasp of what your character's personality is (appearance as well as mental), you'll find that it's not so bad."

Yes this exactly. For me letting go of worrying about how powerful the character is and just coming up with something that I think is bad ass makes playing a character so much more fun

for example a recent PC is a dual sickle wielding sorcerer with the air elemental bloodline thus allowing her to shoot freaking lighting at people. Her initial feats were spent on improving her melee abilities. So basically modeled after the Assai Ventress Starwars character. Now will she ever fight as good as a fighter - no, will she cast as good as a cha or int maxed magic user nope? but I have a picture in my mind of her and I can start building a persona and actions around that. For me its more fun that way

Also sword and shield can be fun

I'd recommend either:

a) Master of the Fallen Fortress, a quick, short dungeon crawl, specifically made as an intro to Pathfinder and the PFS. Bonus: the PDF is free;

b) The Godsmouth Heresy, a simple, but brilliantly written, dungeon crawl in one of the best cities in Golarion. A little more complicated than Fallen Fortress, but worth it to really show off a dungeon crawl, or;

c) Crypt of the Everflame, the first of a three-part module series, this module provides a great alternative to "you all meet in an inn", it plays out like the beginning of the best fantasy novels, and makes the players truly feel like heroes.

Alternatively, Goodman Games has Castle Whiterock. This mega-dungeon has a very old-school, "Night Below" feel to it, and takes players from levels 1 - 15. It's 3.5, so it will require a bit of conversion to PFRPG, but if you're looking for a true, old-fashioned dungeon crawl experience, look no further.

Stumbled upon this thread and these look awesome.

Got it, the extra attack is just the 2nd attack (with off hand weapon).

Thank you both for the help

I want to make sure I have this correct

pc is dual wielding sickles and has selected two hand fighting & weapon finesse feats (dex 16)

The TWF + using light weapons reduces her attack penalties to minus 2 on each but she gets an extra attack with her off hand so three total attacks at -2 ea but when adding weapon finesse she adds her dexterity bonus so now has 3 attacks at +1 each.

Is this correct and does the dexterity bonus apply to the damage rolls as well?

Thanks

ugh, call them toons all you want. some of these posts are unbelievable.

So you don't think the new classes will be making any showing in any future modules or APs? As you say, crappy new characters can ruin the overall entertainment value. If they show up in those products, they can certain taint it. As well as official game play as well.

Oh, I had not considered that. So then it really is a fear of the game being worsened.

Honest question (for those opposed to new classes). Why do you care?

I understand not liking the new classes (I don't as well) but ultimately I'm not required to acknowledge their existence. So it's very different from say a TV show where a couple of crappy new characters can ruin the overall entertainment value. So for me even though I don't like the classes I can get by just fine and if the new classes bring other people more satisfaction that's a good thing.

So I am curious why you care? Is it fear of having the game somehow ruined, does it affect the games you play in? It is just fun to debate?

I've always learned a ton from not just reading the rules but reading examples of the rules being used.

A module campaign type book which took the reader through a campaign including building the world, going through an adventure and then connecting it to another adventure with in and out of combat examples of all the various rules. It would be a combo novel - fun to read- and educational - examples of how rules are used. An example would be Jason's blog where he walked through an adventure from start to finish.

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

removed post

I'm basicly asking you the same question. I'm showing that if you apply your same logic to a different circumstance, it's idiotic.

You're ok with (and would be correct, imho) to let your daughter read or watch a national geographic show without having concern with it affecting her, even though there is obvious but non-sexual nudity, but her seeing a painted representation of a female who is merely "scantily clad" in a rpg book might affect her negtively or be awkward.

I'm trying to understand, honestly.

I apologize.

Yes exactly. I am saying that there are so many messages coming from multiple sources that all basically say "in order to have value as a woman you must be sexy, dress sexy and seduce men" basically just about every reality show etc. So it's something I try to protect against. Its the same reason I strongly support her playing sports or doing academic activities etc. Because I want her sense of value to come from her character and accomplishements

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

It worked in lord of the rings, it works in Glen Cook's novels.

LOTR isn't high fantasy, at least not in the way that D&D and Pathfinder are high fantasy. Gandalf isn't throwing fireballs or teleporting, treating injuries is very difficult, a single troll is a difficult challenge for a group of nine adventurers, and so on.

Ya I get that. I'm just showing examples of fantasy type things in which having a certain amount of realism does in fact work. The statement I was responding to was definitive (it does not work). If instead it had said there are many types of fantasy portrayals some more realistic than others I would not have taken issue. But you cannot not profoundly state that something absolutely does not work and then rely on some differentiations about degrees of fantasy. At least not if you want to be taken seriously.

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

Sean K Reynolds wrote:

Okay, so when is it "a good reason" for an RPG book to include a scantily-clad (armorless) spellcaster whose magic partly derives from how attractive he or she is? Never?

Why on earth would a woman (attractive or not) go off into the wilds, exposing herself to harsh weather and even more dangerous enemies be scantily clad? Seriously it makes absolutely no sense when put in the context of the game and thus is a weak justification.

Endure elements is a 1st-level spell. It protects you from extremes of cold and heat.

Mage armor is a 1st-level spell. It protects you almost as well as chainmail, and doesn't interfere with arcane spellcasting.

She can't wear armor without risking ruining her spells. And in the context of her character history, her tattoos augment her power, so covering them probably interferes with her magic.

There are good reasons why she dresses the way she does, instead of dressing like Seelah or even Kyra.

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

Also as a company, if you desire, you can make sure you balance this, which I think was done with that paladin chick. She looks like she is ready for battle not a pageant

It amuses me that you're saying Seoni's art is ridiculous and designed solely to appeal to young males, and then refer to Seelah as a "chick." :p

Come on now. You know these reasons are crap. I'm not saying she would be bundled up like an Eskimo, I'm just saying that the deep cut v neck dress and midriff shot (barbarian) are clearly based on a desire on behalf of the artist and company to have a certain level of sex appeal and not some in game justification. And I am ok with this, I get it. I don't prefer it but as a business person I understand it. I just don't like all of the BS reasons being floated around. People should say be comfortable saying I like the art because she is hot and has big boobs.

Now as I said, as a father its has an affect but at the same time would my daughter really want to play pathfinder with me? Probably not so I don't think Paizo should be too concerned.

as for using chick, man I am not some pc nut trying to change the world or anything.

The Outlaw Josie Whales wrote:

Sean K Reynolds wrote:

Okay, so when is it "a good reason" for an RPG book to include a scantily-clad (armorless) spellcaster whose magic partly derives from how attractive he or she is? Never?

Why on earth would a woman (attractive or not) go off into the wilds, exposing herself to harsh weather and even more dangerous enemies be scantily clad? Seriously it makes absolutely no sense when put in the context of the game and thus is a weak justification.

Just say this, most rpg players are males, and probably unmarried young males, so it appeals to the target demographic. Additionally there is a tradition of sorts for this type of art. Basically just say its part of the business without trying to come up with nonsensical reasons.

Also as a company, if you desire, you can make sure you balance this, which I think was done with that paladin chick. She looks like she is ready for battle not a pageant

Because she's a Sorcerer, and between Endure Elements and Teleport she doesn't give a flying frak about how she looks the part.

Applying real world realism to high magic fantasy games does. not. work.

It worked in lord of the rings, it works in Glen Cook's novels.

Okay, so when is it "a good reason" for an RPG book to include a scantily-clad (armorless) spellcaster whose magic partly derives from how attractive he or she is? Never?

Why on earth would a woman (attractive or not) go off into the wilds, exposing herself to harsh weather and even more dangerous enemies be scantily clad? Seriously it makes absolutely no sense when put in the context of the game and thus is a weak justification.

Just say this, most rpg players are males, and probably unmarried young males, so it appeals to the target demographic. Additionally there is a tradition of sorts for this type of art. Basically just say its part of the business without trying to come up with nonsensical reasons.

Also as a company, if you desire, you can make sure you balance this, which I think was done with that paladin chick. She looks like she is ready for battle not a pageant

RE: Portrayal of women in paizo art

I can look at this from two perspectives. As a male who enjoy fantasy and grew up with it doesn't bother me. Sometimes I think its ridiculous because seriously who go into a fight with a dragon or orcs known for rape wearing a prom dress. But whatever I can always use my imagination to change it.

However as a father of a 13year old girl I can absolutely say it affects my decision to expose her to pathfinder. It would be awkward and something I avoid. I used to be a pro-wrestling fan had to completely stop watching for the same reason. So it is an issue.

I think you will find the answers varies a lot from group to group. My group and I use all of the above. To answer you questions in order.

1) We say if you don't use proper gear you may not get a restful nights sleep.

2) Yes and not only that but we limit how much a pack can carry. So most of our PC's carry sacks folded up to been taken out and used when needed.

3) We don't count the clothes worn for encumbrance but we do count any spare sets carried. Though if they are winter clothes or other thick clothes then we count the weight even if they are wearing them.

Thanks for the great answers. I really like getting into these types of details because I feel that it adds a certain grittiness to adventures. The idea of characters longing for a good night's sleep or emptying out gear to carry hard fought treasure.

On that note I'm curious how you and others handle food & water? A rather important element. I'm assuming you have some type of minimum (2 meals per day + 1 liter of water, etc) or else penalties apply?

I am preparing to run a game and was looking at the various other items and pondering how I should incorporate their use.

For example something as mundane as a bedroll? Do your characters purchase these sorts of things and do you add in a benefit/mechanic? For example either an extra +1 bonus due to restful sleep or perhaps a bonus to a survival skill check to determine if indeed there was restful sleep.

As someone who served in the Army and spent many nights in the field I can attest to the value of a good sleeping back vs not having one. It makes all the difference the next day.

Also what about backpacks? Again in the Army the rucksack while a pain the ass is also vital. Do you require its existence for things like carrying torches, collecting treasure etc?

Finally a couple of questions about clothes? Do you make use of any of the outfits available or do you just go with the presumed clothes. If so do the standard clothes every character starts with affect encumbrance?

I've read a couple of threads about starting hit points and there appears to be a variety of opinions with a basic consensus of "use what works for you".

My players and I tend to enjoy hack and slash affairs (meaning choosing combat more often) causing me to want a method which favors higher starting hit points.

I'd like get opinions on the following. We will be mostly running pathfinder modules and adventure paths.

Starting hit points = constitution score + 1/2 max HD. Example fighter with con of 14 would have 19 hits points. My rationale is that starting hit points is function of the character's natural health/stamina (starting con) and initial training (class hd)

My concern is if this would be too many causing the adventures to not be as challenging as they should be.

Thank you

also sorry for double post, not sure what happened

Thank you both for the quick and helpful replies

A fighter gets a bonus feat starting at first level and every even level (meaning he gets a feat at every level).

Does the fighter start with 2 feats at first level(1 standard + 1 bonus)?

Thank you

Edit also with skills does putting the first rank into a class skill result in a +3 bonus or a +4 bonus (+3 class skill + 1 rank)

Chicks dig Pathfinder much more so than 4E......big time

Deathquacker,

When someone writes about making peace with a game it's exactly applicable.

Additionally the core rule book pdf can be purchased for 9.99, the beastiary for 9.99 and Crypt of the everflame for 9.99

So for $30 you have everything you could possibly need to give the game a try. Not that much more than a board game.

Additionally the time element is completely irrelevant. As again it simply comes down to "will playing this game for an hour be more fun than something else I could be doing this hour" There is no requirement to invest hundreds of hours up front. You start playing if this is fun you continue, if this is not fun you stop. You're acting as if once started there is some requirement to continue. When in fact someone could literally spend $10, read 25 pages and decide "nope this isn't for me" and be done with it. All without the requirement to make peace or make some life altering decision.

Again we're not picking majors here, as long as the $30 purchase cost is something you are willing to spend there is literally no other risk.

Let's see: I was a film major, I think I have a clue about making movies.

HAHAHAHA. Have you actually made a movie?

Way over thinking things. Pathfinder is a game, similar to risk and monopoly, not a life altering decision. We're not even selecting college majors here. Play it once, twice, or a couple of times. If this experience is more enjoyable than 3.5 continue, if not stop. It's really that simple. What you purchased in the past is an irrelevant sunk cost.