Themes86's page

Ooooo! This is going to be a handy thread to book mark! Thanks for asking Pirate Hat and thanks for answering Painlord!

Congratulations, Evan and Brett! It was great having you guys and helping you guys get Pathfinder Society going in the New York Captial Region. Whenever I am back in the area, I'll do my best to lend a hand. Particularly Council of Five Nation! Keep up the great work!

Greg

Rather than start a new thread, I figured I would ask here. This question comes up due to the new rule covering the playing of Tier 1 scenarios on page 16 of the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play, volume 4.0 (August 4, 2011).

So this rule would also apply to the Master of the Fallen Fortress Sanctioned Module as it is Tier 1?

Are there any other Tier 1 scenarios out there other than the First Steps three parter and Master of the Fallen Fortress?

For GMs that want to run this on game day, I presume they get it from the store, at the same time as everyone else?

Howdy All!

I have been helping out getting Pathfinder Society going in the Capital Region of NY (Albany, Schenectady, Troy) under the super vision of Evan Whitefield. Since the last SWA game day (The next one is tomorrow.) I have taken a job in Edgewood, MD as part of our family plan to move to Delta, PA (just over the border). I'll be moving down there next weekend, so I thought I would start fishing around for any existing Pathfinder Society games or players interested in starting a Pathfinder Society group.

I do know that Lancaster, PA has a couple big gaming conventions over the summer (The World Board Gaming Championships for example) and Baltimore isn't too far away for other possible gaming conventions, but if there is anything occurring regularly locally I would like to join in. I have run one Pathfinder table for the SWA and will be running my second tomorrow, so I can take on GM duties. Of course, being able to play and GM would be preferred.

So if you live in any of the above communities and enjoy Pathfinder, feel free to contact me.

Greg Croff
Themes86@aol.com

Incorrect. Josh ruled that:

Joshua J. Frost wrote:

As for the arcane bonded item for a wizard, I am making no changes to the way the arcane bond works on page 78 of the PRPG Core Rulebook. Though PFS doesn't have item creation feats, the arcane bonded item for a wizard still allows that wizard to use those feats per the rules on page 78 of the PRPG Core Rulebook. Please insure that you have fully familiarized yourself with those rules as there are several easy-to-miss steps in there. Specifically, the line

PRPG Core Rulebook wrote:

"A wizard can add additional magic abilities to his bonded object as if he has the level prerequisites of the feat."

means the wizard still has to pay the associated costs and must have the correct item for the feat. (For example, he must have an arcane bonded item "wand" to add wand abilities or must have an arcane bonded item "sword" to add weapon abilities, etc.)

But, if he wants he can switch to another magic item acquired in a module as the PRPG Core Rulebook also states:

A wizard can designate an existing magic item as his bonded item. This functions in the same way as replacing a lost or destroyed item except that the new magic item retains its abilities while gaining the benefits and drawbacks of becoming a bonded item.

Presumably, you would have to pay the 200gp per wizard level to do so between scenarios to transfer the bond.

I have been thinking about this myself. I was thinking of creating a Diviner with an Amulet as my Arcane Bonded object for Pathfinder, but the only two standard magic items that a Wizard can make are the Amulet of the Planes and Amulet of Proof Against Detection and Location. Both don't seem to be very useful in society play and I doubt they would allow the creation of non-standard magic items for society play as that could lead to abuse. For example, an Amulet of Armor. In other words, Bracers of Armor in amulet form.

So, being able to transfer the bond seems more viable so my wizard can transfer the bond to an Amulet of Natural Armor, which only a druid, and some of the new core classes from the Advanced Players Guide, can make.

Running 4 tables this friday (Feb 12th) Hope to see you there!

He means this Saturday (Feb 12th)!!!

There will be two tables in the afternoon session, from 11AM to 4PM and two tables in the evening session from 5PM to 10PM. Evan is the die hard GM running a table at each session and I'll running one table in the evening session. We have another GM for the other table in the morning, who's name escapes me at the moment. Blasted memory!

At the Lodge site on Warhorn, we have 7 people signed up between the two tables (not counting GMs), so there is plenty of room. Even if an additional 8 show up, the other GM and I have alternate scenarios prepare in case we want to expand to a third table.

If you have a hankering for other gaming opportinities, the SWA Game-a-thon has plenty of other board and miniature games available in both sessions. Also, the SWA is hosting their second Annual Northeast Titan Tournament over the entire weekend. Friday to Sunday.

I was brushing up on this scenario as I will be running it for the second time this coming Saturday. I was looking at the Diva's Tier 4-5 stats and it adds mage armor to her 1st level spell selection, but mage armor is a sorcerer/wizard spell. I don't think it will be an issue as I believe the players signed up for the Saturday are all 2nd level so we shall still be Tier 1-2, but I thought it something to point out.

I would be interested in seeing your conversion. Particularly how you handled the elf adviser conversion since the original basically had them as a multi-class fighter/magic-user.

Thanks for considering it!

Yeah that was a typo. I meant 10, thats what happens when I try and post at work.

Don't listen to him ... there are only 2 of us!!! Just kidding. Over the past three game-a-thons, we have had 15 different participants. So things are looking good!

Meet a bunch of great people at the Council of Five Nations gaming con and it looks like there is some interest in a PFS group but no one has taken the reigns to set it up. So with the help of Art (NYC Venture-Captain) I'm going to try and get everyone together. Anyone interested send me an email at ewhitefield_82 at yahoo and we'll see about getting started.

I'll do my best to support you Evan. Wrote to the e-mail you gave us last night. It was a great afternoon and evening of role-playing. Thanks for lending a miniature and dice.

Also thanks to Art and the members of The Gathering for coming to Council of Five Nations to bring the Capital Region of NY a taste of Pathfinder!

Hi Greg!

Hmm, well, I live in Richmondville, which is just west of Cobleskill, which is probably about a 30-45 minute drive from Schenectady. Which isnt bad at all except alas! my griffon flew away so I am currently without transportation other than my own two feet and the occasional bus. I likely won't have reliable transport until after the new year. And no, I unfortunately did not get a chance to attend the Council of Five Nations con, although I did want to.

Magnus,

Well I hope you get a chance to raise a new griffon soon. Until then keep in contact and check out the Schenectady Wargamers Association website. www.swa-gaming.org. If I didn't mention it, they are the sponsors of the Council of Five Nations and they also sponsor a two session game day once a month in Schenectady.

Greg

We ran 15 tables and they were almost all new players. We had planned on running high and low mods, but we didn't have many advanced characters.

Wish I could have come after my introduction at Council of Five Nations. Maybe next year.

Hey all!

Long time gamer here, first time Pathfinder... looking for players in or near the vicinity of Schoharie county... it's a wild and lonely piece of wilderness in which I've found myself, but surely I'm not alone!

I have many years of DMing experience but am equally happy to be "just" a player... so if youre out there, give me a shout!

Sincerely,

Magnus

Hello, Magnus!

How close are you to Schenectady? I have been thinking about Pathfinder Society play ever since the Council of Five Nations convention. Did you attend?

Hope to Hear from you,

Greg

Check out Nox Arcana. They do gothic horror music for movies, video games, and holloween celebrations. I met one of the band members at Origins last year. Very cool music. And I discovered just two days ago, now being sold here at Paizo.com. So more than one shameless plug.

This is probably readily apparent, but I want to make sure I got this right ...

To be a GM, all I have to do is buy and download a PFS adventure, invite 4 to 6 players to play the adventure, follow the rules of character creation and running the adventure, and report the results here.

I could announce the event here, advertise at the local game store, and/or post it on any local gaming sites.

I don't have to sign up to be a GM in advance? Just checking to be sure.

You fill out a chronicle sheet for your character (1xp, 1/2 gold & 1 PA) then add your character as an extra character to the session report.

Just a follow up, though this applies to all GM rewards for eating an adventure. You get to buy items from that adventure with your 1/2gp as if you played it? Or do you just have to save it for the next adventure you do actually play in?

Thanks!

I can't seem to find that review on EN world. I think they moved it. Anyone else know of a good review of the Gamemaster's Guide?

I did see a panel/seminar that Nick Louge will be running on the Pathfinder Society at Origins. There is also a panel/seminar on the future of Pathfinder, sticking with 3.5 and the Pathfinder RPG.

I think the Pathfinder Society talk is on Saturday the 28th from 5pm-6pm and the Future of Pathfinder and Piazo talk is on the 27th from 7pm-8pm. You can just search Pathfinder or Piazo on the Origins game fair site for a listing of their events.

Hope that helps

I hope to check out both!!!

Paul Ackerman 70 wrote:

Suggestion?

For July (I'd suggest August but due to shipping times....) subscriber shipments you ship along a special "Subscriber" card... we have to show that at GenCon to get the discount.

Or something similar.

If they have it setup like last year, they can get your account info at the booth. I was a little puzzled when I got home (I live in Indy) and what I just bought was already in my purchase history.

Ooooo, will that hold true for Origins as well?

Will you have some at the booth at Origins for sale?

One small for my daughter to go with her goth look and one extra-large large for me to wear to Origins! My wife will get one, when you put a piazo goblin on a Harley! LOL Big ups on these T-shirts!

Greg

Depending on how tricksy you want the goblin to be... maybe he agrees to lead the PCs to his "base" but instead leads them up to the Pit on the Devil's Platter in an attempt to get them to climb down the hole and thus be eaten by the Sandpoint Devil?

James!!! Your just evil! Have to make a note of that idea. LOL

Got to go with the goblins! All the way. It will be great for bowling!

As for the Paizo Golem, How about a collared, short-sleeved pull over shirt with a small golem and Paizo marque under it stitched over the left breast. When the local sports teams I support do that I always snatch them up for summer wear at the office. Just a suggestion. LOL

Themes86 wrote:

I guess I can't balk at a Chronicles subscription now. :D Just one question: If I subscribe now, would I have the choice of the Guide to Korvosa or the Harrow Deck?

Your choice right now is to start with the Harrow Deck immediately or Classic Monsters Revisited in April. The window has to begin with the Guide to Korvosa is already closed.

Rats! Guess I'll just have to order that seperate! Thanks!

I guess I can't balk at a Chronicles subscription now. :D Just one question: If I subscribe now, would I have the choice of the Guide to Korvosa or the Harrow Deck?

That's the exact same boxed set that got me started, too. My Aunt bought it for me for Christmas, and I was instantly hooked! I still remember having to send away for a set of dice. I used the chits included in the set, but counted the days until my first set of dice arrived ...

That is the same box I started with as well. Like Thraxus, the box is no longer with me, but the rule book and original copy of B2 Keep on the Borderlands is. If worse for wear. Had to start with the chits as well until we could get dice at what passed for a gaming store back then. But that original box set came from a KB Toys type toy store. Christmas of '81. A friend already had the AD&D DMs Guide.

Toughest thing for me, though, was having to play it solo, as none of my friends understood the game (I was 10), and my sister rarely wanted to play. Luckily, my father took pity on me and participated in my first campaign as a DM.

A couple years later, I found some friends who played, and the rest is history!

Had to try and drag my parents into play as well, but they couldn't get into it. Couldn't wait until Christmas vacation was over so I could get back together with friends who understood. LOL

I’m guessing the companions are the equivalents of “Savage Tidings” and “Wormfood.” My only real question is, will the side information now featured in the Pathfinder modules be moved there, with the adventures becoming longer?

Good question!!!

Customer Service was about 2-3 days behind in answering emails on Friday when they left for the three-day weekend. We're doing our best to catch up so hopefully you hear from us soon. :)

Thanks, Jeff! I'll tack another business day onto that before I get antsy again so you all can enjoy the extended weekend!!!

It has been suggested (not by a Paizo staff poster, but by others) that Customer Service has a back log of e-mail inquires. I was wondering if this is true? If so, approximately how long a delay should we expect a response to an e-mail inquiry? I don't want to cause a fuss if it simply a case of customer service being busy, but I don't want to wait to long if it turns out it is a case of the internet loosing my e-mail. I understand it is the squeeky wheel that gets greased. I also feel that Paizo has been doing a great job with quality products and services.

Keep up the great work and I look forward to hearing from on my issue!

It has been a while since I have painted miniatures and with the Pathfinder minis coming out, I am looking forward to it, but is the 28mm scale that much different than the 25mm scale of the Complete Encounter Series? Also, is this the same scale as the WotC plastic minis? Just checking.

Just adding my opinion to the mix for Paizo to weigh in the future. I feel the item cards shouldn't be a part of the Pathfinder Chronicles subscription. I understand that there are some that don't feel this way.

I don't feel having the ability to opt out of taking an item in the subscription is a viable option. I do think offering a Pathfinder Chronicles Lite subscription as an alternative is a viable option.

Beyond expressing my opinion on this issue, I want to just say thanks to Paizo and all their staff for the fine quality work they have been doing over the years. I have enjoyed all their products I have purchased in the past (Dragon, Dungeon, Pathfinder, GameMaster, etc.) and look forward to doing so in the future. I also feel their customer service and their efforts to directly interface with the customers here on these boards is great! Keep up the great work.

Wasn't that already done in the Mystra campaign with the ... what was that dog race with a variety for each dog breed ... the canine equivolent of the Rakasta?

Those were the lupins, which always made me think of the old Dennis Moore Monty Python sketch.

"Look, I happen to know that this is the Lupin Express."

STAND AND DELIVER!

I wanted to say lupin, but then that lupin race updated for 3rd edition in the Dragon Compendium threw me. I could find my Rakasta issue, but I could find the Lupin one. I know I got it around here somewhere. Anyway, thanks for the help!

I second the gnoll subraces idea.

Hyena-Gnolls, Jackal-Gnolls, Poodle-Gnolls, Shizu-Gnolls, Rottweiler-Gnolls...

Wasn't that already done in the Mystra campaign with the ... what was that dog race with a variety for each dog breed ... the canine equivolent of the Rakasta? I think a Dragon magazine article, 2nd edition, actually grouped gnolls in as a similar breed or suggest a possible common origin.

Anywho ... a jackal humanoid race sounds cool, maybe even with a common origin attributed to Lamashtu. I just think they deserve another name. Not just differentiate them via Hyena-gnoll, jackal-gnoll, etc.

Also, such a jackal humanoid race, could develop their own seperate niche in the egyptian like area of Golorian. Though I guess gnolls would't necessarily be misplaced in such an area.

Back in 1st edition, I had a female human cleric of Diancecht called Themes, like the river in England.

When I first got AOL, I used that name as my first screen name. AOL suggested adding some numbers to screen names. Somehow, 86 just seems to roll off the tongue. In most D&D related websites, like here, I use the same name as a screen name.

Strangly, on the WOTC notice boards, I am Hammerclaw, the last name of my first female dwarven warrior in the Dungeonworld play-by-mail game.

I just want to say thank you for the Christmas Card. My wife and daughter, loved the song. Of course, they also loved the goblin song from Pathfinder #1. And thanks for the discount as well. I ordered some nice Paizo items I've had my eyes on.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Might I suggest a Pathfinder Chronicles Lite subscription? A subscription that has all the Pathfinder Chronicles products, minus the card decks? The gamemaster cards do look cool, but I don't think I will be using them. I still want to enjoy all the flavorful goodness of the other products and would happily subscribe for them.

Just a suggestion.

I am a little confused. How big are these 'trade paperback' books? I am guessing bigger than your typical paperback. When I think if 'trade paperback' I am picturing the comic book compilations that are as tall and wide as a comic book, but a 1/2" to 3/4" thick. Is this something similiar? Size wise that is.

Another sign of my advancing age: I've had 'em since they were still in print. The DMG with the City of Brass cover illustration, not the later one.

I know what you mean. My friend bought it before he bought the monster manual. It had all the monster stats in the back of it in table format. We played imagining that piercers were humanoid monsters with long fangs and claws until we got a monster manual to correct that. LOL

Themes86 wrote:

So would selecting combined shipping of Pathfinder & Game Mastery when you have free Pathfinder issues coming and then selecting a more expensive shipping method cause even more of a headache for the system?

That should work. I hope.

Thanks, Gary! Just thought I would ask. I got e-mail notice that GameMastery W1 had just arrived and was going to ship soon in the last week in July.

Then I saw in the blog ... was it 1 or 2 weeks ago ... about the integrated shipping of Pathfinder and GameMastery, which I was was waiting for. I immediately signed up for it. At that time, I changed my shipping option from USPS to UPS so I could track it through UPS in the future with the shipping number you send.

Anyway, when I heard the problem with those with free Pathfinder issues for their remaining Dragon and Dungeon credits might cause a problem with the integrated shipping option, I thought the change from shipping type might cause an additional problem.

Finally, after hearing everyone this past week get their notice via e-mail about Pathfinder arriving in the warehouse, I was trying to be patient, but I felt kind of left out when I didn't get one and thought my shipping option and method change might have increased the general problem after you announced the other combined shipping option problem.

Anyway, I really shouldn't have worried. I knew you would get around to it eventually.

On another note, I do want to thank you for combining my shipping of D1 from my subscription with the D0 I ordered. As you mentioned later on, your people in the warehouse try to do that when seperate orders come down on the same day, but it wasn't a for sure thing at this time. and it was something your working in for the future. Your people just didn't before making that announcement and I really appreciate it.

Paizo not only has a great quality product, but wonderful customer service. Keep up the great work!!!

The only difference is that if you buy through us, we get a cut, and if you don't, it all goes to the publisher. The product and the speed at which the code is delivered should be identical.

Thanks, Vic! So it is just the great visibility, thing as I suspected. I'll seriously be thinking about purchasing it through Paizo.

In the meantime, I hear Pathfinder has its own 'skill set' support by RPGX. Is that something automatically available with the latest RPGX upgrade download or something that is co-ordinated through them and/or Paizo for purchasing Pathfinder?

Here's what I know from when I bought it:

1.) Bought from Paizo.
2.) Was notified post-purchase that my registration code would be sent separately from the RPGX people.
3.) Downloaded, unzipped, and installed. Until you get the code, you've essentially got the trial version. There's an option in the Help menu that will let you enter in your code and let you make characters to 20th level.
4.) Download & install updates - follow the directions specifically in the files.

Hope that helps! :D

Thanks. I suspected as much.

Now just to find out the pros & cons of purchasing through Paizo. I am happy to give Paizo their share of the money, since it is at the same price. Just want to understand it more. I suspect it is just to increase visibility of the product, which is good for everyone, and there is no difference whether you buy from Paizo or direct.

What about Droskar? Doesn't he get to be on the survey? LOL

So would selecting combined shipping of Pathfinder & Game Mastery when you have free Pathfinder issues coming and then selecting a more expensive shipping method cause even more of a headache for the system?

Neil,

I enjoyed the result of the story telling. Wooo, that crit taking down Valeros in one bite sure made things a nail biter. I can definately imagine the tension was high that night. Keep up the good work, have fun, and please share how things go when you run D1.

Greg

Themes86 wrote:

How long is the trial period?

I saw one quote (sorry, don't have the link) from a WotC on-line staffer that said "8 months" - basically until 4th Ed is released. That's good for me, since I won't be rolling over to 4th Ed anytime soon. Basically getting all the 3.5 stuff they plan on releasing free.

Greg

Excellent. That is basically what I plan on doing myself, but I wouldn't want to miss out on a revamp of such a classic.

I'm just glad it's hitting during the "Free Trial" period.

How long is the trial period?

I have a couple questions ...

Is there any difference in buying RPGX direct or through Paizo? I am not adverse to buying through Paizo. Just trying to understand any difference or advantage.

Whether I buy it direct or not, how would the process go. I download the trial version. Buy it. Get the product code via e-mail. That unlocks all the features of the software. Then download all the upgrades? Does that sound like a rough estimate?

Once they got down the stairs and saw that the stairwell had been dug out from below, they were really curious. (I added a few details like piles of debris and some scattered mining tools and wooden braces). Finally, they encountered the kobolds and put everything together - realizing that the kobolds came up from deeper tunnels and opened a passage to the surface. They were pleased with themselves and eager to eliminate the kobolds from the area. I think they've become quite attached to Falcon's Hollow.

I really like this. I am am curious how you explain Gurtlekep in the surface ruins and the kobold zombie encountered in the forest?

I would have said a Meenlock, but they aren't in the SRD.

My next guess would be troll, but I didn't think they needed that freaky jaw to make them more terrifying looking.

Looking through the monsters of the SRD, perhaps it the pathfinder take on ettercaps. While the ettercap always had an association with spiders from its 1st edition origins, I never really liked its evolution into the more spider-like creature it has been protrayed as in 3rd edition. If this is indeed the pathfinder ettercap, I definately like it. The jaw hints at the spidery connection, but its firmer humanoid nature seems more true to the original concept.

If that isn't it, I am at a loss.

Edit: Rats. I wasn't even close. I guess the link to the product through the blog didn't show all of the threat. I should have realized something was up when the last post was listed as 2 August. Something like this would have certainly producted more chatter than that.

Sinspawn, eh? Does that mean it is an outsider?