paizo.com Favorited Posts by richard develynpaizo.com Favorited Posts by richard develyn2024-03-06T14:04:40Z2024-03-06T14:04:40ZRe: Forums: Giantslayer: Battle of Bloodmarch Hill (GM Reference)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rvsl&page=4?Battle-of-Bloodmarch-Hill#1832020-12-05T06:02:51Z2020-10-29T12:24:53Z<p>Three sessions in, running with 6 PCs, not modifying anything in the module so letting the XPs and treasure fall where they may.</p>
<p>Just finished the plague house and they're now going up a level. They also have enough cash to buy themselves a wand of CLW (sovereign glue is very valuable, especially since there has to be an ounce of salve of sliperiness in with it).</p>
<p>They investigated the plague house during the day, so the half orc and flood troll weren't there. Then they set up an ambush for them at night and got them one at a time (actually, they tracked the flood troll back to its lair when the thing ran off - I added that encounter and a bit more treasure).</p>
<p>By my calculations, the party will go up to 3rd level just before the two major encounters in the tomb. I will allow them to just level up on the fly and automatically get any new stuff (hp, spell slots, and so on) as it happens (my logic is that PCs do all the levelling up "work" on an ongoing day-by-day basis and that the levelling up event represents that final moment of revelation when everything comes together and makes level-up sense!)</p>
<p>Enjoying it so far :-)</p>
<p>Richard</p>Three sessions in, running with 6 PCs, not modifying anything in the module so letting the XPs and treasure fall where they may.
Just finished the plague house and they're now going up a level. They also have enough cash to buy themselves a wand of CLW (sovereign glue is very valuable, especially since there has to be an ounce of salve of sliperiness in with it).
They investigated the plague house during the day, so the half orc and flood troll weren't there. Then they set up an ambush for...richard develyn2020-10-29T12:24:53ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Horn of Geryon (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy951h/discuss?The-Horn-of-Geryon#332019-08-26T12:54:39Z2019-08-12T14:28:10Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Phaedre wrote:</div><blockquote> Richard: I bought a half dozen of the Four Dollar Adventures a few years ago, and they are some of the best one off adventures I've ever read. They're creative, with a ton of detail, and have that specific flair of managing to present situations that the PCs need to deal with or solve without necessarily laying out a railroad they're expected to follow. You've done excellent work, and while I know that indie publishers get very little feedback or response, I just wanted to let you know that your work was extraordinarily appreciated. </blockquote><p>Thank you very much - I'm pleased you enjoyed them, and I very much appreciate the feedback.
<p>I'd love you to share any favourite moments, if you have any. You're right that indie publishers are always feedback-starved, so even if you can't think of any thank you very much just for putting up your message.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>Phaedre wrote:Richard: I bought a half dozen of the Four Dollar Adventures a few years ago, and they are some of the best one off adventures I've ever read. They're creative, with a ton of detail, and have that specific flair of managing to present situations that the PCs need to deal with or solve without necessarily laying out a railroad they're expected to follow. You've done excellent work, and while I know that indie publishers get very little feedback or response, I just wanted to let...richard develyn2019-08-12T14:28:10ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Horn of Geryon (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy951h/discuss?The-Horn-of-Geryon#312019-08-26T12:53:20Z2019-08-12T13:22:24Z<p>Four more years have passed and Horn of Geryon has passed the 300 sales mark.</p>
<p>(and my daughter, who's 26 going on 27, still doesn't go anywhere without her rabbit!)</p>
<p>I stopped writing these adventures some time ago but obviously I still keep track of the sales. They've more or less trickled to a close now, except every now and then I get a surprise such as when someone bought all 10 a couple of months back.</p>
<p>They're still pretty good value, let's face it, even if you just use them to cannibalise ideas.</p>
<p>As PF1 comes to an end and PF2 rises from the ashes, I'm pleased that my most popular adventure has crossed the 300 sales mark, before sales of the line disappear completely.</p>
<p>So many thanks to the 300 purchasers and to everyone else who bought Four Dollar Dungeons.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>Four more years have passed and Horn of Geryon has passed the 300 sales mark.
(and my daughter, who's 26 going on 27, still doesn't go anywhere without her rabbit!)
I stopped writing these adventures some time ago but obviously I still keep track of the sales. They've more or less trickled to a close now, except every now and then I get a surprise such as when someone bought all 10 a couple of months back.
They're still pretty good value, let's face it, even if you just use them to...richard develyn2019-08-12T13:22:24ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Second Edition: General Discussion: Is "Pathfinder 2nd Edition" a better game then "Pathfinder 1st Edition"?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42nuw&page=6?Is-Pathfinder-2nd-Edition-a-better-game-then#2752019-08-09T19:43:45Z2019-08-09T12:28:53Z<p>Well, I've just started getting aquainted with PF2, and I didn't do the playtest, but so far I'm encouraged.</p>
<p>What I'm looking for in the new system is a consistent set of meta-rules.</p>
<p>Meta-rules are the axioms of the world. They determine things like roughly how powerful should a nth level spell or ability be, or what can you expect from a feat. It underpins the world with a sanity which maintains suspension of disbelief (IMVHO).</p>
<p>This should stop min-maxing and other sorts of exploitations, and future proof the game as long as the axioms are never broken.</p>
<p>Looking at the way everything is so carefully "typed", it encourages me to think that a lot of time and effort has been put into these axioms. Going forwards, I hope the editorial team will be dilligent in ensuring that future rules of any sort stick to them.</p>
<p>Richard</p>Well, I've just started getting aquainted with PF2, and I didn't do the playtest, but so far I'm encouraged.
What I'm looking for in the new system is a consistent set of meta-rules.
Meta-rules are the axioms of the world. They determine things like roughly how powerful should a nth level spell or ability be, or what can you expect from a feat. It underpins the world with a sanity which maintains suspension of disbelief (IMVHO).
This should stop min-maxing and other sorts of exploitations,...richard develyn2019-08-09T12:28:53ZRe: Forums: Advice: Misfortune Mathsrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs42l78?Misfortune-Maths#52019-06-07T20:28:12Z2019-06-07T11:31:50Z<p>Ok, so I've just done a bit more maths (actually, I did it the long way, so I'm not sure how the actual maths works), but I get that:</p>
<p>If your change of hitting is x %, then your effectiveness changes by 100 - x %, better if you roll twice and take the highest, worse if you roll twice and take the lowest.</p>
<p>So, if you need an 11, so you are 50% likely to hit, your effectiveness changes by 50% (of the 50%), so you are now 25% on the poor effect, 75% on the high effect.</p>
<p>If you need a 15, with a 30% chance to hit, your effectiveness changes by 70%, i.e. now 9% on lower and 51% on higher.</p>
<p>It you need a 1, then it makes no difference.</p>
<p>Here's the full table:</p>
<p>need a 20: normal 005.00%, take lower 000.25% (-95%) take higher 009.75% (+95%)
<br />
need a 19: normal 010.00%, take lower 001.00% (-90%) take higher 019.00% (+90%)
<br />
need a 18: normal 015.00%, take lower 002.25% (-85%) take higher 027.75% (+85%)
<br />
need a 17: normal 020.00%, take lower 004.00% (-80%) take higher 036.00% (+80%)
<br />
need a 16: normal 025.00%, take lower 006.25% (-75%) take higher 043.75% (+75%)
<br />
need a 15: normal 030.00%, take lower 009.00% (-70%) take higher 051.00% (+70%)
<br />
need a 14: normal 035.00%, take lower 012.25% (-65%) take higher 057.75% (+65%)
<br />
need a 13: normal 040.00%, take lower 016.00% (-60%) take higher 064.00% (+60%)
<br />
need a 12: normal 045.00%, take lower 020.25% (-55%) take higher 069.75% (+55%)
<br />
need a 11: normal 050.00%, take lower 025.00% (-50%) take higher 075.00% (+50%)
<br />
need a 10: normal 055.00%, take lower 030.25% (-45%) take higher 079.75% (+45%)
<br />
need a 09: normal 060.00%, take lower 036.00% (-40%) take higher 084.00% (+40%)
<br />
need a 08: normal 065.00%, take lower 042.25% (-35%) take higher 087.75% (+35%)
<br />
need a 07: normal 070.00%, take lower 049.00% (-30%) take higher 091.00% (+30%)
<br />
need a 06: normal 075.00%, take lower 056.25% (-25%) take higher 093.75% (+25%)
<br />
need a 05: normal 080.00%, take lower 064.00% (-20%) take higher 096.00% (+20%)
<br />
need a 04: normal 085.00%, take lower 072.25% (-15%) take higher 097.75% (+15%)
<br />
need a 03: normal 090.00%, take lower 081.00% (-10%) take higher 099.00% (+10%)
<br />
need a 02: normal 095.00%, take lower 090.25% (-05%) take higher 099.75% (+05%)
<br />
need a 01: normal 100.00%, take lower 100.00% (-00%) take higher 100.00% (+00%)</p>
<p>And perhaps more interestingly:</p>
<p>need a 20, effective d20 addjustment +/- 0.95
<br />
need a 19, effective d20 addjustment +/- 1.80
<br />
need a 18, effective d20 addjustment +/- 2.55
<br />
need a 17, effective d20 addjustment +/- 3.20
<br />
need a 16, effective d20 addjustment +/- 3.75
<br />
need a 15, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.20
<br />
need a 14, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.55
<br />
need a 13, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.80
<br />
need a 12, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.95
<br />
need a 11, effective d20 addjustment +/- 5.00
<br />
need a 10, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.95
<br />
need a 09, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.80
<br />
need a 08, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.55
<br />
need a 07, effective d20 addjustment +/- 4.20
<br />
need a 06, effective d20 addjustment +/- 3.75
<br />
need a 05, effective d20 addjustment +/- 3.20
<br />
need a 04, effective d20 addjustment +/- 2.55
<br />
need a 03, effective d20 addjustment +/- 1.80
<br />
need a 02, effective d20 addjustment +/- 0.95
<br />
need a 01, effective d20 addjustment +/- 0.00</p>Ok, so I've just done a bit more maths (actually, I did it the long way, so I'm not sure how the actual maths works), but I get that:
If your change of hitting is x %, then your effectiveness changes by 100 - x %, better if you roll twice and take the highest, worse if you roll twice and take the lowest.
So, if you need an 11, so you are 50% likely to hit, your effectiveness changes by 50% (of the 50%), so you are now 25% on the poor effect, 75% on the high effect.
If you need a 15, with a...richard develyn2019-06-07T11:31:50ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Can you use Aid Another with Fighting Defensively?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u7fj?Can-you-use-Aid-Another-with-Fighting#182023-07-09T22:21:59Z2018-11-16T18:00:50Z<p>excuse the necro, but i’m going to suggest that if aid another in combat is not an attack action then it should not break invisibility.</p>
<p>so, either that, or you can fight defensively with it</p>
<p>richard</p>excuse the necro, but i’m going to suggest that if aid another in combat is not an attack action then it should not break invisibility.
so, either that, or you can fight defensively with it
richardrichard develyn2018-11-16T18:00:50ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: World's End (PFRPG)Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/products/btpy9p9y/discuss?Worlds-End#52017-04-03T11:45:21Z2017-04-03T11:29:35Z<p>Thank you, Thilo, once again :-)</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>Thank you, Thilo, once again :-)
All the best
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2017-04-03T11:29:35ZRe: Forums: Books: What books are you currently reading?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gmcl&page=182?What-books-are-you-currently-reading#90542017-03-25T03:50:52Z2017-03-24T16:50:28Z<p>I've just noticed this thread.</p>
<p>It's only taken 11 years.</p>
<p>I'm reading:</p>
<p>Eon, by Greg Bear,
<br />
Islam, the Essentials, by Tariq Ramadan,
<br />
and this thread.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I've just noticed this thread.
It's only taken 11 years.
I'm reading:
Eon, by Greg Bear,
Islam, the Essentials, by Tariq Ramadan,
and this thread.
Richardrichard develyn2017-03-24T16:50:28ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: 'Embarrassing' Gaming Confessionsrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u1mj&page=6?Embarrassing-Gaming-Confessions#2912017-03-20T09:13:21Z2017-03-20T08:50:17Z<p>I'm playing the second character in a row that somewhat resembles my daughter (Holly in Kingmaker then Xexilia in Wrath of the Righteous).</p>
<p>Richard</p>I'm playing the second character in a row that somewhat resembles my daughter (Holly in Kingmaker then Xexilia in Wrath of the Righteous).
Richardrichard develyn2017-03-20T08:50:17ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: What Levels Need More Adventures?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8ri?What-Levels-Need-More-Adventures#362017-03-19T16:11:12Z2017-03-19T15:37:33Z<p>It's down to demand, as well as supply.</p>
<p>High level adventures aren't going to suit casual gamers very much.</p>
<p>I read somewhere that most RPG groups don't last longer than 6 months.</p>
<p>If you look at the reviews for the Paizo APs, you'll see many more reviews for lower level modules than for higher level ones, with particularly the first adventure getting more than the others.</p>
<p>Richard</p>It's down to demand, as well as supply.
High level adventures aren't going to suit casual gamers very much.
I read somewhere that most RPG groups don't last longer than 6 months.
If you look at the reviews for the Paizo APs, you'll see many more reviews for lower level modules than for higher level ones, with particularly the first adventure getting more than the others.
Richardrichard develyn2017-03-19T15:37:33ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: What Levels Need More Adventures?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8ri?What-Levels-Need-More-Adventures#342017-03-19T16:11:05Z2017-03-19T10:08:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dale McCoy Jr wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">richard develyn wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Just FYI, my plan for publishing adventures of different levels is:</p>
<p>1
<br />
1 2 3
<br />
1 2 3 4 5
<br />
1 2(in progress) 3 4 5 6 7
<br />
etc</p>
<p>Richard </blockquote>Sure, I get that. But here's the question: Is the 250+ level 1 adventures enough or do you need <i>more</i>? How about level 2? And level 3? When is the number of available adventures too small for you to find one that you feel would work with your game? </blockquote><p>I don't know, Dale. All am I saying is that this is the strategy I went for - emphasise lower levels but gradually get higher.
<p>Sales-wise it seems pretty even at present.</p>
<p>Richard</p>Dale McCoy Jr wrote:richard develyn wrote:Just FYI, my plan for publishing adventures of different levels is:
1
1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5
1 2(in progress) 3 4 5 6 7
etc
Richard
Sure, I get that. But here's the question: Is the 250+ level 1 adventures enough or do you need more? How about level 2? And level 3? When is the number of available adventures too small for you to find one that you feel would work with your game? I don't know, Dale. All am I saying is that this is the strategy I went for -...richard develyn2017-03-19T10:08:53ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: What Levels Need More Adventures?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8ri?What-Levels-Need-More-Adventures#302017-03-19T16:10:24Z2017-03-18T22:31:15Z<p>Just FYI, my plan for publishing adventures of different levels is:</p>
<p>1
<br />
1 2 3
<br />
1 2 3 4 5
<br />
1 2(in progress) 3 4 5 6 7
<br />
etc</p>
<p>Richard</p>Just FYI, my plan for publishing adventures of different levels is:
1
1 2 3
1 2 3 4 5
1 2(in progress) 3 4 5 6 7
etc
Richardrichard develyn2017-03-18T22:31:15ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: What Levels Need More Adventures?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u8ri?What-Levels-Need-More-Adventures#142017-03-18T14:48:17Z2017-03-18T09:01:02Z<p>I would have thought, though I may be wrong, that there's a greater market for low level adventures because they require less Pathfinder expertise to run or play in.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I would have thought, though I may be wrong, that there's a greater market for low level adventures because they require less Pathfinder expertise to run or play in.
Richardrichard develyn2017-03-18T09:01:02ZRe: Forums: Advice: Looking for an old school adventure...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u3g0?Looking-for-an-old-school-adventure#82017-01-01T20:08:01Z2017-01-01T17:59:21Z<p>It is basically Golarion, so Inner Sea Gods (or <a href=" http://www.archivesofnethys.com/DeitiesByGroup.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>, excluding the Green Faith).</p>
<p>The Servitors all come from chapter four of that book. There's one per Inner Sea God - hence 20 of them.</p>
<p>The terms of the 3pp licence means I cannot refer to the gods themselves by name as a publisher - but you can, of course, when you're running it :-)</p>
<p>I always imagined Holy Island would be a great introduction to the Golarion pantheon.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>It is basically Golarion, so Inner Sea Gods (or here, excluding the Green Faith).
The Servitors all come from chapter four of that book. There's one per Inner Sea God - hence 20 of them.
The terms of the 3pp licence means I cannot refer to the gods themselves by name as a publisher - but you can, of course, when you're running it :-)
I always imagined Holy Island would be a great introduction to the Golarion pantheon.
All the best
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2017-01-01T17:59:21ZRe: Forums: Advice: Share your best Pathfinder advice in one sentencerichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2u3d5&page=3?Share-your-best-Pathfinder-advice-in-one#1172019-08-30T00:08:50Z2016-12-30T13:31:03Z<p>(applied to any RPG, in fact)</p>
<p>The magic happens when everyone playing the game so supports and enhances their joint imaginative experience that the actual physical location of where they are playing becomes pretty much irrelevant!</p>
<p>Richard</p>(applied to any RPG, in fact)
The magic happens when everyone playing the game so supports and enhances their joint imaginative experience that the actual physical location of where they are playing becomes pretty much irrelevant!
Richardrichard develyn2016-12-30T13:31:03ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Reign of Terror (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9g47/discuss?The-Reign-of-Terror#102016-09-30T17:41:14Z2016-09-24T20:25:08Z<p>Thank you very much for your comments and for sharing your playing experiences with us.</p>
<p>You made my day, actually :-)</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>Once again, really grateful for your comments and I look forward to hearing your experiences with my other modules!</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>Thank you very much for your comments and for sharing your playing experiences with us.
You made my day, actually :-)
[Spoiler omitted]
Once again, really grateful for your comments and I look forward to hearing your experiences with my other modules!
All the best
Richardrichard develyn2016-09-24T20:25:08ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Ultimate Equipment (Second Printing)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2to8u&page=11?Ultimate-Equipment#5432016-05-26T22:13:25Z2016-05-26T20:46:30Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">BigNorseWolf wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">richard develyn wrote:</div><blockquote></p>
<p>Actually, I'm in a Kingmaker campaign with them, so we're constantly having wilderness encounters at unpredictable times of the day.</p>
<p>Ruchard </blockquote>You've wandered into the PFS section of the boards, and while you can play that with kingmaker (i think) that sort of encounter tends to be the rarity. </blockquote><p>Oops :-)
<p>Actually, we play our APs using PFS rules, because we see PFS as providing a sanity check on the Pathfinder rules.</p>
<p>Richard</p>BigNorseWolf wrote:richard develyn wrote:Actually, I'm in a Kingmaker campaign with them, so we're constantly having wilderness encounters at unpredictable times of the day.
Ruchard
You've wandered into the PFS section of the boards, and while you can play that with kingmaker (i think) that sort of encounter tends to be the rarity. Oops :-) Actually, we play our APs using PFS rules, because we see PFS as providing a sanity check on the Pathfinder rules.
Richardrichard develyn2016-05-26T20:46:30ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Reign of Terror (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9g47/discuss?The-Reign-of-Terror#72016-04-30T02:02:44Z2016-04-29T11:32:36Z<p>Made number 3 in Endzeitgeist's top 10 list for 2015.</p>
<p>See:</p>
<p>http://endzeitgeist.com/ezgs-top-ten-2015/</p>
<p>Richard</p>Made number 3 in Endzeitgeist's top 10 list for 2015.
See:
http://endzeitgeist.com/ezgs-top-ten-2015/
Richardrichard develyn2016-04-29T11:32:36ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: What deity would you worship if you lived in Golarion?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t41l&page=3?What-deity-would-you-worship-if-you-lived-in#1502016-04-25T20:49:21Z2016-04-25T16:16:34Z<p>Shelyn 'cos I fancy her.</p>Shelyn 'cos I fancy her.richard develyn2016-04-25T16:16:34ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Presenting: The Most Popular 3PP Products for Pathfinder! Maybe!richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tazb&page=2?Presenting-The-Most-Popular-3PP-Products-for#882016-05-19T12:55:15Z2016-04-17T17:17:10Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Grey Lensman wrote:</div><blockquote>The rankings seem to favor one big release over many successful, but not so big ones. </blockquote><p>I think the only way you can really find out what the most popular 3PP products for pathfinder are is for the 3PPs to publish their sales lists.
<p>Richard</p>Grey Lensman wrote:The rankings seem to favor one big release over many successful, but not so big ones.
I think the only way you can really find out what the most popular 3PP products for pathfinder are is for the 3PPs to publish their sales lists. Richardrichard develyn2016-04-17T17:17:10ZRe: Forums: Advice: player has insanely high perception checkrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tklb&page=2?player-has-insanely-high-perception-check#612016-04-04T22:34:26Z2016-04-04T11:34:31Z<p>Isn't this a specific case of the more general "should you change an adventure to suit the PCs?"</p>
<p>"If the PCs are so good at finding traps, should you make the traps harder?" is just the other side of the coin to "If there is no trap-finder, should you remove the traps?"</p>
<p>Personally, I like to run as is, and let the PCs rise to the challenge of producing a well-balanced party that can deal with everything, not just be brilliant at some things and rubbish at others.</p>
<p>Richard</p>Isn't this a specific case of the more general "should you change an adventure to suit the PCs?"
"If the PCs are so good at finding traps, should you make the traps harder?" is just the other side of the coin to "If there is no trap-finder, should you remove the traps?"
Personally, I like to run as is, and let the PCs rise to the challenge of producing a well-balanced party that can deal with everything, not just be brilliant at some things and rubbish at others.
Richardrichard develyn2016-04-04T11:34:31ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Presenting: The Most Popular 3PP Products for Pathfinder! Maybe!Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2tazb&page=2?Presenting-The-Most-Popular-3PP-Products-for#532016-06-11T15:02:57Z2016-03-12T13:58:39Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Owen KC Stephens wrote:</div><blockquote><p> The other factor that prevents this from being an accurate view of even most popular product is that it assumes time spent on the top Ten list = most sales over lifetime of product.</p>
<p>But certainly I have had some things that never hit the top 10, but have sold fair numbers month-in, month-out, for years and years and years, which means they were bought by more total people than many of my top-ten recipients that then had a normal dropoff to lower sales after 90 days or so.</p>
<p>Just not all at once.</p>
<p>But it's still INTERESTING data. </blockquote><p>That's what happens with me too. 10 people bought Horn of Geryon in the GM's sale this week even though it's been out for over 3 years.
<p>Richard</p>Owen KC Stephens wrote:The other factor that prevents this from being an accurate view of even most popular product is that it assumes time spent on the top Ten list = most sales over lifetime of product.
But certainly I have had some things that never hit the top 10, but have sold fair numbers month-in, month-out, for years and years and years, which means they were bought by more total people than many of my top-ten recipients that then had a normal dropoff to lower sales after 90 days or...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2016-03-12T13:58:39ZForums: Product Discussion: Seven Sinful Tales now availableFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2titg?Seven-Sinful-Tales-now-available#12016-03-30T19:24:57Z2016-03-12T10:43:05Z<p>This is a 5th level adventure consisting of seven short stories linked together by a number of themes.</p>
<p>You can find it here:</p>
<p>http://paizo.com/products/btpy9kbu?Seven-Sinful-Tales</p>
<p>When seven 13 year old kids inadvertently summon the PCs over to their land by simultaneously making a wish in the middle of a stone wishing circle, the PCs have to figure out what those wishes are and sort them out in order for them to return.</p>
<p>As they soon discover, each young person has been let down by their parents in some way relating to one of the seven deadly sins. Sorting out all seven problems takes the PCs into troll-infested woods, hunting hippos on a raft, breaking into a pyramid in the desert, infiltrating a city's drug den, and so on - i.e. there's plenty of variety here.</p>
<p>Hope you enjoy it.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>This is a 5th level adventure consisting of seven short stories linked together by a number of themes.
You can find it here:
http://paizo.com/products/btpy9kbu?Seven-Sinful-Tales
When seven 13 year old kids inadvertently summon the PCs over to their land by simultaneously making a wish in the middle of a stone wishing circle, the PCs have to figure out what those wishes are and sort them out in order for them to return.
As they soon discover, each young person has been let down by their...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2016-03-12T10:43:05ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: [Fat Goblin Games] but Really [On Behalf of All 3PPers] -- Please Review our Booksrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t0y8?Fat-Goblin-Games-but-Really-On-Behalf-of-All#322015-10-30T00:28:21Z2015-10-30T00:09:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">dire rugrat wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Four Dollar Dungeons wrote:</div><blockquote>I'd just like to repeat the invitation that I made on another thread on this subject that if anyone would like to review one of my adventures then please drop me a PM and I'll send you a review copy.</blockquote>Richard, do you find many people actually write the review? We did this with the two products we've released and <i>some</i> people were awesome. (Shout out to Lorathorn and Nicos for reviewing all our products so far!) Some people took the "review" (aka: free) copy and split. Maybe we'll see a review from them one day... but I was wondering if you find the same thing. </blockquote><p>One thing I haven't done is send out review copies to all featured reviewers on OBS. The only person who gets an automatic copy is Thilo (endzeitgeist).
<p>After that, most of the reviews I've had have come from people who bought the adventure normally and then wrote a review. I haven't had that many people take me up on my offer of a free review copy, but all those that have, have delivered a review.</p>
<p>And very grateful I am to all of them too.</p>
<p>In my case it probably doesn't make sense for people to sneak themselves away a free copy of a product that only costs $4. Especially an adventure. Anyway, happily, I haven't seen that happen.</p>
<p>Richard</p>dire rugrat wrote:Four Dollar Dungeons wrote:I'd just like to repeat the invitation that I made on another thread on this subject that if anyone would like to review one of my adventures then please drop me a PM and I'll send you a review copy.
Richard, do you find many people actually write the review? We did this with the two products we've released and some people were awesome. (Shout out to Lorathorn and Nicos for reviewing all our products so far!) Some people took the "review" (aka:...richard develyn2015-10-30T00:09:41ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: [Fat Goblin Games] but Really [On Behalf of All 3PPers] -- Please Review our BooksFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t0y8?Fat-Goblin-Games-but-Really-On-Behalf-of-All#202015-10-29T19:29:34Z2015-10-29T09:51:40Z<p>I'd just like to repeat the invitation that I made on another thread on this subject that if anyone would like to review one of my adventures then please drop me a PM and I'll send you a review copy.</p>
<p>Many thanks and all the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>I'd just like to repeat the invitation that I made on another thread on this subject that if anyone would like to review one of my adventures then please drop me a PM and I'll send you a review copy.
Many thanks and all the best
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2015-10-29T09:51:40ZForums: Product Discussion: [Four Dollar Dungeons] The Horn of Geryon hits 200Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2swe8?Four-Dollar-Dungeons-The-Horn-of-Geryon-hits-200#12015-09-01T10:47:07Z2015-08-30T15:41:46Z<p>(if you find yourself reading this post in many places - my apologies, but it is a significant moment for me)</p>
<p>This month The Horn of Geryon passed its 200 sales mark, which by general 3pp standards classifies it as a "hit".</p>
<p>2 1/2 years on people are still enjoying this "treasure island" type tale that begins with an innkeeper asking the PCs to find his daughter's missing rabbit.</p>
<p>(which was inspired, incidentally, by my daughter and her stuffed toy rabbit - called "rabbit" - which at the age of 23 she still goes nowhere without)</p>
<p>Anyone who loves Dr Who might also have noticed the strong connection between this adventure and the Dr's first encounter with the Daleks back in 1963 (Snakero -> Skaro, etc). I'm a big fan of the classic series and my adventures are full of references to the old black and white stories.</p>
<p>So in conclusion I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you very much to the 200+ people that have bought this PDF, as well as the other adventures that I have written.</p>
<p>And as a general note - purchasers vote with their wallets. Your support of the 3pp scene encourages, inspires and guides the material that we produce. Buy the things you like, and you'll make sure that more of what you like gets written.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard Develyn</p>
<p>http://shop.d20pfsrd.com/collections/four-dollar-dungeons,
<br />
http://www.rpgnow.com/browse/pub/5369/Four-Dollar-Dungeons, and
<br />
http://paizo.com/companies/fourDollarDungeons</p>(if you find yourself reading this post in many places - my apologies, but it is a significant moment for me)
This month The Horn of Geryon passed its 200 sales mark, which by general 3pp standards classifies it as a "hit".
2 1/2 years on people are still enjoying this "treasure island" type tale that begins with an innkeeper asking the PCs to find his daughter's missing rabbit.
(which was inspired, incidentally, by my daughter and her stuffed toy rabbit - called "rabbit" - which at the...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2015-08-30T15:41:46ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Horn of Geryon (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy951h/discuss?The-Horn-of-Geryon#292015-09-01T10:46:19Z2015-08-30T15:20:09Z<p>This month The Horn of Geryon passed its 200 sales mark, which by general 3pp standards classifies it as a "hit".</p>
<p>2 1/2 years on people are still enjoying this "treasure island" type tale that begins with an innkeeper asking the PCs to find his daughter's missing rabbit.</p>
<p>(which was inspired, incidentally, by my daughter and her stuffed toy rabbit - called "rabbit" - which at the age of 23 she still goes nowhere without)</p>
<p>Anyone who loves Dr Who might also have noticed the strong connection between this adventure and the Dr's first encounter with the Daleks back in 1963 (Snakero -> Skaro, etc). I'm a big fan of the classic series and my adventures are full of references to the old black and white stories.</p>
<p>So in conclusion I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you very much to the 200+ people that have bought this PDF, as well as the other adventures that I have written.</p>
<p>And as a general note - purchasers vote with their wallets. Your support of the 3pp scene encourages, inspires and guides the material that we produce. Buy the things you like, and you'll make sure that more of what you like gets written.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>This month The Horn of Geryon passed its 200 sales mark, which by general 3pp standards classifies it as a "hit".
2 1/2 years on people are still enjoying this "treasure island" type tale that begins with an innkeeper asking the PCs to find his daughter's missing rabbit.
(which was inspired, incidentally, by my daughter and her stuffed toy rabbit - called "rabbit" - which at the age of 23 she still goes nowhere without)
Anyone who loves Dr Who might also have noticed the strong connection...richard develyn2015-08-30T15:20:09ZForums: Product Discussion: [Four Dollar Dungeons] Holy Island Enzeitgeist reviewFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2su6z?Four-Dollar-Dungeons-Holy-Island-Enzeitgeist#12015-08-13T10:21:42Z2015-08-13T08:54:54Z<p>An insightful and thoughtful review by Pathfinder's most prolific and well respected reviewer.</p>
<p>http://paizo.com/products/btpy9dhm?Holy-Island</p>
<p>Richard</p>An insightful and thoughtful review by Pathfinder's most prolific and well respected reviewer.
http://paizo.com/products/btpy9dhm?Holy-Island
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2015-08-13T08:54:54ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Complete third-party adventures?Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rm96?Complete-thirdparty-adventures#162023-02-14T18:34:51Z2015-08-03T15:34:55Z<p>Shameless plug:</p>
<p>http://paizo.com/store/byCompany/f/fourDollarDungeons</p>
<p>Richard</p>Shameless plug:
http://paizo.com/store/byCompany/f/fourDollarDungeons
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2015-08-03T15:34:55ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: The Firemaker (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy933q/discuss?The-Firemaker#92015-06-16T00:04:44Z2015-06-15T23:13:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chemlak wrote:</div><blockquote> One review, ready, willing and able! </blockquote><p>Thank you very much for your review which I thought was very fair, very reasonable and very well written.
<p>I'm pleased you liked the maps. I don't consider myself any way a good map maker but I do the best I can. I will have to revisit it for the mistakes, though, and release an update.</p>
<p>Your point about "read-aloud text" embedded within the GM text is something I struggle to get right. I don't like read-aloud text either, because I think it makes the adventure feel like a narrative with a rigid progression, and it sort of straight-jackets the GM, but I know you have to try to make life easier for the GM too and I'm constantly trying to think of ways of presenting my prose so that the GM can:</p>
<p>a) easily find the bits to read aloud to players,
<br />
b) easily find the rules-related bits when the players start doing things, and
<br />
c) be able to read the prose from start to end in a way which flows and conveys the feel of the place.</p>
<p>It's quite a challenge!</p>
<p>With encounter balance, it's a funny thing because you have to present the right number of encounters at the right CR level to give your PCs enough experience to go up a level. That tends to be around the 4/6/2/1 spread for APL/APL+1/+2/+3 or 1/2/3/4 for a level 1 party. That spread gives you 13 encounters, which I tend to think is about right. However, you're right that in these early days I was a bit tough. More recently I've gone for the approach of designing over-CR for in the APL and APL+1 region, leave APL+2 as they are and helping out with the APL+3. </p>
<p>It's all a balancing-act / continuous learning thing and feedback, like yours, is very appreciated.</p>
<p>I think I can see that what I set out to do more than anything else, provide "real" (as much as possible) characters and places, resonated well with you as they did / continue to do with Endzeitgeist. That's what I enjoy about the game the most - it's what gives me that fantasy escapism that's so addictive in FRPGs. And in essence that's what I try to share that with the GM when I write - to tell them what's going on and why as if somehow the modules was "real" (as much as possible).</p>
<p>This was my first attempt and I think / hope I've got better as time's gone on. Once again thank you for taking the time to write this review, and I'm really pleased that you ran it. If you would like a review copy of any other of my adventures then please drop me a PM.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>Chemlak wrote:One review, ready, willing and able!
Thank you very much for your review which I thought was very fair, very reasonable and very well written. I'm pleased you liked the maps. I don't consider myself any way a good map maker but I do the best I can. I will have to revisit it for the mistakes, though, and release an update.
Your point about "read-aloud text" embedded within the GM text is something I struggle to get right. I don't like read-aloud text either, because I think it...richard develyn2015-06-15T23:13:53ZForums: Skull & Shackles: Integrating Plunder and Perilrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sbx8?Integrating-Plunder-and-Peril#12015-09-03T14:35:41Z2015-06-05T15:04:36Z<p>Is this a good idea?</p>
<p>Should it replace Tempest Rising?</p>
<p>Should it be played alongside Tempest Rising to make a double-length 2nd part of the AP?</p>
<p>Any other ideas?</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Richard</p>Is this a good idea?
Should it replace Tempest Rising?
Should it be played alongside Tempest Rising to make a double-length 2nd part of the AP?
Any other ideas?
Cheers
Richardrichard develyn2015-06-05T15:04:36ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Panataxia (PFRPG)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy92i6/discuss?Panataxia#152015-05-19T13:59:18Z2015-05-19T11:09:33Z<p>Celebrating 100 sales today.</p>
<p>(which, in case anyone is wondering, is a significant milestone for a 3pp adventure)</p>
<p>Richard</p>Celebrating 100 sales today.
(which, in case anyone is wondering, is a significant milestone for a 3pp adventure)
Richardrichard develyn2015-05-19T11:09:33ZRe: Forums: Advice: Advice Please: THE THRILL IS GONE (Veteran Gamer Blues)richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s8nd?Advice-Please-THE-THRILL-IS-GONE#112015-05-04T13:40:03Z2015-05-03T18:31:17Z<p>I've been playing for even longer (I started in 1980).</p>
<p>The sort of thing that keeps my interest going is the sort of thing that I write.</p>
<p>(I guess that's not surprising, - otherwise why would I write it? :-) )</p>
<p>So I'm rather shamelessly going to suggest you take a look at my material, in particular <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy99xg?Dance-Macabre" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dance Macabre</a>, which I think had a very interesting review, and <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy9dhm?Holy-Island" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Holy Island</a>, which I recently released, and which is strong on RP.</p>
<p>Obviously, I'm not the only person trying to write what I think of as "progressive" adventures - i.e. ones which try to explore life a bit, perhaps aimed at someone who is trying to get more out the experience than just killing monsters and taking treasure, and I hope other people will jump in to this thread and provide examples of other adventures which try to do the same.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I've been playing for even longer (I started in 1980).
The sort of thing that keeps my interest going is the sort of thing that I write.
(I guess that's not surprising, - otherwise why would I write it? :-) )
So I'm rather shamelessly going to suggest you take a look at my material, in particular Dance Macabre, which I think had a very interesting review, and Holy Island, which I recently released, and which is strong on RP.
Obviously, I'm not the only person trying to write what I think...richard develyn2015-05-03T18:31:17ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: A request to fans of 3pp booksFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s3q5&page=3?A-request-to-fans-of-3pp-books#1272015-04-15T15:06:38Z2015-04-15T14:36:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Goznaz wrote:</div><blockquote> Four dollar dungeons. Endzeitgeist has done better reviews for these than I ever could. Read. Buy. Play. Repeat. Especially Marina and the upcoming holy island. </blockquote><p>Many thanks :-)
<p>Holy Island is out now, BTW:</p>
<p>http://paizo.com/products/btpy9dhm?Holy-Island</p>
<p>Richard</p>Goznaz wrote:Four dollar dungeons. Endzeitgeist has done better reviews for these than I ever could. Read. Buy. Play. Repeat. Especially Marina and the upcoming holy island.
Many thanks :-) Holy Island is out now, BTW:
http://paizo.com/products/btpy9dhm?Holy-Island
RichardFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2015-04-15T14:36:22ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Pawns: Monster Codex Boxrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy9g25/discuss?Pathfinder-Pawns-Monster-Codex-Box#162015-04-10T13:39:16Z2015-04-10T12:46:55Z<p>I always buy all of these.</p>
<p>One recommendation though, we need pawns for things like the servitors described in Inner Sea Gods and possibly other creatures that might have slipped through the bestiary net as well.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I always buy all of these.
One recommendation though, we need pawns for things like the servitors described in Inner Sea Gods and possibly other creatures that might have slipped through the bestiary net as well.
Richardrichard develyn2015-04-10T12:46:55ZForums: Rules Questions: Polymorph and loss of form-based-abilitiesrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s2dn?Polymorph-and-loss-of-formbasedabilities#12015-11-04T23:58:28Z2015-03-12T10:32:25Z<p>HeroLab has resurrected this question in my mind with the addition of polymorph spells as spell-like adjustments.</p>
<p>(Bravo to them, BTW)</p>
<p>The question in my mind has always been what do you lose when you change form.</p>
<p>The official rules answer has always been (unless this has changed) that there are too many cases to enumerate.</p>
<p>Could we not just use the guideline, though, that form-based abilities are defined as those abilities that a polymorph spell can •give• you.</p>
<p>(Not including, incidentally, characteristics changes, which seem to be something totally unrelated to form which a polymorph spell more or less gives you incidentally.)</p>
<p>So, for example, energy resistance is in, spell resistance is out.</p>
<p>Does that sound reasonable?</p>
<p>Richard</p>HeroLab has resurrected this question in my mind with the addition of polymorph spells as spell-like adjustments.
(Bravo to them, BTW)
The question in my mind has always been what do you lose when you change form.
The official rules answer has always been (unless this has changed) that there are too many cases to enumerate.
Could we not just use the guideline, though, that form-based abilities are defined as those abilities that a polymorph spell can *give* you.
(Not including,...richard develyn2015-03-12T10:32:25ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Sick of players planning out their charactersrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rv8q&page=3?Sick-of-players-planning-out-their-characters#1242015-01-12T20:43:35Z2015-01-12T09:21:20Z<p>I think a more interesting question (for me anyway) is whether players should plan their characters with foreknowledge of what's coming ahead.</p>
<p>The problem with this is that if, for example, a GM kicks off a giant-killing campaign, and players produce giant-killing PCs, what happens when half-way through the campaign the AP goes into an undead theme for one of the modules and the PCs aren't set up for it?</p>
<p>Do the PCs then have the right to complain to the GM that they were misled?</p>
<p>Does that mean the GM should have told them, say, "this is a giant-killing campaign but round about 8-10th level expect to have to deal with undead"?</p>
<p>That doesn't seem right to me.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I think a more interesting question (for me anyway) is whether players should plan their characters with foreknowledge of what's coming ahead.
The problem with this is that if, for example, a GM kicks off a giant-killing campaign, and players produce giant-killing PCs, what happens when half-way through the campaign the AP goes into an undead theme for one of the modules and the PCs aren't set up for it?
Do the PCs then have the right to complain to the GM that they were misled?
Does that...richard develyn2015-01-12T09:21:20ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Sick of players planning out their charactersrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rv8q&page=2?Sick-of-players-planning-out-their-characters#632015-01-12T02:25:16Z2015-01-10T11:57:32Z<p>I like to plan my characters well ahead, possibly up to 20th level, including equipment.</p>
<p>It's the equipment part, actually, which I find the most useful, because it tells me whether I should think about keeping or selling the loot which we find in our adventures.</p>
<p>I don't see anything wrong with this from an RP pov either. I plan my real life in much the same way - particularly education and career - so why shouldn't an RP character do the same. Of course, things rarely go to plan, but having an idea about your direction seems like a good thing to me.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I like to plan my characters well ahead, possibly up to 20th level, including equipment.
It's the equipment part, actually, which I find the most useful, because it tells me whether I should think about keeping or selling the loot which we find in our adventures.
I don't see anything wrong with this from an RP pov either. I plan my real life in much the same way - particularly education and career - so why shouldn't an RP character do the same. Of course, things rarely go to plan, but...richard develyn2015-01-10T11:57:32ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Mad Props to EZG -- is this a record?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rr8u?Mad-Props-to-EZG-is-this-a-record#202014-12-14T18:09:48Z2014-12-14T09:09:56Z<p>I would suggest an anonymous donations system a-la wikipedia (I'm not sure if those are anonymous but I think anonymity would be best).</p>
<p>Could do more than one thing, of course.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I would suggest an anonymous donations system a-la wikipedia (I'm not sure if those are anonymous but I think anonymity would be best).
Could do more than one thing, of course.
Richardrichard develyn2014-12-14T09:09:56ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Mad Props to EZG -- is this a record?Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rr8u?Mad-Props-to-EZG-is-this-a-record#122014-12-08T17:41:11Z2014-12-08T09:19:54Z<p>Thilo sets the quality that we all aspire to, so as well as providing a bridge between publishers, particularly small ones such as myself, and customers, he also pushes up standards.</p>
<p>He also puts in an amazing amount of time and care in his reviews which make them great to read for publishers as well. As writers, we all reach out to the community with our thoughts and ideas, and Thilo is fantastic for answering us back.</p>
<p>I always look forward to reading his reviews of my products, and I too use his reviews of other people's products to inform my purchasing decisions.</p>
<p>Richard</p>Thilo sets the quality that we all aspire to, so as well as providing a bridge between publishers, particularly small ones such as myself, and customers, he also pushes up standards.
He also puts in an amazing amount of time and care in his reviews which make them great to read for publishers as well. As writers, we all reach out to the community with our thoughts and ideas, and Thilo is fantastic for answering us back.
I always look forward to reading his reviews of my products, and I too...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2014-12-08T09:19:54ZForums: Product Discussion: Dance Macabre, an adventure for 2nd level characters, now availableFour Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rmrd?Dance-Macabre-an-adventure-for-2nd-level#12014-10-24T13:05:12Z2014-10-24T09:12:05Z<p>I thought for once I would announce this here.</p>
<p>Here's the link:</p>
<p>http://paizo.com/products/btpy99xg?Dance-Macabre</p>
<p>This is an investigative adventure, mainly set within the bounds of an opulent town called Twisted Bridge. After the initial wilderness parts during which the PCs gather their first set of clues, the adventure turns into a sandbox-style investigation within the town itself (i.e. there is a PC-key to the map of the town which you can give to the PCs with the map whilst keeping the GM-key to the town for yourself).</p>
<p>There are plenty of RP opportunities without being RP dependent. The PCs have real freedom to do what they want whilst at the same time you as GM can take control of the pace of the adventure by deciding when the climax should take place.</p>
<p>And, indeed, there are plenty of macabre elements here which I hope you and your players will find both interesting and amusing.</p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Richard</p>I thought for once I would announce this here.
Here's the link:
http://paizo.com/products/btpy99xg?Dance-Macabre
This is an investigative adventure, mainly set within the bounds of an opulent town called Twisted Bridge. After the initial wilderness parts during which the PCs gather their first set of clues, the adventure turns into a sandbox-style investigation within the town itself (i.e. there is a PC-key to the map of the town which you can give to the PCs with the map whilst keeping...Four Dollar Dungeons (alias of richard develyn)2014-10-24T09:12:05ZForums: Rules Questions: Unlettered Arcanist + Quick Study = where does your familiar need to be?richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rkqo?Unlettered-Arcanist-Quick-Study-where-does#12014-11-10T14:17:47Z2014-10-08T10:23:52Z<p>With this combination, where does your familiar need to be for you to be able to commune with it?</p>
<p>It's been asked before but it seems more important now.</p>
<p>Richard</p>With this combination, where does your familiar need to be for you to be able to commune with it?
It's been asked before but it seems more important now.
Richardrichard develyn2014-10-08T10:23:52ZRe: Forums/Paizo: General Discussion: Disturbing trend I noticed when researching about D&D financials over the yearsrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rimc&page=2?Disturbing-trend-I-noticed-when-researching#892014-09-25T14:54:57Z2014-09-25T14:20:29Z<p>3PPs will tend to gravitate towards where there is most demand. They would still explore niche areas if consumers bought those particular products so as long as there is interest you wont lose that part of the 3pp product line.</p>
<p>As to your other point - well, my experience with Glorantha was that when Greg Stafford bowed out for a while (for whatever reason, probably commercial but I really don't know), the fans moved in and wrote loads of Gloranthan material. Then Greg came back and took up the reigns again, and everyone went with what Greg did because it was his world. The writers who found their material over-ruled got a bit fed up from time to time but it was just accepted that this was the risk that you took writing for a world you didn't own.</p>
<p>And I'm pretty sure Greg didn't feel that his hands were tied in any way by what other writers had produced.</p>
<p>I don't think that there would be very many fan-wars about what version of Golarion was the right one. Paizo's Golarion will always be the right one.</p>
<p>Richard</p>3PPs will tend to gravitate towards where there is most demand. They would still explore niche areas if consumers bought those particular products so as long as there is interest you wont lose that part of the 3pp product line.
As to your other point - well, my experience with Glorantha was that when Greg Stafford bowed out for a while (for whatever reason, probably commercial but I really don't know), the fans moved in and wrote loads of Gloranthan material. Then Greg came back and took up...richard develyn2014-09-25T14:20:29ZForums: Rules Questions: Falling onto a swarmrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rffi?Falling-onto-a-swarm#12014-12-04T17:46:37Z2014-08-26T22:31:42Z<p>A bit of a funny this one ...</p>
<p>What happens if I fall 20' onto a swarm of spiders?</p>
<p>I know I take 2d6 damage, how much damage do the spiders take?</p>
<p>Richard</p>A bit of a funny this one ...
What happens if I fall 20' onto a swarm of spiders?
I know I take 2d6 damage, how much damage do the spiders take?
Richardrichard develyn2014-08-26T22:31:42ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: Path Decision Time!richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2rbbn?Path-Decision-Time#162014-07-30T12:40:16Z2014-07-30T09:15:38Z<p>Anybody fancy commenting on Reign of Winter and Skull & Shackles?</p>
<p>I thought they'd be two of the best but no one is recommending them here.</p>
<p>Richard</p>Anybody fancy commenting on Reign of Winter and Skull & Shackles?
I thought they'd be two of the best but no one is recommending them here.
Richardrichard develyn2014-07-30T09:15:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: Roleplaying scenarios and APs: A discussionrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r9zs&page=4?Roleplaying-scenarios-and-APs-A-discussion#1942014-07-28T07:58:34Z2014-07-28T07:47:57Z<p>In my opinion most role play happens between the PCs. It doesn't require any great skill, acting or what have you, it's just naturally what happens when people get into character (or, at least, suspend disbelief and pretend to be in the fantasy world).</p>
<p>The difference between a non-RP and an RP encounter is frequently as simple as whether the monster jumps you (non-RP) or whether you see it in the distance and plan for it (RP).</p>
<p>I think RP gets a bit of a bad name when presented as some sort of formulaic "socialise-at-party" or "question-the-suspects" or "work-out-the-traitor" conundrum with a right or wrong answer. RP is very subjective and the module writer needs to be quite careful about deciding what is good or bad RP. This is one of those things that really belongs in the realm of the GM to decide with a view on his own players. As a writer your best bet is to present RP in support of encounters and story-telling but always allow for the fact that players and GMs might disagree with your views and go in a totally different direction.</p>
<p>Additionally, skills like diplomacy and intimidate are there for people who don't want to RP. I find them a bit frustrating, myself, but I accept that they're there. In fact I've just written the following paragraph in the module I'm currently writing:</p>
<p>"From a game point of view, reading the intimidation rule too literally will replace a great part of the interaction which takes place in an investigative scenario with a few simple dice rolls. This can be good if your players are getting frustrated with the adventure but I personally would suggest you try role playing before rolling the dice."</p>
<p>Richard</p>In my opinion most role play happens between the PCs. It doesn't require any great skill, acting or what have you, it's just naturally what happens when people get into character (or, at least, suspend disbelief and pretend to be in the fantasy world).
The difference between a non-RP and an RP encounter is frequently as simple as whether the monster jumps you (non-RP) or whether you see it in the distance and plan for it (RP).
I think RP gets a bit of a bad name when presented as some sort...richard develyn2014-07-28T07:47:57ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: Roleplaying scenarios and APs: A discussionrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r9zs&page=4?Roleplaying-scenarios-and-APs-A-discussion#1842014-07-28T05:51:26Z2014-07-27T22:56:26Z<p>(not in answer to anyone in particular)</p>
<p>Role playing encounters shouldn't have prescribed outcomes.</p>
<p>The whole point about role playing is that you should be allowed to do whatever you want. There shouldn't be a "right" thing to do.</p>
<p>Role playing encounters fail when the players feel forced to role-play something which goes completely against their nature.</p>
<p>This isn't the fault of "role play" as such, it's the fault of the module.</p>
<p>Non-RP, i.e. combat, encounters are much easier to design, of course. The players generally only have one thing they can do: fight. And there is only one desirable outcome: win.</p>
<p>Richard</p>(not in answer to anyone in particular)
Role playing encounters shouldn't have prescribed outcomes.
The whole point about role playing is that you should be allowed to do whatever you want. There shouldn't be a "right" thing to do.
Role playing encounters fail when the players feel forced to role-play something which goes completely against their nature.
This isn't the fault of "role play" as such, it's the fault of the module.
Non-RP, i.e. combat, encounters are much easier to design,...richard develyn2014-07-27T22:56:26ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder Adventure Path: General Discussion: Roleplaying scenarios and APs: A discussionrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r9zs&page=4?Roleplaying-scenarios-and-APs-A-discussion#1672014-07-27T13:28:20Z2014-07-27T13:25:01Z<p>I had a quick look at Midnight Isles and saw it once - but I take your point.</p>
<p>Richard</p>I had a quick look at Midnight Isles and saw it once - but I take your point.
Richardrichard develyn2014-07-27T13:25:01ZForums: Pathfinder Adventures: A potpourri module campaignrichard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r7v3?A-potpourri-module-campaign#12022-03-29T13:29:09Z2014-06-30T13:46:31Z<p>I'm thinking of proposing to my group that the next campaign that we embark on should be round-robin GM style with everyone taking their turn.</p>
<p>Since there are 7 of us in the group, and 3 of us are regular GMs, that would mean 3 of us would run three modules each, the other 4 two each, for a grand total of 17 modules, one at each level.</p>
<p>The assumption would be that maybe a month or two passes in game time between modules, with the PCs doing non-adventuring stuff and then gathering together at the place where one of them has researched the next adventure.</p>
<p>Whoever GMs gets a "bye" for their character to the next level.</p>
<p>That's the background, anyway. What I'm looking for is a list of modules to use.</p>
<p>So far I've thought of this:</p>
<p>1
<br />
2
<br />
3 feast of ravenmoor
<br />
4 the midnight mirror
<br />
5 carrion hill
<br />
6 from shore to sea
<br />
7 realm of the fellnight queen
<br />
8 cult of the ebon destroyers
<br />
9 the harrowing
<br />
10 curse of the riven sky
<br />
11 the ruby phoenix tournament
<br />
12
<br />
13 academy of secrets
<br />
14 tomb of the iron medusa
<br />
15
<br />
16 the moonscar
<br />
17 the witchwar legacy</p>
<p>As you can see, though, I've got holes in 2, 12 and 15, and I'm still not entirely sure what module we should kick off with, as I don't want to use anything which is part of a set.</p>
<p>I've tried to pick the modules which are best thought of, and which are Pathfinder rather than 3.5. I'm open to ideas now, as I don't think I can fill 2, 12 and 15 without converting a 3.5 one, which I'd rather not do if I can avoid it.</p>
<p>Any hints, ideas or comments?</p>
<p>Richard</p>I'm thinking of proposing to my group that the next campaign that we embark on should be round-robin GM style with everyone taking their turn.
Since there are 7 of us in the group, and 3 of us are regular GMs, that would mean 3 of us would run three modules each, the other 4 two each, for a grand total of 17 modules, one at each level.
The assumption would be that maybe a month or two passes in game time between modules, with the PCs doing non-adventuring stuff and then gathering together...richard develyn2014-06-30T13:46:31ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: The most over-CR'ed and under-CR'ed creatures in the bestiaries.richard develynhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r64y&page=13?The-most-overCRed-and-underCRed-creatures-in#6292014-06-30T16:35:01Z2014-06-30T07:54:50Z<p>A humanoid creature killed by a shadow becomes a shadow under the control of its killer.</p>
<p>If this new shadow then kills a humanoid, that humanoid becomes a shadow in control of the shadow that is in control of the original shadow.</p>
<p>This puts most shadows in positions of middle management. Since there doesn't seem to be a way of "firing" your subordinates, I imagine that once you've got 100 shadows working for you, and you're one of a 100 shadows working for your boss, you're going to have a nervous breakdown.</p>
<p>If I was a shadow, I'd rather hide in the ruins and go "boo".</p>
<p>Richard</p>A humanoid creature killed by a shadow becomes a shadow under the control of its killer.
If this new shadow then kills a humanoid, that humanoid becomes a shadow in control of the shadow that is in control of the original shadow.
This puts most shadows in positions of middle management. Since there doesn't seem to be a way of "firing" your subordinates, I imagine that once you've got 100 shadows working for you, and you're one of a 100 shadows working for your boss, you're going to have a...richard develyn2014-06-30T07:54:50Z