stuart haffenden's page

I agree with you that they are somewhat retricted in their value as a challenge and I think too much of them is a bad thing. That said, they're a useful tool for conveying information and backstory - finding yet another "journal" with the next plot hook can become a little tiresome.

I do wish there was some way for particularly strong-willed characters to overcome them and suppress them in some way other than just not being affected.

There is a mechanic in Jade Regent, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it. It is very heavily weighted towards Diplomacy and gifts (or Intimidate and insults), which doesn't really cover the spectrum of interpersonal relationships particularly well. If you want to give the system a look, however, it is detailed in the (totally free, downloadable) Player's Guide.

Personally, I'd recommend just roleplaying it out. Depending on your group, this could range from glossing over it by saying "You and Sandara spend sit in a secluded corner and... talk... the night way," to in-depth conversation (or other interactions) between the characters. If you have multiple characters vying for the affections of the same NPC, you could base who wins her heart on their actions as well as the characters personalities. If you want to bring mechanics into it, you could do opposed Charisma or Diplomacy checks with bonuses based on their actions. How complicated and long term you make the process is really going to have to depend on your group and players.

stuart haffenden wrote:

Why should the developers solve your own created problem? Choose a different AP.

How about "It seems I am paying for stuff I don't need. Why should I continue to do so?"

Then don't.

Not every AP (or other book, for that matter) is for everyone. If you don't want to play pirates, don't buy this AP. Maybe the next one will be more to your taste.
Paizo is gambling that more people will be drawn in by the thought of Pirates!, than driven away.

Some people didn't want to play a sandboxy kingdom building adventure either. Or a Far Eastern one.
Should they stick to just traditional, vaguely European heroic adventures, to avoid the risk of losing customers?

Charisma does not suck. I love the fact CHA is used for social skills, and is great for RPing.

You mean a trip build failed in the long run, like almost every single other trip build does? Shocking.

Also, martials can add their bonuses to-hit from weapons to their trip attempts. Wizards can't. So, you know, any bonus to weapon rolls.