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Silver Crusade

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James, if you ever do get a chance to publish a Shadows Under Sandpoint campaign, what would be its level range?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

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The Fox wrote:
James, if you ever do get a chance to publish a Shadows Under Sandpoint campaign, what would be its level range?

1st to 9th, probably


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Hi James!

I hope you are feeling better!

My question:

Do you see an all outer plane AP as something that would be viable and interesting for Paizo to do?

Thanks again for all your work!


James Jacobs wrote:
The NPC wrote:

Mr. James Jacobs,

What are your thoughts on transhumanism in fiction and reality?

It's very interesting. I particularly enjoy the horror genre version of it (AKA "body horror").

It's also very interesting in reality as well!

Aren't you worried that the horror genre version of it will give people the wrong idea, souring public sentiment toward transhumanism and stalling (or preventing) its development?


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I'm sure this has been asked a bajillion times, but how do you pronounce Cayden Cailean's name?

Is it CAY(As in the letter K)-den KAI-leen or is it CAY-den KAI-lee-en?

Sczarni RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

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James, do any other planes have extensive underground areas? If so, which ones?

I was mostly wondering if the First World had one and what some of its characteristics might be?

Dark Archive

CRB Rulesy question, so it may below your pay grade:

When a caster has Eschew Materials, does this only apply to material components, or does it apply to anything without extra cost that would be found in a spell component pouch? It seems a common belief that Eschew Materials does not remove the need for basic focuses, which seems to dramatically weaken the feat. This applies mechanically, since you still need to constantly carry a spell component pouch or be almost as crippled as any other caster; it also applies thematically, as having Eschew Materials at level 1 is supposed to tie in to the fact that they are sourcing their magic from within - it's not nearly so from within if you also had to have random otherwise nonsensical items on hand when you manifested your abilities!

Sovereign Court

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Considering deities are deliberately unstatted and cannot be killed by mere mortals, how was Savith able to slay Ydersius? Granted, his remains still retained some semblance of life, but that still seems beyond what mortals are supposed to be capable of doing.


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1) How do you feel about 3E's divine "aspects", like from the Miniatures Handbook or your Demonomicon articles? And if I were to use them in my game, would you recommend making them mythic?

2) If you could bring Iggwilv into Pathfinder, would you still make her CR 30, or would you tone her down compared to her mother Baba Yaga? (I love the dimensional occultist witch archetype, btw.)

Asking both questions because I'm looking at Savage Tide thinking of running it and both feature in the AP.

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Valtane Beastblade wrote:
Considering deities are deliberately unstatted and cannot be killed by mere mortals, how was Savith able to slay Ydersius? Granted, his remains still retained some semblance of life, but that still seems beyond what mortals are supposed to be capable of doing.

As someone running Serpent's Skull (and who reincarnated a PC as Savith on Smuggler's Shiv), I'm curious about this as well. If I recall, your usual statement on deity-related topics is "If that's the story we want to tell". I'm hoping you can give us an idea of what unique circumstances may have been in play.

Additionally, is there anything you wanted to add to the Path but couldn't, or any ideas you had after the fact? I love adding those ideas to the Paths.

Finally, have you ever seen Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire? I was planning to take inspiration from there for certain things, like the characterization of Azlanti-descended tribes and certain ancient magics...

Silver Crusade Contributor

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Filby Pott wrote:

1) How do you feel about 3E's divine "aspects", like from the Miniatures Handbook or your Demonomicon articles? And if I were to use them in my game, would you recommend making them mythic?

2) If you could bring Iggwilv into Pathfinder, would you still make her CR 30, or would you tone her down compared to her mother Baba Yaga? (I love the dimensional occultist witch archetype, btw.)

Asking both questions because I'm looking at Savage Tide thinking of running it and both feature in the AP.

James, I'm pretty sure you've already done 2), but I'll let you explain. :)

If your explanation involves Reign of Winter or The Witchwar Legacy, can you spoiler-tag it, please? (I'm currently a player.) Thank you!

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.
James Jacobs wrote:
Archpaladin Zousha wrote:
I agree. Following that line, I'm trying to convince a friend that Jennifer Hepler, formerly of BioWare, and her ideas are no threat to the industry. What's a good way to present it so they might actually listen?

That sounds like Gamer Gate issues. My current stance on that is to cut ties with people who support that stuff, in the same way I prefer to cut ties with all people once I find out they belong to a group of hatemongers. AKA Someone who supports those hateful, misinformed, and destructive views isn't someone I'd call a friend or be interested in keeping as a friend.

Instead, I would point you toward people better equipped to address this kind of problem. Namely, the women being targeted by this. Fight it by giving the victims a greater voice.

#Gamergate: the world's worst Conjuration (Summoning) effect. Mr. Jacobs, if you see the moderation staff, please thank them for me, for keeping that poison off the site.

How much do people have to defend something like that before you cut ties? My Crimson Throne GM has defended it before - although he claims ignorance of the widespread hate/misogyny/attacks, I'm a bit dubious about his ignorance. Should I try to convince him at all, or just say "Done! I'm out."?

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Regarding Anevia and the iconic Shaman, I know there was some drama about each of them at the time. Have you learned anything from all that? I don't mean to imply that you'll shy away from more trans characters, but rather, how have those experiences informed the presentation of future trans NPCs?

Also, thank you for both being so inclusive, and for being willing to defend your decision. It really means a lot to me. :)

Dark Archive

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In previous references to rather having a Aboleth mini than a Kitsune mini, were you already aware that this guy was in the pipeline? :) That is an awesome looking aboleth.

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Speaking of awesome minis, the Daughter of Urgathoa crept into some recent miniatures snapshots. So...

1) Who originally came up with the Daughter of Urgathoa? Did Wes create it while working on AP #8, or was it someone else's idea? Was there any specific inspiration?

2) When Inner Sea World Guide was being produced, who changed the art? Was there a specific reason? (I adore the new art, by the way, and I literally squee'd when I saw the photo. So exciting! :D)

Also, sorry for asking so many questions... :)


Iomedae comes off as more of a crusader Smite evil war goddess. what does she think of other good things? like feeding the hungry and caring for the orphaned,Healing the sick. you know stuff like that.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

MeanDM wrote:

Hi James!

I hope you are feeling better!

My question:

Do you see an all outer plane AP as something that would be viable and interesting for Paizo to do?

Thanks again for all your work!

I do. It'd be tough and tricky and would require a LOT of work though.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

2 people marked this as a favorite.
AlgaeNymph wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
The NPC wrote:

Mr. James Jacobs,

What are your thoughts on transhumanism in fiction and reality?

It's very interesting. I particularly enjoy the horror genre version of it (AKA "body horror").

It's also very interesting in reality as well!

Aren't you worried that the horror genre version of it will give people the wrong idea, souring public sentiment toward transhumanism and stalling (or preventing) its development?

Not at all...

If anything, I'd be worried that people go ahead with it without thinking through the possible bad consequences, as seen in the horror genre.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Ashram wrote:

I'm sure this has been asked a bajillion times, but how do you pronounce Cayden Cailean's name?

Is it CAY(As in the letter K)-den KAI-leen or is it CAY-den KAI-lee-en?

KAY-den KAY-lee-an

The first syllable of his first and last name are identical sounding.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Thomas LeBlanc wrote:

James, do any other planes have extensive underground areas? If so, which ones?

I was mostly wondering if the First World had one and what some of its characteristics might be?

They pretty much all do unless the nature of the plane is that they don't have ground in the first place.

In the case of the First World (and its opposite, the Shadow Plane) anything in the Material Plane could be (and probably is) there in some way or another, but we haven't said much about it yet.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Akari Sayuri "Tiger Lily" wrote:

CRB Rulesy question, so it may below your pay grade:

When a caster has Eschew Materials, does this only apply to material components, or does it apply to anything without extra cost that would be found in a spell component pouch? It seems a common belief that Eschew Materials does not remove the need for basic focuses, which seems to dramatically weaken the feat. This applies mechanically, since you still need to constantly carry a spell component pouch or be almost as crippled as any other caster; it also applies thematically, as having Eschew Materials at level 1 is supposed to tie in to the fact that they are sourcing their magic from within - it's not nearly so from within if you also had to have random otherwise nonsensical items on hand when you manifested your abilities!

Pay grade has little to do with it. Rulebook questions should be asked in their forums, not only because that lets the FAQ system work, but because we don't want to scatter answers all over.

I can answer this one though. Eschew Materials does not remove the need for foci. If it did, we would have named it "Eschew Materials and Foci." We did not, so that's not the case. Material components only.

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Okay, really sorry for all the questions! Insomnia is a cruel master...

Given that Ameiko and Sandpoint are your babies, I thought I'd come to you on this. I'm hoping to run Rise of the Runelords soon, and I found a song that I thought suited an evening at the Rusty Dragon. I was wondering if you thought it was appropriate.

Thank you!

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Valtane Beastblade wrote:
Considering deities are deliberately unstatted and cannot be killed by mere mortals, how was Savith able to slay Ydersius? Granted, his remains still retained some semblance of life, but that still seems beyond what mortals are supposed to be capable of doing.

A) Savith was no "mere mortal." She was a significantly bad-ass hero of a lost age.

B) The situations in which deities can be killed vary significantly; you don't use the combat rules to kill them, but craft stories and adventures to handle that.

C) Ydersius wasn't killed. Best even a bad-ass hero like Savith could manage was to cut off his head. And even that didn't kill him... although it DID end up costing Savith her life.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Filby Pott wrote:

1) How do you feel about 3E's divine "aspects", like from the Miniatures Handbook or your Demonomicon articles? And if I were to use them in my game, would you recommend making them mythic?

2) If you could bring Iggwilv into Pathfinder, would you still make her CR 30, or would you tone her down compared to her mother Baba Yaga? (I love the dimensional occultist witch archetype, btw.)

Asking both questions because I'm looking at Savage Tide thinking of running it and both feature in the AP.

1) I think it's a cool idea wasted on a mid-line CR monster. I wouldn't recommend making them mythic. That's not their point. But I wouldn't use them at all. Heralds and customized minions are our solution for the thing that the divine aspects provide.

2) She would still be CR 30. She's intended to be as powerful or even more powerful than her mother.

As for Savage Tide... if I were to build it from scratch in Pathfinder, I'd probably do it the exact same way. Which, among other things, means no divine aspects.


My question is a 2-parter:

First - What exactly is the reason for not including the regeneration ability among the available racial traits in the ARG's race builder? Too powerful? Too complex? Is it not considered a trait?

Second - Would it be a viable houserule to add that into available traits for players or yourself to design races? Could you provide a quick example of how you would houserule it?

off-topic question:
For some reason I seem to be unable to right-click on the Paizo forums page, anybody else having this issue?


Will the Deacons and the draug from your home campaign ever be published? They sound fascinating.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Kalindlara wrote:
Valtane Beastblade wrote:
Considering deities are deliberately unstatted and cannot be killed by mere mortals, how was Savith able to slay Ydersius? Granted, his remains still retained some semblance of life, but that still seems beyond what mortals are supposed to be capable of doing.

As someone running Serpent's Skull (and who reincarnated a PC as Savith on Smuggler's Shiv), I'm curious about this as well. If I recall, your usual statement on deity-related topics is "If that's the story we want to tell". I'm hoping you can give us an idea of what unique circumstances may have been in play.

Additionally, is there anything you wanted to add to the Path but couldn't, or any ideas you had after the fact? I love adding those ideas to the Paths.

Finally, have you ever seen Disney's Atlantis: The Lost Empire? I was planning to take inspiration from there for certain things, like the characterization of Azlanti-descended tribes and certain ancient magics...

Serpent's Skull was a very difficult AP to put together, for reasons I'm not gonna go into here. Suffice to say, it had some rough patches. I would have LOVED to have had more map/encounter support for the 3rd adventure, for example, but that didn't work out. I'd suggest checking out the Serpent's Skull forums here for advice and help and stuff, though! :)

I have seen Atlantis. Quite liked it.

Grand Lodge

Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
James Jacobs wrote:
AlgaeNymph wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
The NPC wrote:

Mr. James Jacobs,

What are your thoughts on transhumanism in fiction and reality?

It's very interesting. I particularly enjoy the horror genre version of it (AKA "body horror").

It's also very interesting in reality as well!

Aren't you worried that the horror genre version of it will give people the wrong idea, souring public sentiment toward transhumanism and stalling (or preventing) its development?

Not at all...

If anything, I'd be worried that people go ahead with it without thinking through the possible bad consequences, as seen in the horror genre.

Have you seen the movie "Gattaca"?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Kalindlara wrote:
Filby Pott wrote:

1) How do you feel about 3E's divine "aspects", like from the Miniatures Handbook or your Demonomicon articles? And if I were to use them in my game, would you recommend making them mythic?

2) If you could bring Iggwilv into Pathfinder, would you still make her CR 30, or would you tone her down compared to her mother Baba Yaga? (I love the dimensional occultist witch archetype, btw.)

Asking both questions because I'm looking at Savage Tide thinking of running it and both feature in the AP.

James, I'm pretty sure you've already done 2), but I'll let you explain. :)

If your explanation involves Reign of Winter or The Witchwar Legacy, can you spoiler-tag it, please? (I'm currently a player.) Thank you!

I'm gonna leave it to speculation there. Heh. ;-)

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Kalindlara wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Archpaladin Zousha wrote:
I agree. Following that line, I'm trying to convince a friend that Jennifer Hepler, formerly of BioWare, and her ideas are no threat to the industry. What's a good way to present it so they might actually listen?

That sounds like Gamer Gate issues. My current stance on that is to cut ties with people who support that stuff, in the same way I prefer to cut ties with all people once I find out they belong to a group of hatemongers. AKA Someone who supports those hateful, misinformed, and destructive views isn't someone I'd call a friend or be interested in keeping as a friend.

Instead, I would point you toward people better equipped to address this kind of problem. Namely, the women being targeted by this. Fight it by giving the victims a greater voice.

#Gamergate: the world's worst Conjuration (Summoning) effect. Mr. Jacobs, if you see the moderation staff, please thank them for me, for keeping that poison off the site.

How much do people have to defend something like that before you cut ties? My Crimson Throne GM has defended it before - although he claims ignorance of the widespread hate/misogyny/attacks, I'm a bit dubious about his ignorance. Should I try to convince him at all, or just say "Done! I'm out."?

Yup. I'd rather not speak more about it here either, frankly. It doesn't take long for me to cut ties though. How long you decide to put up with things is up to you... I've a preeeety short tolerance for it myself.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:

Regarding Anevia and the iconic Shaman, I know there was some drama about each of them at the time. Have you learned anything from all that? I don't mean to imply that you'll shy away from more trans characters, but rather, how have those experiences informed the presentation of future trans NPCs?

Also, thank you for both being so inclusive, and for being willing to defend your decision. It really means a lot to me. :)

I've learned that I wish we'd had a trans iconic much much earlier, and I regret that it took us this long to get there. As for other NPCs, though... we've had a very diverse range from the start. The shaman is hardly the first trans character we've put in print, and will absolutely NOT be the last.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Akari Sayuri "Tiger Lily" wrote:
In previous references to rather having a Aboleth mini than a Kitsune mini, were you already aware that this guy was in the pipeline? :) That is an awesome looking aboleth.

Of course I was aware! :P Been aware of that mini for many many months now.

But. It's not an aboleth. It's a veiled master. In fact, one of the reasons I made veiled masters Large (instead of Huge, like aboleths), is because it's kinda difficult for us to distribute and produce Huge minis. By making the veiled master large... I made it possible for this mini to happen.

Still not an aboleth though.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:

Speaking of awesome minis, the Daughter of Urgathoa crept into some recent miniatures snapshots. So...

1) Who originally came up with the Daughter of Urgathoa? Did Wes create it while working on AP #8, or was it someone else's idea? Was there any specific inspiration?

2) When Inner Sea World Guide was being produced, who changed the art? Was there a specific reason? (I adore the new art, by the way, and I literally squee'd when I saw the photo. So exciting! :D)

Also, sorry for asking so many questions... :)

1) Wes Schneider. One of his inspirations was the concept that you see in video game RPGS a lot, where bosses have multiple stages. You defeat them once, then they transform into the REAL boss for the REAL fight. But the flavor and appearance and all that is, as far as I know, purely from Wes's imagination.

2) We were never really happy with the art the daughter got in #8; it's a case of the art came in at the last minute and we didn't have time to change it so we had to run with it and be unsatisfied. The image Eva produced at the end of the adventure was more accurate for what we were looking for, and so when we updated her to Pathfinder in the Inner Sea World Guide we were able to use Eva's illustration as reference to create a more accurate image for the new monster entry.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
xavier c wrote:
Iomedae comes off as more of a crusader Smite evil war goddess. what does she think of other good things? like feeding the hungry and caring for the orphaned,Healing the sick. you know stuff like that.

She's very much INTENDED to come off as a crusader and martial deity. She absolutely does think of other good things, but her focus and personality and devotion to defending folks from evil don't give her much pause. She's got a strong martyr theme there; she gives up her comfort for our safety, more or less.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:

Okay, really sorry for all the questions! Insomnia is a cruel master...

Given that Ameiko and Sandpoint are your babies, I thought I'd come to you on this. I'm hoping to run Rise of the Runelords soon, and I found a song that I thought suited an evening at the Rusty Dragon. I was wondering if you thought it was appropriate.

Thank you!

Cool! Sounds good to me! Thanks for sharing! :)

Ameiko would approve!

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Filby Pott wrote:
Will the Deacons and the draug from your home campaign ever be published? They sound fascinating.

I doubt they'll ever be published for Golarion; their flavor doesn't mesh well with Golarion's history and mythology really. I might self publish them some day though. We'll see.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

BigP4nda wrote:

My question is a 2-parter:

First - What exactly is the reason for not including the regeneration ability among the available racial traits in the ARG's race builder? Too powerful? Too complex? Is it not considered a trait?

Second - Would it be a viable houserule to add that into available traits for players or yourself to design races? Could you provide a quick example of how you would houserule it?

** spoiler omitted **

First answer: I wasn't involved in that builder, but I suspect it wasn't included because they only included abilities that were currently available/assigned to zero-HD races, and I can't think of a single zero-HD race we've published that has regeneration. Mostly because yes, indeed, it's too powerful for a low CR race.

Second answer: Any house rule that enhances your game and increases your enjoyment of play is viable. Personally... I wouldn't allow regeneration, since I think that changes the fundamental baseline of the game play experience into something entirely different. More akin to a superhero game. I prefer grittier games.

Off topic answer: Seems to work fine for me.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
LazarX wrote:
Have you seen the movie "Gattaca"?

Yup! Great movie. Excellent soundtrack too, especially the piano song written for people who have 12 fingers.

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.
James Jacobs wrote:
Kalindlara wrote:

Speaking of awesome minis, the Daughter of Urgathoa crept into some recent miniatures snapshots. So...

1) Who originally came up with the Daughter of Urgathoa? Did Wes create it while working on AP #8, or was it someone else's idea? Was there any specific inspiration?

2) When Inner Sea World Guide was being produced, who changed the art? Was there a specific reason? (I adore the new art, by the way, and I literally squee'd when I saw the photo. So exciting! :D)

Also, sorry for asking so many questions... :)

1) Wes Schneider. One of his inspirations was the concept that you see in video game RPGS a lot, where bosses have multiple stages. You defeat them once, then they transform into the REAL boss for the REAL fight. But the flavor and appearance and all that is, as far as I know, purely from Wes's imagination.

2) We were never really happy with the art the daughter got in #8; it's a case of the art came in at the last minute and we didn't have time to change it so we had to run with it and be unsatisfied. The image Eva produced at the end of the adventure was more accurate for what we were looking for, and so when we updated her to Pathfinder in the Inner Sea World Guide we were able to use Eva's illustration as reference to create a more accurate image for the new monster entry.

Between #2 and the cover art for Book 6 of Carrion/Charnel Crown, I think Wes might be cursed...

Is there anywhere else I can turn for Azlanti lore? I've read everything on Thassilon. I've read From Shore to Sea (Brandon Hodge is a treasure; enslave him and force him to write for our benefit). I've read Lost Cities of Golarion and its chapter on the Sun Temple Colony. Is there any other source I should consult?


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James Jacobs wrote:
LazarX wrote:
Have you seen the movie "Gattaca"?
Yup! Great movie. Excellent soundtrack too, especially the piano song written for people who have 12 fingers.

Adding to list of movies to watch

Silver Crusade Contributor

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Also, will we ever see more information on Jistka? I'm especially interested in details on how the ancient empire's traditions shaped the Hellknights.


Besides the gods taken from world real religion are some of the made up gods inspired by world real religion? Like Iomedae's temples look like catholic cathedrals. And Sarenrae you said was inspired by Eilistraee but i do get some jesus from her to.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Kalindlara wrote:
Is there anywhere else I can turn for Azlanti lore? I've read everything on Thassilon. I've read From Shore to Sea (Brandon Hodge is a treasure; enslave him and force him to write for our benefit). I've read Lost Cities of Golarion and its chapter on the Sun Temple Colony. Is there any other source I should consult?

That sounds like the bulk of it... but there's a fair amount in the Emerald Spire as well. Particularly in the level Erik wrote.

Dark Archive

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How are you feeling? Better, I hope.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:
Also, will we ever see more information on Jistka? I'm especially interested in details on how the ancient empire's traditions shaped the Hellknights.

Eventually and now and then, yes. Stay tuned!

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