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Mr. James Jacobs,

Would I be correct in thinking that if I were to make a web video (possibly a web series) that was RPG based, you and the company would not be upset if I mentioned pathfinder? Ala, one player says "Can't just play pathfinder like we usually do?" That sort of thing.


Mister Jacobs,

The kitsune race's mention of alignment is N or N affiliated, and they worship their kitsune deity.

While from my limited knowledge of Japanese lore on kitsune, i am aware they are (usually) tricksters by heart, which sounds N or CN to me, would you think a paladin of Daikitsu existing on Golarion?

If so, is there a code of conduct available somewhere?

Thanks.

Silver Crusade Contributor

James Jacobs wrote:
Rysky wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
My favorite aspect of it so far is the areas where the game diverts into full-on horror themes.
Ooo which all ones have you been to? I could list some you could check out if you want to, though that would probably fall under your no spoiler request :3
Pickman's Gallery stands out.

To the best of my knowledge, Fallout 4 takes place in the New England area. With that in mind, is Pickman's Gallery referring to what I think it is? I saw the name come up in a stream earlier and got curious.

Thank you! ^_^


1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Rysky wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
My favorite aspect of it so far is the areas where the game diverts into full-on horror themes.
Ooo which all ones have you been to? I could list some you could check out if you want to, though that would probably fall under your no spoiler request :3
Pickman's Gallery stands out.

To the best of my knowledge, Fallout 4 takes place in the New England area. With that in mind, is Pickman's Gallery referring to what I think it is? I saw the name come up in a stream earlier and got curious.

Thank you! ^_^

Fallout 4 takes place in Boston, Massachusetts.

Silver Crusade

Tels wrote:
Kalindlara wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Rysky wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
My favorite aspect of it so far is the areas where the game diverts into full-on horror themes.
Ooo which all ones have you been to? I could list some you could check out if you want to, though that would probably fall under your no spoiler request :3
Pickman's Gallery stands out.

To the best of my knowledge, Fallout 4 takes place in the New England area. With that in mind, is Pickman's Gallery referring to what I think it is? I saw the name come up in a stream earlier and got curious.

Thank you! ^_^

Fallout 4 takes place in Boston, Massachusetts.

Which is in New England.

And ooo haven't been through Pickman's or the Asylum yet, will have to keep an eye out for them.

EDIT: Whoops! Reread where you said you haven't been to the Museum yet, putting question regarding it into spoiler :3

Spoiler:
I did like the Museum though, and the questline associated with it. Which side did you choose?

Grand Lodge

Mr Jacobs,

Will we see some more material for Razmir and his nation of awesome any time soon?


What would you suggest for someone playing as the chosen of Dranngvit, the Dwarven God of vengeance? Ideas for obedience? Clothing style? Relationship with other deities? Would she recognize her worshipers in some way? Any idea for magic weapon or spell like abilities granted through worship? Something like the spell castigate?

Thank you very much.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

The NPC wrote:

Mr. James Jacobs,

Would I be correct in thinking that if I were to make a web video (possibly a web series) that was RPG based, you and the company would not be upset if I mentioned pathfinder? Ala, one player says "Can't just play pathfinder like we usually do?" That sort of thing.

I wouldn't be upset. But still, it's best to coordinate media stuff like that with our PR person, Jenny Bendel, or our licensing rep (who we're still looking to hire‚ so for now I guess that'd be Erik Mona).

Paizo Employee Creative Director

The Fiend Fantastic wrote:

Mister Jacobs,

The kitsune race's mention of alignment is N or N affiliated, and they worship their kitsune deity.

While from my limited knowledge of Japanese lore on kitsune, i am aware they are (usually) tricksters by heart, which sounds N or CN to me, would you think a paladin of Daikitsu existing on Golarion?

If so, is there a code of conduct available somewhere?

Thanks.

Nope. There are no paladins of Daikitsu.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kalindlara wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Rysky wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
My favorite aspect of it so far is the areas where the game diverts into full-on horror themes.
Ooo which all ones have you been to? I could list some you could check out if you want to, though that would probably fall under your no spoiler request :3
Pickman's Gallery stands out.

To the best of my knowledge, Fallout 4 takes place in the New England area. With that in mind, is Pickman's Gallery referring to what I think it is? I saw the name come up in a stream earlier and got curious.

Thank you! ^_^

It's very much inspired by that, yes. Although they could have gone even further... There's been Lovecraft easter eggs in Fallout for a while. Dunwich shows up now and then too.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Apoca6 wrote:

Mr Jacobs,

Will we see some more material for Razmir and his nation of awesome any time soon?

Probably not anytime soon. Razmir is Jason Bulmahn's pet, and he's too busy to do anything with it for now.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Lucky Number Evan wrote:

What would you suggest for someone playing as the chosen of Dranngvit, the Dwarven God of vengeance? Ideas for obedience? Clothing style? Relationship with other deities? Would she recognize her worshipers in some way? Any idea for magic weapon or spell like abilities granted through worship? Something like the spell castigate?

Thank you very much.

I would have to read up on this deity first of all—I have no context for him/her/it. I'd suggest checking out the entry in Dwarves of Golarion and Inner Sea Gods, but don't have anything off the top of my head at all to help here, alas.

Radiant Oath

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

Are there any foods that Desnan faithful consider "traditional?" I know they'd probably be more interested in trying NEW foods they've never seen before, but I find that little quirks like that kolash bread that Pharasmins enjoy to be one of the things that makes Pathfinder's faiths so much fun! :)


What's your favorite Fallout?

Which do you play 4 on, PlayStation, Xbox or computer?


Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber

What'd you think of Jessica Jones?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Archpaladin Zousha wrote:
Are there any foods that Desnan faithful consider "traditional?" I know they'd probably be more interested in trying NEW foods they've never seen before, but I find that little quirks like that kolash bread that Pharasmins enjoy to be one of the things that makes Pathfinder's faiths so much fun! :)

Not really. Desna is about travel and exploration, and that applies to food as well. Her priests try to keep their food options wide ranging—individual worshipers will of course have their favorites, influenced by their travels and location.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Fallout Rampage Cap'n Yesterday wrote:

What's your favorite Fallout?

Which do you play 4 on, PlayStation, Xbox or computer?

Fallout 2... although Fallout 4, if it keeps going as it does, is going to dethrone Fallout 2.

I'm playing on Xbox One.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Squeakmaan wrote:
What'd you think of Jessica Jones?

I think it's the best Marvel film/show yet.


Hey James,

I'm currently running a heavily modified Wrath of the Righteous campaign and have been scouring the internet for every scrap of information available on religious relations, church hierarchies, and the specifics on political conflicts that I can use to flesh the world out for my players.

1. Who is the head of the Iomedaen Church? Some articles I've read have attributed a significant amount of political power to Queen Galfrey, but nothing verifying her role as the absolute religious head despite her personal relationship with Iomedae. If there is not currently a stated ruling head, from where would they rule and what title would they go by? The Seventh Church in Absalom, The Cruciform Cathedral in Nerosyan, The Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea in Lastwall? Pope, Divine?

2. Which Dwarven Kingdoms do you think contribute the most to the Crusades? I feel inclined to say Kraggodan, due to their participation in the Shining Crusade against Tar Baphon, but my understanding of all things Dwarf in Pathfinder is admittedly limited.

3. Is the Winter Council in Kyonin an officially recognized organization, or is it more along the lines of a secret society? I never read through the Second Darkness books (I'm, admittedly, poor and feel uncomfortable torrenting so there will always be some information out of reach), but from what I've managed to scrounge online suggests that the Council is either defunct following the events of Second Darkness or in some form of disarray. What happens to them?

4. Related to the above; How does the aristocracy operate in Kyonin? How much influence do they wield? I'm planning on incorporating a sprawling political quagmire split down ideological lines (One side headed by a Paladin of Yuelral who is pushing for a reinstigation of hostilities against Treerazer, starting with the reclamation of Shevaroth, the other guided by a longer-term thinker ersatz Galadriel who is focused on involvement with the outer world and assisting the Fifth Crusade). If the Winter Council still exists, it seems like it'd be in favor of resuming active warfare against Treerazer. Is that accurate? Would the Queen of Kyonin actively support the Crusade? How much support have the elves offered Mendev thus far?

5. How much support/interest has Garund (Qadira/Osirion/Nex/Geb/Rahadoum/Alkenstar) offered to/shown in the Crusade?

6. Are there any defunct organizations/abandoned keeps in strategic locations that you can off-handedly recall that would fit well being resurrected to participate in the Crusades? (The Inquisition and Skyhold a la Dragon Age: Inquisition) I've been toying with an idea of a keep on the shores of the Isle of Terror being re-sanctified and secured with an independently operating Wardstone, but that seems like it'd just defang the ominous threat that Tar-Baphon is supposed to emanate, so I've been a little conflicted.

7. Where would you place the Leaden Cathedral (of Godclaw yore) in Mendev? Do you see it as an independent fortification or just a structure in one of the cities?

8. Are there any Hellknight orders participating in the Crusades? It seems like it would be fairly simple to write the Godclaw in, but are there any others canonly participating? I seem to vaguely recall a tidbit about Galfrey prohibiting Hellknights (Other than the preceding Godclaw knights) from entering, but I suspect I might be wildly misinformed.

9. I'm absolutely in love with Sarkorin culture and am introducing a sub plot about the potential of resurrecting their country following the successful closure of the Worldwound. How hostile would Mendev/the Iomedaens be opposed to this, given the danger represented by their "blasphemous," religions? Does Mendev have plans to simply annex the 'Wound's territory following their victory? How tainted will it remain?

10. The Order of Heralds was founded at the beginning of the Fourth Crusade to curb the insanity of the Inquisition. Was this Order created by the Queen? Knights and Lords in Mendev? Who are their participating members? How do they prevent the Lord of the third largest city in the country from exercising his, 'justice'? From where do they derive their authority and how do they exercise it?

11. How public knowledge is it that Iomedae intends to call for the invasion and coup of Cheliax's government following the closure of the Crusade? It seems like Cheliax is an substantial participant (or, at least a material supporter) of the Crusade, so it rubs me as a little unlikely that that is being broadcast, but I'd just like confirmation.

12. Are there patron deities other than Iomedae of the Crusade? It seems like both Torag and Sarenrae both have large representations, but I haven't found confirmation of their presence being in any official capacity.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to slog through this with me,
Jon


Also, as a follow up,

I've run a side quest in Magnimar during Rise of the Runelords that follows the Ragathiel cult targeting members of the Norgorber cult presented there. During that adventure, I presented them as a bit of a secret society that spent a very serious amount of time investigating and then subsequently confirming the guilt of citizens of the city that had escaped justice before murdering them. Afterward, I was left with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth as I wasn't sure if I had done them justice/altered how they would present themselves.

Ragathiel is a purportedly a god of chivalrous conduct on top of his desire for vengeance, so how would you go about portraying his cult in areas where there would be less public acceptance for their practices? Would they commit murders in secret as I ran it? Would they dispatch a knight to publicly call their target to a duel for their crimes? Would a city like Magnimar intervene in a situation wherein one of their citizens was challenged to a duel to the death by a religious fanatic (Admittedly backed by beings of divine capability such that they can verify their targets guilt with some degree of certainty)? How would more, "Lawful," countries respond to the cults presence? Examples being Cheliax, Andoran, and Taldor? How does Mendev handle the cult?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Nunucachoo wrote:

Hey James,

I'm currently running a heavily modified Wrath of the Righteous campaign and have been scouring the internet for every scrap of information available on religious relations, church hierarchies, and the specifics on political conflicts that I can use to flesh the world out for my players.

1. Who is the head of the Iomedaen Church? Some articles I've read have attributed a significant amount of political power to Queen Galfrey, but nothing verifying her role as the absolute religious head despite her personal relationship with Iomedae. If there is not currently a ruling head, from where would they rule and what title would they go by? The Seventh Church in Absalom, The Cruciform Cathedral in Nerosyan, The Cathedral of Sancta Iomedaea in Lastwall? Pope, Divine?

2. Which Dwarven Kingdoms do you think contribute the most to the Crusades? I feel inclined to say Kraggodan, due to their participation in the Shining Crusade against Tar Baphon, but my understanding of all things Dwarf in Pathfinder is admittedly limited.

3. Is the Winter Council in Kyonin an officially recognized organization, or is it more along the lines of a secret society? I never read through the Second Darkness books (I'm, admittedly, poor and feel uncomfortable torrenting so there will always be some information out of reach), but from what I've managed to scrounge online suggests that the Council is either defunct following the events of Second Darkness or in some form of disarray. What happens to them?

4. Related to the above; How does the aristocracy operate in Kyonin? How much influence do they wield? I'm planning on incorporating a sprawling political quagmire split down ideological lines (One side headed by a Paladin of Yuelral who is pushing for a reinstigation of hostilities against Treerazer, starting with the reclamation of Shevaroth, the other guided by a longer-term thinker ersatz Galadriel who is focused on involvement with the outer world and assisting the Fifth Crusade). If the Winter Council still exists, it seems like it'd be in favor of resuming active warfare against Treerazer. Is that accurate? Would the Queen of Kyonin actively support the Crusade? How much support have the elves offered Mendev thus far?

5. How much support/interest has Garund (Qadira/Osirion/Nex/Geb/Rahadoum/Alkenstar) offered to/shown in the Crusade?

6. Are there any defunct organizations/abandoned keeps in strategic locations that you can off-handedly recall that would fit well being resurrected to participate in the Crusades? (The Inquisition and Skyhold a la Dragon Age: Inquisition) I've been toying with an idea of a keep on the shores of the Isle of Terror being re-sanctified and secured with an independently operating Wardstone, but that seems like it'd just defang the ominous threat that Tar-Baphon is supposed to emanate, so I've been a little conflicted.

7. Where would you place the Leaden Cathedral (of Godclaw yore) in Mendev? Do you see it as an independent fortification or just a structure in one of the cities?

8. Are there any Hellknight orders participating in the Crusades? It seems like it would be fairly simple to write the Godclaw in, but are there any others canonly participating? I seem to vaguely recall a tidbit about Galfrey prohibiting Hellknights (Other than the preceding Godclaw knights) from entering, but I suspect I might be wildly misinformed.

9. I'm absolutely in love with Sarkorin culture and am introducing a sub plot about the potential of resurrecting their country following the successful closure of the Worldwound. How hostile would Mendev/the Iomedaens be opposed to this, given the danger represented by their "blasphemous," religions? Does Mendev have plans to simply annex the 'Wound's territory following their victory? How tainted will it remain?

10. The Order of Heralds was founded at the beginning of the Fourth Crusade to curb the insanity of the Inquisition. Was this Order created by the Queen? Knights and Lords in Mendev? Who are their participating members? How do they prevent the Lord of the third largest city in the country from exercising his, 'justice'? From where do they derive their authority and how do they exercise it?

11. How public knowledge is it that Iomedae intends to call for the invasion and coup of Cheliax's government following the closure of the Crusade? It seems like Cheliax is an substantial participant (or, at least a material supporter) of the Crusade, so it rubs me as a little unlikely that that is being broadcast, but I'd just like confirmation.

12. Are there patron deities other than Iomedae of the Crusade? It seems like both Torag and Sarenrae both have large representations, but I haven't found confirmation of their presence being in any official capacity.

Holy wall of text! In the future... and primarily for my own sanity in answering questions... it's best to try to keep big questions like this to a maximum of 10 questions. An even better rule of thumb is to try to keep big posts like this to a maximum of 20 lines of text. When they get bigger, splitting them into multiple separate posts is handy. When I reply to a question, I refer back to the original, and when folks make enormous posts like this, not all of the text fits on my screen at once and there's a lot of annoying scrolling and stuff...

ANYway... here goes.

1) Queen Galfrey is the closest we have to an official head of the church, but that's not too satisfactory to me, since she's not 20th level and not a cleric. Now... neither of those are REQUIREMENTS to be "head of a church" but it is a good yardstick. I suppose a potential runner-up for this position would be someone from Lastwall... but there's not really anyone there who stands out as perfect for the role. All of that suggests to me that we simply haven't revealed who the "head of the church of Iomedae" is, which is more or less in sync for ALL of the religions—that's just a facet of Golarion that, for better or worse (worse in my opinion) we simply haven't detailed yet. For the purposes of Wrath of the Righteous, though, Queen Galfrey is your best bet for the role of "Most influential and important Iomedan in the area," at least, until any potential PC Iomedan eclipses her in power and fame and glory.

2) Kraggodan lost a HUGE amount of their resources in the Shining Crusade and they're STILL reeling and recovering from that. Molthune being on their doorstep is a big part of what's been slowing them down. I'd say that the biggest source of dwarf support would probably be from the Five Kings Mountains, since that's the largest and most powerful dwarven nation in the region.

3) The Winter Council is very much a secret society. The whole organization gets defeated, more or less, during Second Darkness. Whether or not the events of Second Darkness have occurred or will occur in context of your own Wrath of the Righteous game is up to you to decide, but regardless, the Winter Council would have no real interest in the Worldwound. They don't have enough resources. There's a lot of other support, above board and obvious, from Kyonin going up to the Worldwound, but not a LOT, since remember, they've got their own "mini Worldwound" to handle with Tanglebriar.

4) The aristocracy in Kyonin has a HUGE amount of influence there, and they'd all be pretty strongly opposed to anything a paladin would be interested in. Lawful is not a common alignment at all in Kyonin. Pathfinder #17 is the best place to go for more information on the Winter Council and Kyonin; there's a lot of info about both there.

5) Garund hasn't really put much support in at all. The Worldwound is far enough away that the nations of Garund simply don't feel that threatened by it; they've got their own things to deal with. That said, there are ABSOLUTELY a lot of Garundi people and individuals and even smaller organizations involved in the Worldwound... just nothing approaching a national level.

6) There are plenty of lost fortresses in the Worldwound. Check out the Worldwound book for a big list. Pulura's Fall is probably the best candidate, but the druid stuff up in the north could be an interesting choice as well.

7) The Leaden Cathedral's exact location is unrevealed. I'd say it's probably not far from the river border, and likely closer to Nerosyan. If I had to place it today, I'd probably put it somewhere between Nerosyan and Star Keep, I guess.

8) There are no significant Hellknight forces active in the Worldwound/Mendev at this time. The Godclaw SPECIFICALLY was there for a time but they've pulled back and as a result would be one of the orders LEAST likely to be there as a result.

9) That's all really up to you and to how much you want those elements to play out. I suspect that Iomedae's church WOULD try to occupy parts of Sarkoris/Worldwound if the Worldwound closes, but I also suspect that, since they're good guys, they'd soon realize the folly of this and relent. Mendev itself might not agree... and remember, Mendev itself is currently kinda occupied by Iomedae. They might REALLY want to get "back" some lands of their own. But yeah... how all that plays out is left to you.

10) I'd say that the Order of Heralds was founded by the Queen, yeah. She was NOT pleased with how things went during that inquisition stuff. Today, the order is not super active at all, so if you want them to play a bigger role, feel free to have them uprise in power as you see fit.

11) It's not public knowledge at all. Cheliax is not really a big supporter of the crusade, in fact—as long as the Worldwound remains open, after all, it distracts the chruch of Iomedae from Chelaix, and thus from Queen Abrogail's view, if the Worldwound stayed open FOREVER that'd be nice. She obviously doesn't want the demons to "win" but at the same point knows that the crusaders have been holding them in check for a hundred years or so. The events of Wrath of the Righteous move too quickly for distant Cheliax to make an official response, and as such, they're pretty content with it as is. Status quo is a good thing for Cheliax as far as the crusades and the Worldwound are concerned.

12) Iomedae's the main one, yeah, but the crusade's net is cast quite wide. ALL of the good deities have some stake in it—Sarenrae, Desna, Torag, and Shelyn in particular, but also less well-known deities like Milani or Plurua. All of their roles are shadows compared to Iomedae's role, though, which is quite overwhelming.There are plenty of examples of other religions being involved throughout Wrath of the Righteous (particularly Shelyn and Desna, but there's some Sarenrae and Torag stuff in there too, if I recall correctly). But pretty much ANY good aligned faith and MOST of the lawful ones are involved. Zon-Kuthon's probably the only major lawful church that isn't all that invested there, with Asmodeus being next least invested.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Nunucachoo wrote:

Also, as a follow up,

I've run a side quest in Magnimar during Rise of the Runelords that follows the Ragathiel cult targeting members of the Norgorber cult presented there. During that adventure, I presented them as a bit of a secret society that spent a very serious amount of time investigating and then subsequently confirming the guilt of citizens of the city that had escaped justice before murdering them. Afterward, I was left with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth as I wasn't sure if I had done them justice/altered how they would present themselves.

Ragathiel is a purportedly a god of chivalrous conduct on top of his desire for vengeance, so how would you go about portraying his cult in areas where there would be less public acceptance for their practices? Would they commit murders in secret as I ran it? Would they dispatch a knight to publicly call their target to a duel for their crimes? Would a city like Magnimar intervene in a situation wherein one of their citizens was challenged to a duel to the death by a religious fanatic (Admittedly backed by beings of divine capability such that they can verify their targets guilt with some degree of certainty)? How would more, "Lawful," countries respond to the cults presence? Examples being Cheliax, Andoran, and Taldor? How does Mendev handle the cult?

Ragathiel's faith is certainly agressive... but they're also GOOD. They would not commit secret murders or the like, and Magnimar would absolutely not approve of an "outsider faith" coming in to mess with things like that.

In Mendev, worshipers of Ragathiel are pretty welcome since they're so eager to fight demons. Elsewhere... his church often has a hard time fitting in. It's weird. He's a good guy but the more peaceful things are, the less he has to do. He's probably the empyreal lord MOST likely to fall from grace in my opinion.


Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

Is it so much that *he is the most likely* or his *followers*?

Isn't Ragathiel the one that basically worked his way to the heavens from Hell? Or am I getting confused? I don't see him pissing away all that hard work?


Sorry for the wall of text and thank you so much for the timely reply.

1. Do you have a preferred (non-contractually binding) title for this potentially unnamed head of the Iomedaen church?

2. As the Five Kingdoms appear to be divided politically, is there any one particular that would distinguish itself over the others?

3. Does defeated mean destroyed? As in, are the participatory members of the Winter Council being killed off?

6. Alright. Anything else in the Inner Sea region that would also work for an abandoned fortification? Something not directly in the 'Wound?

9. How culturally distinct are the native Mendevians from the settling Iomedaens? I'd guess that after a century with such a strong military/religious presence that the cultures wound begin to blend. Do the Iomedaens intend to leave the country once they win?

Ragathiel Bonus Comment: I vaguely recall there being a mention of Empyreal Lord secret cults existing in Magnimar, with a specific mention of Ragathiel. Is that inaccurate?

Thanks again!

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Wei Ji the Learner wrote:


Is it so much that *he is the most likely* or his *followers*?

Isn't Ragathiel the one that basically worked his way to the heavens from Hell? Or am I getting confused? I don't see him pissing away all that hard work?

Even if he did recently rise from Hell, he's still on the edge. He wouldn't be pissing away the hard work as just relapsing in that case.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Nunucachoo wrote:

Sorry for the wall of text and thank you so much for the timely reply.

1. Do you have a preferred (non-contractually binding) title for this potentially unnamed head of the Iomedaen church?

2. As the Five Kingdoms appear to be divided politically, is there any one particular that would distinguish itself over the others?

3. Does defeated mean destroyed? As in, are the participatory members of the Winter Council being killed off?

6. Alright. Anything else in the Inner Sea region that would also work for an abandoned fortification? Something not directly in the 'Wound?

9. How culturally distinct are the native Mendevians from the settling Iomedaens? I'd guess that after a century with such a strong military/religious presence that the cultures wound begin to blend. Do the Iomedaens intend to leave the country once they win?

Ragathiel Bonus Comment: I vaguely recall there being a mention of Empyreal Lord secret cults existing in Magnimar, with a specific mention of Ragathiel. Is that inaccurate?

Thanks again!

1) Nope.

2) They all distinguish themselves from the others in different ways, otherwise they wouldn't be divided.

3) Nope; defeated could mean "disbanded" or merely neutralized. It's easier for something to come back from a defeat than a destruction. And in fact, whether it's a defeat or a destruction depends on how things actually pan out in play when one runs that adventure.

Aieee! Non-linear numbering!

6) Lots. The first one that comes to mind is Brinewall, because that's an abandoned castle that I designed for an adventure in Pathfinder #49. But the idea of famous lost fortresses is one of the classic ideas for adventure locations. Three others that come to mind would include the Irespan, the Lady's Light, and WIndsong Abbey... in fact, most of the dungeons in Shattered Star would count in this category.

9) Today, they've blended pretty well. Whether or not Iomedands intend to leave is an open question... and one that could fuel a VERY interesting "Chaos vs. Law" adventure or campaign where the enemy is lawful good or chaotic good, depending on which side interests the GM more as antagonists.

Bonus) It's accurate, yes. Empyreal lords are a significant part of worship in Magnimar. (Trivia time: the first time we talked about Empyreal Lords was in the context of Magnimar, way back in Pathfinder #2, "The Skinsaw Murders"). There's a big sidebar about Magniamr's six most popular Empyreal Lords on page 25 of the Magnimar book—Arshea, Ragathiel, Sinashakti, Ashava, Soralyon, and Ylimancha. I'd say the last three are the most widely known/worshiped there, but all six have ties to the region.

RPG Superstar 2012 Top 16

re: Ragathiel

In the lore, he's the eldest son of Dispater, basically in rebellion against his father, and has been for countless millenia.

He's been in Heaven most of his life, but his ascension to Empyreal Lordship has been somewhat more recent (but still mortal ages ago). He's effectively among the most 'recent' Empyreal Lords, but that doesn't mean he's 'young', at all.

So, he didn't really 'come up' from Hell, he just has a very direct blood relation there. He's been a champion of heaven for eons. Dispater thinks it's just a phase he's going through, and he'll come back to daddy in time.
=========

JJ,

I have to ask, why would Empyreal Lords have a 'connection' to Varisia? Is this something that you can share, related to Thassilon perhaps? I find it strange, since minor gods and cults would seem to be more likely to set up at the fringes of major religions in more populated areas, or be outright dominant in a remote area, like Pulara's temple in the Worldwound. The 'influence' of the Empyrean lords in a city like Magnimar seems odd, and in the region as a whole.

==Aelryinth

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Aelryinth wrote:

JJ,

I have to ask, why would Empyreal Lords have a 'connection' to Varisia? Is this something that you can share, related to Thassilon perhaps? I find it strange, since minor gods and cults would seem to be more likely to set up at the fringes of major religions in more populated areas, or be outright dominant in a remote area, like Pulara's temple in the Worldwound. The 'influence' of the Empyrean lords in a city like Magnimar seems odd, and in the region as a whole.

==Aelryinth

The Empyreal Lords don't really have a connection to Varisia—they have a connection SPECIFICALLY to Magnimar. It's not related to Thassilon at all, but in fact to something else. The fact that the site has long been important to Varisia (before Magnimar, it was a favorite resting place for Varisian caravans) means that there's a lot of traffic through the area, and that traffic causes the influence of the six Empyreal Lords to spread easier through the region. But it's really Magnimar where these six have the most influence.

It is indeed odd. There is indeed a reason. It's not one I'm ready to reveal quite yet though, but it DOES have less to do with Thassilon and more to do with the fact that the region has also classically been of interest to Lamashtu and Pazuzu...

Silver Crusade Contributor

When will you just go ahead and let us fight Lamashtu and/or Pazuzu? :P


will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?


What mysteries would be good for an oracle that worships Nalinivati?

What patrons would be good for a witch that worships Nalinivati?

How much influence do kitsunes have in the Dragon Empires?

What's the most popular deity among ratfolk?

Do the Pathfinder novels go in any particular order?

Will future iconics be members of the non core races like tieflings, kitsunes, androids, etc?


2 people marked this as a favorite.
wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?

and will certain members of the Vancaskerkin family try to buy them?


James Jacobs wrote:
Lucky Number Evan wrote:

What would you suggest for someone playing as the chosen of Dranngvit, the Dwarven God of vengeance? Ideas for obedience? Clothing style? Relationship with other deities? Would she recognize her worshipers in some way? Any idea for magic weapon or spell like abilities granted through worship? Something like the spell castigate?

Thank you very much.

I would have to read up on this deity first of all—I have no context for him/her/it. I'd suggest checking out the entry in Dwarves of Golarion and Inner Sea Gods, but don't have anything off the top of my head at all to help here, alas.

There is almost nothing to go on.

gods and magic wrote:

Dranngvit is Torag's half-sister although some legends claim she was supposed to have been Torag's wife but lost out to Folgrit. Dranngvit is a dwarven deity but is seen as a necessary evil rather than a beloved deity. Most pay her worship only when they know they have wronged someone. The only dwarves who choose her as their actually patron deity are normally those consumed by hatred and nothing else. Dranngvit may be the mother of Kols, but even if she is, Folgrit still treats Kols like a son

I guess I understand the hate part is some flavor, but lacking. Sorry.


wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?

They're in Black Markets under infused poisons. You add a potion spell effect to an ingested poison. It's meant to add an offensive spell to a harmful poison, but no reason you couldn't put Charm Person on something that won't kill or seriously hurt them.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Kalindlara wrote:
When will you just go ahead and let us fight Lamashtu and/or Pazuzu? :P

Pazuzu's stats are right there in Bestiary 4. You can fight him whenever you want. Or just say his name 3 times in a single breath.

Lamashtu is a full-on deity, so fighting her = you lose, which isn't a very fun adventure.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?

They already can. Craft Wondrous Item + elixir of love.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Hythlodeus wrote:
wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?
and will certain members of the Vancaskerkin family try to buy them?

They already have.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

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SCKnightHero1 wrote:

What mysteries would be good for an oracle that worships Nalinivati?

What patrons would be good for a witch that worships Nalinivati?

How much influence do kitsunes have in the Dragon Empires?

What's the most popular deity among ratfolk?

Do the Pathfinder novels go in any particular order?

Will future iconics be members of the non core races like tieflings, kitsunes, androids, etc?

Any of them. I've never agreed with the notion of listing deities for mysteries. Oracles are intended to be the full divine class you can play WITHOUT picking a deity, and listing favored deities with mysteries wrecks and undermines that. Pick a mystery that matches your character's themes. You can still worship anyone, Nalinivati included.

Not too much, except in the Forest of Spirits, I suppose, where they're the most common out of all the regions.

Depends on the region, but I suspect Gozreh wins out in most cases.

Some do, some don't

No. That defeats the purpose of being an iconic. An iconic is a representation of a class. What race or gender or alignment or sexuality or all that the iconic is beyond that is irrelevant, and so we try to keep a good balance between them. Going beyond the core races for an iconic deviates from the "norm" too much for them to remain being a class iconic.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Lucky Number Evan wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Lucky Number Evan wrote:

What would you suggest for someone playing as the chosen of Dranngvit, the Dwarven God of vengeance? Ideas for obedience? Clothing style? Relationship with other deities? Would she recognize her worshipers in some way? Any idea for magic weapon or spell like abilities granted through worship? Something like the spell castigate?

Thank you very much.

I would have to read up on this deity first of all—I have no context for him/her/it. I'd suggest checking out the entry in Dwarves of Golarion and Inner Sea Gods, but don't have anything off the top of my head at all to help here, alas.

There is almost nothing to go on.

gods and magic wrote:

Dranngvit is Torag's half-sister although some legends claim she was supposed to have been Torag's wife but lost out to Folgrit. Dranngvit is a dwarven deity but is seen as a necessary evil rather than a beloved deity. Most pay her worship only when they know they have wronged someone. The only dwarves who choose her as their actually patron deity are normally those consumed by hatred and nothing else. Dranngvit may be the mother of Kols, but even if she is, Folgrit still treats Kols like a son

I guess I understand the hate part is some flavor, but lacking. Sorry.

Then I suppose you'll either have to wait patiently for us to get around to detailing the dwarf deities or Dranngvit in particular. I have put exactly zero thought into it, mostly because I don't really have a personal interest in the deity or dwarves for that matter, which means that until I'm working on a project that involves them specifically, I spend my free time thinking about elements of Golarion I'm personally more interested in. I COULD make up some stuff here off the top of my head, but I prefer not to do that on these boards or this thread in particular, since that maroons potential canon in a hard to reference area.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Slithery D wrote:
wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?
They're in Black Markets under infused poisons. You add a potion spell effect to an ingested poison. It's meant to add an offensive spell to a harmful poison, but no reason you couldn't put Charm Person on something that won't kill or seriously hurt them.

That works.

As does my previously mentioned tactic of taking Craft Wondrous Item.


Who does James Jacobs ask all of his questions to?


Mr. Jacobs,

1. How old is Queen Abrogail II?

2. What happens to the Demonscope during the Incursion at Kenabres?

3. Why is Razmir so salty?

4. How difficult of a CR encounter/dungeon would be representative of Xiren Bhey of the Okeno slavers on either his ship or his fortifications at Okeno, were a group of PCs to launch an assault with the goals of capturing and/or killing him? Are there any particular tricks and/or defenses he would employ, other than his Gug bodyguard?


James Jacobs wrote:
Slithery D wrote:
wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?
They're in Black Markets under infused poisons. You add a potion spell effect to an ingested poison. It's meant to add an offensive spell to a harmful poison, but no reason you couldn't put Charm Person on something that won't kill or seriously hurt them.

That works.

As does my previously mentioned tactic of taking Craft Wondrous Item.

I know about the black market poisons I mean alchemists don't have charm person or permancy in their spell listso without help from a wizard(or his wand) he cant make any love potions.


James, given the Technology Guide, or even advanced firearms, can you give me some in-world explanation for why outsider armies don't use things like grenades and heavy weapons, let alone artillery? They have near infinite resources, so if a gravity grenade or vortex gun works there you'd think they'd want to build their own.

And why don't Daemon's build hydrogen bombs and use them to wipe out Material Plane life planet by planet?

Paizo Employee Creative Director

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Tels wrote:
Who does James Jacobs ask all of his questions to?

Desna. MAYBE Sarenrae. Depends on my mood.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

Nunucachoo wrote:

Mr. Jacobs,

1. How old is Queen Abrogail II?

2. What happens to the Demonscope during the Incursion at Kenabres?

3. Why is Razmir so salty?

4. How difficult of a CR encounter/dungeon would be representative of Xiren Bhey of the Okeno slavers on either his ship or his fortifications at Okeno, were a group of PCs to launch an assault with the goals of capturing and/or killing him? Are there any particular tricks and/or defenses he would employ, other than his Gug bodyguard?

1) She's in her early 20s.

2) It's broken, and thus plays no role.

3) He's a sweaty guy.

4) This seems to be an incredibly specific question. If indeed he's got a gug bodyguard... then he should be higher CR than a gug, but not much. Maybe 1 or 2 points higher, so that'd make him CR 12, and thus he and his gug together would be CR 13. Which implies that the final encounter with him would be CR 13 or CR 14. Which would imply that in order for that fight to be a good challenge for PCs, the PCs themselves should be no higher than 12th level when they reach him. And assuming you want a full adventure leading up to that... then I'd peg that adventure as one for 11th level characters, with the expectation that they'll hit 12th at the 80% point or thereabouts.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

wabbitking wrote:
James Jacobs wrote:
Slithery D wrote:
wabbitking wrote:
will alchemists ever be able to make love potions?
They're in Black Markets under infused poisons. You add a potion spell effect to an ingested poison. It's meant to add an offensive spell to a harmful poison, but no reason you couldn't put Charm Person on something that won't kill or seriously hurt them.

That works.

As does my previously mentioned tactic of taking Craft Wondrous Item.

I know about the black market poisons I mean alchemists don't have charm person or permancy in their spell listso without help from a wizard(or his wand) he cant make any love potions.

Alchemists can Use Magic Device with a scroll or wand to cast charm person, but an even better solution is to remember that not having a spell on your list just means the DC to craft the item is a bit higher. This means it's a little tougher for an alchemist to craft an elixir of love than a wizard or sorcerer, but assuming the GM lets the alchemist make a Craft (alchemy) check to make things like elixirs (which makes a hell of a lot of sense) in place of, say, Spellcraft, then the bonus an alchemist gets to that check can make that a wash or even make it EASIER to build the elixir of love than a wizard, even though the alchemist doesn't have charm person on his list. Same goes for the philter of love.

Paizo Employee Creative Director

3 people marked this as a favorite.
Slithery D wrote:

James, given the Technology Guide, or even advanced firearms, can you give me some in-world explanation for why outsider armies don't use things like grenades and heavy weapons, let alone artillery? They have near infinite resources, so if a gravity grenade or vortex gun works there you'd think they'd want to build their own.

And why don't Daemon's build hydrogen bombs and use them to wipe out Material Plane life planet by planet?

Because what outsiders have built in to their stats is better, for free, than using lasers. And because they don't necessarily know that much about technological items or how to use them or make them. And because they have traditions that skew them toward using the things in their descriptions. And because it's easier for a daemon to build a magical genocide device that's equal to or greater than a hydrogen bomb using magic and supernatural stuff, but still not so easy that they do it all the time.

The best reason? Because it's not thematic for a fantasy game to have demons with lasers. If you run a post-apocalyptic or modern or sci-fi game, that changes.

Dark Archive

James, what about dinosaurs with mobile launch pads?


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

James, do you think there will ever be an angel subdomain in line with the other outsider subdomains?

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