>>Ask *Jason Bulmahn* ALL your Non-Rules Questions Here!<<


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It worked for James Sutter and James Jacobs, so I figured I'd give it a shot. So right to business.

I'm currently not GMing and decided to flesh Razmiran out and hope to expand on the Arc of Immortality series at a later date. Thanks to all the tangential Razmiran data we have, I've been able to fill in a lot of the gaps, but there are some points I'm stuck on. Here are some of the big ones:

1: Approximately how many Visions of the Fifteenth Step serve Razmir? How about Masks?

2: What kind of military does Razmiran have? Are the soldiers primarily cultists, or just their leaders/commanders? Is it organized and disciplined, or more of a horde?

3: Razmir's faith barges... what's they're deal? Are they decked out like war ships, with a full retinue of sailors and warriors, onboard ballista/catapults, etc.? Or are they more along the lines of merchant vessels, without the obvious display of force? Also, are faith barges viewed by other nations as pirates?

4: Any Razmiran campaign would eventually have to involve the fortress of First Step. Do you have any thoughts about the place? Other than programing cultists, what else do you see going on at First Step?

5: Where does Razmir himself spend most of his time? Does he have a royal palace somewhere in the capital of Thronestep?

If this works, thanks! If not, I promise I'll stop making threads about Razmiran. For a week or two at least.


Also:

6: Does Razmir have inquisitors serving him?


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

Well, Jason is more of the rules guy than a lore guy, so with that in mind...

Coffee or tea?
Briefs or boxers?
Coke or Pepsi?
What's the best Star Wars movie?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

7 people marked this as a favorite.

Oh no.. I am not going to get suckered into answering every question here... I got work to do :) That said, I suppose I can answer a few now and again...

As for the Lore bit, funny enough, back when Golarion was first coming together, I had a fair hand in the world design. Its since gotten away from me with other responsibilities, but I still keep tabs from time to time.

Jason

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

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Generic Villain wrote:

1: Approximately how many Visions of the Fifteenth Step serve Razmir? How about Masks?

2: What kind of military does Razmiran have? Are the soldiers primarily cultists, or just their leaders/commanders? Is it organized and disciplined, or more of a horde?

3: Razmir's faith barges... what's they're deal? Are they decked out like war ships, with a full retinue of sailors and warriors, onboard ballista/catapults, etc.? Or are they more along the lines of merchant vessels, without the obvious display of force? Also, are faith barges viewed by other nations as pirates?

4: Any Razmiran campaign would eventually have to involve the fortress of First Step. Do you have any thoughts about the place? Other than programing cultists, what else do you see going on at First Step?

5: Where does Razmir himself spend most of his time? Does he have a royal palace somewhere in the capital of Thronestep?

If this works, thanks! If not, I promise I'll stop making threads about Razmiran. For a week or two at least.

1. Not too many... probably less than 2 dozen. As for masks... a lot more.

2. They do have a military, but aside from the core commanders, most of it is press ganged low-lifes. Probably quite unruly.
3. Think of these more like floating mini-temples, wandering about trying to "convert" people.. they are not obviously armed, but if things get bad, they certainly have weapons onboard. I think most other nations view them as a nuisance.. but that varies greatly from place to place.
4. I think I am gonna stay quiet about that for the time being.
5. He has a palace in Thronestep, but whether or not he is there at any given time is a mystery. I would imagine that he has sanctuaries elsewhere.. possibly even places where people have no idea who he really is.

Jason

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

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Generic Villain wrote:

Also:

6: Does Razmir have inquisitors serving him?

Probably, although possibly in name only.. much like his clerics.

Jason

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Chemlak wrote:

Well, Jason is more of the rules guy than a lore guy, so with that in mind...

Coffee or tea?
Briefs or boxers?
Coke or Pepsi?
What's the best Star Wars movie?

Coffee

Boxers
Coke
Empire Strikes Back...

Easy

Jason


Jason Bulmahn wrote:
I suppose I can answer a few now and again...

Gifts: What kinds do you like? Alcohol, food, trinkets, donations, handmade?

(Feel free to answer for your co-workers as well!)


Jason,

If you've got the time: Can you give a little insight into your process for when you are creating rules or subsystems? How do you keep it in your mind to work with everything else, etc. etc.

Thanks!


Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Chemlak wrote:

Well, Jason is more of the rules guy than a lore guy, so with that in mind...

Coffee or tea?
Briefs or boxers?
Coke or Pepsi?
What's the best Star Wars movie?

Coffee

Boxers
Coke
Empire Strikes Back...

Easy

Jason

Wow, those are my answers, too... hang on, does this mean that I'm Jason Bulmahn?

And the bonus question (because there is no way in hell I'm going to actually ask you a rules question since I'd quite like you to keep coming back to this thread): Do you really look like your avatar?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Grick wrote:
Jason Bulmahn wrote:
I suppose I can answer a few now and again...

Gifts: What kinds do you like? Alcohol, food, trinkets, donations, handmade?

(Feel free to answer for your co-workers as well!)

Most folks tend to give me booze, which I certainly put to good use. As for my fellow employees.. I could not begin to guess.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Pendin Fust wrote:

Jason,

If you've got the time: Can you give a little insight into your process for when you are creating rules or subsystems? How do you keep it in your mind to work with everything else, etc. etc.

Thanks!

I usually spend a great deal of time trying to come up with a unique mechanical and flavor niche for most of the rules that I am working on.. as for comparing it to other work, that is the other half of the process. Its a lot more complicated than that.. but thats the basics.


What's your favorite area of Golarion you've developed?
Favorite area of that you haven't developed?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Chemlak wrote:

Wow, those are my answers, too... hang on, does this mean that I'm Jason Bulmahn?

And the bonus question (because there is no way in hell I'm going to actually ask you a rules question since I'd quite like you to keep coming back to this thread): Do you really look like your avatar?

We all got a little Bulmahn in us... wait.. nevermind.

And yes, I do like my Avatar.. its mine! Back off or I will cut you!


Thanks Jason!

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Rakshaka wrote:

What's your favorite area of Golarion you've developed?

Favorite area of that you haven't developed?

Razmiran is my pet region... although I did a lot of the initial conceptualization for Absalom.

As for a region I did not write... I'd have to go with the Linnorm Kings. Especially since I started watching Vikings (the show, not the thrice damned football team).


Sweet, thanks!
A few Razmir related question:
1)How much does Razmiran concern itself with Ustalav, and have they ever made any forays into that country?
2)Have they ever been succesful with any of its residents?
3)Would this be the most common area (borders between the two countries) to encounter Apostasy Wraiths (Inner Sea Bestiary)?


Minotaur Games:

What's your overall plan for this? Small pdf's as the Monster Focus ones that have currently been released, or bigger things?

Preview of those bigger things??? :)

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Rakshaka wrote:

Sweet, thanks!

A few Razmir related question:
1)How much does Razmiran concern itself with Ustalav, and have they ever made any forays into that country?
2)Have they ever been succesful with any of its residents?
3)Would this be the most common area (borders between the two countries) to encounter Apostasy Wraiths (Inner Sea Bestiary)?

1. He is constantly looking to expand his territory, but I would imagine that he finds the problems of Ustalav to be more than he wants to handle. The river kingdoms is a far more tempting target.

2. Im sure.. by coercion or conversion.

3. They could be there, but they are likely to be all over the region. Razmir would probably dedicate a fair amount of resources to destroying these undead, or covering up their existence.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Pendin Fust wrote:

Minotaur Games:

What's your overall plan for this? Small pdf's as the Monster Focus ones that have currently been released, or bigger things?

Preview of those bigger things??? :)

Well, I am starting out small to see how things go and get a handle on work flow. As for whether or not it is going to grow over time, that really depends on overall response and sales. Right now, I am pretty happy with the state of things, but I am still learning a lot of the ropes.

Lets just say I have some ideas for bigger things.. but I am not ready to talk about them just yet.

And.. for those of you who have no idea what I am talking about.. Ive been chatting about it a lot on my Facebook page, but you can go straight to the product page here.


You are awesome! Thanks for taking the time!


Thanks again!!


What was your favorite thing in Dungeonscape? It was my favorite 3.5 book, even before I really got into PF.


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Not a question, but Jason thanks so much for your part in handling the mythic playtest. The status updates and fantastic service you provided in input and simply listening to everyone is really fantastic and does not go unappreciated from the multitudes of people who participated.

I know everyone has long had their chance to say thanks, but for some Herculean tasks thanks is twice-deserved.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Cheapy wrote:
What was your favorite thing in Dungeonscape? It was my favorite 3.5 book, even before I really got into PF.

I really enjoyed all the dungeon terrain I wrote for that book, but my favorite bit actually never really made it in..

I originally ordered all the art as a narrative, showing the iconics going into a dungeon and falling one by one, with only Lidda making it out at the end. Some of the pieces are still in there, but the narrative does not really carry through. :/

Dark Archive

Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Cheapy wrote:
What was your favorite thing in Dungeonscape? It was my favorite 3.5 book, even before I really got into PF.

I really enjoyed all the dungeon terrain I wrote for that book, but my favorite bit actually never really made it in..

I originally ordered all the art as a narrative, showing the iconics going into a dungeon and falling one by one, with only Lini making it out at the end. Some of the pieces are still in there, but the narrative does not really carry through. :/

Oh yeah think I know the one you are talking about. (Although I think you meant Lidda and not Lini.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Fixed :)


Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Chemlak wrote:

Wow, those are my answers, too... hang on, does this mean that I'm Jason Bulmahn?

And the bonus question (because there is no way in hell I'm going to actually ask you a rules question since I'd quite like you to keep coming back to this thread): Do you really look like your avatar?

We all got a little Bulmahn in us... wait.. nevermind.

And yes, I do like my Avatar.. its mine! Back off or I will cut you!

Who wouldn't want WAR art that nobody else has as their avatar?


It took me a read through or two to notice that narrative, and I thought it was really awesome and made sense. I was quite happy when Dungeoneer's Handbook had a narrative with a large number of the iconics in it as well.

Did you write the Factotum? If so, do you think that class influenced PF design at all?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Cheapy wrote:

It took me a read through or two to notice that narrative, and I thought it was really awesome and made sense. I was quite happy when Dungeoneer's Handbook had a narrative with a large number of the iconics in it as well.

Did you write the Factotum? If so, do you think that class influenced PF design at all?

I did write the factotum.. but the class in the book does not resemble my original design all that much. They decided to take the class a different direction in development.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Abyssian wrote:
Who wouldn't want WAR art that nobody else has as their avatar?

Its good to the the king :)


And then you created PF and got Paizo to sell it just so you'd have total control over your creations, rather than sending them off to be developed...It's all coming together so clearly now...

Thanks for humoring us!


Jason Bulmahn wrote:
I originally ordered all the art as a narrative, showing the iconics going into a dungeon and falling one by one, with only Lidda making it out at the end. Some of the pieces are still in there, but the narrative does not really carry through. :/

That kinda of reminds me of a similair thing they did in the 1st ed DMG. Is that where you got the idea?

Thank you for sparing any time to answear these question by the way.

And Congrats on being the first non-James at Pazio to have this type of thread.

Anyway now a question...

So what exactly it that you do and what is a typical day at work is like?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

John Kretzer wrote:

That kinda of reminds me of a similair thing they did in the 1st ed DMG. Is that where you got the idea?

Thank you for sparing any time to answear these question by the way.

And Congrats on being the first non-James at Pazio to have this type of thread.

Anyway now a question...

So what exactly it that you do and what is a typical day at work is like?

The James' do not have a monopoly on endless threads!

As for what I do, as Lead Designer, I am the team leader for all of the Core Rulebooks. As for my day, it typically involves developing rules for the next book, designing new systems for those books, outlining books that are not out yet, and looking at cat pictures on the internet.

At home, I tend to do more of the same, mixing in some freelance writing for various lines and working on my Minotaur Games side imprint, as well as brewing beer, playing games, and other bits of nerdery.

Busy busy busy

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Cheapy wrote:

And then you created PF and got Paizo to sell it just so you'd have total control over your creations, rather than sending them off to be developed...It's all coming together so clearly now...

Thanks for humoring us!

Yes... that is it exactly.. although now that my secret it out.. I must kill you.


hypothetical question. Supposing you have all the time, energy and money you need to write the most crazy RPG book, what would you write?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Nicos wrote:
hypothetical question. Supposing you have all the time, energy and money you need to write the most crazy RPG book, what would you write?

Well, I really want to try my hand on a sci-fi game one of these days, but I am short all three of the things you mention..

Dark Archive

when developing new things for pathfinder, how do you make sure they're balanced?


1 person marked this as a favorite.

Is it true that you can beat both James Jacobs and James Sutter with one hand tied behind your back in an Epic Rap Battle?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

ulgulanoth wrote:
when developing new things for pathfinder, how do you make sure they're balanced?

Its a lengthy process that requires comparing the rule to the other existing rules of the same type, thinking about it internally just by itself, and weighing weather or not it is good for the game.

At least.. that's the short version of it.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

1 person marked this as a favorite.
JMD031 wrote:
Is it true that you can beat both James Jacobs and James Sutter with one hand tied behind your back in an Epic Rap Battle?

If by "Epic Rap Battle" you mean "Epic Drinking Struggle" then yes.. yes I can.


1)What is your favorite core player race?

2)What is your favorite non-core player race?

3)Do you have a favorite movie or movies?

4)What are your favorite monsters?

5)Who is your favorite comic book character?

Liberty's Edge RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16

1) Have you played a character of every base class in Pathfinder?

2) What are your favorite classes to play? Least favorite?

3) If you worshiped a Golarion deity, which would you choose?

4) What is your favorite gaming snack food?

5) What rules did you hope to have in the Pathfinder core book but got edited out, and why didn't they make the final cut?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Dragon78 wrote:

1)What is your favorite core player race?

2)What is your favorite non-core player race?

3)Do you have a favorite movie or movies?

4)What are your favorite monsters?

5)Who is your favorite comic book character?

1. Dwarves... always have had a soft spot for them.

2. Kobolds, have only played one a few times, but had a blast each time.
3. Favorite movie huh.. hmm... thats a hard one. Let me just list some favorites: Holy Grail, Princess Bride, Aliens, Ghostbusters, Starship Troopers, Big Trouble in Little China, and Goonies.
4. Vrock, Owlbears, and Minotaurs.
5. Back when I was a kid, my first real job was at a comic book store, so this one is tricky for me too. Ill go with Hellboy for the moment, as he is one of the few that I still read.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

1 person marked this as a favorite.
JoelF847 wrote:

1) Have you played a character of every base class in Pathfinder?

2) What are your favorite classes to play? Least favorite?

3) If you worshiped a Golarion deity, which would you choose?

4) What is your favorite gaming snack food?

5) What rules did you hope to have in the Pathfinder core book but got edited out, and why didn't they make the final cut?

1. Yup.

2. Always like Wizards and Paladins. Never been a huge fan of monks.
3. Cayden Cailean
4. Does beer count, preferably something dark and hoppy.
5. I put in almost everything I wanted to be honest. I had carte blanche for most of the book.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

If you could do anything you wanted to do next in the rule book line what would it be?


1)What is your favorite beer? (brand)
2)What kind of beer is your favorite (lagers, amber, dark, hoppy. etc)?
3)Have you ever brewed your own beer?

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Justin Franklin wrote:
If you could do anything you wanted to do next in the rule book line what would it be?

I always get to do the book I want to do, with only few exceptions. I am quite lucky that way.

Paizo Employee Lead Designer

Rakshaka wrote:

1)What is your favorite beer? (brand)

2)What kind of beer is your favorite (lagers, amber, dark, hoppy. etc)?
3)Have you ever brewed your own beer?

1. Right now, I would have to go with Back in Black, by 21st Amendment Brewery.

2. Dark and hoppy ales are what I am really into right now. Hence, the black IPA for #1.

3. Yes I have. In fact, my most recent brew just past the two week mark for its bottle conditioning. After giving it a taste, it probably needs another week or two to finish, still a bit sweet. Its a double-hopped brown at about 50 IBUs. We're calling it a "dwarven brown ale".


Jason Bulmahn wrote:
Justin Franklin wrote:
If you could do anything you wanted to do next in the rule book line what would it be?
I always get to do the book I want to do, with only few exceptions. I am quite lucky that way.

How far out do you plan the line? Presumably you have 2014 releases at least pencilled in - beyond that though!?

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