Is it possible to take the test of the Starstone in a PFS event to become a deity in canon?


Pathfinder Society

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I am curious of the possibility of taking the test of the Starstone to become an official deity in canon, is that possible and has it happened before? And yes I mean actually taking the test in a PFS event.

5/5 5/55/55/5

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Hasn't come up yet.

Maybe someday.

They should have Kyle Baird write this one. That should give you the appropriate chances of survival

Dark Archive 5/5

Pretty sure that is a no unless they publish a scenario for it. The references in the books to the test talk about GMs making it up as they go for a personalized experience, but PFS is a strictly run as written style organization.

Scarab Sages

Even if it is not official, I still would like to see the test.

5/5 5/55/55/5

Star Shadow wrote:
Even if it is not official, I still would like to see the test.

The test isn't just killing monsters. Its also a test of character. You want to become the embodiment of your alignment Kind of hard to adjuticate evenly.


I do recall hearing plans of a Test of the Starstone module. But it'd be Mythic only, obviously. And probably not allowed in PFS...


Well if they ever allow the test for the PFS I want to take it. I am surprised they haven't already, its a great way for players to have a huge impact on the universe.

Liberty's Edge 4/5 5/5

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Amaziah, given the large number of PFS players and the interest this would attract, plus the need for Paizo to retain creative control over the game universe, how do you envision this working?

Grand Lodge 4/5

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Even if they did write a Test of the Starstone module (which has been hinted at), there is absolutely zero chance that the heroes who succeed would become Golarion canon.

Can you imagine? Every few months or so a new book would come out that had to explain that Sephiroth Dark the Aasimar Gunslinger was now the Golarion God of Being A Badass. It'd wreck the setting.


Paz wrote:
Amaziah, given the large number of PFS players and the interest this would attract, plus the need for Paizo to retain creative control over the game universe, how do you envision this working?

Only available to 5 star GM's. Only available by lottery (1/con at 6* cons a year), if you are selected you must coordinate your own DM and support party. Party must be current PFS characters registered when you win the lotto. You may also choose to solo the campaign. Your character cannot be a GM credit baby, it must have played every scenario contributing to its level. Session to be witnessed by a Paizo staff member. You and your party may be any level of your choosing, this will not affect the tier.

*tops


Paz wrote:
Amaziah, given the large number of PFS players and the interest this would attract, plus the need for Paizo to retain creative control over the game universe, how do you envision this working?

It could be a year long campaign like a tournament, those who last till the end make it to the final round.

They could also set specific parameters on what they are looking for. My reason for wanting to do this is that there are no good black gods, and no black gods worth caring about. I'd like to change that by taking this test. Waiting for this to happen could be something that never happens, or something that takes years. I don't want to wait that long and personally I"m willing to be a good enough sport to let them capitalize on my (and others) wants by doing this.

Everyone submits a reason on why they are taking this test. Paizo approves or disapproves the characters. Maybe the characters are filling a niche, maybe the characters are taking over the role of a dead god, etc.

I say they do screening based on the need of the universe itself, not because you just want your character to ascend.

So in a nutshell I prefer to be proactive about this and not just wait for "oh we will get around to that eventually"

You got a test that allows this in canon. Fine let me take it and if its a year long ride through hell then I guess I will find the best horse I can get for that ride.

Because I need a god that looks like me that my character can be a cleric of in the upcoming mmo.


Andrei Buters wrote:

Even if they did write a Test of the Starstone module (which has been hinted at), there is absolutely zero chance that the heroes who succeed would become Golarion canon.

Can you imagine? Every few months or so a new book would come out that had to explain that Sephiroth Dark the Aasimar Gunslinger was now the Golarion God of Being A Badass. It'd wreck the setting.

Not if all characters are pre approved before it starts. You must come up with a character that fits beforehand.

5/5

If there was a PFS sanctioned star stone even it would be adventures escorting/assisting a candidate. Not being the candidate themselves.

Shadow Lodge 4/5

Besides being a logistical and production nightmare for Organized Play, it would squarely fall in the 'not best use of limited resources' as outlined by Mark in the Dropping L12+ Support thread.

While an interesting proposal, it would best be enacted in a home game environment.

5/5

well, given the success rate of the test of the starstone, you could simply say that your character attempted the test, then just never ever play him again.

seriously, though, given the individualistic nature of even the only known step of the test, it would likely be impossible to write a scenario for Organized Play that could be tailored to any given group of PC's attempting the challenge.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

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Amaziah Hadithi wrote:
Andrei Buters wrote:

Even if they did write a Test of the Starstone module (which has been hinted at), there is absolutely zero chance that the heroes who succeed would become Golarion canon.

Can you imagine? Every few months or so a new book would come out that had to explain that Sephiroth Dark the Aasimar Gunslinger was now the Golarion God of Being A Badass. It'd wreck the setting.

Not if all characters are pre approved before it starts. You must come up with a character that fits beforehand.

Who is the person that is going to review and preapprove at least 50,000 submissions? I sure don't have time to do that.

The Exchange 4/5 5/5

There was at one time the thought that characters who finished Eyes of the Ten would get immortalized in Golarion lore. Nothing major, just something like having a street named after you. It could show up in scenarios or in one of the campaign setting books. No writeup, just a label on a map that says "Ispherion Way" or something similar.

And then the sheer scale of that idea hit home. I don't know the total number of reported Eyes of the Ten games but it's got to be closing in on 1,000 players if it hasn't exceeded it.

Paizo has tried very hard to keep their Canon continuity up. So far it's been amazingly well done. (There have been errors of course.) Adding that amount of material is incredibly time-consuming.

I don't think its easy to grasp the scale of any project like that - or even more so of reviewing submissions for deityhood - without really sitting down and thinking it through. How long have you spent reading this post? I'd say this is about what you need to explain why you are qualified. Now read 10,000 posts this long and just throw out the clearly bad ideas. Now go through the remaining 8,000 and mark only the ones that don't duplicate existing Golarion lore or get disqualified by not understanding a rules mechanic. Now have 11 more people well versed in science fiction and fantasy each go through the remaining 5,000 entries to make sure someone isn't sneaking in an obscure character from her favorite author.

It's just too much.

The Exchange 4/5 5/5

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Oh yeah, and now deal with the 5,094 people on the message boards each demanding to know why her great idea wasn't accepted.

3/5

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As cool as that might be, erm, NO. And for good reason. And if you can't figure out why it would be bad in an organized play setting, I don't see how anyone could explain it to you in a way that you'd be satisfied.

5/5 5/55/55/5

Michael Brock wrote:


Who is the person that is going to review and preapprove at least 50,000 submissions? I sure don't have time to do that.

I'll do it! slides Conan the raptor to the top of the pile Muahahahahhahaah..

4/5

We just got PC VOs into the cannon, baby steps. Also, modules are meant to be won by PCs, so the test to turn you into a God seems like a strange choice.

The Exchange 5/5 RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

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Amaziah Hadithi wrote:


It could be a year long campaign like a tournament, those who last till the end make it to the final round.

So, let's see if I understand this correctly.

Paizo develops something approximately the length of an Adventure Path. Full art, maps, layout. Except that very few people purchase the adventures, and only one person purchases the final installment.

For the company to break even on that, each volume would have to be very, very expensive. My ballpark guess: six volumes, each on the order of ten thousand dollars.

Quote:
My reason for wanting to do this is that there are no good black gods, and no black gods worth caring about. I'd like to change that by taking this test. Waiting for this to happen could be something that never happens, or something that takes years. I don't want to wait that long.

None of the bucketload of Osirion deities is satisfactory?

Quote:
You got a test that allows this in canon.

Then you're in the wrong forum. None of the events of Pathfinder Society, nor any of the events from any of the Adventure Paths, is canon.

Quote:
Because I need a god that looks like me that my character can be a cleric of in the upcoming mmo.

You know, it might just be easier to contact Paizo and pay James Jacobs sixty thousand dollars, straight-up.

Lantern Lodge 3/5

It's a fun idea, but the logistics of implementing it, as well as sorting through all the PCs that might attempt it, would be a nightmarish amount of work. Even if we could realistically handle that load, trying to fit in any, let alone every, PC that achieved success would inevitably lead to ridiculous situations.

Best to keep such things in the home games, at least for now. We haven't incorporated mythic options into normal game play yet (which is probably for the best).


There's a far better route - enter the next RPG Superstar, win it, get noticed by Paizo, and persuade them to let you write up that new god officially.

Even if they did do a Starstone test module, against what appears to be their current preference of leaving it as a mysterious thing for individual GMs to implement, even if they did find a way to get past the whole individualized for each person that takes it thing, even if it did end up making your character a god rather than just granting them Mythic power - the chances are the result would be your character is now retired from play and ascends to godhood, becoming one of the minor gods that nobody has ever heard of and which never gets into print - that is pretty much the only near-vaguely-practical way it could be implemented.

Dark Archive 4/5

Why not do it the D&D Championship way?
Run the Paizo Championship at Gen Con, run multiple ladders, start with x amount of teams, continue to advance until you have the final four, and whichever team wins gets to each have a character of theirs put into cannon in some manner.

I'd buy tickets to that event, It'd be a huge reason to go to Gen Con. After Gen Con is over, you can take the events and turn them into Adventure paths for everyone else to participate in, and thus turn a profit on them, in such a manner that everyone wins.

If you're concerned about an even playing field, allow tables to build their groups from Iconic's only. Just have one Iconic per table, so you can stack the deck with a singular Iconic.


Chris Mortika wrote:
Amaziah Hadithi wrote:


It could be a year long campaign like a tournament, those who last till the end make it to the final round.

So, let's see if I understand this correctly.

Paizo develops something approximately the length of an Adventure Path. Full art, maps, layout. Except that very few people purchase the adventures, and only one person purchases the final installment.

For the company to break even on that, each volume would have to be very, very expensive. My ballpark guess: six volumes, each on the order of ten thousand dollars.

Quote:
My reason for wanting to do this is that there are no good black gods, and no black gods worth caring about. I'd like to change that by taking this test. Waiting for this to happen could be something that never happens, or something that takes years. I don't want to wait that long.

None of the bucketload of Osirion deities is satisfactory?

Quote:
You got a test that allows this in canon.

Then you're in the wrong forum. None of the events of Pathfinder Society, nor any of the events from any of the Adventure Paths, is canon.

Quote:
Because I need a god that looks like me that my character can be a cleric of in the upcoming mmo.
You know, it might just be easier to contact Paizo and pay James Jacobs sixty thousand dollars, straight-up.

As to your question about the Osirion deities please read Erik Mona's response to my thread here, its on the second page

So when the COO tells you they aren't really there, well I tend to take their word

http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r499?Are-there-any-Black-gods-in-Pathfinder

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

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Sin of Asmodeus wrote:

Why not do it the D&D Championship way?

Run the Paizo Championship at Gen Con, run multiple ladders, start with x amount of teams, continue to advance until you have the final four, and whichever team wins gets to each have a character of theirs put into cannon in some manner.

I'd buy tickets to that event, It'd be a huge reason to go to Gen Con. After Gen Con is over, you can take the events and turn them into Adventure paths for everyone else to participate in, and thus turn a profit on them, in such a manner that everyone wins.

If you're concerned about an even playing field, allow tables to build their groups from Iconic's only. Just have one Iconic per table, so you can stack the deck with a singular Iconic.

Because we tried a team competition for Race for the Runecarved Key. Part 2, several years ago. It received a lot of criticism, with the lion share being people didn't enjoy the competitive aspect of it.

Dark Archive 4/5

I could see a possible victory condition of an Absalom based scenario is to convince the big bad to take the test of the Starstone. For a high level scenario and epic level BBG it might be the _only_ way you could defeat him!

I did have it as overheard NPC dialog in one PFS scenario that the mooks were idly discussing whether they could convince their boss to take the test as she was vain enough and not too smart.

Lantern Lodge 3/5

Michael Brock wrote:
Because we tried a team competition for Race for the Runecarved Key. Part 2, several years ago. It received a lot of criticism, with the lion share being people didn't enjoy the competitive aspect of it.

That is a shame. I would love something like that (as an optional item, of course - that way only those who enjoy it would have to play).

Liberty's Edge 5/5

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Lormyr wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
Because we tried a team competition for Race for the Runecarved Key. Part 2, several years ago. It received a lot of criticism, with the lion share being people didn't enjoy the competitive aspect of it.
That is a shame. I would love something like that (as an optional item, of course - that way only those who enjoy it would have to play).

Another issue with a competition like this, that offers a very real prize (boon to play a goblin) is the implications of impropriety that were leveled at certain people (whether they were true or not, I have no knowledge--but I'd like to believe they were just jealous grumblings). It is highly unhealthy for the campaign as a whole for accusations like this to abound.

I am one who loves the competitive aspect. I would love to see more. But I understand that the unhealthy side of competition is worse for the campaign than the benefits it would engender.

Lantern Lodge 3/5

Andrew Christian wrote:
Lormyr wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
Because we tried a team competition for Race for the Runecarved Key. Part 2, several years ago. It received a lot of criticism, with the lion share being people didn't enjoy the competitive aspect of it.
That is a shame. I would love something like that (as an optional item, of course - that way only those who enjoy it would have to play).

Another issue with a competition like this, that offers a very real prize (boon to play a goblin) is the implications of impropriety that were leveled at certain people (whether they were true or not, I have no knowledge--but I'd like to believe they were just jealous grumblings). It is highly unhealthy for the campaign as a whole for accusations like this to abound.

I am one who loves the competitive aspect. I would love to see more. But I understand that the unhealthy side of competition is worse for the campaign than the benefits it would engender.

That is understandable. Speaking personally, I would enjoy it just for it's own sake. No need for prizes.

Liberty's Edge 5/5

Lormyr wrote:
Andrew Christian wrote:
Lormyr wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
Because we tried a team competition for Race for the Runecarved Key. Part 2, several years ago. It received a lot of criticism, with the lion share being people didn't enjoy the competitive aspect of it.
That is a shame. I would love something like that (as an optional item, of course - that way only those who enjoy it would have to play).

Another issue with a competition like this, that offers a very real prize (boon to play a goblin) is the implications of impropriety that were leveled at certain people (whether they were true or not, I have no knowledge--but I'd like to believe they were just jealous grumblings). It is highly unhealthy for the campaign as a whole for accusations like this to abound.

I am one who loves the competitive aspect. I would love to see more. But I understand that the unhealthy side of competition is worse for the campaign than the benefits it would engender.

That is understandable. Speaking personally, I would enjoy it just for it's own sake. No need for prizes.

Me too. Heck, I love hard mode just for the ability to say, "I did this on hard mode! Woo Hoo!"

But there are some players (interestingly enough our best power gamers) who refuse to play hard mode unless there is some tangible reward for doing so.

Shadow Lodge 4/5

Winning the game is simple, just do some easy addition. I don't think it's worth the dev time to see just how easy.

Liberty's Edge 4/5 RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

I suggest an easy way that won't be as resource intensive.

1 room mod. 100% chance of death. Give it a "well, you tried" boon that gives death and prevents resurrection.

Done. Anyone can try with an official mod! Also put a "You got smart and decided not to try" boon on the sheet. GM can choose which of the two they get for their character they apply to.

Lantern Lodge 3/5

Andrew Christian wrote:

Me too. Heck, I love hard mode just for the ability to say, "I did this on hard mode! Woo Hoo!"

But there are some players (interestingly enough our best power gamers) who refuse to play hard mode unless there is some tangible reward for doing so.

Ditto my friend.

I would consider myself one of "our" best power gamers, and I like hard mode just to provide some added difficulty. Half of my fun in gaming is character building. I love pushing the extreme ends of the mechanical boundries of the game. So in that sense, it's very hard for me not too do when making a character.

But that said, I usually only go 8/10 or 9/10 on the "full tilt optimization" for PFS. I like having some added versatility in this campaign over a few more points of raw power. The very best of us are also able to recognize when to reign it in some for the other players at the table who may not appreciate our level of optimization. Everyone deserves to have fun.

To each their own though, right?

Silver Crusade 4/5

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Bruno grapple Starstone.

Bruno become god.

Bruno domains Grapple and Pin.

Bruno only herald is Tyup, an animated piece of rope.

When the earth shake, that Bruno grappling. When sky rain, that is Bruno sweating. When it snow, Bruno probably drop his ice cream.

Bruno further detailed in Paizo 2015 release, "Brunos of the Inner Sea." Feature new feats like 'Grappling with Guilt' ("instead of receiving an Atonement, you may make a grapple check against your inner self-loathing") and new archetypes (Armwrestling Alchemist, Crushing Cleric, Wrasslin' Rogue, etc).

4/5 5/5 Venture-Lieutenant, Finland—Tampere

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I, for one, welcome our new grappling overlord.

4/5

5 people marked this as a favorite.

Is Bruno's Deific Obedience to forget to spend a Ki point to suppress Freedom of Movement? Twice?

Sovereign Court 3/5

The Starstone is not needed to assume a deific status. I know of several publications in which a notable personality has been called "absolutely divine" by the author.

As for becoming canonized, I believe being permanently deceased is a prerequisite, am I correct? That sounds like a rather dreadful requirement.

Best wishes,
-Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher

Grand Lodge

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Pathfinder PF Special Edition, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Amaziah Hadithi wrote:
Well if they ever allow the test for the PFS I want to take it. I am surprised they haven't already, its a great way for players to have a huge impact on the universe.

I can see it now... several thousand player gods. Just really the kind of sensible universe in which stories are made.

I see it happening the same day that Rob Liebfield learns how to draw feet.

Sovereign Court 5/5 5/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.
redward wrote:
Is Bruno's Deific Obedience to forget to spend a Ki point to suppress Freedom of Movement? Twice?

I keep clicking the "mark as favorite button", but it never goes beyond +1. :)

Silver Crusade 4/5

redward wrote:
Is Bruno's Deific Obedience to forget to spend a Ki point to suppress Freedom of Movement? Twice?

Bruno's handsome and beautiful Inquisitors will hunt you down and grapple you for spreading such heresies, Redward.

edit:
AND YOU TOO, BOHLMANN!

Silver Crusade 5/5 5/55/55/5

Why downgrade to god when you're already perfect?

Sovereign Court 5/5 5/5

Bruno Breakbone wrote:
redward wrote:
Is Bruno's Deific Obedience to forget to spend a Ki point to suppress Freedom of Movement? Twice?

Bruno's handsome and beautiful Inquisitors will hunt you down and grapple you for spreading such heresies, Redward.

edit:
AND YOU TOO, BOHLMANN!

To be fair, he didn't forget to spend the Ki point, he just spent his swift action doing something else. Let's make sure we're accurate when we get inquisited. :)

4/5

Mike Bohlmann wrote:
Bruno Breakbone wrote:
redward wrote:
Is Bruno's Deific Obedience to forget to spend a Ki point to suppress Freedom of Movement? Twice?

Bruno's handsome and beautiful Inquisitors will hunt you down and grapple you for spreading such heresies, Redward.

edit:
AND YOU TOO, BOHLMANN!

To be fair, he didn't forget to spend the Ki point, he just spent his swift action doing something else. Let's make sure we're accurate when we get inquisited. :)

According to my notes, he forgot at least once. Also according to my notes, he is a big dumb dummy.

On topic, will the Test of the Starstone include Faction Missions?

Dark Archive

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher wrote:


As for becoming canonized, I believe being permanently deceased is a prerequisite, am I correct? That sounds like a rather dreadful requirement.

You're taking a dreadfully shortsighted view of things my Lady. As of now, there are several personages in whom I've taken an interest in accelerating their beatification. Golarion will be considerably better off when that's done.

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ***

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Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
redward wrote:
On topic, will the Test of the Starstone include Faction Missions?

Yup, because despite the fact that the only people who enter the Cathedral of the Starstone either die or become gods, Zarta Dralneen wants you to bring back a very specific toy for her.

3/5

Chris Mortika wrote:
Amaziah Hadithi wrote:


It could be a year long campaign like a tournament, those who last till the end make it to the final round.

So, let's see if I understand this correctly.

Paizo develops something approximately the length of an Adventure Path. Full art, maps, layout. Except that very few people purchase the adventures, and only one person purchases the final installment.

Isn't this exactly what is being done with the Emerald Spire? A very expensive total package that relatively few people will buy?

3/5

James McTeague wrote:
redward wrote:
On topic, will the Test of the Starstone include Faction Missions?
Yup, because despite the fact that the only people who enter the Cathedral of the Starstone either die or become gods, Zarta Dralneen wants you to bring back a very specific toy for her.

Aren't there people who fail the test and survive, like Razmir?

3/5

What about something along these lines?

One of the biggest issues in the debate for more level 12+ content is that only a relatively small amount of PFS players have completed Eyes of the Ten. While not getting into why there are issues with EotT, that would be a good way to narrow down potential candidates.

For Example: A new scenario/module is announced for PFS that would include the test of the Starstone. The level cap is set high, 10-12, to limit absolutely everyone from creating a submission. If it's announced early enough, you can give players plenty of time to prepare for the scenario.

Then Paizo can have some sort of contest for those few players that wind up completing the scenario a chance to become a canonized deity.

While still a rough idea, I think that this is something that could be done.

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