paizo.com Recent Blog Posts in Eric Braddockpaizo.com Recent Blog Posts in Eric Braddock2015-07-13T19:50:28Z2015-07-13T19:50:28ZUndercover Societyhttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5lhpi?Undercover-Society2015-07-13T20:00:00Z<blockquote>
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<div class="blurbCenter"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/Logos/PathfinderSocietyLogo_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Undercover Society</h1>
<p class="date">Monday, July 13, 2015</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<p itemprop="description">The Pathfinder Design Team recently <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/blog/v5748dyo5lhp4?Ultimate-Intrigue-Vigilante-Playtest-Round-2">released a second round of the Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Intrigue playtest</a>, listening to the community’s feedback and using it to improve the class. I encourage you both to check the recent blog for updates and to continue providing your feedback in the <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/ultimateIntrigue">feedback forum</a>.</p>
<div class = "blurb360"><a href = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO9249-GrayGardener.jpg"><img src = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO9249-GrayGardener_360.jpeg"></a><br /><em>Illustration by Eric Braddock, from <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige"></em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige<em></a></em></div>
<p>What does this mean for the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society Organized Play</a> campaign? Most importantly, the linked blog has a Chronicle sheet that rewards campaign participants for helping in the playtest during RPG organized play events. The sheet works in many ways like the one released during the <em>Occult Adventures</em> playtest, granting scaling rewards based on how many times you playtest a vigilante character and at what levels. However, the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a> team also learned from previous playtests and incorporated a few additional features to improve the experience.</p>
<p>First, very early in discussing the playtest process, we inquired about ways to expand the playtest window. The result the two-stage playtest with the traditional playtest running through July 20th and a second “final thoughts” opportunity to comment extending another month after that. For Pathfinder Society, that’s exactly what we needed to support your accruing playtest credit over two months instead of just one.</p>
<p>Second, we heard that there were too many lines that one needed to fill out to earn the top rewards. We haven’t changed the numbers much, but we have provided a way to earn double credit during the first playtest window. For those wondering whether to risk a new character built using GM credit, note that we’re explicitly allowing rebuilding once the hardcover book hits the shelves.</p>
<p>Finally, GMs were concerned because they felt they could contribute valuable playtest feedback despite not playing a vigilante character themselves. We agreed, and a GM is now able to accrue credit on her own vigilante character so long as someone at the table is using the new class.</p>
<p>Because there was a delay in getting out the Chronicle sheet, you’ll notice that it allows for retroactive credit for those who have already started playtesting during organized play events. Perhaps most importantly, if you already have a vigilante playtest character, it is important that you update your character to use the most recent version of the class. We have updated the <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety/about/additionalResources">Additional Resources page</a> to reflect this.</p>
<p>Linda and I—as well as many members of the editorial and art staff—are back to working on the many new adventures set to debut at <a href="http://gencon.com" target="_blank">Gen Con</a>. It’s going to be a great show and a great opportunity to showcase your assistance in playtesting <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy9egu?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Occult-Adventures"><em>Pathfinder RPG Occult Adventures</em></a>! See you there!</p>
<p>John Compton<br />
<em>Developer</em></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Society, Ultimate Intrigue —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/ultimateIntrigue">Ultimate Intrigue</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<div class="blurbCenter"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/Logos/PathfinderSocietyLogo_360.jpeg"></a></div>
<h1 itemprop="headline">Undercover Society</h1>
<p class="date">Monday, July 13, 2015</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<p itemprop="description">The Pathfinder Design Team recently <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/blog/v5748dyo5lhp4?Ultimate-Intrigue-Vigilante-Playtest-Round-2">released a second round of the Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Intrigue playtest</a>, listening to the community’s feedback and using it to improve the class. I encourage you both to check the recent blog for updates and to continue providing your feedback in the <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/ultimateIntrigue">feedback forum</a>.</p>
<div class = "blurb360"><a href = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO9249-GrayGardener.jpg"><img src = "//static2.paizo.com/image/content/Blog/PZO9249-GrayGardener_360.jpeg"></a><br /><em>Illustration by Eric Braddock, from <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy8thj?Pathfinder-Campaign-Setting-Paths-of-Prestige"></em>Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Paths of Prestige<em></a></em></div>
<p>What does this mean for the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society Organized Play</a> campaign? Most importantly, the linked blog has a Chronicle sheet that rewards campaign participants for helping in the playtest during RPG organized play events. The sheet works in many ways like the one released during the <em>Occult Adventures</em> playtest, granting scaling rewards based on how many times you playtest a vigilante character and at what levels. However, the <a href="https://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a> team also learned from previous playtests and incorporated a few additional features to improve the experience.</p>
<p>First, very early in discussing the playtest process, we inquired about ways to expand the playtest window. The result the two-stage playtest with the traditional playtest running through July 20th and a second “final thoughts” opportunity to comment extending another month after that. For Pathfinder Society, that’s exactly what we needed to support your accruing playtest credit over two months instead of just one.</p>
<p>Second, we heard that there were too many lines that one needed to fill out to earn the top rewards. We haven’t changed the numbers much, but we have provided a way to earn double credit during the first playtest window. For those wondering whether to risk a new character built using GM credit, note that we’re explicitly allowing rebuilding once the hardcover book hits the shelves.</p>
<p>Finally, GMs were concerned because they felt they could contribute valuable playtest feedback despite not playing a vigilante character themselves. We agreed, and a GM is now able to accrue credit on her own vigilante character so long as someone at the table is using the new class.</p>
<p>Because there was a delay in getting out the Chronicle sheet, you’ll notice that it allows for retroactive credit for those who have already started playtesting during organized play events. Perhaps most importantly, if you already have a vigilante playtest character, it is important that you update your character to use the most recent version of the class. We have updated the <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety/about/additionalResources">Additional Resources page</a> to reflect this.</p>
<p>Linda and I—as well as many members of the editorial and art staff—are back to working on the many new adventures set to debut at <a href="http://gencon.com" target="_blank">Gen Con</a>. It’s going to be a great show and a great opportunity to showcase your assistance in playtesting <a href="http://paizo.com/products/btpy9egu?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Occult-Adventures"><em>Pathfinder RPG Occult Adventures</em></a>! See you there!</p>
<p>John Compton<br />
<em>Developer</em></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Society, Ultimate Intrigue —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderSociety">Pathfinder Society</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/ultimateIntrigue">Ultimate Intrigue</a></p>2015-07-13T20:00:00ZPut on Your Sneaking Shoeshttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5ler6?Put-on-Your-Sneaking-Shoes2013-05-14T17:00:00Z<blockquote>
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<h1 itemprop="headline">Put on Your Sneaking Shoes</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, May 14, 2013</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div style="float: left; padding: 0 1em .5em 0;"><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO9540_120.jpeg" border="0"></a></div>
<p><span itemprop="description">Recently, we released <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><i>Pathfinder Module: Fangwood Keep</i></a> by veteran Pathfinder Society author Alex Greenshields. This adventure holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons. First, on a personal level, it was Alex who first ran me through a Pathfinder Society scenario (<a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy84k0"><i>Pathfinder Society Scenario #1: Silent Tide</i></a> way back in 2008) and he's been a constant contributor to my other passion, the <a href="http://pathfinderwiki.com" target="_blank">PathfinderWiki</a>, for nearly just as long. It makes me happy to see him get his first printed cover credit in a Pathfinder product, and on such an amazing adventure, too!</span></p>
<p>Second, I've always been a fan of adventures that provide the PCs lots of different options. When I was working on this scenario with Alex, we wanted to make sure that it offered as many choices as possible. For example, the adventure takes place in the Southern Fangwood, on the ever-shifting border between warring nations Molthune and Nirmathas. It was important to us to ensure that the PCs could be agents of either nation when they set off on the adventure, making it easier for GMs to place the adventure into their ongoing campaigns or for PCs for better integrate characters of varying backgrounds into the plot.</p>
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9540-Opener.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9540-Opener_180.jpeg" border="0"></a><br />
Illustration by Eric Braddock</div>
<p>Additionally, one of the main objectives we set for ourselves was to provide written-in options for players to take two different approaches to taking the adventure's eponymous fortress. Some players love the thrill of combat and taking on imposing odds, and for these players, a full frontal assault on the fortress is likely the most fun approach. Other players like to use stealth, guile, and trickery to win the day, and we made sure there were just as many opportunities for PCs to infiltrate Fangwood Keep in secret and take the fortress one room at a time without raising any alarms. Hollow walls, secret escape (or entry, in the PCs' case) tunnels, and hidden doorways are just a few of the ways PCs can explore the tower without tipping off the soldiers who guard it.</p>
<p><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><i>Fangwood Keep</i></a> is available now, so try it today! What's your preferred method of ridding a forest stronghold of its current occupants?</p>
<p>Mark Moreland<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Modules, Eric Braddock, Merisiel, Rogues, Iconics —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/iconics">Iconics</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/iconics/merisiel">Merisiel</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/classes/rogues">Rogues</a></p><blockquote>
<br />
<h1 itemprop="headline">Put on Your Sneaking Shoes</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, May 14, 2013</p>
<div itemprop="articleBody">
<div style="float: left; padding: 0 1em .5em 0;"><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/product/catalog/PZO/PZO9540_120.jpeg" border="0"></a></div>
<p><span itemprop="description">Recently, we released <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><i>Pathfinder Module: Fangwood Keep</i></a> by veteran Pathfinder Society author Alex Greenshields. This adventure holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons. First, on a personal level, it was Alex who first ran me through a Pathfinder Society scenario (<a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy84k0"><i>Pathfinder Society Scenario #1: Silent Tide</i></a> way back in 2008) and he's been a constant contributor to my other passion, the <a href="http://pathfinderwiki.com" target="_blank">PathfinderWiki</a>, for nearly just as long. It makes me happy to see him get his first printed cover credit in a Pathfinder product, and on such an amazing adventure, too!</span></p>
<p>Second, I've always been a fan of adventures that provide the PCs lots of different options. When I was working on this scenario with Alex, we wanted to make sure that it offered as many choices as possible. For example, the adventure takes place in the Southern Fangwood, on the ever-shifting border between warring nations Molthune and Nirmathas. It was important to us to ensure that the PCs could be agents of either nation when they set off on the adventure, making it easier for GMs to place the adventure into their ongoing campaigns or for PCs for better integrate characters of varying backgrounds into the plot.</p>
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9540-Opener.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderModules/PZO9540-Opener_180.jpeg" border="0"></a><br />
Illustration by Eric Braddock</div>
<p>Additionally, one of the main objectives we set for ourselves was to provide written-in options for players to take two different approaches to taking the adventure's eponymous fortress. Some players love the thrill of combat and taking on imposing odds, and for these players, a full frontal assault on the fortress is likely the most fun approach. Other players like to use stealth, guile, and trickery to win the day, and we made sure there were just as many opportunities for PCs to infiltrate Fangwood Keep in secret and take the fortress one room at a time without raising any alarms. Hollow walls, secret escape (or entry, in the PCs' case) tunnels, and hidden doorways are just a few of the ways PCs can explore the tower without tipping off the soldiers who guard it.</p>
<p><a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8x1o"><i>Fangwood Keep</i></a> is available now, so try it today! What's your preferred method of ridding a forest stronghold of its current occupants?</p>
<p>Mark Moreland<br />
<i>Developer</i></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Modules, Eric Braddock, Merisiel, Rogues, Iconics —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/iconics">Iconics</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/iconics/merisiel">Merisiel</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderModules">Pathfinder Modules</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/classes/rogues">Rogues</a></p>2013-05-14T17:00:00ZVersatility is a Human Virtuehttps://paizo.com/community/blog/v5748dyo5ldcu?Versatility-is-a-Human-Virtue2012-04-24T17:00:00Z<blockquote>
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<h1>Versatility is a Human Virtue</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, April 24, 2012</p>
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1121-HumanDruid.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1121-HumanDruid_180.jpeg" border="0"></a><br>
Illustration by Eric Braddock</div>
<p>When planning out <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8rv2?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Advanced-Race-Guide">Advanced Race Guide</a> we knew that humans were going to give us some trouble. What do you give the race that has the cleanest slate and the most open-ended bonus options? We sat down and had to ask what makes humans... well, human.</p><p>
We came up with a short list of human virtues. One of the strongest human virtues on the list was versatility. Humans are downright tenacious in their ability to adapt and thrive. Few human cultures are tied to the ancient traditions and stubborn cultural and martial forms of other races. Even humans in well-established cultures have a dramatic tendency to delve deep into their experience and intrinsic gumption to not only survive but also thrive when the chips are down. The following group of human racial feats was designed to emulate human’s intrinsic versatility.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Critical Versatility (Combat)</b><br />
An open mind and combat training grant versatility to your critical hits. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Fighter level 11th, human. <br />
<b>Benefit: </b>Once per day, you can spend 1 hour practicing maneuvers to gain one single critical feat that you meet the prerequisites for. You gain the benefits of the chosen critical feat until you choose to practice a different critical feat.</p>
<p><b>Fast Learner</b><br />
Your progress gains extra versatility. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Int 13, human. <br />
<b>Benefit: </b>When you gain a level in a favored class, you gain both +1 hit point and +1 skill rank instead of choosing either one or the other benefit or you can choose an alternate class reward. </p>
<p><b>Martial Mastery (Combat)</b><br />
You broaden your study of weapons to encompass multiple similar weapons. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Martial Versatility, fighter level 16th, human.<br />
<b>Benefit:</b> Each combat feat you have that applies to a specific weapon (e.g., Weapon Focus) can be used with all weapons in the same weapon group (<i>Ultimate Combat</i> 45). </p>
<p><b>Martial Versatility (Combat)</b><br />
You further broaden your study of weapons to encompass multiple similar weapons. <br />
<b>Prerequisites:</b> Fighter level 4th, human.<br />
<b>Benefit:</b> Choose one combat feat you know that applies to a specific weapon (e.g., Weapon Focus). You can use that feat with any weapon within the same weapon group.<br />
<b>Special:</b> You may take this feat more than once. Each time it applies to a different feat. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Next week we will start delving into the next chapter of the book with a look at an old favorite. </p>
<p>Stephen Radney-MacFarland<br />
<i>Designer</i></p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, druids, races, Eric Braddock —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/classes/druids">Druids</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame">Pathfinder Roleplaying Game</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races">Races</a></p><blockquote>
<br>
<h1>Versatility is a Human Virtue</h1>
<p class="date">Tuesday, April 24, 2012</p>
<div class="blurb180"><a href="https://paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1121-HumanDruid.jpg"><img src="https//paizo.com/image/content/PathfinderRPG/PZO1121-HumanDruid_180.jpeg" border="0"></a><br>
Illustration by Eric Braddock</div>
<p>When planning out <a href="https://paizo.com/products/btpy8rv2?Pathfinder-Roleplaying-Game-Advanced-Race-Guide">Advanced Race Guide</a> we knew that humans were going to give us some trouble. What do you give the race that has the cleanest slate and the most open-ended bonus options? We sat down and had to ask what makes humans... well, human.</p><p>
We came up with a short list of human virtues. One of the strongest human virtues on the list was versatility. Humans are downright tenacious in their ability to adapt and thrive. Few human cultures are tied to the ancient traditions and stubborn cultural and martial forms of other races. Even humans in well-established cultures have a dramatic tendency to delve deep into their experience and intrinsic gumption to not only survive but also thrive when the chips are down. The following group of human racial feats was designed to emulate human’s intrinsic versatility.
</p>
<blockquote>
<p><b>Critical Versatility (Combat)</b><br />
An open mind and combat training grant versatility to your critical hits. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Fighter level 11th, human. <br />
<b>Benefit: </b>Once per day, you can spend 1 hour practicing maneuvers to gain one single critical feat that you meet the prerequisites for. You gain the benefits of the chosen critical feat until you choose to practice a different critical feat.</p>
<p><b>Fast Learner</b><br />
Your progress gains extra versatility. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Int 13, human. <br />
<b>Benefit: </b>When you gain a level in a favored class, you gain both +1 hit point and +1 skill rank instead of choosing either one or the other benefit or you can choose an alternate class reward. </p>
<p><b>Martial Mastery (Combat)</b><br />
You broaden your study of weapons to encompass multiple similar weapons. <br />
<b>Prerequisites: </b>Martial Versatility, fighter level 16th, human.<br />
<b>Benefit:</b> Each combat feat you have that applies to a specific weapon (e.g., Weapon Focus) can be used with all weapons in the same weapon group (<i>Ultimate Combat</i> 45). </p>
<p><b>Martial Versatility (Combat)</b><br />
You further broaden your study of weapons to encompass multiple similar weapons. <br />
<b>Prerequisites:</b> Fighter level 4th, human.<br />
<b>Benefit:</b> Choose one combat feat you know that applies to a specific weapon (e.g., Weapon Focus). You can use that feat with any weapon within the same weapon group.<br />
<b>Special:</b> You may take this feat more than once. Each time it applies to a different feat. </p>
</blockquote>
<p>Next week we will start delving into the next chapter of the book with a look at an old favorite. </p>
<p>Stephen Radney-MacFarland<br />
<i>Designer</i></p>
</blockquote>
<!— tags: Pathfinder Roleplaying Game, druids, races, Eric Braddock —><p><a href="https://paizo.comcommunity/blog/tags">Tags</a>: <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/classes/druids">Druids</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/people/artists/ericBraddock">Eric Braddock</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/pathfinderRoleplayingGame">Pathfinder Roleplaying Game</a>, <a href="https://paizo.com/community/blog/tags/races">Races</a></p>2012-04-24T17:00:00Z