Pathfinder Battles Subscriptions Go Live!

On the 20% off on the Encounter Packs...if Paizo releases multiple encounter packs between sets, we still only get the discount on a single pack per case, not per pack set right?

(i.e. if we have a one case subscription and before the next set comes out ya'll come out with an orc pack and a goblin pack, we get the 20% discount on one or the other but not both).

Correct. The discount will be provided by way of a code that's unique to you, so you'll be able to use it on the Encounter Pack of your choice.

And just to be clear, if you subscribe to two cases, you'll get two discount codes, and so on. You could use them on different packs, or even on multiple copies of the same pack (but because they're percentage discounts off of the regular price, you can't stack multiple codes to get a bigger discount on one single pack.)

Mike Alchus wrote:

OK, I've read the FAQ and I understand how that since I've already pre-ordered, if I subscribe, that will be cancelled and replaced by the subscription. But will the pre-auth on my account happen again once I subscribe? If that is the case, then I will prob wait until the current hold falls off later this week...

All in all though, really looking forward to these (that Black Dragon looks amazing)!

We changed some of our standards about when we do auths, so that we do them a lot less for things that aren't actually going to be converted into charges soon. So long as we've had a successful auth from your card before, and so long as you don't do anything that would result in an actual *charge* (like buying a PDF at the same time as you sign up for your sub), we shouldn't be authing it again for a non-charge transaction like starting a sub.

Vic can you answer this for me?

If I do not have the funds to cover the case Right now (I am a teacher and do not get paid over the summer, but from now on its no problem) can I still start the subscription?

Essentially I was waiting until I get paid to make the pre-order. Can I pre-order today even if I do not have the full price of funds in my account?

I know at Gencon they were talking about doing the initial list of monsters for Runelords and were saying thye had a disproportionate number of larger than large monsters. At that point, they hadn't figured out the details of doing that many large things. My guess is they still haven't but are working on it. We may be seing Rune Giants as a rare.

Yeah, it's going to be interesting how they handle RotRL. From what I have heard, this AP has a large amount of creatures that are Gargantuan or larger.

In what I have seen in all previous miniatures, minis that size are actually never part of a set. For example, in DDM, they called them 'Iconics' and were sold completely on their own.

Do you think they would sell that many Gargantuan (and especially Colossal) minis as part of the actual set? I don't say in a doubting manner, I just truly am intrigued on what they are going to do.

All I will say is if they do sell minis at that size as part of the 60 mini set, those are going to be some big booster boxes. :)

Vic Wertz wrote:

Mike Alchus wrote:

OK, I've read the FAQ and I understand how that since I've already pre-ordered, if I subscribe, that will be cancelled and replaced by the subscription. But will the pre-auth on my account happen again once I subscribe? If that is the case, then I will prob wait until the current hold falls off later this week...

All in all though, really looking forward to these (that Black Dragon looks amazing)!

We changed some of our standards about when we do auths, so that we do them a lot less for things that aren't actually going to be converted into charges soon. So long as we've had a successful auth from your card before, and so long as you don't do anything that would result in an actual *charge* (like buying a PDF at the same time as you sign up for your sub), we shouldn't be authing it again for a non-charge transaction like starting a sub.

Vic can you answer this for me?

If I do not have the funds to cover the case Right now (I am a teacher and do not get paid over the summer, but from now on its no problem) can I still start the subscription?

Essentially I was waiting until I get paid to make the pre-order. Can I pre-order today even if I do not have the full price of funds in my account?

That's what I understood, but I too am hoping for a confimation, followed by me subscribing. :)

To be clear: credit card not affected in any way until it's time for these to go out?

To be clear: credit card not affected in any way until it's time for these to go out?

From what I have heard their customer service say before, they do a querry on the card ahead of time. Most cards put holds on that ammount of money for a few days (~3), so if you are near your credit limmit there could be an issue. You are not actually charged until it ships.

There was no hold on my credit card when I converted some preorders to subscriptions (including the premium figure). I've been a subscriber using the same credit card for quite some time - presumably that's relevant in some way to whether they pre-auth your card on ordering.

All new orders need to have their cards authorized when the order is placed to verify that a good payment method has been added. As someone has stated, the authorization will drop off on your card if it's unused (the precise length of time varies depending on your bank), but the full funds are still required at the time of your order.

All new orders need to have their cards authorized when the order is placed to verify that a good payment method has been added. As someone has stated, the authorization will drop off on your card if it's unused (the precise length of time varies depending on your bank), but the full funds are still required at the time of your order.

Well its a good thing I get paid on September 30th.

I think there is a conspiracy going on. Star Wars BLU RAY released today, Thor released Tuesday, and this miniatures subscription.

Yes I can get them all on September 30th but I want an OOMPA LOOMPA NOW!

I live in Everett Washington, is there any way for me just to pick up the Case myself to forgo shipping costs sense I live close enough?

I live in Everett Washington, is there any way for me just to pick up the Case myself to forgo shipping costs sense I live close enough?

We don't have a way for customers to do pick-ups at the office, sorry!

Greetings Vic, Liz, et. al.;

I am going to subscribe to a Pathfinder Battles Case, of that I am certain. (As I've posted elsewhere I want to pay down my balance on my MC before I do this). I had really hoped to do so before Oct. 1st (not sure I'll be able to have this accomplished by then).

I've read the FAQ, and I'm reasonably sure I understand all the information, but my question (which others have asked in one form or another) If I subscribe... say... within the week (but I know I don't have enough "credit" on my MC to cover the case price (less the PF advantage) the sub won't go through and the card will be "declined", correct. I know that these minis won't be available until December (and I'm sure I can have the MC balance paid down to where I can afford to subscribe to the case... by then) but I'll miss out on the Black Dragon (and I really don't want to miss that one).

So, my question is... if I subscribe (even knowing what I said about my MC available credit) is it possible to "keep" the subscription "active" and when I have the credit available the auth can go through?

I'm sorry, I don't think I'm making too much sense. I know what I want to ask, I'm not sure how to ask the question. The FAQ is pretty clear. I just need to pay down the balance so I can subscribe.

Thanks anyway. (If there is some other option I'm not aware of let me know). :)

~Dean

Is it possible to subscribe specifying a number of cases greater than 1, but stagger the shipment? For example, if I order a subscription specifying 2 cases and 2 premiums, would I be able to request 1 case and premium to be charged and delivered w/ my Dec shipment and then request the 2nd case and premium be charged and delivered in Jan?

I would love to preorder more than 1, however so close to Christmas, it would be a huge hit to the pocketbook. Since I know the next set doesn't come out for some time, I would feel quite safe in knowing I could pay for the 2nd case the following month.

All new orders need to have their cards authorized when the order is placed to verify that a good payment method has been added. As someone has stated, the authorization will drop off on your card if it's unused (the precise length of time varies depending on your bank), but the full funds are still required at the time of your order.

Is this true when you add a subscription though? I'm sure there was no hold on my credit card, even for a day, when I converted my preorders to subscriptions.

Steve Geddes wrote:

Zesty Mordant wrote:

"Discount code good for 20% off our price on one Encounter Pack per case ordered."

Okay, I just want to make sure I understand this correctly. That's 20% off on a single "Encounter Pack" inside the case that I purchase, so something like 20% off of $6.00?

Is that correct?

As I understand things, Encounter Packs will be a separate line. They havent yet announced what the price will be, however the Pack you get your discount on will be a purchase subsequent and separate to the case you receive as part of your subscription.

Yep. Pathfinder Battles Encounter Packs will be non-random themed sets, generally configured kind of like the Beginner Box Heroes set. Some may have more figures (and a correspondingly higher price point) than that set, but that's the general idea.

(In fact, if we were announcing the Beginner Box Heroes set today, we'd probably call it an an Encounter Pack.)

From this, I can't tell if minis subscribers will get a discount for the Beginner Box Heroes ... any idea?

Correct. The discount will be provided by way of a code that's unique to you, so you'll be able to use it on the Encounter Pack of your choice.

And just to be clear, if you subscribe to two cases, you'll get two discount codes, and so on. You could use them on different packs, or even on multiple copies of the same pack (but because they're percentage discounts off of the regular price, you can't stack multiple codes to get a bigger discount on one single pack.)

Is it going to be easy and permissible to gift a code to someone else? I'm not expecting to need many Encounter packs and would like to be able to pass the occasional discount code on to friends (no money would be involved).

Also - will they have an expiry date or will they be good for as long as the Encounter Packs are in stock?

As much as I love the subscription system and the advantages it offers (especially on the black dragon and the future encounter packs) I'm afraid I will have to pass on this. Shipping is high but acceptable but the customs would KILL me (as would my wife I'm sure). :-(

I'll order some singles if I get the chance though. That lich looks amazing and those are but the first previews!

And looking forward to those encounter packs as well (details plz)...

Is this true when you add a subscription though? I'm sure there was no hold on my credit card, even for a day, when I converted my preorders to subscriptions.

Technically we already verified your payment method when you placed your preorder—there was no need to do it again (in this particular instance). Either way, we will tell you if we need to authorize your card during the checkout process.

From this, I can't tell if minis subscribers will get a discount for the Beginner Box Heroes ... any idea?

The Beginner Box Heroes are not a part of the Pathfinder Battles line, so you would not get a discount unless you have the Pathfinder Advantage discount.

I just had another thought... someone let me know if this will work.

If I just "pre-order" a case now (instead of subscribing) by October 1st does that "lock" me in and ensure the Black Dragon premium mini, and if so ... turning around in a month or so and "subscribing" just turns my "pre-order" into a subscription... do I have that right?

What I'm getting at, is being able to "hold" my spot so to speak for a case + premium (i.e. pre-order) and thinking/hoping the pre-auth for my card won't happen before December (since it's a pre-order not a subscription). And then (hopefully, if this idea works the way I think/hope it does) subscribe to a case a month later (basically turning my pre-order into a subscription).

Would it work that way?

~Dean

PS: I just read the FAQ again and by the wording I think my idea might work, but I would like official confirmation before I try it.

Thanks in advance.

I just had another thought... someone let me know if this will work.

If I just "pre-order" a case now (instead of subscribing) by October 1st does that "lock" me in and ensure the Black Dragon premium mini, and if so ... turning around in a month or so and "subscribing" just turns my "pre-order" into a subscription... do I have that right?

What I'm getting at, is being able to "hold" my spot so to speak for a case + premium (i.e. pre-order) and thinking/hoping the pre-auth for my card won't happen before December (since it's a pre-order not a subscription). And then (hopefully, if this idea works the way I think/hope it does) subscribe to a case a month later (basically turning my pre-order into a subscription).

Would it work that way?

~Dean

PS: I just read the FAQ again and by the wording I think my idea might work, but I would like official confirmation before I try it.

Thanks in advance.

Just giving this question a "bump" to have it noticed. :)

~Sigh~ it has just become clear to me that no matter how much I might WANT to subscribe to a case + premium for Pathfinder Battles, I am not going to have sufficient funds to do so before Oct. 1st. :(

I'm hoping to be able to subscribe later this year (perhaps by November-ish) but at this point I can't be sure.

I realize that since I can't subscribe by the 1st of October I can't be guaranteed the Black Dragon premium mini... here's to hoping some of the lucky ones that subscribed to 2 cases won't buy both of their premium minis.

Heh... this is a sad day for a plasticrack addict. :P

~Sigh~ it has just become clear to me that no matter how much I might WANT to subscribe to a case + premium for Pathfinder Battles, I am not going to have sufficient funds to do so before Oct. 1st. :(

I'm hoping to be able to subscribe later this year (perhaps by November-ish) but at this point I can't be sure.

I realize that since I can't subscribe by the 1st of October I can't be guaranteed the Black Dragon premium mini... here's to hoping some of the lucky ones that subscribed to 2 cases won't buy both of their premium minis.

Heh... this is a sad day for a plasticrack addict. :P

But why do you need the funds by 10/1? You aren't charged until ship.

The hard October 1 deadline is for preorders. We may still have some Black Dragon minis left over after October 1, and we will include them in subscriptions until we run out. When that happens, you won't be able to start your subscription with Heroes & Monsters, but will instead need to start it with Rise of the Runelords.

There's no telling when we will run out of Black Dragons, but it will probably be after October 1st.

So you may be ok, but you're going to want to subscribe as soon as you can to make sure we don't run out.

@ gbonehead: Perhaps I am going from an erroneous conclusion, but I was under the impression that I had to have the funds available on the card I am using. Right now, I don't have those funds available (roughly $233.00 including the PF advantage, not including shipping). If I'm mistaken about that, great I'll subscribe A.S.A.P.
I've read the FAQ and read similar statements from others, and while I think I understand the logistics of it all, maybe I'm missing something.
If the "pre-auth" - "ping" won't hit until a week or so prior to being shipped, great, then I can likely subscribe (or at least pre-order to "hold" my place and change to a "sub" when I have paid more on my card balance).

@ Erik: Thanks for that. I guess I misunderstood somewhat. And yes... I definitely wouldn't want to wait too long after October 1st. (I'm awaiting final payment on some freelance work I've done, after that, we will see how "fluid" I am).

A ray of light/silver lining. :)

~Dean

@ gbonehead: Perhaps I am going from an erroneous conclusion, but I was under the impression that I had to have the funds available on the card I am using. Right now, I don't have those funds available (roughly $233.00 including the PF advantage, not including shipping).

I can't tell you for sure; I know they do sometimes authorize cards, but your best bet is to ask directly in the Customer Services forum.

I was out of the country for a couple weeks, and am only now getting caught back up on the boards... sorry for the delay in answering some of these.

Regarding preorders and authorizations: We generally process authorizations immediately when you provide a new payment method. If you're using an existing payment method that we've already had a successful transaction with, we generally shouldn't auth on preorders or subscriptions until we're about to process a shipment. As mentioned above, during checkout, before you complet your order, we will tell you if we're about to charge or auth your card—just make sure you read everything before you click through!

The hard October 1 deadline is for preorders. We may still have some Black Dragon minis left over after October 1, and we will include them in subscriptions until we run out. When that happens, you won't be able to start your subscription with Heroes & Monsters, but will instead need to start it with Rise of the Runelords.

There's no telling when we will run out of Black Dragons, but it will probably be after October 1st.

So you may be ok, but you're going to want to subscribe as soon as you can to make sure we don't run out.

I'd like to be a little more clear here. We stopped offering black dragons with case preorders, but we're still offering them with subscriptions. We don't have a cutoff date for that—it will depend on the number of black dragons we're getting from WizKids and on the number of people who subscribe. Our system tracks these; once we're no longer able to guarantee black dragons for a new subscriber, we will stop offering subscriptions starting with Heroes & Monsters, and only offer subscriptions starting with Rise of the Runelords. (This post goes into far more detail on that if you desire.)