Aaron Shanks's page

A Constructive "Third Way" for Archives of Nethys and Paizo

I’ve been reading through this thread with a heavy heart, and I feel deeply for everyone involved.

To give some context on where I'm coming from: I used to work in the marketing department here at Paizo years ago, and today I serve as the Executive Director of a nonprofit arts organization. (It would be lovely if you could remove the Ossian tag from my name.) Looking at this heartbreaking situation through both of those lenses, it feels like we are watching a classic systemic conflict: trying to force a beautiful, community-driven utility into a rigid, commercial legal box.

It is understandable why Paizo had to make this incredibly difficult call. When a company is facing severe economic headwinds, tight margins, and recent staff transitions, they do not have the internal legal, financial, and administrative hours to manage an unpaid commercial contract. Furthermore, commercial partners who pay premium fees for licensing rights have a legal right to wonder why an unprofitable site gets the same assets. Paizo may be acting out of survival and necessity, not malice.

At the same time, my heart breaks for the volunteers at Archives of Nethys. It is incredibly dispiriting to put countless hours of passion into a project, only to have to do the manual labor of stripping away features and art to make it objectively worse.

But I wonder if there is a "Third Way" that the community, alongside Paizo and the AoN team, could explore.

Archives of Nethys operates as a public utility in everything but name. If the parent entity behind AoN (Rose-Winds LLC) were to transition into a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity (or digital archive), it could fundamentally rewrite the rules of this relationship in a way that helps everyone:

Legitimizing the Volunteer Force: Under US labor laws, for-profit LLCs are highly restricted in using unpaid "volunteers." Transitioning to a 501(c)(3) legally shields the AoN creators, officially recognizing their amazing contributors as legal volunteers for a public educational and archival resource.

Note: I don't mean to imply any illegitimacy. While Rose-Winds is technically a for-profit LLC, the project seems to me to operate on a collaborative 'wiki model'. The developers and editors entering data aren't traditional corporate employees; they are passionate GMs, players, and programmers donating their digital labor to build a better tool for the community they love. In the modern digital landscape, this kind of decentralized, hobbyist collaboration is a beautiful and vital force, but it inevitably runs into friction when forced to operate under standard commercial corporate rules. Transitioning to a structured nonprofit framework would honor and protect this community wiki spirit, giving it a legal home designed specifically to support it. (I may be incorrect about the operational details, but a nonprofit volunteer model seems "safer" for all involved to me.)

Corporate Sponsorship vs. Commercial Licensing: This is the big legal shift. Paizo cannot legally give commercial assets away to another for-profit LLC for free while charging competitors. However, a corporation can donate intellectual property, art assets, or funding to a registered public charity. Restructuring the relationship as a "charitable corporate sponsorship" legally sidesteps the hyothethical "exclusivity" complaints of paid commercial platforms. It also turns any support Paizo offers into a tax-deductible marketing write-off.

Unlocking New Funding Streams: While Patreon is wonderful, it isn't tax-deductible for donors. As a 501(c)(3), AoN could pursue digital preservation grants and accept tax-deductible corporate matching gifts, securing their financial future far beyond what a standard LLC can achieve.

Spreading the Burden (Board Governance): The weight of this entire community conundrum shouldn't rest solely on one founder's shoulders. A nonprofit board composed of copyright attorneys, digital librarians, and community advocates could share the load, ensuring the Archive's survival for decades to come.

Nobody wanted this change to happen. But if the community can help Archives of Nethys transition from a commercial partner to a permanent, community-owned public charity, it might build a stronger, more legally secure foundation for the game we all love. (You don't see me anymore, but I am on AoN all the time.)

Thank you to the incredible volunteers at AoN, and to the hardworking staff at Paizo who continue to steer the ship through incredibly stormy seas. You are appreciated.

Adventures Ahead,
Aaron Shanks

My condolences to my former Paizo colleagues. Layoffs are hard, especially those precipitated by another organization’s bankruptcy. For many Paizonians this labor is their ikigai, if I understand the term correctly, that intersection of what they’re good at, what they love, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. (And I can attest, those benefits were good.) Knowing that’s coming to an end for 12 people is rough. I’m hoping they all find new, meaningful adventures ahead.

Cheering all the Paizo goblins, kobolds, and orcs on from afar. I know it’s a labor of love.

And bravo to the Online Region!

Thinking of you all during these challenging and changing times. You and your work are valued.

Bravissimo!

“Enchantment? Enchantment! Enchantment!! - Sandal, clapping his hands and bouncing up and down.

Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand Update 10: We are FUNDED!

“…thanks to the incredible support of our fans and backers (over 8,000), we were able to raise $610k CAD. Thank you so much for believing in us!”

The Multiclass Archtype stretch goal was unlocked, late backer campaign begins, and more!

We are now over 90% of the way there with almost 6,200 backers!

Read Pathfinder: The Dragon's Demand CRPG Kickstarter Update 7: The Wizard’s Manor Gameplay

Read the new interview with Ossian Studios on PC Gamer!

Don't miss the Kickstarter Updates with more developer insights and links.

@Aaron - do you have any guidance for potential backers as to when we might see some gameplay footage? Even some beta-test user interactivity would be nice.

The most recent update (number #3) was very informative, and although not at all what I look for will be welcome for those looking to interact deeply with their NPC companions.

Ossian has said this, “The UI for our 3D cubic grid system is still being developed, and to our knowledge that kind of system hasn’t be done before in a game. Good gameplay hinges on good UI but you need several iterations when building something innovative and we don’t want to give the wrong impression from showing an early iteration. Our plan is to get it to a level where everyone can see how fluid we’ve made controlling characters and the camera in 3D space, and that’s when we’ll be able to properly show off our gameplay.”

Watch: A PATHFINDER 2e CRPG!? I interview the makers of Dragon's Demand (on Kickstarter) & Dawnsbury Days! from The Rules Lawyer!

Corrected link to Matt Barton of Matt Chat talks to Alan Miranda and Luke Scull about the Pathfinder: Dragon's Demand CRPG game

Hello Pathfinder CRPG fans,

We've made a list of Pathfinder: The Dragon's Demand CRPG interviews so you can learn more about Ossian Studios and the game.

Matt Barton of Matt Chat talks to Alan Miranda and Luke Scull about the Pathfinder: Dragon's Demand CRPG game 

LIVE Q&A WITH DRAGON'S DEMAND DEVELOPER - PATHFINDER 2E VIDEO GAME with Nonat1s on YouTube

Discussing Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand with Project Manager Alan Miranda of Ossian Studios with Really Dicey on YouTube

We hope you will check us out, back the crowdfunding campaign, and tell your friends. Learn more at DragonsDemand.com.

Psst, Backers, check your email for a surprise.

Ossian Studios has posted a Kickstarter Update: Approaching 60% Funded!

We have reached 60% now, thank you!

50% funded in 48 hours! Spread the word, Pathfinders.

Hero Point: Early-Bird Extension

An issue with the Early-Bird Copper tiers (with coin) has now been fixed. Because of this snafu, we are extending the Early-Bird tiers by an EXTRA DAY to make sure that everyone who may have missed them will now have a chance to get them. Thank you for supporting Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand at DragonsDemand.com!

Pathfinder: The Dragon's Demand is over 40% funded in 24 hours!

THANK YOU for sharing our vision of a single-player, turn-based CRPG that takes role-playing back to its roots with miniature-based characters and digital dice to recreate the look and feel of a tabletop RPG.

I know that all the info says that this will be a single-player game, but what's the chance that multiplayer gets added at some point? Even if it's just Hot Seat with only 2 PCs, that would be nice.

As the Kickstarter page says, “Ultimately, we won't just be building a game — we'll be building a platform, one that we want to expand in the future with additional games as well as new features like multiplayer. And the best way to do that is to involve you, the passionate and knowledgeable community. Your enjoyment is paramount to us! But this long-term plan all starts with hitting our funding goal for Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand.”

Thanks for the Ossian Studios tag, Paizo. To clarify, I am assisting Ossian with the Kickstarter, Pathfinders. :)

Aaron Shanks wrote:

magnuskn wrote:

Pledged for the digital deluxe edition. I guess the add-ons for in-game dice sets can only be done later? I found no option for it. Also, for some reason Kickstarter isn't detecting my address I just added, so no Aroden copper coin for me, meh.

Thanks, we will look into this.

I'm also having this issue, but I don't want to miss the early bird special.

Noted. Thank you.

Pledged for the digital deluxe edition. I guess the add-ons for in-game dice sets can only be done later? I found no option for it. Also, for some reason Kickstarter isn't detecting my address I just added, so no Aroden copper coin for me, meh.

Thanks, we will look into this.

Pathfinder: The Dragon's Demand Kickstarter Launches September 24

Hail Pathfinders,

Ossian Studios and Paizo have announced the Kickstarter campaign for Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand CRPG will go live on September 24th, 2024.

Highlights:
* CRPG
* Single-player
* Turn-based
* Remastered Pathfinder Second Edition Core rules
* Enhanced tabletop minis-style play

Rewards include authentic minted precious metal City of Absalom coins and 3D printable STL minis files.

Learn More

Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand Kickstarter Teaser Trailer

Follow the Kickstarter at DragonsDemand.com.

The Pathfinder: The Dragon’s Demand Kickstarter Teaser Trailer is up on YouTube!

Bravi! Can’t wait to see the other class archetypes.

Happy Gen Con, break-a-leg! Keep making wondrous techno-magical creations Paizo! :)

My deep condolences to Gary’s family, friends, and to Paizo.

Thank you all for your kind words. It’s been a privilege to serve this community. Keep shining a spotlight on the great things Paizo is doing.

Adventures Ahead!

Is the gogiteth in it?

Yes.

Cashdog wrote:

Any idea how soon the "start your subscription" will start allowing it to be the Monster Core book?

I am wondering the same thing. I want to start the subscription with Monster Core.

You can now.

Backcover text for more info:

Fight for Glory!
Intense battles call for intense monsters! Inside Monster Core, you’ll find over 400 creatures, including fantasy classics like elves, ogres, and all-new dragons; wild animals from giant ants to ferocious wolves; and unique monsters that threaten the world of Pathfinder, like sinspawn and noxious needlers. These creatures cover all levels of play, from the slow and mindless zombie shambler to the ultrapowerful demonic Treerazer! This collection is an ideal resource for Game Masters planning their next battles and player characters looking for monstrous allies to summon.

Just wondering how many pages this is? Is it one of the 64 page ones?

64, yes.

Wow what a joke. So what if I have no desire to want to play the pathfinder system, because of the disaster it has been. I just want to play starfinder. So now I have to shell out more money for books that I don’t want to playtest a game that I have some interest.

2E was not ready to come out and they released it. Starfinder desperately needs to be over hauled because it’s in a worse shape then 2E. When the best feats still reside in the core rulebook after 7 years.

All I have seen in the last 2-3 years is give us money money money for sub par mistake ridden books. I have very little hope for Starfinder 2E.

It’s obvious no one at paizo understands how full auto should work. And I was hoping in 2E it would have been corrected.

Don't miss the amazing Starfinder First Edition system improvements brought by Starfinder Enhanced. You can go back and play any older adventure you missed with fresh options. Also on sale now is the 256 page of adventure Scoured Stars. Soon, Starfinder Mechageddon! Adventure Path will offer 184 more pages of mech combat written by folks who love the sub-genre. But wait, there is more! There is still another year of Starfinder Society play. There are lightyears of play left for Starfinder First Edition lovers!

Back cover text:

Accelerate your Game!

Keep crucial rules on hand, and protect your notes and die rolls from player eyes with the Pathfinder Core GM Screen! This beautiful four-panel, landscape-style screen features stunning artwork from Mirco Paganessi on the players’ side, and a huge number of charts and tables on the GM’s side to speed up play and reduce time spent leafing through rulebooks in search of key modifiers or results.

The Pathfinder Core GM Screen gives you the tools you need to keep the game fast and fun: conditions, death and dying rules, tables for setting DCs, creature elite and weak adjustments, summaries of actions, and more. Constructed from ultra-high-grade hardcover book stock, this durable screen is perfect for travel, convention play, and repeated regular use.

Note: We do not have a separate Pawns Subscription any longer, so consider adding Pathfinder Accessories Subscription to your cart.

Don't miss the Organized Play Accessory Perks & Promotional Boons!

Board game: Proof of ownership (instruction booklet or similar) of a Pathfinder or Starfinder-branded board game, such as Goblin Firework Fight, Elemental Stones or similar. Licensed products such as Pathfinder Munchkin qualify. For board games, the owner always gains the benefit, but if the game is played within 24 hours of an RPG session, all players who participate in the board game gain the benefits.

Don't miss the Organized Play Accessory Perks & Promotional Boons!

Board game: Proof of ownership (instruction booklet or similar) of a Pathfinder or Starfinder-branded board game, such as Goblin Firework Fight, Elemental Stones or similar. Licensed products such as Pathfinder Munchkin qualify. For board games, the owner always gains the benefit, but if the game is played within 24 hours of an RPG session, all players who participate in the board game gain the benefits.

Don't miss the Organized Play Accessory Perks & Promotional Boons!

Board game: Proof of ownership (instruction booklet or similar) of a Pathfinder or Starfinder-branded board game, such as Goblin Firework Fight, Elemental Stones or similar. Licensed products such as Pathfinder Munchkin qualify. For board games, the owner always gains the benefit, but if the game is played within 24 hours of an RPG session, all players who participate in the board game gain the benefits.

Don't miss the Organized Play Accessory Perks & Promotional Boons for Elemental Stones!

Board game: Proof of ownership (instruction booklet or similar) of a Pathfinder or Starfinder-branded board game, such as Goblin Firework Fight, Elemental Stones or similar. Licensed products such as Pathfinder Munchkin qualify. For board games, the owner always gains the benefit, but if the game is played within 24 hours of an RPG session, all players who participate in the board game gain the benefits.

Starfinder Playtest Product Announcements!

Starfinder Playtest Product Announcements!

Starfinder Playtest Product Announcements!

My sister's a Broadway stage manager. I've already told her I'll be playing her in this AP. (And we're both short, so she will of course be a halfling.)

:D

Invite her to email community@paizo.com to get Broadway/opera folk playing Pathfinder. We are all union now. If they happen to post about it on their socials, I would not complain.

itschase wrote:

I hope there will be smaller sets of pawns with just the new creatures introduced in the Monster Core series as I already have the pawn sets from the 3 Bestiaries.

I'd be surprised if such a product were financially viable. However, just one pawn box has never been enough, especially for low level baddies. So I'm hoping that this + my 2E bestiary pawn box will be about perfect.

But for your sake, I hope I'm wrong and they do release a set of just the stuff that is new to Monster Core. ;-)

There will not be a smaller set, no. Some existing creatures have new looks.

Preorder... July!?

I was going to ask about pickups at Gencon, but it seems we'll have it a month ahead of time?

July products are late July, aka Gen Con releases. As last year, no Gen Con Subscriber pickup. They will on sale in the booth and worldwide.

Note: This is our first remastered Adventure Path.

Now would it be too much to ask for a sketch cover version to match the sketch cover books? Cause I would eat that up.

Cool! Did not think of it.

Usually 11 AM Pacific for Foundry VTT releases.

For now, please use email. We are working ensure that customers can easily reach us through their preferred methods of contact this year.