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I apologize for my lack of posting or slowdown of late. These last two weeks have seen a great many things come up professionally, medically, and now legally. I will catch up and post as best as I can, but while dealing with health issues with the wife, I am also going through a professional transition from a job that I held for over 5 years and back into the medical field, as well as dealing with the legal system after a teacher at my son’s school not only battered him in the classroom multiple times but dragged him through the hallway by his neck. This might be considered a bit of oversharing by some, but I wanted you all to understand and I felt “Life is getting rough” was a bit too vague.
Yes, it is in the Advanced Race Guide, so I didn't even think about needing permission. My apologies there.. I purposefully stayed away from races that I knew would be problematic or confrontational (or outright evil) because I felt that they were not in the spirit of the game. Though I really did stop for a moment and fight myself over the novelty of playing a Strix compared to the possible problems LMAO! If you would rather I play another race, that is fine by me. I have a couple other ideas rattling around as well. Here is the output sheet from HL, and if it passes muster I will work on getting it formalized. Unnamed Hero
Hero Lab and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at http://www.wolflair.com
There is already a sister lodge made for 2nd edition playtest. The Cottonseed . I would assume they would make another page when 2nd edition comes out for recruitment like starfinder and the playtest. Honestly, I am surprised that they didn't do that for standard and core. I don't know.. There are many players who play both standard and core and it is nice having all of it in spot. Instead of keeping an eye on several recruitment threads, all I have to do is just watch the Flaxseed and I am set. To be honest, I hope that things continue like it is around here. We had a few growing pains when Core got added, and we still have PC's that accidentally end up in the wrong game, but overall we all adapted. I think that is what must be done on several levels.. is adapt. No matter which way the wind blows, we will adapt and find a new normal eventually.
Hero points: Personally, I am not in favor of this, but I will go with the group if it is decided. GMPC: Looks like that was explained pretty well, and that is exactly how I am running my GMPC in my home game right now. XP: I like the Ad hoc way of doing things. It is much less work on the GM and sets a proper standard through the encounters without having the GM make up extra stuff on the fly to fill in numerical holes. Time off: This may be TMI, but yall will be wondering and will deserve explanations! My wife has some significant knee problems that require frequent travel for doctors appointments etc as her surgeons are about 4 hrs away from where we live. Due to pain levels etc, these trips are almost always multiday events. Most of these will be planned with plenty of forewarning, but that is not always the case. Currently, we have some appointments the first week of April, but I don't know whats going to happen after that. She will be having surgery (Shes 26 and this will be number 9) again late this summer as well. Other dates: I have two weekends next month where my posting may be mildly interrupted, and a third in a couple of months where I will not be able to post as I go through Scuba Diving Certification classes. I will also be attending GenCon in August as a GM for Paizo and anticipate that I will not be posting for the majority of that week! Characters:
I have noticed that, and it is even more pronounced when coupled with the bold function. However, I figured that the web team already had so much on their plates that I could wait a while before bringing that up. Those guys have to be mainlining straight caffeine into their veins at this point! What I envision the IT room has been looking like recently...
Sorry things are a bit tight right now, but I wanted to get in and make a post while I had a moment. Random thoughts and individual responses.. My name is Patrick, but I answer to most things that aren't derogatory and a few that are! You can reach me here, or by Email at dragonthoughts83@gmail.com I also have Google Hangouts specifically for communication with some individuals on here, so if you need me you can look me up on there too. I still haven't touched a character concept.. I was waiting until we all got together and decided what to do. (and until I had a bit of breathing room) I am fine with running a book as well. I am running RoW right now in a home game and it won't be a problem shifting over to PbP with that. With that in mind and considering your PM Justin, I think that a GMPC would be fine. That way we can keep some continuity with the party while we rotate out GM's. I will look over the offerings and try to put together at least a couple rough concepts asap.
I'll be your huckleberry....What does this mean? GREAT movie! Anyways, there are several different meanings, but it basically means "I'm your guy" or "I'm with you" "I'm the man for the job" "You can count on me". Any of those sentiments.
Google has been working fine for me all night. I just posted in discussion over there stating that the maps were working ok for me. Sometimes google goes into fits and that happens.. or it could be gods only knows what. Anyways, if there are still troubles, its not on our/paizo's end. (Sorry it took so long to reply, I was catching up my own games!)
I am personally withholding judgement. I am trepetitious about change to begin with.. but I am willing to at least look things over. The one thing I really like about this is that it appears that we have a choice! Everyone seems to be either doom and gloom about Paizo changing things up or happily anticipating it, but the way I interpreted the blog was that 1E is still going to be live in both Pathfinder and Society rules. There may come a day when Society changes to strictly 2E, but that does not look like it is even on the horizon. Because of this, I am not overly worried at the moment. Let the playtest run, and the revisions take their course. When the new rules are formulated and published I will decide which I like better and go from there. Yea, this could eventually throw a hell of a wrench into the works.. but it might not either. Either way, for at least the next year or more I have a choice of which to play, and will take advantage of it. It does sadden me that there is no current plan to convert current 1E characters to 2E, but even that COULD change if enough people speak out about it. Long story short: I don't see any reason to panic or to rage quit at this time. A lot of people have brought up valid points, but personally I do not see the direct comparisons that are being made to WotC and their multiple editions that immediately cancel previously made characters. Change can be scary.. and people do get comfortable with familiarity. However, until the final word is released and they decide to completely do away with 1E, I can chill and take it as it comes.
Hi there all! I am one of two players that the GM invited to play, and he asked us to introduce ourselves and help moderate the discussion. I'm just curious why using herolab matters. Accuracy? Speaking as a GM that uses HeroLabs: not only is it as LH pointed out, but when you use HeroLabs as a GM you can punch everyone into the same file along with all of your GM creatures. This makes running combats SSSSOOOOOO much easier in PbP because you never have to wonder who's effects are active or what modifiers are in play.. you tap a few keys and its right in front of your face. Everything from conditions to modifiers, to HP.. and if I have to secretly roll something for one of my players, I have all of the info right there and don't have to tip them off by saying "Hey, let me see your sheet for a sec!" Other than that, there are some good concepts at work here!
Anyways, glad to meet you and hope to be gaming with you soon!
Hey there. I will look over everything and get some kind of post up here soon.. the new site is not compatable with the firewalls at my work so I'm operating off of mobile right now. I will also PM you with a couple comments re: your PM.
Orrrrrr, we could convince some big beast of a Barbarian to join us, and we all make him/her invincible!With our powers combined, it's time to turn you into a wrecking ball of divine fury. Inspire Courage is a heck of a drug.I haven't checked the spreadsheet, but I believe I am the Merciful Healer in question. I can melee, and will, as I can heal in a fight with no AOOs, but I don't do a particularly great amount of damage.I see that my table (WHICH STILL HAS 2 FREE SLOTS, PEOPLE! STEP RIGHT UP, STEP RIGHT UP, DON'T BE SHY!) is super-heavy on divine magic (specifically including a Merciful Healer Cleric, and another Cleric describing itself as "Support", which could mean one of several things - including "several things"). It's not a DM's job to determine party makeup, of course, and such a party could certainly work fine, but my players and whoever else joins might want to be sure they're satisfied with what they've got. A half elf strides up to the conversation, longbow poking out over one shoulder and a massive earthbreaker in hand. "I may not be a barbarian, but I believe I can fit the bill you have in mind!" :-) Eladrian can aptly fill the hole here!
I see that my table (WHICH STILL HAS 2 FREE SLOTS, PEOPLE! STEP RIGHT UP, STEP RIGHT UP, DON'T BE SHY!) is super-heavy on divine magic (specifically including a Merciful Healer Cleric, and another Cleric describing itself as "Support", which could mean one of several things - including "several things"). It's not a DM's job to determine party makeup, of course, and such a party could certainly work fine, but my players and whoever else joins might want to be sure they're satisfied with what they've got. I'll give it a go. The only guy I have close is a level 9 slayer, so it will be out of tier, but shouldn't affect APL too badly. Eladrian is a pretty stout switch hitter that can go ranged or melee as needed. I look forward to trading seats behind the GM screen with you!
Hello Kai!
I have been trying for a while to get my schedule to a point where I could work with Comic Quest to set up an open game night, but between work and family it just has not happened. If you need anything, don't hesitate to PM me! Its good to find another local on here!!
I too have seen this a couple of times. I understand that it is technically against the rules, but I also think that it falls into the grey area of "We all came here to have fun". If I have something at my table that could perchance save a characters life, and its a one time deal or for a new player.. the chances of me suddenly needing to hit the water fountain or something would tend to go up exponentially. That said, I wouldn't allow a player to become dependent on this either, nor would I allow someone to just start handing out rerolls around the table. In a one time situation with a characters life and perhaps the outcome of the mission on hand? Well.. I'm gonna go stretch my legs for a minute.
*Facepalm*
So I am running the first book, and my group just came across Thora Peska. I turned the entire scene into some kind of cross between Annabell and The Haunting. A ghost like apparition flitting between the the ice boulders, a haunting girlish giggle, ethereal voice calling back the scripted answers.. it was great. By the time they got through the haunt, they were all thoroughly crapping themselves about the hut and the ominous figure sitting in a chair inside. Fast forward to one intrepid adventurer finally steeling themselves and climbing in, looking around, and then being pushed out as he was getting ready to climb back down, tensions were at an all time high!! The battle went pretty quickly though, and the summoner in the group decided to keep the soul focus gem. Here's where my question lies. The character identified the soul gem as containing part of the soul of the scared little girl from the haunt, and what its function was. He immediately pocketed it, commenting on what he could do with something like that. He is a pretty new player, so he doesn't know what it could be used for, but he is intent on keeping it and trying to use it for "necromantic purposes". I clarified that he knew that part of an innocent soul was trapped within, and he was not swayed. I stated that I would have to do some research, but that using this may involve an alignment infraction, and he still persisted. So, my questions here:
2) Should he find a way to continue using this, should he suffer the consequences of an alignment infraction?
I was referring to failing my perception as a player reading the boards, not in character lmao! Botting the perception rolls for the trap finding is great. Ok.. Thanks for the clarification! It does relieve me that we are not going to have to slog through that mess that I was reading last night. Redalia: Good job. I like your guide!
I am thoroughly enjoying the look into GM Hmm's thoughts and processes, as well as reading up on DM S's input. There are a lot of opinions and conversations being bandied about, and all while we are relaxing with an amusing and enjoyable game. If we do play another game, I am not sure what we would choose though.. I can't see the Confirmation inspiring the types of quality brainstorming that we are currently seeing.
Although I have looked a few times at some of those classes, I think I get intimidated by how different they are. I am playing a life Oracle in a Ironfang AP right now, and its not too bad.. but every time I look at the psychics I tend to go cross eyed. I guess that's what comes from 20 years of playing sword and bow rangers.. lol. To be honest, my first ever spell caster was created here on Paizo 3 years ago and has only seen intermittent use (She's just now lvl 5). I like the idea of witches, and have seen them put to some amazing use, but have not yet seen an shaman in action. Youpaynao: I will have to wait until I am home to look at that link, but I look forward to reading it. (Damn firewalls at work and their selective borking!)
GM Hmm.. You bring up some great points about when to push and why, as well as GM fiat in decision making. Redelia also brings this up from a different angle, and both are very valid points. When making table rulings, there are a few things that I try to do in my games:
2) Do your research. Look at both sides of the coin, and go with what feels right and is in the best interest of the game. Don't hesitate to reach out to fellow GM's and throw them a basic synopsis and get their opinion. What do the message boards say? It is doubtful that you are the only one that has ever faced the situation, and there is good information out there in the advice and the rules threads. 3) Something that I do on corner cases or where the ruling goes against the player is I try to justify my ruling. Link in excerpts from the rule books or discussion threads, and explain your reasoning. I have found that this serves two purposes: It keeps your decision making transparent so that no one can say "You just wanted to kill me", and it provides an opportunity for discussion and learning on both sides of the screen.
What do you see as the role of the GM in Play-by-Post? What special duties do we have that may be missing in face-to-face games? I think that due to the medium, we have a greater duty to accuracy. In a f2f game and under a time crunch, a lot can be hand waved or "I Think"ed, but since we have the luxury of time in our posting, we need to be precise with the rules.
Our role here is to tell a story and to make it as involved and immersive as we can, but to still keep the story on track and moving. To find a balance between the story and the characters that everyone can live with. So... This is supposed to be a GM Mentoring Game, so let’s talk about those times when you get crunched or wind up too brain dead to compose anything. How do you handle those?
I think that this goes hand in hand. Trust is built through experience. I try to pop in and say "hey.. this is going on" and give a timeframe. I also try to give a heads up if I know something is going on in the future.. for instance my wife has a lot of health problems that precipitate trips across the state for surgeries and doctor visits. I will give a heads up a few days in advance that my posting may be erratic, and give a deadline for when things will return to normal. The trust is built up by offering quality games and by doing what you say when you say you are going to do them. As L.L. points out right above me.. it is built along with your reputation. If you are known as a good poster with great RP and for holding certain standards, then the players will trust that is what you will deliver as both a player and as a GM. If you are known for getting side tracked then players will ignore the bait of alternative choices in favor of driving the story and getting it over with. How much information is too much to push or educate the PCs on what will happen if they make decision A vs B?
This is kind of odd and I wanted to throw this out there to see what the hive mind and hive masters think of it. When posting, at the bottom of the text box there is a drop down menu "Post As: xxx". Normally, if I have posted in the thread before this will default to that alias which just allows me to type and hit Submit Post. However, for the last week or so, this has by default been the alphabetically last alias, and I have to physically choose the appropriate alias for every post. Not a big deal.. but odd in that it switched right after yall implemented your sign in fixes.
And just in case it's not clear: thank you all so very much! You guys ROCK~! You know, I have to second this as well. I have spoken highly of Paizo's customer service and the way yall have handled a few issues that I have had in the past. As for this situation, this website has to be a massive headache with everything that yall have going on here, as well as the heavy and continuous traffic that it sees. Despite the many headed issues that come up, the team is not only constantly working to slay the gremlins in the system, but the management team is not shy about popping into the threads and saying "this is the problem, and this is what we are doing to work on it". For this, I thank you. All too often, large companies tend to either quietly work in the background, or some random talking head might pop up and say a few "customary and expected" words. Instead, Paizo management is forthright and communicative to their clients and timely with reassurances and explanations. To me at least, this means quite a bit.. to know that yall take enough pride and ownership to take time out of your busy schedules to pop in and reassure the often snarling masses. THANK YOU!!!!! TO THE MANAGEMENT AND THE IT TEAMS that work so hard to keep bringing us this game that we all love so much.
I do have a new problem: I need to change my billing information, and the My Account page is having issues. I can make it all the way through the My Account page to the Manage Billing Options page, and there it goes wonky. Clicking on "Add Payment Method" results in half the top of the page going blank with what I suppose is an unseen text box. I can click and drag, highlighting some text in the blank area, and if I hover over where I know where text boxes or buttons are, some things will then appear. Old Problem: still getting signed out, and when I sign in, it brings me to a blank page and tells me "Your search returned no results". I can just click on my user name to take me back to my main area, but its still a bad redirect.
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