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Big Kyle's page

Organized Play Member. 275 posts. 2 reviews. No lists. No wishlists. 8 Organized Play characters. 1 alias.


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Dark Archive

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Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on,
Under cloud and under star.
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen,
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green,
And trees and hills they long have known.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

The Road goes ever on and on
Out from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone.
Let others follow, if they can!
Let them a journey new begin.
But I at last with weary feet
Will turn towards the lighted inn,
My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

-J.R.R. Tolkien

Peace be the journey.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Gregory Connolly wrote:

I just need to vent. I just spent six hours climbing a stupid tower just to have the GM repeatedly screw up the final combat and kill my PC. He obviously hadn't read the adventure. The enemies came back to life, because he was wrong about how many hit points they had, in the middle of a battle, after several people had taken their turns and moved around. Another medium sized creature walked over the square that set the tower to falling, but he only made it fall when I walked over it. The guy next to me fell too. I rolled a 14, he rolled an 18. After being informed that my character was dead I asked what the DC was. The GM said 15. I'm not sure how to protect others from his incompetence in the future. I'm pretty upset about losing a character in the sixth hour of what was supposed to be a four hour game, and in fishy circumstances.

I have no idea what to do next. I suppose I need to make a new character because I signed up to play next week already. Is there some way of getting a GM decertified? I don't think he is a bad player or person, but is completely incompetent as a GM and I will walk away if I ever get assigned to his table again.

Hey Gregory

Thanks for taking the time to speak up about this. It helps us, the organizers of your local games, know how to improve our region.

Let me introduce myself, I'm Kyle! One of your local Venture Captains. If you have problems you don't feel your store coordinator can handle, I'm the next step in the ladder to issue resolution.

It looks like my fella Pinstriped has already got you on his radar and is aware and able to make sure your next game experience is improved.

I believe you got caught in the crossfire of us community building...let me explain that statement.

One of the most important things for any community to survive, is new people joining. That's you! Your first experiences with us are super important. It is our "handshake", so to say. We only get a few games to convince most people to stick around, so we try to keep our level of GM awesomeness high at low level tables, just for this reason alone.

However...our second priority, is getting new players to become new GM's. This is where your experience occurred I believe. In that process for that GM.

So...please allow us continued chances to show you our awesome as a community. Pinstriped's beard alone can weave tales of such heroic baldric, that I worry for the unshaven who tread the trials he trepidates.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Here it is!

Dark Archive 3/5

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I think the polarizing is a matter of expectations and how scenario development changed since season 0, 1, and 2, to now.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Thomas Graham wrote:

I can prove my VC, the right honorable James Aposolu, is better in four words: Mine buys me beer.

(Not often but enough to keep the Ex-squid happy)

Good account jacking though..

...I think you missed one or two parties that I've thrown...

Dark Archive 3/5

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Good evening distinguished readers.

It is my truest and humblest pleasure to finally be able to properly announce, and by way of doing so thank and heap praise, upon a long overdue and much earned promotion.

I remember the first game I ever ran for this individual. A family of circus trained halfings, and their human daughter, escorting a pack of VIP Goblins across the land. Oh the hijinks, the shenanigans, and the laughs were a plenty...and I knew then that this family was going to be a great story to watch grow and be shared in our community.

Tony Lindman has since then helped organize, coordinate, stop me from doing dumb things, and help me get crazy ideas done, countless times in the past 2 years. His leadership and continued support has allowed us to expand the puget sound to the size it is today. Everyday of the week, a game is running. Every convention within distance, PFS is at, and every store that we have volunteers for, a game is run in.

Tony Lindman has been holding down the duties of a full fledged Venture Captain for some time, and this promotion is just a change in shirt color for the Patriarch of the Flutterfoot clan.

I'll let Tony introduce his new appointees to VL, but to say the least...I owe Tony so much more then a heartfelt thank you and a handshake.

Tony...thank you. The floor is yours. Keep on make believin'!

Dark Archive

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I'll be in line to be the first among those pledging for this.

The crew at Adventure A Week are awesome folks, and put out an amazing product.

I cannot wait to see the gamers twist they put on this classic tale, and the turns and twists it takes.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Hey Piano and James

Thanks for giving the scenario a shot! Both in GMing and in playing.

First off let me apologize for letting you guys down. I'm glad to hear you support the concept of this scenario, and have constructive feedback on how to improve the next style of this scenario in the future for PFS. Truly, that is the most I could ask of anyone.

I would like to make a couple of recommendations to any other GM's who run this in the future. If there is a party that starts kicking down the door, I would have Glorymane engage the PC's in conversation. More like a teacher scolding a child for scuffing up their nice new doors.

As for the row of secret doors...that is a very valid point. I should of caught that.

I'll make the same offer to your group as I did to the previous posters. I'll gladly fly to your local region to run this for you. Not that this is saying you "ran it wrong", but just to see how your group did it and as a way to improve my adventure design from here on forward.

Thanks for the feedback, it is what drives writers to improve.

Keep on make believin'.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Finlanderboy wrote:
Andrew Christian wrote:
DMFrank wrote:
This game sucked!
That isn't very constructive.

While I agree it is not detailed explaingin their opinion. It is constructive. Someone saying that hate this scenario shows there is animosity towards it. Now just because someone is unable to provide a reason why they do not like somehting does not mean they should not speak.

I dumped wisdom. But I was told I NEEDED a rank to help. Now I know someone will say "Thats what you get for dumpign wisdom." My statement still stands you should never not allow someone to contribute because of their build.

TOZ: hrrmm maybe our dm misunderstood it.

Hey DMFrank and Finlanderboy!

Thanks for jumping in here and providing feedback. I'm all in for any and all types of feedback.

First off let me say that this scenario will allow PC's to smash and grab style if they want. Run in, get to the "back rooms" and take the information they are looking for...but you are correct, you cannot achieve every aspect of this scenario through combat.

Many of the secondary success conditions and the faction missions require a non-combat based approach. Searching for the items are very skill based checks, ones that can be repeated and aided through actions that your GM identify as appropriate or clever.

For both you and DMfrank, I will gladly run this scenario. Either over the internet, or if that doesn't work, I'll fly to each of your hometowns and run it there...either as an event during the week or at a nearby convention y'all will be attending. I'll gladly run it for your entire table a second time, including the GM, just to experience the same situations you are talking about here so I can know them first hand to improve any scenarios I may (or may not) write in the future.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Ninja VS. Krune:
When the mission briefing said "ZOMG YOU MIGHT BE FACING A RUNELORD!" I bought my ninja, with UMD +18, a scroll of anti magic shell. Thought it might come in handy. After Krune did all his big nasty tricks...I moved next to him and used the scroll. Needless to say...his life got much worse after that. I retired the ninja on this scenario...because after you kill a runelord, what else can you do to top it?

Dark Archive 3/5

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BigNorseWolf wrote:

Dude,

Look around at some of the other threads. People disagree with each other about a LOT of stuff: handle animal rules, the importance of factions, con boons, cheetohs, dice rolling conventions, which way the toilet paper goes but you've got EVERYONE telling you you've gone too far.

When you get a herd of cats ALL moving away from you you know you've messed up.

So first off...one of my favorite quotes applies to this BNW. "The turnings of the tide of battle always begin with one soldier's decision to head back into the frey." The argument "because everyone says so" is one I only accept when "everyone" is paying me. Thankfully here, we are all volunteers...well, most of us.

Melfer is in my region, and is a solid store coordinator. Solid enough to take and run one of our bigger stores in the region that boasts 3 consistent tables. Considering the location and our PFS history with it, that is an accomplishment of praise worthiness.

I got this notice in the email for a friend saying "Hey Big K, stuff going down, go read it!" And I did. Now...the first thing that came to my mind when I read his post was the same assumptions many here made. That this individual was pushing the envelope, going beyond what is acceptable, and doing so in a stand off-ish manner.

But then I reminded myself...this person has taken the time to post a question to anonymous masses about a personnel choice of game style that they pursue. So their intention, at onset at least, is to seek advice.

Instead of assuming the worse from an anonymous volunteer (let's also remember, that if we are posting on this board...we probably volunteer our time to run games or expand the community in some way) over the internet involving a stereo-typed group of notoriously lacking of social graces, I sought to question and clarify the position of this individual.

Now it helps that I know them, they are from my region, and they are a coordinator I trust. I got Melfer on the phone and we talked about his intent with the post, the history of how the question came about, and why the responses he brought up were chosen.

Needless to say...a few more minutes thinking out the posts would of gone a long way in making this less of a hot button topic issue then it was. But...I am also going to point out to the community that made some assumptions, and turned negative rather quickly, instead of handling this in a positive manner.

Let me assuage some fears and assumptions.

1. Both character names are now changed.
2. Neither character ever saw any table play, ever.
3. The topic was posted when another coordinator mentioned they might be in violation of a Paizo rule.
4. The intent of the post was to locate any written rule regarding a morality clause in PFS, as to be familiar with it as a coordinator.

Obviously, a storm of internet assumption and poorly chosen words, and cackles combined with combative responses sent this thingy into a tail spin tizzy of tumultuous travesty.

What I would like to see people walk away from this post and thread is that we should assume every individual means well and is here to improve PFS. We should assume they are a volunteer, and treat them as such. We should ask question to clarify points that our natural instinct is to assume the negative connotation of their communicated point.

TLDR

This whole thread and events around it went down poorly. Is there a morality clause rule written down for PFS, if so where is it and what does it say? I'm a gamer, I enjoy pushing the colloquial envelope, but can someone please help me find it first?

Thanks!

Dark Archive 3/5

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So...let me start by saying the following...

We're not all perfect.

Melfer, bro, I'm glad you found a place to discuss your reservations about your own play style and how that might not be in the best interest of growing the campaign.

I'm also glad that you've kept a fairly civil tone in this entire thread. I do, however, want to point out that the feedback you are receiving, which is why you come to a public forum in the first place, is something you are now trying to argue against and justify your position.

Much like Plato's "Cave" metaphor, you'd be better served by having this discussion with yourself over many beers and probably inviting along a good friend, or several.

Let's go with your intent here, however, and assume you mean the best for the game and for the community.

Several points have been made above, none so eloquently put as those by John, that this play style isn't exemplary behavior for the continued growth of PFS, or any community, that seeks to include all.

Again...I'm glad you questioned yourself on this topic, because that is the first step to bettering yourself in the community. To me, that is an important step I want to latch on to and focus upon, instead of the other discussion of "how far is too far".

For now let's assume if that question is asked...it's too far.

I am quite certain more will be said past this, and many more will jump in here with their own opinions...but I kindly ask. Remember the first time you said to yourself "Ghee, am I taking this too far?"

We've all been there, and it is those around us that pull us back from the point of no return. I hope the PFS community sees this as a chance to elicit growth in an individual instead of the opposite.

Dark Archive 3/5

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I would like to see an elf gate story...dealing with their reactivation, or perhaps even their deactivation...or further understanding them, and this arc taking you to various locations, some ruined, some vibrant...like the Mordant Spire, or the forgotten reaches of some nameless forest where elves no longer tread.

Also, an adventure dealing with a caravan traveling through the Osirion lands...perhaps during the migration of the great caravans when the Sun Orchid Elixir is transported...maybe even being the ones to transport it, once.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Eric Saxon wrote:

As a game organizer, I don't GM because I'm doing the administrative thing of juggling 10 other GMs and who will run which scenario.

But our group is coming up in levels and quite a few players have lvl. 9-12 PCs. And only some will go beyond lvl. 12. The table can only seat 7 and 1 GM. That means there is competition for 7 spots by about 10-12 people.

Its rough but this is the reality of the game we play. So, I've been doing audits and asking questions of people. I ask, what does your PC do? What will he do in the next three levels? And what will he do at lvl. 12? I offer to help, if anyone wants it. And some people go with, "I don't want your opinion, I want to role-play my PC even if he sucks." I get that but at lvl. 12, those PCs will probably not go beyond in levels.

So let me ask a few questions:

Do you know what your PC does? What is your PC good at? How will your PC get better next level? What will that PC do at lvl. 12?

Now most of us, including me, have a screw around PC and one or more serious PCs. A serious PC is built at lvl. 1 and mapped out at least to 3 levels ahead, some of mine are mapped out to lvl. 18.

Have you ever mapped out a PC? And would you be willing to try it? I'm sure the gamers that you play with would be more than willing to help.

But past lvl. 6-7, most gamers are not interested in carrying a PC, who doesn't carry his own weight. If you only wish to create role-playing PCs then you are ultimately putting a burden on the other players at the table, to carry your PC and that's only going to be tolerated for so long before they let you know that its not, ok.

At least this has been my experience. Obviously experiences vary by table and gaming group.

...

I'm dumb founded by this post. But before I let that traverse into other stages of human emotion, let me ask some clarifying questions.

If you are coordinator for 10 GM's, and there is competition for 7 spots at a table...from 12 people...

The math just doesn't add up.

More importantly, if you are coordinating anything...and you have 10-12 players trying to play at one table...the math is EXTREMELY simple to figure out that it is time to step up and GM a table to make it so each table has 5 to 6 players.

Now Eric, I know you love pathfinder, but that isn't enough to build a community on. There is hard work, honesty, and most of all the willingness to accept anyone's play style as they see fit.

There is no burden on players to succeed at every mission. Failure, be it in a mission or life, is part of the story. It creates an opportunity to tell story and growth. On top of that...there is no such thing as bad/wrong/fun.

Let me explain bad/wrong/fun. That is the concept that someone else is doing it wrong...in a game, about creating a character and story. Pathfinder Society is closer to a collaborative storytelling process then a board game. Why do I say that? Because the goal is to have fun, however it is decided that you have fun.

If you have chosen for your version of fun to require the complete cooperation of everyone else at the table to follow a very strict guideline for character progression...then I think that's an expectation you should announce to everyone before you sit down at the table with them. More so, I think that expectation is unbecoming of someone who is a coordinator.

Eric...the reason I'm even commenting on this post is because I believe you are representing your opinion as the only one that applies to your area. Saying things such as "...I don't want your opinion, I want to role-play my PC even if he sucks..." is truly worrisome to those of us who actually coordinate large amounts of stores.

And just to be clear on the "I don't GM because I co-ordinate so many people".

I'm the VC of Seattle, we oversee 25 stores with 27 gamedays schedule per week. We now have 15 conventions we support, including PaizoCon and PAX Prime. We have a GM list that is 2 to 3 deep at each store, with some stores having a wait list to sign up to GM. We have other stores where I beg folks to travel to, to keep the GMimg going at so those few GM's in that area don't burn out.

My region geographically stretches 7 hours north to south, and 6 hours east to west. That's not counting Traffic. I've driven to EVERY SINGLE ONE OF MY STORES, and find the time to visit them each at least once every 6 months.

I've GM'ed once in the last month, because I feel if I don't do at least that I am failing my team. I shut off my phone at the table and only responded to questions in email or text when the table was over...for PFS questions, of which there were 7 texts and 12 emails in that 5 hour period (it was a Saturday).

Coordinating 10 GM's in one day is a great undertaking, but it is never the reason to say you don't have time to GM.

If you have time to play, you have time to GM.

More then this, if you have time to come on here and post about your problems, you have time to sit down and prepare a scenario.

And on a final note...

Please consider GMing a table. It does wonders to leading a community, and being a coordinator.

Dark Archive

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For a samurai character this is what I recommend.

You're duty is to absorb everything!

Have a decent wisdom bonus. Why you might ask? For will saves. I know...I know it sounds funny, but your resolve allows you to roll two dice. And as a front line fighter, most baddies will want to target your will saves...so play into that by getting a decent will save vs mind affecting abilities.

Have a higher con the str. You don't need to hit hard, or alot, with your attacks. You will have many of them, they will most likely be two handed (Katana or bigger) and the strongest abilities of your class allow you to stay standing in negative hit points.

Again...resolve is amazing.

Third stat you want? Charisma. No one ever imagines a quiet in the corner all by himself meek little samurai. YOU ARE A PROUD SAMURAI WHO IS NOT AFRAID OF ANYTHING! And dump some points into intimidate.

Now you have an important choice to make, and that is your order. Whichever one you pick just remember, Samurai are not the "biggest most damaging all around class" in the game. They pick one target with challenge and then do AMAZING damage to that one target at a time. You are one of the best team shields with a single razor sharp spike.

I recommend taking orders and feats that don't help with damage with Samurai, but help increase your HP and ability to help others (combat reflexes/bodyguard/in harms way/toughness) but also consider iron will and greater iron will, and finally I would also consider any movement hampering abilities (stand still (comes on a order you can choose ;p).

Also...be flexible with your Samurai. Use reach weapons, ranged weapons, all sorts of weapons! Just save your favorite weapon (chosen at lvl 3) for emergency situations...why? Because you get to draw it out for free!

As for the archtype. If it's your flavor...go for it. Having a horse vs. not is the big question. For me? I prefer to run without the horse, only because I don't want to try and drag the horse through certain silly missions.

To sum up. Samurai =/= killer damage. Samurai = laugh at all the mean things the GM throws at me and keep standing.

Most important of all...Samurai is about attitude and character. Have some, be one. :)

Dark Archive 3/5

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SOYLEANT GREEN IS MADE OF PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND THEIR CHARACTER SHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously though...sometimes table variance is a good thing. This is one of those times IMHO.

Dark Archive 3/5

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While this is bound to get buried deep within the bowls of this thread I hope it's effectiveness stands out.

I would recommend that specific boons be handed to Venture Officers. Those Venture Officers then come up with their own criteria for non-convention attendance to award the "special" boons.

I was originally against this very proposed idea for one reason. It makes the local VO a point of contention and possible mistrust among their community if the perception of this award doesn't go out to whom individuals perceive should receive the boon.

I'm tossing that nay-say aside. We are community leaders and dealing with that should be our responsibility.

Folks who attend conventions should have the same award chance as those who don't. VO's do not "only" attend conventions.

On top of that...yes, I do think these boons should be handed out by the VO's and that people SHOULD have to interact with their local VO. It will help build the community, centralize it, and better yet create a flow of communication with the local coordinator, who then communicates back up to Mike.

TLDR

These special boons should be handed out by Venture Officers as representatives of Paizo and community leaders.

Dark Archive 3/5

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Hey Everyone

Thanks for the feedback. I know the I will be taking into consideration the things mentioned here when I plan for PAX Prime next year.

Let me make a few notes...

Cleric should of been channeling for 2d6, not 3d6 ;p Mistakes happen, and my apologies if it led to a sour game.

The werewolf and "friend" have a listed AC of those numbers. There were other weaknesses in that scenario which made the encounter much, much easier. That scenario is designed to give the "I wanna hit things and kill it, all the time!" choice a run for it's money. If you bust out a will save...they have negatives in that department.

All of the scenarios were designed to be challenging for the CR of a table of 6 players...which allows the GM's to make or break the scenario.

As the coordinator of this event...I rely on my GM's to provide the best experience possible, and where they don't...I would love to know so I can sit down with them and go over how to improve.

I told all my GM's that the only death I would be eyeing them for is the one that happens without the players ever seeing it coming.

My two questions for everyone who gave, or will be giving feedback.

1. What would you do differently? (Some have answered ;p)
2. Will you volunteer next year to assist in GMing at PAX Prime?

Dark Archive 3/5

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I am no longer allowed to...

Test to see if something is flamable or inflamable within the walls of Absalom...

Dark Archive 3/5

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The reason I PFS is...

This weekend at a local convention, DragonFlight 34, I found a connection with a fellow VC from South Africa.

I end up taking pictures and then speaking with a PFS player who noticed my Venture Captain red shirt I was wearing. He was playing a board game far and away from the PFS area but we sat and talked when their table took a quick break from an intensely long session they just had.

After a while I ask him one of my favorite questions to ask any fan of PFS. What is your favorite table you ever played at? The following is a para phrasing of what he said.

"My family and I went on a vacation to South Africa. (Cool Reasons that are personnel go here). One day my wife went off to do her thing and I had my two kids with me. My son is 8, my daughter 7. I looked up where there was a local game and took the kids down there to get some PFS in. You know, something familiar to them just to have fun for the day.

'Well...I show up and the Venture Captain has his two young kids with him that day, adorable little daughters. He sees me, notices my accent and we talk for a bit, and then he sits us down at his table and pulls out a scenario and holds it up for the kids to see...I ask him which one it is, to make sure I haven't played it before, and he goes "It's the one I wrote. It just came out."

'Best table by far for two reasons. 1. His daughters were taunting my kids to be braver at the table and run head long into combat and seeing the interaction between him and them as the GM was awesome. 2. The Venture Captain from another country took care of me and my kids like we were special guests far from home in a land we didn't fully know...and he pulled out the scenario he wrote, something I am sure he has read hundreds of times, something I am sure he was tired off, to give us the best experience possible in his territory."

With all of the complaining on the boards lately, I was getting dragged down in spirit by some of the heavy handed...concerns. I was honestly a bit down and out.

Then I heard the above story.

So first off...major Kudos to you Jerall Toi, VC of Cape Town. Not only did you send home an awesome experience with this guy, he is now joining my local community as a volunteer at conventions and regular game days because of you. I owe you a beer at the least and probably a decent meal on top of it for the amazing inspiration you were to this new PFS player and by extension to me as well.

Thank you.

Please share in this thread the cool stories you have heard from others about PFS. Don't tell us about yourself or your cool moment...tell me about someone else. Tell us about someone else. Be a storyteller and tell me...

...Tell me the reason you PFS?

Dark Archive

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Monkplayer wrote:
Vic Wertz wrote:
A word on food trucks: we're not sure if the hotel would allow it... but even if they did, we've been told that on the 4th of July weekend, no decent food truck would commit to an event where participants number only in the low hundreds.
I think it's still worth checking into due to not having any other plausible solution. I thought we had 700 attendees not including staff? I would think a food truck would have some interest, and you may be surprised at the food vendor's response.

Hey Monkplayer :)

That weekend, the weekend of the 4th of July, has 17 different events that I know of where food trucks and catering teams will be.

They quite literally fill themselves to capacity at their facilities on everything they can, prep the night of the third and morning of the fourth, and usually sell through 90% of what they have on the 4th of July events they attend.

With it also being a holiday weekend, restocking is nearly impossible with the wholesalers that would supply them.

Any mobile food trucks would want a steady stream of people on that weekend to contiously pour in.

Having worked in the Seattle region as a wedding DJ and coordinator of events for years, I can say with certainty that a food truck won't even consider Paizocon2014 without a massive incentive or underlying guarantee.

A solution, however, would be to speak to the hotel for next year on offering cheaper, faster, and express style orders for folks an hour before each slot ends.

Have a couple hundred and cut pieces of paper with 6 options on each of them. You mark off what you want, your name, and pay for it...they will have it ready for you in one hour.

NORWESCON does an awesome job with getting the convention hotel (Doubletree down the street also in seatac) to provide a convention goers menu of items that are more affordable for everyone there.

It does 2 things for the hotel.

1. Guarantee more money goes to them instead of 7-11 or Denny's.
2. Streamline and cut down a menu that may run "low" on some items towards the end of the convention.

While option 2 for the Aqua Terra wouldn't be too much of an issue as they are already streamlined to under 20 items, it sure would make alot of sense for them to consider even a buffet or cafeteria style pay and go station just for lunch where they had the morning buffet. Even if this was a cold sandwhich line for only two hours.

Dark Archive 3/5

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I am not certain if I am the one who started this idea...but I know we used it 2 years ago when we did our first big Year of the Shadow Lodge event in one of our game stores.

We took up their space prime time on a Saturday with 10 tables. I needed the event to be a success and show that we could bring in income for the store in a noticeable amount for RPG items on that day...and a free re-roll was instituted for anyone who purchased an item and showed the receipt to the GM.

The goal was to build a relationship with the store through promotion of sales and provide an incentive for players to spend their money at this location now instead of at their other store throughout our region.

Whenever we host an event at a store that is expected to take up a majority of their play space, we now use this rule.

We do so sparingly...but I also leave it up to each store coordinator to deem when they need to strengthen their relationship with a brick and mortar by using this on a game night.

This re-roll, in the grand scheme of things, is another form of a GM soft balling an encounter.

The majority of the time a re-roll is used to the players benefit. It will help them look "cooler", win a situation, or prevent damage/effects from occurring.

Since most GM's in my region know that TPKing a first steps table of new players is tantamount to community genocide in my region, I point out the obvious implications of what I am asking them to do. Soft ball to get the hook in for new players. GM's also have moments where they feel a table is no longer having any fun and they will adapt the encounter to revitalize the groups enjoyment.

I will admit...the best games I've ever had in an RPG is when I am losing, I know I am losing, but having a great time anyway. The GM's that can do that are worth their weight in gold.

This re-roll for in store purchase becomes a retail cycle that puts form to the things we already encourage our GM's to do...give the players "a break" and let them shine as heroes.

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Adam Daigle wrote:
But, I bet people would be willing to pay the extra charge because Kyle is a MUCH better GM than me.

Daigle...don't you see!??!?!?!

MISCON...IT WAS A TRAP!

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Shadowborn wrote:
Big Kyle wrote:
Liz Courts wrote:
Adam Daigle wrote:
I just asked my wife (who is part of the warehouse crew) and she confirmed Kyle's statement. I guess I am a product.
Excellent! Now we can fulfill Lisa's desire to be able to ship out experienced GMs to players everywhere!
*Dives for Cover* I'm a person! I'm a person!
No offense, Kyle, but I think the shipping costs for you would be...restrictive, even for a GM of your caliber.

WOOHOO!!!! BUDDHA SAVES!!!!

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Liz Courts wrote:
Adam Daigle wrote:
I just asked my wife (who is part of the warehouse crew) and she confirmed Kyle's statement. I guess I am a product.
Excellent! Now we can fulfill Lisa's desire to be able to ship out experienced GMs to players everywhere!

*Dives for Cover* I'm a person! I'm a person!

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Adam Daigle wrote:
I'm not a product! I'm a man!

...then how can you fit into a shipping box if you are not a product? Pictures don't lie! Products go in boxes! Ask the warehouse crew >:)

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BRING A WARM JACKET AND LONG PANTS!

Forcast says it should drop to 50's tonight, and partly cloudy all day!

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Thoughts of a Party Organizer:

Do I have enough food?
Call the caterer!

The caterer says it will take a miracle to eat everything I've ordered...

Do I have enough beer?
Call the brewery!

The brewery emailed me the proper way to dispose of any beer we don't consume...they don't know I invited aussies...

Do I have enough other drinks?
Check the garage!

The tower of water almost fell over when I tried to count it...

What else do I need?
I DONT KNOW YET, BUT I AM SURE I FORGOT SOMETHING!

Continue to stress about it until the party is done...?

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For sure! You can put the luggage at my place and I can seal it off in the upstairs so no one can gets to it!

BY THE WAY

Shuttles will start running to and from the hotel at 2 PM, with a second shuttle starting at 4 PM. The last shuttle will be leaving to return to the hotel between midnight and 1 am...whenever y'all get tossed out!

I have also secured 3 cases of wine from a local winery. Summer wines to be exact, so whites and and a rose. For the not so beer drinker crew.

Keep checking back here for cool things later!

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Phillip Goettsch wrote:
Big Kyle wrote:
This event is for anyone attending the convention. It is the "night before" everything goes crazy where you can just meet everyone else who is heading into this crazy shindig of a weekend.

I am staying with some friends in the area to save on expenses and unfortunately, I don't think they will be attending the con. Would it be okay to invite them to your event Kyle?

I would completely understand if you are trying to keep this from turning into some kind of "crazy college" party. Just wanted to check before I make firm plans for the weekdays leading up to the con.

Bring 'em. Everyone is welcome :)

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*Reads thread*
*Time elapses*
*Sharp breath taken in*
SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*Breath let out*

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The shuttle will be open and available for anyone in both directions.

One run from the party to the hotel is reserved for VO butts to get to the VO meeting...but that's it ;p

The rest of the time it's open for whoever.

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Bellingham, the last major town before hitting the Canadian border on I-5, and the home of Doug Benson, a man on a mission.

Over a year ago Doug Benson contacted me. He didn't ask how to start PFS or what he could do to help, he just said "PFS is happening in Bellingham if you want to come up and play."

Seeing their growth in that region from afar is awe inspiring. They now run games twice a week at their FLGS and are aiming to expand to others. They rotate on average a dozen solid GM's with over 50 members who attend regularly.

I wish I could say I had more to do with helping them build up north, but that wouldn't be true. All I can do is recognize the amazing job Doug has done and eagerly await the great things he does next. I hope in that endeavor at least I can be of more assistance to him.

Please help me in welcoming Doug Benson to the ranks of the VO's, and as the new Venture Lieutenant of the northern expanse known as Bellingham!

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For those, who are like myself, and have foregone the facebooks please just RSVP in this thread once more.

The shuttle will be going back and forth roughly every thirty minutes. I will do my best to mark the shuttle with something Paizonian enough to make it stand out. A second shuttle for the "peak" times is being considered...but a huge part of that is based on how many RSVP.

KyleCon? No no, this is just the 4th of July...done right!

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Alright. It's finally time, 90% of all tangible requirements are nailed down...all permits are in hand, all regulations are followed, all bottom lines are signed.

Now I just need you amazing people!

Here are the final details. I know it is alot to read, but please do so, and then tell a friend. The more the merrier.

The event takes place on the 4th of July at 20404 98th pl S kent WA 98031. You are welcome to show up any time starting around Noon, but food service will begin at 5 pm and last until 7 pm.

First, please RSVP to this facebook event thread here ( https://www.facebook.com/events/534770063230783/ ). I know others have already replied in the other thread, but lets make this one the one that counts. This will help with the caterer to determine how much food to bring. This will also ensure that there is enough food for everyone. I will have extra on hand, but the more people we sign up here first the less chance there is I have to bust out the "back up" food.

As for what will be at this event.

First off, there will be a private 24 person shuttle going from the hotel to this location. Service will begin around 4 pm and end around midnight. This shuttle will be there to take any and all VO's to the VO meeting at the hotel AND BACK at the correct times. Any campaign staff will be included in this.

For those driving themselves, here are directions from the hotel here. Please park on S 203rd street near the park. Walk across the park and into my front yard.
For those who are planning on playing a game and need a pickup or ride from the hotel earlier please contact me via private message here and I will make sure something is arranged.

There will be 25ish tables, 130ish chairs, and 6 10 x 30 ft tents available from Noon to midnight, so those who want to come and game before everything begins can do so. There will be some tables and chairs available indoors (limited) for mid day gaming in the event it is a scorcher...make note however, I do not have AC, but I will have cold beverages a plenty and a nice hilltop breeze should the wind be blowin'.

As for the food...
Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie BBQ rubbed Pork Ribs
Grilled and slightly seasoned Salmon (working on 2 types, hopefully fresh caught)
Corn on the cob
Corn Bread
Baked Beans
Papaya Salad
Two Salad options (one good for you, one not so good for you)

We are also considerate of dietary restrictions. For vegans I am whipping out an old family recipe. Portabello mushrooms, soaked in balsamic vinegar and grilled with a drizzle of olive oil. If possible please contact me before hand so I can up the amount of these ready to go for folks. I will have roughly a dozen on hand, but if I need more it can be achieved.

For those who have a gluten free diet, the BBQ options will all be gluten free in the rubs and brine, however they will be cooked on grills that have had gluten products on them before...but vigorously cleansed. If your gluten sensitivity requires additional care on my behalf, please contact me to let me know and I will make sure we have something worked out.

If I am forgetting anyone please contact me and let me know, and I will make sure we have something for you there! Everyone should be able to come to this event and feel like they belong!

As for drinks...

There will be a variety of sodas and other sugary coma inducing things.

I am ordering 4 15.5 gal. kegs (american standard). They will include the following.
Mac and Jack's African Amber Ale (A must have local)
Spire Hard Apple Cider (gluten free non beer option. I believe also vegan friendly.....?)
Iron Horse Irish Death (Local and a dark beer for those in that dip)
Iron Horse Fish IPA (Local and the light choice)

The last two beer options may change...but there will be a light and dark beer available. I will need a volunteer to show me how to tap a keg, as I have never been the keg tapper in my life...always the keg carrier. Please contact me via PM.

The aerial view shows a rather "cozy" space for a possible 150 individuals. There is much room on these two properties for folks to fan out, as well as the possibility of some small pit fires later on should there be no burn ban in effect. There is also room my garage, driveway, and living room should we really start to cram folks in.

Fireworks will occur about 10 minutes after dusk, though for the rest of my neighbors it will be happening much sooner then that. Looking down my street you will see quite a patriotic sight of joyful celebration...but I plan on winning the war this year. If you would like to purchase any fireworks to light off yourself please contact me off list and we can discuss how this would work. There will also be some fireworks available for kids...but only if they are supervised by their parent. I take safety with these items very seriously. The main powderload for the evening will be under lock and key, unlike that lazy wizard Gandalf.

This will be a family friendly event, so please keep that in mind. To this extent...please contact me if you are bringing a child and what age they are. I have the option of bringing in a few things for children entertainment. These options include: clowns, face painting, bouncy castles, magicians, and more. If there are enough children coming to warrant I will provide them with some good old fashion 4th of July entertainment.

This event is all Pay What You Want. There will be a sign up the day of the event pointing out the cost breakdown of everything involved as a guideline of what it took to get this event up and running so in the future we have an understanding and expectation of what it takes to do it. Donations will be accepted the day of, and not any sooner! I appreciate all the support people have tossed in, but I can take money from anyone until I know they are there having fun.

Please ask any questions now in this thread and RSVP to the facebook event linked above.

I look forward to meeting you all at this event, and hope you enjoy yourselves.

-Kyle "Big K" Elliott
VC of Seattle

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A Haiku about things to come:

Paizocon, come soon
Mending meeting of many
beer shall bind us friends

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Drogon

I am going to use you as a semi typical example of how perceptions shape reality.

I would like to think that being in Paizo's backyard, and living 2 miles down the road from WotC HQ...I get to see, hear, and know things that most other folks don't have the chance to see, hear, or know first hand.

Tons of conventions that are locally supported by both crews of developers and writers and editors and designers and employees in general.

What you are saying is an example of how your perception is this, this, and this. With Erik responding in kind about the different things being done...and honestly a ton more not being mentioned. Vic also jumped in to give some data regarding percentages of play per season and scenario.

It is truly a fight, IMHO, of Paizo worrying about changing perceptions. There is a perception out there, by some or many or few, that Paizo is not doing as much as they SHOULD in this lull of WotC's lack of products in regards to the RPG world.

Erik, Vic...I'm of the opinion that y'all are staying true to your vision. That's awesome...but there is this perception which you will be fighting...that by doing nothing "special" in this vacuum of promotion from WotC, you are doing "nothing" and therefore are doing it wrong. Please guys take no offense when I say I've heard "Paizo is starting to look more like WotC" from some folks.

While I disagree with the above, it is a perception I hear and one I can understand.

Drogon...I believe this is more a struggle of perception instead of reality. I just spent a weekend hanging out with Ryan, Adam, and Jon at MisCon27 (shameless bump...go next year if you can). At their panels they spoke about how long it actually takes to steer the dreadnaught that is production. Wait till GenCon and you will be of my opinion...

Paizo is unfurling the sails, pulling out handkerchiefs and putting them up into the wind, and even using laundry on clothes lines to catch every ounce of wind that they can.

Their IP is going into an MMO, a card game, comics, miniatures both painted and not, tying their stories together across PFS, AP's, and novels to create a more immersive and persistant world of adventure, hiring MORE and MORE staff from the community, sending out more and more representatives to events...they just sent me to MisCon27.

Let me expand on this so it is very clear. Wizards was unable to maintain a commitment made to MisCon27, and pulled out as the guest of honor. Paizo was asked to step in, and we ran over 60 tables at their event. I saw 1 table of DND 3.5, and no 4.0 games.

I was offered the chance to go to this convention as a guest of honor for Paizo and help build a more permanent community. I was curious why I was being sent...but when I got there everyone was asking me "Are you the super volunteer!? Dude, tell me about PFS? How do we get it started here!?" I was also being sent because about half the staff will be traveling in the next month, not counting Paizocon, GenCon, and PAX Prime. Going to different trade shows, conventions, and media visits.

I agree with an old statement I heard once... when DND split their worlds into greyhawk, dragonlance, etc etc they fractured their IP and split their customer base in a detrimental way they could never hope to keep up production with.

Paizo's dreadnaught of a ship is steering to catch every windfall that WotC is leaving behind, but it won't land in port right away. Wait till GenCon...when the goods are unloaded, and you are standing in the ballroom and ask yourself where the competition is.

They are by no means ignoring or disrespecting WotC by what they are doing, and to make things clear neither am I or wish to come across as such in this post.

What I am trying to communicate to the best of my ability is that Paizo is capturing more and more and more of the customers out there by doing what they have successfully done best, and until it stops working why should they change it? Paizo will continue to innovate and lead, and until WotC forces a drastic change...Paizo is doing it right IMHO.

It's very difficult to stare down your "father" and compete with them in the same industry. Paizo has already done that once, and is currently on the up and up of it. Now that "father" is circling the wagons for a come back...Paizo is keeping an eye on the beholder, and the other on the horizon.

I've gotten my handkerchief out, and I'll be catching as much wind for Pathfinder as I can.

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Lilith wrote:
Random thought: Speaking of time commitments, would more shorter scenarios/quests be of use to new players and organizers (maybe across multiple tiers)?

Yes.

2 hour scenario's will make a huge difference. HUGE difference, in getting folks involved.

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