DCII's page

It was said that it was unfair to ask my GM to continue to use the rules at he interpreted them because it was what the rule books technically said and break the unwritten rules.

I'll let Brandon "Rym" DeCoster & Scott Rubin explain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuThpe-Rgxs

I'm not sure who you got your initial advice from but the folks here and in the other thread are accurate and are giving you good guidance. So I would ignore the original direction you were provided and follow their correct information.

So basically, you ask for advice here and in the Organized play Forum.

Everyone, in both subforum, agrees that your reading the rule is inaccurate. In support we cite:
- the Core rulebook - you refuse to accept this;
- the relevant FAQ - you refuse to accept this;
- the PF Oracle Iconic - you refuse to accept this
- Sean K. Reynolds' explanation - you refuse to accept this.

You asked for our advice, we gave it. And you refuse to accept it.

At this point nothing more can be said, you will persist in insisting that you are reading this correctly an unless we say that you are correct, you will refuse to listen to our advice.

Might as well just drop it as you will not get the rule validation that you are seeking.

I'm not sure who you got your initial advice from and I cannot see an RVC getting this incorrect (having said that I did find a 5th star VC ruling that bard's inspire courage and bless do not stack in combat - so anything is possible) but the folks here are accurate and are giving you good guidance. So I would ignore the original direction you were provided and follow their correct information.

So I get these questions all the time by the nature of SCARAB and the frequent amount of charity work we do. I will answer to the best of my ability and also add to Pirate Bob's and Xathos of Varisia's comments and say - if you feel you have that much in contributions that it may be worth deducting you should hire a TAX PROFESSIONAL to assist and make sure you aren't setting yourself up for trouble with the IRS.

The expenses you incur volunteering may provide a tax deduction. In order for you to qualify there are three simple things you need to check off first before you go any further; the amount you are planning to deduct must directly relate to the charity where you volunteer. In addition, you must not have been reimbursed for those expenses. Lastly, you must also itemize when filing your taxes.

Most important one of these and the one that catches most people I respond to is: You may NOT deduct any charitable contributions if you got something in return. The IRS will deny you for any little thing! So this is SUPER important to remember: Receiving a GM boon, t-shirt, hotel room, free badge = reimbursement.

By IRS definition, charitable contributions represent gifts given without reciprocity. Supporting a charitable organization by buying merchandise or attending an event puts you into the got-something-in-return category.

You've gotten past those three? Then you may want to think about exploring claiming your deduction. You say you make $250/hour so your time is worth a huge tax deduction right?

So now for more bad news: Time spent volunteering in NOT tax deductible. Sadly, no. You cannot deduct your time regardless of how valuable it may be.

Pirate Bob has provided great advice - See IRS Pub 526 Charitable Contributions for more details. But if you don't get through the three checks you are possibly wasting your time.

If anyone has any more advice or information I would certainly appreciate more information as I am always looking for ways to keep more of my money from going to the government so I can use it the way I choose as opposed to letting politicians decide how it gets spent.

Best of luck in your efforts.

Having run about 80 sessions of PF2 Playtest I would strongly recommend a panel or three "What's New: PF2" and do not assume players and especially GMs are going to show up for PF2 'knowing' the mechanics and what the differences between V1 and V2 are. We are a few months away and I am still running Playtest tables for people who have not even glanced at the rules. GMs are going to have some frustration teaching PF2 to players all GenCon long especially those who are still learning and possibly not confident making rules adjudications themselves.

Could you reskin PSA to Public Service Announcement tables that are training tables for adults and seriously limit the kids play until GenCon 2020 when Paizo will have had time to create a new PSA2 Kids program?

In addition, as I have run tables with people who have 'seen' the rules there are large discrepancies in which rules they have seen. Some haven't kept up with the various releases and PF2 may be further still from the latest edition of the playtest rules release.

I guess to summarize: My recommendation is that you focus this GenCon on the transition to the new rules and making the change over as painless and as informative and as FUN as possible as opposed to trying to wow people with content or events focus on the substance of the new rules.

Not sure how you do that but that's my $0.02 and that and $12.00 will barely get you a cup of coffee now-a-days :-)

I am happy to work with you to help you come up with some ideas.

My observation wasn't meant to demoralize you further or dismiss you, it was simply to show that while one area feels like its sliding, one is on the upswing and there are often times no good rhyme or reason for one or the other. I can make some educated guesses based on information you provide and will absolutely work with you to come up with some solutions for your area.

If you can provide me with some of the promotional things you are currently doing I can offer suggestions and there are some great threads offering suggestions for VO to promote the OP as well that I can point you to.

Some ideas I would throw out include: participation in the RSP program, look for alternate venues to place promotional adverts like libraries, bookstores, comic stores, (any where you might find gamers hanging out), go to conventions with promotional materials as well, even those without gaming such as fandom, comicbook, sci-fi, historical, literary. There is a great resource I use to look for conventions in the Southeast - Southeastern Fandom.

I saw this post at the end of my day so don't have a lot of time to respond so if you would like I would recommend e-mailing me and cc-ing your VO and we can think about other great ideas that may help you.

RVC Hat:
There are more retailers participating in the RSP program this year in the SE and there are more sessions being reported in that program this year than last year in the SE.

Looking forward: If the RSP program continues to progress as it has this year and if 2nd Ed is great and if the 10th season wraps up with a bang I would expect continued stability and a continued addition and attrition of players to hold steady. If there is a problem with either - I worry. SFS is growing in the SE albeit very slowly, it just hasn't had the splash here that PFS did 8 years ago with an explosive boom.

SCARAB Hat:
PFS was down at SCARAB this year by 80 tables. DnDAL was up this year by 80 tables. Keep in mind 4 years ago there was no DnD OP at SCARAB to speak of it just was not in demand. Its growth has been similar to how PFS started.

Looking forward:
My coordinators tell me to expect the PFS numbers to go back up slightly due to the highly anticipated continued ramp up 2nd Ed and with Season 10. I'm told to expect DnDAL numbers to go up about the same amount by my DnD coordinators. Table expectation for both this year is hovering around 150-180 tables total count of each. That is impressive growth in DnDAL. SFS is just not taking flight the way PFS did although there is an expectation of a few tables each of the ten sessions so maybe 20 tables offered. That is about equal to shadowrun.

Several people have said that if I had just explained my reasons for denying them support in the first place, this would not have happened. I am curious if that translates into - I got what I deserved?

In addition, I don't think any response in which they got less support for their event than what they felt they deserved would have garnered any less of a response on their part.

I am willing to accept that you believe I have lost the moral high ground. Because I have the ability to respond in just an angry fashion as my attackers and my response was censored. That was unfortunate in my opinion.

I am very certain the community will not think my crap doesn't stink - MisterSlanky will not let me get away with that.

I was very angry after being attacked in a personal way on these forums. I own the original post and have shared it with several people who have asked to see it. Its pretty nasty, but that doesn't make it less true and as this is my first time ever being cyber-bullied I would respectfully ask that the community bear with me and to witness what its like for someone and their family to have to go through this so perhaps the next person so inclined will think before they act and the next person attacked will learn from my experience.

These kinds of personal attacks have happened numerous times and a lot of people no longer come to these forums because they feel this is not a safe place to have discussions about the campaign. Even simple questions get trolled and the trolls know they can attack and be as nasty as they want because the post will be deleted or censored or the thread locked from further comment. This is often the goal of the attacker. So they do over and over again and drive away good people from the community.

You are right this has never happened before and because of that we are all learning. A discussion needs to occur if we are going to face this issue going forward. I am simply asking that we stop ignoring the problem and start dealing with it. I am open to continuing the dialog.

I have asked Chris and Tonya that they please unlock the thread.

Too many times we as a community close our eyes to a toxic element within the campaign. I want to be able to have a discussion with people regarding the two issues this thread represents to me.

1. There are those within the campaign that operate outside or in the grey areas of the rules and have done so for years and want to continue to do so. When the rules are finally applied to them, thread's like this one are how they react.

2. This also shows that we are all susceptible to cyber-bullying. This is a clear case of people who have used the internet to attempt to bully people to give them what they want. To get what they want these folks have made threats, leveled fallacious allegations, and attacked me at a very personal level. I would ask that if I am willing to bear the slings and arrows that Paizo be willing to let it happen.

By closing our eyes to this behavior we are yet again condoning it. Too many good people have stopped attending the forums because they were attacked and denied the voice to effectively fight back. Its past time that we address the toxic element within the community.

I have had several private conversations regarding this topic already and am happy to continue to have more of those. If you have questions/comments please send them to me or post them here. I'm trying to get the three posters of this topic to engage me on private conversation so I can find out what is behind their attack. For my part I own any bad decisions I make but I can't address them if I'm unaware of their impact on people.

People need to see this thread as an example that they can discuss topics, even while angry. But also as an example of the behavior that is not acceptable. If people are angry and have a right to be so, they should be able to express that safely within the community we have established, without assaulting one another and also without fear of the conversation getting completely shut down. Sometimes people just need to rant and rave and get it out of their system.

I would always advise people to take complaints directly to the source, it is very unfortunate that did not happen in this case. I have always tried to go above and beyond to make myself available to those in my region.

However, people should know they can take complaints to the public square if that is what they want to do. I certainly don't fear that but if you ask for transparency while choosing to take a complaint public the community response may not be what you expect if the truth is not on your side.

October 13, 2016

I know a lot of folks have been waiting for my response and I want to thank everyone for their support and restraint regarding this matter. I think Tonya did a good job outlining the reasons why the event did not qualify to run the special, but let me summarize:

• The request was past the deadline for support.
  
• The request did not include the proper paperwork.
  
• The request stated in it, that the event did NOT have enough tables to qualify. (Which is why I felt no explanation was necessary - you already KNEW you didn't qualify for the special)
  
• The Warhorn site confirmed that the event did not have the tables to qualify for the special.
  

This past weekend my family and friends and the local community had hurricane Matthew bearing down on us. People are fighting for their lives and homes in some areas. Thousands of people today are still without power, thousands have lost everything they own and in some areas there are still evacuation and rescue efforts underway. I'm sorry I couldn't reply sooner as I was busy helping the Housing Solutions Task Force get its infrastructure up and running to begin relief efforts here in SC and didn't have time respond.

I would ask such compassionate and charitable people such as yourselves and your like-minded friends to consider reaching out with your time, energy and money and see if there is any assistance or relief you can provide to those facing the aftermath of Matthew.

While I think Extra Life is a wonderful charity and have personally donated to it several times, the rules must still apply for your event as they do for all others, including my own. There are many different events that deserve support. However, no event deserves special treatment just for supporting a good cause or because of who is involved with it. This is a great cause, and I encourage anyone reading this to donate to this charity and not let the behavior of this particular group of supporters detract from a good organization such as Extra Life. You can make your donations to Extra Life directly here.

Over my time with the campaign I have run almost 800 tables, coordinated or helped coordinate dozens of conventions, game days, charity events, library and school events. I have spent hundreds of hours giving presentations to a wide variety of groups about this hobby, including to the board of the Children's Miracle Network. I have traveled thousands of miles and logged over 5000 hours supporting this campaign over 8 years. I was a venture captain before there were actual venture captains. A few years ago they awarded me campaign service coin 722 alongside Bob and Todd. This cemented my enthusiasm for my continued support of this great company and the campaign it has provided to this wonderful hobby.

Each year, I and my company (SCARAB) give time and money to a variety of charitable events and through the support of Paizo and other great gaming companies have given away and arranged to be given away tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of products in support of those same efforts. It is my opinion that this community has not appropriately recognized Paizo for its generosity over the years. Companies with their generosity are genuinely hard to find.

If you ever believe my judgment to be in error, I am always available to discuss any decision I make. All my VO should have my cell phone number and email. In addition hundreds of players and GMs across the globe have that information and frequently call me for questions, answers, guidance and advice. I will gladly answer any questions, even during hurricanes.

I would humbly remind people of the old adage "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes".

I am sorry for the distress this has caused. I would advise anyone with a problem to address your issues directly and privately with the source before posting your grievances in a public forum.

Sincerely,
DC
RVC of the SE

Farewell Mike. The very best wishes to you and your family.

For those who were not a part of the first three years of the campaign you probably don't realize how much work Mike has done and the massive improvements that he made in the campaign. But having been in this from the beginning I can tell you honestly that Mike made a huge difference in the campaign and anyone that steps into this position will have their job cut out for them to live up to the high standards he has set for his successor.

SCARAB Gaming Convention

4-Days of Gaming

Medallion Convention Center
7309 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209
January 16-19, 2015
www.S-C-A-R-A-B.com

Let me start by saying -
ALMOST 250 TABLES OF PFS AT SCARAB 2015 and our goal for 2016 is to put 300 tables of PFS on the schedule!

HUGE SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE VENTURE OFFICERS AND PAIZO'S JOHN COMPTON FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE

4-Days of Gaming Goodness!!! Come on out and have some fun!!!

I need more Game Masters this year! If you want to come to SCARAB let me know as soon as possible!

GM Discounts.

Tier I GM or Volunteer (35 hours):

• Free Badge
  
• 1/4 of a Hotel Room
  
• T-shirt
  
• $5 Food Per Diem at the Cantina
  
• GM Gift ($30 Value)
  
• Special GM Boon
  

• Free Badge
  
• T-shirt
  
• $5 Food Per Diem at the Cantina
  
• Special GM Boon
  

• Discount Badge ($25)
  
• Special GM Boon
  

If you are looking to find the SCARAB Swarm in the next few months you can find us at many great events near you!

Keep up with our travels on our calendar.

Check out our newest event this year -
SCORPION GAMER CAMP

3-DAYS OF:

• 24-hour Gaming
  
• Horseback Riding
  
• Archery
  
• Fishing
  
• Boating
  
• Hiking
  
• Swimming
  
• Confidence Course
  
• LARP
  
• CPR Training
  
• Includes 5 meals fit for a hungry gamer!
  
• Did I mention 24-hour Gaming
  

Mike Brock challenged the VO's at GenCon Indy to be more healthy and lose weight. This is our way of giving gamers some healthy fun outdoor activities and a great way to recharge their batteries in addition to tons of gaming options. 100% of the proceeds go to charity.

Then the year culminates with SCARAB Gaming Convention January 2016!!!

Nathan thanks for your help with SCARAB 2015. You are awesome!

I am planning on coming up there for a weekend in Feb, hopefully to run Eyes in a single weekend.

SCARAB was a blast! Thanks to the APL for all their assistance and we are really looking forward to next year!

I have worked with Mike at several events and would say that he is a top notch GM and I think he'll make a great VL!

My official Hollywood-style acceptance speech:

First, I have to thank my beautiful wife and wonderful kids, who have still never been DNA tested, (*laugh track*) for all their support. I am further beholden to Mike Brock and Steve Miller for being cool and Matt Polkowsky for being a tool; love you Matt; (*laugh track*), for if not for the three of them and a singularly perfect storm I would have never become a Venture Captain with Paizo. I also have to give a humongous thanks to SCARAB and the SCARAB Swarm and to the many, many game masters and volunteers who have helped with convention and retailer events, all of your hard work makes this job so much fun and you all make me look like I know what I am doing and I am incredibly and humbly thankful for all the hours you have put into this hobby – you’re simply awesome! In the same vein I also have to say that I am very grateful for all the players who have attended those same events and for all their kind words of praise and support. Last, but most assuredly not least, I have to give a huge shout out to Paizo who has created this fantastic game that so many of us love to play and all their hard work and support for this campaign.
One last point I want to make is about those other past and to any future winners of this award. I just want to say that I look up to you all for inspiration and guidance and am honored to work with all of you to promote this great hobby – thanks for all that you do.

DC

Getting ready for GenCon. Vans are ordered, schedule is set, scenarios are getting prepped.

Added some more Bonekeep slots today. We are over 200 tables of PFS!!!

Just got the notification: John Compton will be back at SCARAB this year!!! He will be running some PFS, helping judge Iron GM and assisting with the PFS special Saturday Night.

I have nothing to do in December, I may come up for that game day and run some stuff.

Welcome to new Venture Lieutenants in Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC

Please join me in welcoming Brent Gass as the new Venture LT in Greenville, SC and Michael Lone as the new Venture LT in Spartanburg, SC. I am very excited to have them onboard.

As usual we try to supply everything all the GMs will need. Just bring yourself and be ready to have a great time!

*** RANT

My gunslinger is a musket master, but my youngest plays a pistol guy. So let me play devils advocate here.

So lets say weapon cords get banned. My son decides his character is still going to have his pistols attached via a strap to the wrist. So is the rule then going to be: It requires a what ??? move action to recover? Because now its like picking up an item? OK I am certain he can live with that.

Because we are not seriously going to tell people they cannot tie stuff to their wrists, right? That would be stupid!

We don't want to ban the item just the mechanic that gives people all these extra attacks with a full round action each round with a firearm, because yet again, the item that people are pissing and moaning over are firearms. I see no one complaining about strapping a crossbow to a weapon cord :-)

Lets say we ban the mechanic of attaching anything to your wrist at all, ever. At 11th level the boy will just buy a few extra double barrel pistols and with the quickdraw feat still be able to rain death on a full round action.

This seems to me like this one of those arguments where people are either not thinking about the next step, or what happens when the result is what people want or are maybe pretending like they are not thinking about it. I wonder if this is not some sort of Overton Window.

If weapon cords get banned. I think what happens next is that people are still upset about the gunslinger and the next argument is to ban the double-barrel weapons and then ultimately the class altogether.

So if people are getting so twisted up about the class, just ban the class already and get it over with!

My vote would be ban the double barrel guns and leave the weapon cords and the gunslinger.

END RANT ***