Grumpy Old Man's page

What might be in order is a little database app that creates a really nice html stat block that can be copied and pasted into excel or word. More control and easier configuration than an excel solution. The app could be entirely web-based with user-specific customizations/profiles. The code should be portable and not require any name-brand database engine, instead using very simple files to store data. I created one of these long-long ago for use with 2e...

Does this notion seem worthy?

The problem with an Engineering major is that Engineering is not as important to me as History. I would much rather double major or minor in Engineering.

My one major issue issue with Engineering is that I have to take some really advanced math. This is not good.

How important is eating?

History and art are fine hobbies, but they seldom put dinner on the table.

Bone up on the math. It is worth the effort.

Science and Engineering rule.

Good luck, my romantic, young, idealistic friend! :)

Top 5 RPGs--Q3 2010

In the ICv2 article out this morning, Pathfinder is now tied with Dungeons and Dragons 4E as the best selling Role Playing Game on the market for the past quarter. Allow me to be the first to extend my congratulations to the entire Paizo team! You guys have earned it. *Salute*

It's only logical...

Good people -> dedication -> service -> quality -> execution -> delivery -> success -> acclaim.

Ooh-rah!

I understand their stated purpose, but I think it's a waste of time and will turn out to be a waste of people's money.

You might be surprised at the customer acquisition payoff for introductory sets. Given an extremely attractive box design and a good variety of well made components, the intros do have significant impact in recruiting new players.

For a potential player who has no materials, their is a huge leap between risking $20 instead of $40-$100 (books, dice, maps, etc.) just to get started. The lower risk factor results in more purchases, which in turn results in more active players. There's a bunch of marketing voodoo stats behind this, but the data works out strongly in favor of a $20 intro kit, expecially if good advertising hits at the same time as the release (or very shortly before).

In fact, odds are extremely high that most existing players who have the core products already will buy the starter set either out of a sense of curiosity, loyalty, or to have around for helping new players/GMs.

The intro set is a great idea that, if well executed, has huge potential for profitably attracting and retaining loyal customers, which is the primary objective of most businesses.

I design/build marketing data systems for a living, so the above is not mere speculation. Rather, such is based on observance of actual data relating to introductory kits for a variety of industries as they relate to customer acquisition and loyalty. In short: intro kits work.

Ravingdork wrote:

Wait just a minute. He enchanted his own sword? And presumably succeeded on the necessary checks to do so? And you decided to screw him over by arbitrarily cursing his sword?

SHAME ON YOU!

The flavor of what you are trying to do is nothing short of awesome, but you've crossed the line when you broke the rules in order to ruin a player's fun.

Heaven forbid that a GM actually work with the circumstances presented by the player to make things interesting.

Having the game entirely decided upon by mere dice rolls = lame.

Bravo to the OP for actually coming up with a flavorful side effect that apparently has no real mechanical consequences, just RP ones.

Agreed - the rules are guidelines... the play's the thing... improv for such things really goes to the heart of the game: creative situational problem solving (with a bonus for entertainment/comedic value).

The whistling sword is brilliant. Stupid PC ideas often lead to some hillarious runs of cause and effect. The ultimate result of stupid is death. However, the timing, complexity and details of such demise should be directly proportional to the intensity of the stupidty. Seriously dumb ideas should make a colorful and lasting impression, but beware such creative idiocy may be therafter executed simply to test your ability to respond. Also bear in mind that some folks actually either a) enjoy or b) can't shake being habitual crash-test dummies.

I like the idea of a harness worn under a jacket or some such that has several sleeves for carrying wands that can be grabbed quickly, much like you'd see undercover cops using in movies for holding pistols.

Much more flavorful and badass sounding than sticking the wand in your belt.

A wandoleer, perhaps? With pouches for components as well? Hmm...

As far as handy slots, good thinking... for small or smartly attached/holstered items... One might get extra points for cleverness if a belt with many handy pouches is bright yellow, thought such is not very stealthy :)

Large items, such as (non-weapon) hammers, axes, camp shovels, and other long gear, would not generally be carried inside a pack, but would have leather straps to carry the gear over the shoulder.

You would be amazed how many ways soldiers find to stow items in pockets, belt pouches and clipped to harnesses for ready use. I can think of a dozen items used regularly that could be reached in an instant with one hand, while wearing armor, without going into my pack or changing position at all: Ammo (components/small trown weapons), water, energy bars (rations), knife, lighter (tinderstick), flashlight (scroll tube with permanent light cast inside and a lens/cover), shades, compass, binocs (spyglass), battle dressing (bandages), spool of string (you'd be surprised), chalk, flares, sidearm (dagger), etc...

Basically, if the player can explain or demonstrate the handiness of an item, they should be allowed to use such, rather than being limited to a fixed number.

When I saw this at my local game shop it brought a smile and good memories. I don't play 4e but I was tempted to buy it just for the nostalgia of the box. I first played D&D out of the red box set. It tore at my heart to put it back on the shelf.

I went ahead and bought it, as I have purchased every version of the game since day one... and still have most of them on my shelves.

It does what it claims and is fairly slick, but lacks the personality of earlier starting sets that was apparent in the writing... but I could be jaded... will give it another solid read...

So, how about a Pathfinder starter set of similar scope and price?

Magnificent! Stunning, I'm sure, to all but those who know Pathfinder. Though pleased beyond measure, we should not be surprised at all that the beautiful work of Paizo should be awarded so many honors.

Cheers to you all! Ooh-Rah!

After a long life of widely varied experiences, having seen this, my journey can be considered complete and I can die a happy man. Everything from this point forward is mundane superfluousity. :)

Don't condemn all of Texas for these particular parts of the GOP platform. Most Texans vote republican not in direct support of the GOP, but largely to avoid the extreme liberalism of the current democratic party platform. In fact, plenty of Texans are rather upset with such social issues wasting everyone's time while actual criminals pour across the southern border.

To condemn Texans in general (and even most conservatives) is just as narrow-minded, bigoted and inconsiderate of the facts as the noted parts of an ultra-conservative platform pushed by some very powerful but misguided politicians.

I have lived in north Texas for nearly 20 years, and can attest that most Texans are not so extreme in their views and there are a fair number of liberals living here as well.

If anyone uses this to show how Obama is somehow superior, check your facts first. Obama has not supported anything to the contrary. In fact, he has stated publicly that he opposes gay marriage. He has also continued nearly all of the Bush administration's policies, from domestic affairs to the conduct of war and even oil policy.

So, two points: Judging all Texans based on this GOP plank is just as bigoted as the plank itself. And, Obama has not a thing to do with it and has not endorsed any legislation to the contrary.

Cheers :)

My, what big... um... flagons. Sounds nice... Having these as mp3 downloads will surely be convenient. Given a good mp3 audio editor/mixer and a bit of creativity, one might even be able to slice in some adventure-specific voices, whispers of rumors, etc. I can think of several ways this can serve as a functional prop in addition to thematic background.

And, the price is right :)