paizo.com Favorited Posts by John M Bakerpaizo.com Favorited Posts by John M Baker2022-05-26T20:46:35Z2022-05-26T20:46:35ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Air Your GrievancesInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sz4v&page=4?Air-Your-Grievances#1812016-03-01T12:40:07Z2016-02-29T19:42:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Hama wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I don't have anyone whose playstyle I like to play with. All of my players are horrifying number crunchers that see roleplay as a means to an end and nothing more.</p>
<p>I think I'm horribly burned out. To the level that I might just decide not to play RPGs for about a decade. </blockquote><p>Try creative writing for a while. I find it helps.Hama wrote:I don't have anyone whose playstyle I like to play with. All of my players are horrifying number crunchers that see roleplay as a means to an end and nothing more.
I think I'm horribly burned out. To the level that I might just decide not to play RPGs for about a decade.
Try creative writing for a while. I find it helps.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-02-29T19:42:55ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post Discussion: GM Shady's Crypt of the Everflame DiscussionIrgal Zeth (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/campaigns/GMShadysCryptOfTheEverflame/discussion&page=4#1672016-02-18T16:04:45Z2016-02-18T16:04:07Z<p>Our diplomacy is sublime. You can be sure that we will point out every danger at every turn, keeping you safe from the monstrosities that you were unaware you had no defense against. No, don't worry about our armaments nor about our odd religious fervor, we only use those to punish unbelievers! Your thoughts are pure, aren't they? Of course they are. We'd have destroyed you by now if they were otherwise. Rejoice! Keep smiling, it's good for you!</p>Our diplomacy is sublime. You can be sure that we will point out every danger at every turn, keeping you safe from the monstrosities that you were unaware you had no defense against. No, don't worry about our armaments nor about our odd religious fervor, we only use those to punish unbelievers! Your thoughts are pure, aren't they? Of course they are. We'd have destroyed you by now if they were otherwise. Rejoice! Keep smiling, it's good for you!Irgal Zeth (alias of John M Baker)2016-02-18T16:04:07ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post Discussion: For Queen and Country - Ambassadors of Korvosa DiscussionSclivian Ruttle (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/campaigns/ForQueenAndCountryAmbassadorsOfKorvosa/discussion&page=3#1392016-02-16T01:41:03Z2016-02-15T15:37:07Z<p>Pity. </p>
<p>In any case, it's been fun playing with you all while we could, so thank you, everyone!</p>Pity.
In any case, it's been fun playing with you all while we could, so thank you, everyone!Sclivian Ruttle (alias of John M Baker)2016-02-15T15:37:07ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: GMG's PbP: Quest for Perfection (1-5) - Table BAurum Geld (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/campaigns/GMGsPbPQuestForPerfectionTableBTier12/gameplay&page=7#3102016-02-11T21:08:19Z2016-02-10T20:33:58Z<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Right, we're putting the bunny in charge.</span></p>Right, we're putting the bunny in charge.Aurum Geld (alias of John M Baker)2016-02-10T20:33:58ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: DM Jesse's Kingmaker PbPValeska (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/campaigns/DMJessesKingmakerPbP/gameplay&page=11#5192018-10-14T05:47:36Z2016-01-29T05:14:37Z<p><b>"Let us see where you come from, what forces are bringing you to this point in your life. For no one comes from nothing."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the first card. A cold beauty holds up the severed head of a suitor, reaching out to kiss it. <b>"Oh! The Betrayal. Something was coveted, someone destroyed another's trust. Yet in this position, it is a driving force. This betrayal, it ended up in your benefit. You would not have what you have today, had not someone lost to another's guile. Oh, do not fret, child, we are all born into a world of good and evil. We cannot choose where we begin. And the story is not yet told."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the second card. A man, bound and masked, is teased and goaded by goblins. <b>"The Idiot. This is what you come from. Folly, blackmail, someone who does not understand where they go. Well, we all start out knowing so little, we don't always know why we are taken advantage of. Sometimes, we don't know that we're being taken advantage of, at all. Your loss was someone's gain. But your story is not yet told."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the third card. A giant ant, reclining on cushions, wore a crown on her head. <b>"The Queen Mother. This is what was in your way. She brought you great knowledge, great wisdom. She always loves the downtrodden, those who serve. But her lessons came with a price. A price you're likely still paying. Cards, tell me! What was her price? What must she do? What story is not yet told?"</b></p>
<p>She turns over the fourth card. A dragon clutches an egg tightly in his claws. The egg bleeds. <b>"The Tyrant. Your chance. Your opportunity comes to you in the hands of a leader. There is abundance, value, plenty of support. But beware his rule, for he can suck the lifeblood from his subjects."</b></p>
<p>At this point, Tzerny makes a loud, squelched caw. Almost as if he were clearing his throat. Valeska looks at her raven, a flash of concern crossing her face. Hastily, she adds, <b>"The dominion of the wilds are abundant and harsh in equal measure. But your story is not yet told."</b></p>
<p>She turns over a fifth card, the central one in her spread. A puppet show depicts a knight slaying a dragon. <b>"The Theater. You are playing your role, not only as an actor to your patron, but to powers unseen, perhaps the gods themselves! There is something to prove, something your actions will show the world. You may have relied on The Idiot and The Queen Mother in the past, but powers beyond this world are crafting you now. What is the obstacle to one following in the step of deities, cards? Tell me..."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the sixth card. A hooded figure, crouched in front of a closed door, pulls a large collection of keys from within his cloak. <b>"The Locksmith. Tools, but also complexity. There are many small pieces to your destiny, child. Only an intricate coaxing of each part will give you access to the whole. You must feel overwhelmed by the scope of the challenge, dear. But even now, your story is not yet told."</b></p>
<p>She pauses momentarily as her lily-white, youthful and slender elfin hand hovers over the final three cards. <b>"You have seen your past and your present, but these last three promise to be your future. Mark them well. Your destiny lies within."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the seventh card. A stout halfling woman bears a healing light in one hand, and a questionable newborn in her other. <b>The Midwife. Very auspicious in this position. It is a card of birth, creation, arrivals from afar. More people will come in the future, and their arrival will herald a new world. And where do you fit in this new world?"</b></p>
<p>She turns over the eighth card. An old woman, bedeviled by flies and sores, dice in one hand, onions in the other, pleads silently to you for relief. Valeska scowls. <b>"The Sickness. There will be pestilence. Perhaps corruption. Your payment will come due. Be careful, child, for your payment will be great. But still, there is one more card. Something stands in the way, one way or another."</b></p>
<p>She turns over the final card. A serpentine lamia grins menacingly, presenting a bouquet of shriveled flowers. <b>"Ah, yes. The Liar. A defintie source of sickness. Unrequited love. Star-crossed lovers. Obsession. Something is coming to steal your heart. Guard it well to stave off the sickness. Something from your past coming home to roost, perhaps?"</b></p>
<p>She runs her fingertips over the cards. <b>"This is one of the darker readings, I'm afraid, but there is plenty of hope to be had. Creation is coming. You have the strength of powerful forces behind you. Most of the darkness is behind you. Although..."</b></p>
<p>Valeska's wistful child-nature breaks through with a giggle. <b>"Maybe it's the radishes talking, but the last time someone had The Midwife and The Sickness in her future, she got pregnant!"</b></p>"Let us see where you come from, what forces are bringing you to this point in your life. For no one comes from nothing."
She turns over the first card. A cold beauty holds up the severed head of a suitor, reaching out to kiss it. "Oh! The Betrayal. Something was coveted, someone destroyed another's trust. Yet in this position, it is a driving force. This betrayal, it ended up in your benefit. You would not have what you have today, had not someone lost to another's guile. Oh, do not fret,...Valeska (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-29T05:14:37ZRe: Forums: Books: What books are you currently reading?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2gmcl&page=162?What-books-are-you-currently-reading#80952016-01-20T05:11:05Z2016-01-19T20:32:26Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zeugma wrote:</div><blockquote> I had to take a break from Hambly and read some Jorge Luis Borges because the cliches and inconsistencies were getting to me. Any other Borges fans on here? </blockquote><p>Huge Borges fan here. I have a copy of <i>Ficciones</i> that is nearly falling apart.Zeugma wrote:I had to take a break from Hambly and read some Jorge Luis Borges because the cliches and inconsistencies were getting to me. Any other Borges fans on here?
Huge Borges fan here. I have a copy of Ficciones that is nearly falling apart.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-19T20:32:26ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Ask Merisiel Sillvari ALL your questions hereInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m6ge&page=95?Ask-Merisiel-Sillvari-ALL-your-questions-here#47352016-01-19T12:17:24Z2016-01-14T16:07:26Z<p>I prefer to think of a birthday as proof that death failed to catch you yet again.</p>I prefer to think of a birthday as proof that death failed to catch you yet again.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-14T16:07:26ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Terrible Party Balance in Fantasy MoviesInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t7yt&page=3?Terrible-Party-Balance-in-Fantasy-Movies#1032016-01-08T06:09:04Z2016-01-06T21:30:55Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tacticslion wrote:</div><blockquote> <span class=messageboard-ooc> For those that haven't seen (the D&D Movie): don't. It sucks. Unless you want to see Jeremy Irons not only chew the scenery, but devour it whole before {SPOILER ALERT} behind devoured whole by bad CGI dragons. But for the record, the party comprised of two thieves (one of which was Marlon Wayans), an apprentice wizard, a dwarf, an elf (sometimes - sometimes, she wasn't really a party member), and the only healing available was from another elf, who had a vaguely druidic philosophy, just without the wildshaping.</span> </blockquote><p>I have found one correct way to view this movie. Gather your friends and favorite drinks of choice. Then, open the special features (do note the little puzzle you must complete first), and turn on the director commentary.
<p>Then watch the thing and laugh.</p>
<p>Warning: after watching it with the commentary on, you might be tempted to see it again with it off. Don't. It's a trap. You'll be paying for it in seconds.</p>Tacticslion wrote: For those that haven't seen (the D&D Movie): don't. It sucks. Unless you want to see Jeremy Irons not only chew the scenery, but devour it whole before {SPOILER ALERT} behind devoured whole by bad CGI dragons. But for the record, the party comprised of two thieves (one of which was Marlon Wayans), an apprentice wizard, a dwarf, an elf (sometimes - sometimes, she wasn't really a party member), and the only healing available was from another elf, who had a vaguely druidic...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-06T21:30:55ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: The league of people okay with anime in their fantasy.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t7d0&page=4?The-league-of-people-okay-with-anime-in-their#1522016-01-07T06:57:23Z2016-01-05T18:16:19Z<p>I swear, I've had anime pushed on me harder than Christianity.</p>I swear, I've had anime pushed on me harder than Christianity.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-05T18:16:19ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Game Altering (or Game Breaking?) Spells: Intro and ListInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t877?Game-Altering-Spells-Intro-and-List#72016-01-05T18:06:49Z2016-01-05T17:19:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Create Mr. Pitt wrote:</div><blockquote> I don't think there are many spells that truly if ever break the game, if handled well as GM.</blockquote><p>Absolutely agree! Yet it might be instructive to show the new/inexperienced GM how to handle the spell well. Sometimes it's not so obvious.Create Mr. Pitt wrote:I don't think there are many spells that truly if ever break the game, if handled well as GM.
Absolutely agree! Yet it might be instructive to show the new/inexperienced GM how to handle the spell well. Sometimes it's not so obvious.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2016-01-05T17:19:52ZRe: Forums: Forum Games: Goofus and GallantInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s3yh&page=8?Goofus-and-Gallant#3892015-12-28T16:02:20Z2015-12-28T15:59:17Z<p>Goofus keeps four red dragons in the first room of the dungeon. That should make for a fun first encounter for the new characters.</p>
<p>(I speak from experience, unfortunately.)</p>
<p>Gallant think about hooks for the PCs, helping the players to want to search adventure.</p>Goofus keeps four red dragons in the first room of the dungeon. That should make for a fun first encounter for the new characters.
(I speak from experience, unfortunately.)
Gallant think about hooks for the PCs, helping the players to want to search adventure.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-28T15:59:17ZRe: Forums: Forum Games: Goofus and GallantInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s3yh&page=8?Goofus-and-Gallant#3832015-12-17T01:13:39Z2015-12-16T22:48:32Z<p>Goofus kicks out players that demand on "study time" for "finals week" because he only plays with hardcore gamers.</p>
<p>Gallant prepares extra stat blocks for creatures and henchmen he travels with and/or expects to summon.</p>Goofus kicks out players that demand on "study time" for "finals week" because he only plays with hardcore gamers.
Gallant prepares extra stat blocks for creatures and henchmen he travels with and/or expects to summon.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-16T22:48:32ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post: DM Jesse's Kingmaker PbPValeska (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/campaigns/DMJessesKingmakerPbP/gameplay&page=7#3202018-10-07T07:17:08Z2015-12-13T17:16:18Z<p>Valeska looks on the entire scene in shock, hardly sure what to make of it. </p>
<p>Yet with a sudden flourish to stand up straight, she cocks her head and walks forward with purpose as if to speak. And yet... she says nothing, her eyes glazing over slightly.</p>
<p>Tzerny speaks for her.</p>
<p><b>"Valeska's a bit of a delicate hatchling about violence, and would love nothing more than to save everyone's lives and have us all live in harmony."</b></p>
<p>Valeska walks toward Vance and gestures towards him. Tzerny continues, <b>"But you know the truth of the situation. That's impossible. Things are too desperate out here, we act out of necessity, not some hope to sing with our neighbors. But we also aren't in the city. You'd all be strung up because there would be a whole hundred other people willing to take up the slack of your loss. Not out here. There needs to be forgiveness, understanding, knowledge of whether turning our back on you will be a benefit, or a mistake."</b></p>
<p>Valeska places her hands behind her back and walks around, as the raven continues his speech. <b>"Civilization is coming to these lands. It's not going to be some triumphant march of a thousand soldiers declaring this place as theirs. It's going to be the slow encroachment of labor and effort into these lands, as settlers continue to enter here out of necessity or worse. Some will help. Some will not."</b></p>
<p>The witch stops and stares past everyone. <b>"That is where we come in. We are going to separate the wheat from the chaff. Mistakes will be made. People will die as we fight back against the chaos and darkness. But Valeska is going to save the lives of as many of you as possible, so that the decision to kill, turn any of you into my next meal, will be done deliberately. We will need extra hands to help as civilization grows. Extra eyes, extra ears, extra minds, extra hearts. Prove your value to us, show your loyalty, band together with us against the wilds, and you will be protected, and, over time, the numbers will be on your side. Turn against us, become a thorn in our side, and you will be plucked."</b></p>
<p><span class="messageboard-dice"><b>Diplomacy (aiding Carinna):</b></span> <span class="messageboard-dice">1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5</span></p>Valeska looks on the entire scene in shock, hardly sure what to make of it.
Yet with a sudden flourish to stand up straight, she cocks her head and walks forward with purpose as if to speak. And yet... she says nothing, her eyes glazing over slightly.
Tzerny speaks for her.
"Valeska's a bit of a delicate hatchling about violence, and would love nothing more than to save everyone's lives and have us all live in harmony."
Valeska walks toward Vance and gestures towards him. Tzerny...Valeska (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-13T17:16:18ZRe: Forums: Forum Games: Goofus and GallantInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2s3yh&page=8?Goofus-and-Gallant#3672017-05-11T18:56:21Z2015-12-11T14:57:01Z<p>...at the hands of Goofus.</p>
<p>Gallant avoids topics that are sensitive to the other players.</p>...at the hands of Goofus.
Gallant avoids topics that are sensitive to the other players.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-11T14:57:01ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: On the Problems with Communication, Discourse, and Social JusticeInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t080&page=15?On-the-Problems-with-Communication-Discourse#7502015-12-03T02:16:26Z2015-12-03T00:24:49Z<p>Oh, heck, I know I crushed on girls when I was four, too. The interest wasn't sexual until puberty, but they were very real crushes.</p>
<p>I also knew I had a whole host of other proclivities that, come puberty, proved to be sexual in nature, back when I was four, as well. I've always had my sexuality, and no, those other proclivities... they most definitely were not taught to me by family or media choices.</p>
<p>I am quite convinced that these sort of things are most definitely nature.</p>
<p>(ETA: I was a good kid in my teen years, so an interest in girls at four isn't necessarily asking for trouble in your teens, Tacticslion.)</p>Oh, heck, I know I crushed on girls when I was four, too. The interest wasn't sexual until puberty, but they were very real crushes.
I also knew I had a whole host of other proclivities that, come puberty, proved to be sexual in nature, back when I was four, as well. I've always had my sexuality, and no, those other proclivities... they most definitely were not taught to me by family or media choices.
I am quite convinced that these sort of things are most definitely nature.
(ETA: I was a...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-03T00:24:49ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: On the Problems with Communication, Discourse, and Social JusticeInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t080&page=15?On-the-Problems-with-Communication-Discourse#7232015-12-02T17:12:59Z2015-12-02T16:10:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">thejeff wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Caineach wrote:</div><blockquote> In scientific discussions it is rarely seen as derogatory, and is almost always defined as to how they are using the term. I see it in common usage ALL THE TIME. I see it in blog posts, hear it regularly in conversation, and almost invariably there is someone present who takes offense to the term. It derails potentially useful conversations and conveys unintended meanings. Not to mention the fact that it is regularly intentionally used derogatorily in those contexts. </blockquote><p>I agree about the scientific discussions. I rarely see it in common use. Mostly in online discussions about trans/gender identity issues. Incredibly rarely in Real Life(tm).
</p>
And rarely have I seen it intentionally used derogatorily, though I've seen people take offense. </blockquote><p>And here we see how one person's lack of exposure to derogatory statements leads them to believe it is not a problem, despite another person's exposure to derogatory statements.
<p>This is part of the "talking past each other" problem we experience. "I don't witness ______, thus you're wrong to claim you experience it."</p>thejeff wrote:Caineach wrote: In scientific discussions it is rarely seen as derogatory, and is almost always defined as to how they are using the term. I see it in common usage ALL THE TIME. I see it in blog posts, hear it regularly in conversation, and almost invariably there is someone present who takes offense to the term. It derails potentially useful conversations and conveys unintended meanings. Not to mention the fact that it is regularly intentionally used derogatorily in those...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-12-02T16:10:51ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: On the Problems with Communication, Discourse, and Social JusticeInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t080&page=13?On-the-Problems-with-Communication-Discourse#6102015-11-13T14:44:36Z2015-11-13T14:44:15Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Freehold DM wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Caineach wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">GM_Beernorg wrote:</div><blockquote> I am intrigued now, I may have to buy that book, though wondering how one could not realize it is a parody, oh well, a good read is a good read. I for one don't mind a little tongue in cheek with our tentacled overlord once in a while. </blockquote>The authors wanted to prove how bad the state of young adult literature was, so they made what they thought was the worst possible thing they could, with the help of twitter, to show how far something could get into the review process. They were expecting to document their journey and self-publish a terrible manuscript along with details of the journey, to show how bad everyone they worked with was. They didn't need to self-publish because it was picked up with minimal edits. Currently, anything can get published as a YA novel. </blockquote>i would argue that this has always been the case, since penny dreadfuls through twilight through whatever nonsense your grandkids will read. </blockquote><p>Yes, this isn't really as much the YA state of affairs as the paranormal romance state. But in either case, there's always been a market for cheesy readers for as long as they have existed.
<p>It's still kind of cool to watch the process.</p>Freehold DM wrote:Caineach wrote: GM_Beernorg wrote: I am intrigued now, I may have to buy that book, though wondering how one could not realize it is a parody, oh well, a good read is a good read. I for one don't mind a little tongue in cheek with our tentacled overlord once in a while.
The authors wanted to prove how bad the state of young adult literature was, so they made what they thought was the worst possible thing they could, with the help of twitter, to show how far something could...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-13T14:44:15ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: DM moving to the U.S.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t40w&page=2?DM-moving-to-the-US#602015-11-11T20:41:23Z2015-11-11T20:39:19Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Reebo Kesh wrote:</div><blockquote>Seriously you have 50 States to choose from! We have 1, ok maybe 2 if you count Melbourne. </blockquote><p>Well... A good 30 of them no one ever really considers.
<p>But yes, if you're looking for the highly-educated-big-city vibe, then the top choices would be SF Bay Area, Seattle, DC, NYC, Boston.</p>Reebo Kesh wrote:Seriously you have 50 States to choose from! We have 1, ok maybe 2 if you count Melbourne.
Well... A good 30 of them no one ever really considers. But yes, if you're looking for the highly-educated-big-city vibe, then the top choices would be SF Bay Area, Seattle, DC, NYC, Boston.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-11T20:39:19ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Air Your GrievancesInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sz4v&page=4?Air-Your-Grievances#1602016-02-24T02:02:14Z2015-11-10T18:00:47Z<p>Sorry to hear about that, HeHateMe. In my experience, brutal scorched earth PC parties are the worst in every system. It's usually coupled with extreme paranoia, to the point that they're paralyzed with fear if it becomes clear that people will <i>know who they are</i>, even if it's just for crossing the street.</p>
<p>Sometimes I wonder if it's because of bad experiences with prior GMs, or if it's in their nature.</p>Sorry to hear about that, HeHateMe. In my experience, brutal scorched earth PC parties are the worst in every system. It's usually coupled with extreme paranoia, to the point that they're paralyzed with fear if it becomes clear that people will know who they are, even if it's just for crossing the street.
Sometimes I wonder if it's because of bad experiences with prior GMs, or if it's in their nature.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-10T18:00:47ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Sooooooo why can't I be divine caster with out a deity in PFS again?Tanariel (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t2wf&page=2?Sooooooo-why-cant-I-be-divine-caster-with-out#872015-11-07T03:40:59Z2015-11-06T20:03:55Z<p>I'm still on my first adventure, so I've yet to see how it ends, but I'm working well with my fellow Pathfinders, because that's what I'm going to do. </p>
<p>Being a cleric of an evil deity is but part of the whole experience.</p>I'm still on my first adventure, so I've yet to see how it ends, but I'm working well with my fellow Pathfinders, because that's what I'm going to do.
Being a cleric of an evil deity is but part of the whole experience.Tanariel (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-06T20:03:55ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Name one Pathfinder rule or subsystem that you dislike, and say why:InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qakc&page=30?Name-one-Pathfinder-rule-or-subsystem-that#14802015-11-06T17:25:47Z2015-11-06T02:08:43Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">blackbloodtroll wrote:</div><blockquote> Also, if no one ever charged a Bracing enemy, then why was it ever a tactic? </blockquote><p>Because in real life, bracing can be done between the time a charge starts, and when the charge reaches you, because a charging army in formation (or even in a random group rushing your position) can't just stop midway without getting poked and trampled by his own guys.
<p>But, the round structure prevents that.</p>blackbloodtroll wrote:Also, if no one ever charged a Bracing enemy, then why was it ever a tactic?
Because in real life, bracing can be done between the time a charge starts, and when the charge reaches you, because a charging army in formation (or even in a random group rushing your position) can't just stop midway without getting poked and trampled by his own guys. But, the round structure prevents that.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-06T02:08:43ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Name one Pathfinder rule or subsystem that you dislike, and say why:InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qakc&page=30?Name-one-Pathfinder-rule-or-subsystem-that#14702015-11-06T10:29:27Z2015-11-05T23:21:06Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">blackbloodtroll wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">InVinoVeritas wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Bracing rules.</p>
<p>"I hold my action to brace for a charge!"</p>
<p>"Oh, okay.... I don't charge, then." </blockquote>That's, well, a metagame problem. </blockquote><p>True, but the way it's spelled out in play, makes metagaming it completely predictable.blackbloodtroll wrote:InVinoVeritas wrote:Bracing rules.
"I hold my action to brace for a charge!"
"Oh, okay.... I don't charge, then."
That's, well, a metagame problem. True, but the way it's spelled out in play, makes metagaming it completely predictable.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-05T23:21:06ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Name one Pathfinder rule or subsystem that you dislike, and say why:InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qakc&page=30?Name-one-Pathfinder-rule-or-subsystem-that#14682015-11-09T15:29:27Z2015-11-05T23:15:28Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">andreww wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Snotlord wrote:</div><blockquote> Traits. Awkward execution. Too fiddly for pointless bonuses. Really really poor design.</blockquote><p>Except for those which provide pretty huge bonuses, like Magical Lineage or the stat substitution ones.
<p>Which to be honest, is simply the other end of the same problem. </blockquote><p>They seem pointless to me. You choose them for the bonuses, not because it makes sense for your character's history.
<p>For some reason, Golarion is a world of two kinds of people: people who spent much of their childhood wearing armor, and the people they bullied and made jumpy.</p>andreww wrote:Snotlord wrote: Traits. Awkward execution. Too fiddly for pointless bonuses. Really really poor design.
Except for those which provide pretty huge bonuses, like Magical Lineage or the stat substitution ones. Which to be honest, is simply the other end of the same problem. They seem pointless to me. You choose them for the bonuses, not because it makes sense for your character's history. For some reason, Golarion is a world of two kinds of people: people who spent much of their...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-05T23:15:28ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Name one Pathfinder rule or subsystem that you dislike, and say why:InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qakc&page=30?Name-one-Pathfinder-rule-or-subsystem-that#14672015-11-06T13:36:56Z2015-11-05T23:13:18Z<p>Bracing rules.</p>
<p>"I hold my action to brace for a charge!"</p>
<p>"Oh, okay.... I don't charge, then."</p>Bracing rules.
"I hold my action to brace for a charge!"
"Oh, okay.... I don't charge, then."InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-05T23:13:18ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Is OWLBEAR a BEAR?Party-Laying Bear (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t30b&page=2?Is-OWLBEAR-a-BEAR#682015-11-06T03:52:51Z2015-11-05T01:37:11Z<p>Owlbears do not throw better parties, though.</p>Owlbears do not throw better parties, though.Party-Laying Bear (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-05T01:37:11ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: But I really want to be a Dwarf.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t30k?But-I-really-want-to-be-a-Dwarf#452015-11-04T22:24:36Z2015-11-04T21:38:49Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Two-Gun Sam wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">FLite wrote:</div><blockquote> I kind of want to see a dwarven gun tank. But I am not sure how you are supposed to use a tower shield and a firearm together. </blockquote>take a couple levels of Alchemist (maybe Grenadier?) to get the Extra Arm discovery? A Dwarf with a third arm (out of his beard?) - ok, that's just a bit to weird. </blockquote><p>I was thinking a single level of Witch and take the Prehensile Beard hex.Two-Gun Sam wrote:FLite wrote: I kind of want to see a dwarven gun tank. But I am not sure how you are supposed to use a tower shield and a firearm together.
take a couple levels of Alchemist (maybe Grenadier?) to get the Extra Arm discovery? A Dwarf with a third arm (out of his beard?) - ok, that's just a bit to weird. I was thinking a single level of Witch and take the Prehensile Beard hex.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-04T21:38:49ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Is OWLBEAR a BEAR?Party-Laying Bear (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t30b?Is-OWLBEAR-a-BEAR#432015-11-06T03:50:58Z2015-11-04T17:37:38Z<p>I have been summoned.</p>
<p>Hello.</p>I have been summoned.
Hello.Party-Laying Bear (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-04T17:37:38ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Name one Pathfinder rule or subsystem that you dislike, and say why:InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qakc&page=29?Name-one-Pathfinder-rule-or-subsystem-that#14182015-11-05T01:43:16Z2015-11-04T15:16:02Z<p>I played 2E tons without a magic mart ever. It's even more doable in that system. </p>
<p>The trick is, if the GM throws werewolves at you, the GM needs to know what the outcome is. If the GM says, "You don't have silver/magic, but here are some werewolves," then that GM better know that either the PCs have some way of dealing with it, or that they've got some way to avoid/evade the encounter, otherwise they die.</p>
<p>No encounter just magically appears (even if it's summoned, even in old-school "wandering monster" tables). Every one is staged by the GM, and whether there's magic mart or not, the GM needs to know what the PCs are capable of handling. That, in the end, is what matters, not whether magic mart exists or not.</p>I played 2E tons without a magic mart ever. It's even more doable in that system.
The trick is, if the GM throws werewolves at you, the GM needs to know what the outcome is. If the GM says, "You don't have silver/magic, but here are some werewolves," then that GM better know that either the PCs have some way of dealing with it, or that they've got some way to avoid/evade the encounter, otherwise they die.
No encounter just magically appears (even if it's summoned, even in old-school...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-04T15:16:02ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Air Your GrievancesInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sz4v&page=3?Air-Your-Grievances#1432017-04-05T23:58:51Z2015-11-03T15:35:24Z<p>What I dislike are people who tell everyone that the game Must Be Played One Way, and try to paint those who play differently as somehow deficient.</p>What I dislike are people who tell everyone that the game Must Be Played One Way, and try to paint those who play differently as somehow deficient.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-11-03T15:35:24ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: How have you modified Golarion to suit your game?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sxct&page=2?How-have-you-modified-Golarion-to-suit-your-game#962019-08-10T18:25:46Z2015-10-29T16:03:50Z<p>I'm developing my campaign to be based out of Katapesh, with most of the action in Garund, with occasional jaunts to Qadira and Jalmeray. </p>
<p>To that end, the basic changes are:</p>
<p>1. Common is Osiriani, not Taldane. Kelish and Vudrani matter more than Taldane.
<br />
2. Available PC races are Human, Dwarf, Gnoll, Ifrit, Oread, Sylph, Undine.
<br />
3. Avistan is not important; it's an exotic faraway land. Avistani deities like Asmodeus, Calistria, Gorum are less important.</p>I'm developing my campaign to be based out of Katapesh, with most of the action in Garund, with occasional jaunts to Qadira and Jalmeray.
To that end, the basic changes are:
1. Common is Osiriani, not Taldane. Kelish and Vudrani matter more than Taldane.
2. Available PC races are Human, Dwarf, Gnoll, Ifrit, Oread, Sylph, Undine.
3. Avistan is not important; it's an exotic faraway land. Avistani deities like Asmodeus, Calistria, Gorum are less important.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-29T16:03:50ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Weird, ridiculous campaign ideas that we all secretly want to do...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sua3&page=8?Weird-ridiculous-campaign-ideas-that-we-all#3572015-10-28T21:51:48Z2015-10-28T18:29:20Z<p>I came up with a whole campaign world based on the Indian Ocean trade routes, with the different people coming from the different corners of the land, with the centerpiece the Ruby Kingdom, a central country on an island in the middle of the ocean—essentially Sri Lanka. The number four featured heavily for various reasons.</p>
<p>First from the northwest were the People of Air, the kobolds, lizardmen, troglodytes, led by the dragons. They had a strong Greco-Roman feel. </p>
<p>Their empires decayed to be replaced by the People of Earth, from the northeast. Gnomes, dwarves, and elves, led by giants, came to the Ruby Kingdom to lead, with a strong East Asian flair.</p>
<p>Their influence waned, to be replaced from the southeast by the People of Water: halflings, orcs, and humans, led by celestials, with a South Asian style. The campaign opens with humans dominating the Ruby Kingdom, the People of Earth found often, and the People of Air in hidden corners.</p>
<p>And then, from the southwest, come the People of Fire. Fiend-led bugbears, hobgoblin, and goblin conquistadors.</p>I came up with a whole campaign world based on the Indian Ocean trade routes, with the different people coming from the different corners of the land, with the centerpiece the Ruby Kingdom, a central country on an island in the middle of the ocean--essentially Sri Lanka. The number four featured heavily for various reasons.
First from the northwest were the People of Air, the kobolds, lizardmen, troglodytes, led by the dragons. They had a strong Greco-Roman feel.
Their empires decayed to be...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-28T18:29:20ZRe: Forums: Lost Omens Products: Asmodean Paladins now legal?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t0r1&page=3?Asmodean-Paladins-now-legal#1372015-10-27T21:36:49Z2015-10-27T21:29:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Imbicatus wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Entryhazard wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Fourshadow wrote:</div><blockquote>There are a few NG/LN who already have paladins grandfathered in, but they are few. </blockquote>What are the LN/NG gods who do not allow paladins? </blockquote>Of the core Golarion pantheon, every LN and NG god has paladins with a deity specific code. I am not aware of any god within one step of LG that does not allow paladins. </blockquote><p>Irori had no paladins, until the Champion of Irori prestige class came about.
<p>...I suppose paladins of Erecura are possible. That's sort of a back-door devil-paladin.</p>Imbicatus wrote:Entryhazard wrote: Fourshadow wrote:There are a few NG/LN who already have paladins grandfathered in, but they are few.
What are the LN/NG gods who do not allow paladins? Of the core Golarion pantheon, every LN and NG god has paladins with a deity specific code. I am not aware of any god within one step of LG that does not allow paladins. Irori had no paladins, until the Champion of Irori prestige class came about. ...I suppose paladins of Erecura are possible. That's sort of...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-27T21:29:41ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: The Prophecies of KalistradeAurum Geld (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t0bw?The-Prophecies-of-Kalistrade#102015-10-26T19:49:43Z2015-10-26T15:35:07Z<p>I thought about the Kalistocracy and I came up with this new PFS character as a Prophet of Kalistrade. He's an Enlightened Philosopher Time Oracle with the Legalistic curse, Upstanding trait (because he's Exchange, naturally), and some extra bits to emphasize his standoffish discipline to the world (carries soap, spams Purify Food spells). </p>
<p>Character sheet in my avatar. I hope something like this will work.</p>I thought about the Kalistocracy and I came up with this new PFS character as a Prophet of Kalistrade. He's an Enlightened Philosopher Time Oracle with the Legalistic curse, Upstanding trait (because he's Exchange, naturally), and some extra bits to emphasize his standoffish discipline to the world (carries soap, spams Purify Food spells).
Character sheet in my avatar. I hope something like this will work.Aurum Geld (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-26T15:35:07ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: does it have to be a wand?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2t0np?does-it-have-to-be-a-wand#102015-10-23T00:00:24Z2015-10-20T05:03:48Z<p>I always thought the artwork for the cover of <a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5171-udQ5EL._SX382_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pixaud's Practical Grimoire</a> from TORG made for an awesome wand.</p>I always thought the artwork for the cover of Pixaud's Practical Grimoire from TORG made for an awesome wand.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-20T05:03:48ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Gaahaaa ! ! ! Why do people complain about what they do to themselves?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2sf8q?Gaahaaa-Why-do-people-complain-about-what#482015-10-22T20:40:19Z2015-10-20T04:55:36Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">ElterAgo wrote:</div><blockquote><p> C) Player is upset that his PC's constantly fails will saves, his builds always dump wisdom, 2-3 classes with poor will saves, and never spends the money for anything to protect his mind.
</p>
</blockquote><p>Oh, I've seen this a few times. Unfortunately, it's usually a sign that the <i>player</i> has a low Wisdom. They honestly don't understand that what they're doing doesn't work. Some guidance—and occasionally some flat-out designing the character for them, in extreme cases—is necessary.ElterAgo wrote:C) Player is upset that his PC's constantly fails will saves, his builds always dump wisdom, 2-3 classes with poor will saves, and never spends the money for anything to protect his mind.
Oh, I've seen this a few times. Unfortunately, it's usually a sign that the player has a low Wisdom. They honestly don't understand that what they're doing doesn't work. Some guidance--and occasionally some flat-out designing the character for them, in extreme cases--is necessary.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2015-10-20T04:55:36ZRe: Forums: Advice: Someone is ruining the feel of my settingInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2peiy?Someone-is-ruining-the-feel-of-my-setting#492013-01-26T04:45:01Z2013-01-25T01:22:06Z<p>Other people have it right: If, as GM, you don't want X in your game, then X is not in your game. But it's far more important to say, flat out, "X is not in my game," instead of "X requires YZ to happen," because then, guess what, you've introduced the Quest For YZ.</p>Other people have it right: If, as GM, you don't want X in your game, then X is not in your game. But it's far more important to say, flat out, "X is not in my game," instead of "X requires YZ to happen," because then, guess what, you've introduced the Quest For YZ.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2013-01-25T01:22:06ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Dominion of the Black: Populating a dungeonInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pecn?Dominion-of-the-Black-Populating-a-dungeon#182013-01-25T06:38:13Z2013-01-24T16:42:01Z<p>Two things I think about in horror:</p>
<p>First, the horror of a deformed body is that you yourself will end up like that body.</p>
<p>Second, there is horror in facing something that looks horribly pained, disfigured, diseased, etc., yet still nonetheless decides that attacking you is more important than taking care of itself.</p>
<p>I find that the most dread of David Cronenberg and Masahiro Ito come from these observations.</p>
<p>I don't have time to describe more now, but I thought the observation might help.</p>Two things I think about in horror:
First, the horror of a deformed body is that you yourself will end up like that body.
Second, there is horror in facing something that looks horribly pained, disfigured, diseased, etc., yet still nonetheless decides that attacking you is more important than taking care of itself.
I find that the most dread of David Cronenberg and Masahiro Ito come from these observations.
I don't have time to describe more now, but I thought the observation might help.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2013-01-24T16:42:01ZForums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Distant Worlds: Everyday Life in ApostaeInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pdxj?Distant-Worlds-Everyday-Life-in-Apostae#12013-01-23T07:55:19Z2013-01-20T01:31:46Z<p>I'm thinking about running an Apostae campaign—basically, an Advanced Race Builder based dungeon crawl. The more I thought about it, the more interested I am in it while realizing Apostae is a VERY different world. </p>
<p>First, there's the Ilee. One big race, nothing in common. Everyone is an individual, everyone is part of a group. I'd imagine that different languages are entirely based on physical location and not at all on any "racial" tie. In fact, since all procreation occurs in only one place, there might not even be any language barrier; everyone is born in the same place, and everyone will travel there during their lifetime.</p>
<p>Sex would be quite odd, and possibly nonexistent. No guarantee of compatible parts, and since everyone is so unalike, the Ilee probably don't even have any concept of gender—no male, no female, just Ilee. Thus, any other Ilee can be your partner for your child. </p>
<p>Magic is also a force that completely changes standard fantasy tropes. There is no multiverse. That means no summoning. No magic-granting deities. There is no sky, so the Ilee philosophy of existence would begin and end with the lands in Apostae. The Field limits you above, and the Worldheart limits you below. Because the Worldheart is in the center of Apostae, that means that at all times, the Worldheart is beneath you. </p>
<p>What do the Ilee eat? Probably other Ilee, those who don't end up with sentience, say. In fact, since an Ilee can be pretty much anything, then sessile plant-like beings could be Ilee, too. In fact, the very idea that some living being might not be Ilee would be mere speculation. </p>
<p>Any other thoughts?</p>I'm thinking about running an Apostae campaign--basically, an Advanced Race Builder based dungeon crawl. The more I thought about it, the more interested I am in it while realizing Apostae is a VERY different world.
First, there's the Ilee. One big race, nothing in common. Everyone is an individual, everyone is part of a group. I'd imagine that different languages are entirely based on physical location and not at all on any "racial" tie. In fact, since all procreation occurs in only one...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2013-01-20T01:31:46ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Where are there most likely to be black dragons in the Inner Sea region?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pc5j?Where-are-there-most-likely-to-be-black#42013-01-06T05:33:34Z2013-01-06T03:28:10Z<p>I bet they love the Sodden Lands.</p>I bet they love the Sodden Lands.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2013-01-06T03:28:10ZRe: Forums: Advice: AD&D via Pathfinder aka "I want an old school feeling game"InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2pbby&page=6?ADD-via-Pathfinder-aka-I-want-an-old-school#2662013-01-04T02:33:13Z2013-01-01T06:15:07Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Gnomezrule wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Well seeing as the 2e PH had paragraphs about min maxing, Mounty Hall adventures and so fourth would imply that such issues game up in 1e at least.
</p>
</blockquote><p>I quote the words of Gygax himself from the 1e DMG:
<div class="messageboard-quotee">DMG pg. 92 wrote:</div><blockquote>These god-like characters boast and strut about with retinues of ultra-powerful servants and scores of mighty magic items, artifacts, relics adorning them as if they were Christmas trees decked out with tinsel and ornaments. Not only are such "Monty Haul" games a crashing bore for most participants, they are a headache for the DMs as well, for the rules of the game do not provide anything for such play—no reasonable opponents, no rewards, nothing!</blockquote><p>In case you wonder where the terms "Christmas Tree Effect" and "Monty Haul" come from, they are from right there.Gnomezrule wrote:Well seeing as the 2e PH had paragraphs about min maxing, Mounty Hall adventures and so fourth would imply that such issues game up in 1e at least.
I quote the words of Gygax himself from the 1e DMG: DMG pg. 92 wrote:These god-like characters boast and strut about with retinues of ultra-powerful servants and scores of mighty magic items, artifacts, relics adorning them as if they were Christmas trees decked out with tinsel and ornaments. Not only are such "Monty Haul" games...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2013-01-01T06:15:07ZRe: Forums: Play-by-Post Discussion: Tark's Council of Thieves OOC discussionSclivian Ruttle (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2m8ki&page=47?Tarks-Council-of-Thieves-OOC-discussion#23042012-12-04T21:52:11Z2012-12-04T21:19:59Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Petronicus Crispin wrote:</div><blockquote> I am ok with it. Be nice to have someone to swap spells with. Might even be able to consult on some merchant contracts. </blockquote><p>Contracts? Ooh, yes, contracts. I am quite well-versed in all manner of contract formation, as well as the interplay between contracts. Overlapping contracts is where quite a bit of the most interesting action occurs... (giggles) ...um, well, yes. It becomes exceedingly important in the matter of karcist extrication. I've encountered poorly-written wills, for example, that went into effect when the testator's soul was sold, which met the will's definition of "death." The recipiator anima was quite bemused at that particular turn of events. The now-destitute testator turned to his patron and asked, "Kill me now," to which the devil replied, "According to law, I already have."
<p>Ahem, well, yes. Contracts. Very important things.</p>Petronicus Crispin wrote:I am ok with it. Be nice to have someone to swap spells with. Might even be able to consult on some merchant contracts.
Contracts? Ooh, yes, contracts. I am quite well-versed in all manner of contract formation, as well as the interplay between contracts. Overlapping contracts is where quite a bit of the most interesting action occurs... (giggles) ...um, well, yes. It becomes exceedingly important in the matter of karcist extrication. I've encountered poorly-written...Sclivian Ruttle (alias of John M Baker)2012-12-04T21:19:59ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Dice rolls for stats -- Just say NO!!!!InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nqpl?Dice-rolls-for-stats-Just-say-NO#462012-03-12T08:18:36Z2012-03-06T17:43:17Z<p>Running and hiding is a vastly underappreciated skill.</p>Running and hiding is a vastly underappreciated skill.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-03-06T17:43:17ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Dice rolls for stats -- Just say NO!!!!InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nqpl?Dice-rolls-for-stats-Just-say-NO#312012-03-06T17:59:42Z2012-03-06T17:05:35Z<p>Part of the history of the Dice Roll vs. Point Buy comes down to what we expect out of the game and ourselves.</p>
<p>The original system was the Dice Roll. You might get a great, overpowered character, you might get a useless schlub. That was part of the fun. What sort of character do you have? How are you going to get this guy to survive? Part of the challenge, part of the enjoyment is in how you'd be able to have this person, whoever he or she might be, survive over the course of many adventures. Although the all-high-stat characters were always popular and did a lot, for those of us who remember those days, let's face it—it was the lowly people who somehow survived by their wits (aka player skill) that were remembered the most fondly.</p>
<p>Back then, it was actually sort of fun not knowing if your next character would be a good fighter or magic-user. Not knowing if you'd be allowed to take an elf. It was like buying a pack of M:tG cards and knowing how to use whatever you ended up with. The random method showed you how to make a <i>player's</i> abilities in-game shine.</p>
<p>But that's not the only way to play. It's no good if you've got a character concept in mind. As characterization came to the forefront, the character creation methods needed to adjust. Also, let's admit it, there are limits to the amount of fun had if you're gimped by your ability scores. So, Point Buy. This lets you build who you want, and ensures that you aren't less powerful than your peers out of the gate. </p>
<p>One of the interesting side effects is how the expectation of player skill has shifted from how to act within the game, to how you play the meta-game of character building. I think there's an ideal balance between the two. You don't want to prioritize in-game play over character building to the point that we might as well just be moving identical chess pieces around. You also don't want to prioritize character building to the point that you spend all your time creating the character, then just set it on autopilot to grind through the dungeon while you get a snack. </p>
<p>Sometimes I like creating someone specific. Sometimes I like to leave that up to the fates. Sometimes I like to carefully pick exploits in a PC build. Sometimes I like to plan strategically in game. What's best?</p>
<p>That's what we have different campaigns for.</p>Part of the history of the Dice Roll vs. Point Buy comes down to what we expect out of the game and ourselves.
The original system was the Dice Roll. You might get a great, overpowered character, you might get a useless schlub. That was part of the fun. What sort of character do you have? How are you going to get this guy to survive? Part of the challenge, part of the enjoyment is in how you'd be able to have this person, whoever he or she might be, survive over the course of many...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-03-06T17:05:35ZForums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Theme Music for Cheliax?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nol2?Theme-Music-for-Cheliax#12014-11-05T21:30:00Z2012-02-24T20:56:47Z<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUcMvve0fe4" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">War Dogs</a>, by Juno Reactor.</p>
<p>Opinions?</p>War Dogs, by Juno Reactor.
Opinions?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-24T20:56:47ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: The Flavor of Hell in PathfinderInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2no9b?The-Flavor-of-Hell-in-Pathfinder#162012-02-27T16:08:09Z2012-02-24T15:37:38Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Erik Mona wrote:</div><blockquote><p> These images depict devils as they appear _in Hell_. My assumption since the early days is that devils cloak themselves in illusion to deal directly with mortals, likely tailoring their appearances to better corrupt their prey. But if you show up on their turf, when they're not pretending to be something they aren't, their appearance mirrors their soul: UGLY.
</p>
</blockquote><p>I charge thee to return and change thy shape;
</p>
Thou art too ugly to attend on me.
<br />
Go and return an old Franciscan friar;
<br />
That holy shape becomes a devil best.</p>
<p>—-Christopher Marlowe, <i>Doctor Faustus</i></p>Erik Mona wrote:These images depict devils as they appear _in Hell_. My assumption since the early days is that devils cloak themselves in illusion to deal directly with mortals, likely tailoring their appearances to better corrupt their prey. But if you show up on their turf, when they're not pretending to be something they aren't, their appearance mirrors their soul: UGLY.
I charge thee to return and change thy shape;
Thou art too ugly to attend on me.
Go and return an old Franciscan...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-24T15:37:38ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: What are your guy's problems with me?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2no2h?What-are-your-guys-problems-with-me#442012-02-26T07:12:39Z2012-02-22T18:29:50Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kelsey MacAilbert wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">InVinoVeritas wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Let's check that perception. </p>
<p>Kelsey, what is my problem with you?
<br />
</blockquote>Uh... none? </blockquote><p>Great, so that's all correct. You're right, I think you're fine.
<p>You mentioned that you seek approval. Perhaps the advice to "grow a thicker skin" might help.</p>
<p>I remember the first time we spoke, it was about you having problems with GMing a group. We determined that the problem was the players running roughshod over you, because you wanted their approval to the point that you were fully willing to destroy your own happiness to get that approval. It got to the point that they withheld their approval until you agreed to be miserable, and anything less was unacceptable. So, yes, extraordinary effort to win approval has been a theme. </p>
<p>Part of the issue is understanding why people fight. Sometimes, it is because people like to fight. They'll read something, and disagree with it, regardless of the argument. When you find that, just avoid it. Sometimes, it's because someone else has a different belief. Here's where discussion is good, and learning about other people's beliefs is very valuable.</p>
<p>Note that I <i>didn't</i> say that after the discussion, everyone shares the same beliefs. That's because that's not what happens. Most of the time, that <i>shouldn't</i> happen. Both sides <i>should</i> keep their differing beliefs, but their beliefs become more informed. If one side changes its mind, it will be because of the new information and that side's own reasoning, not because of the forcing of one will upon another.</p>
<p>What this means is that disagreements will remain, and approval will not be reached. Furthermore, the lack of approval is actually healthy. </p>
<p>So, I'm not recommending you find a way to achieve approval. I recommend you find a way to accept whatever it is you believe, and not be willing to simply (and stressfully) abandon your belief when someone else challenges it. Because if you feel too much stress when someone else believes differently from you, you find the only way to agree is to betray yourself. </p>
<p>And then, when the predators find someone willing to destroy themselves when asked, they will not hesitate to revel in it. Just like that batch of players did.</p>Kelsey MacAilbert wrote:InVinoVeritas wrote:Let's check that perception.
Kelsey, what is my problem with you?
Uh... none? Great, so that's all correct. You're right, I think you're fine. You mentioned that you seek approval. Perhaps the advice to "grow a thicker skin" might help.
I remember the first time we spoke, it was about you having problems with GMing a group. We determined that the problem was the players running roughshod over you, because you wanted their approval to the point...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-22T18:29:50ZRe: Forums/Gamer Life: General Discussion: Best one-liner that made the whole table laugh?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2mahp&page=4?Best-oneliner-that-made-the-whole-table-laugh#1882018-10-19T14:04:01Z2012-02-22T17:32:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kolokotroni wrote:</div><blockquote><p> In my Highschool gaming group, we were trying to sneak into an enemy lair. We were playing 3.0 at the time and were somewhere around level 12. The dm calls for move silently checks. Everyone does pretty well, then the dwarf fighter rolls... "-4". Everyone looks at him, he looks around and in his best loud showtunes voice sings, "I'm...moving SILENTLY, I'm moving so damn QUIETLY!".</p>
<p>We all start cracking up laughing, and to this day that line comes up when someone in my current group (some overlap with the highschool group) botches a stealth check. </blockquote><p>With catlike tread WHAM!
</p>
Upon our prey we steal WHAM!
<br />
In silence dread WHAM!
<br />
Our cautious way we feel WHAM!
<br />
No sound at all WHAM!
<br />
We never speak a word WHAM!
<br />
A fly's footfall would be distinctly heard!</p>Kolokotroni wrote:In my Highschool gaming group, we were trying to sneak into an enemy lair. We were playing 3.0 at the time and were somewhere around level 12. The dm calls for move silently checks. Everyone does pretty well, then the dwarf fighter rolls... "-4". Everyone looks at him, he looks around and in his best loud showtunes voice sings, "I'm...moving SILENTLY, I'm moving so damn QUIETLY!".
We all start cracking up laughing, and to this day that line comes up when someone in my...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-22T17:32:00ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: What are your guy's problems with me?InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2no2h?What-are-your-guys-problems-with-me#202012-02-23T18:19:57Z2012-02-22T16:26:40Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Snorter wrote:</div><blockquote> But then, you see news like Stephen Colbert being invited as guest speaker at a Republican event, and getting a round of applause, and my mind just goes spinning. How f•••ing THICK does someone have to be, not to realise that's a parody?</blockquote><p>My wife is German. One of the first things she commented on to me was how Americans never coordinate their applause. In Germany, she explained, the audience adjusts until everyone ends up clapping in unison, and it's done to show increased appreciation for the performance. That, and standing ovations are rare, as opposed to pretty much a given in the US.
<p>Sometimes humor travels poorly, sometimes applause travels poorly.</p>Snorter wrote:But then, you see news like Stephen Colbert being invited as guest speaker at a Republican event, and getting a round of applause, and my mind just goes spinning. How f***ing THICK does someone have to be, not to realise that's a parody?
My wife is German. One of the first things she commented on to me was how Americans never coordinate their applause. In Germany, she explained, the audience adjusts until everyone ends up clapping in unison, and it's done to show increased...InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-22T16:26:40ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Whats Your Favorite Boss Fight GimmickInVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2nm5f?Whats-Your-Favorite-Boss-Fight-Gimmick#122012-02-17T05:08:05Z2012-02-16T14:54:20Z<p>Fun things I've done with bad guys:</p>
<p>Illusory half-dragon chases party into cave-in trap.</p>
<p>BBEG battle at the top of a bell tower—while the huge bell rings.</p>
<p>From video games: a BBEG that changes form once beaten down to a certain level.</p>
<p>Fight the BBEG in a clock tower, among giant gears: at the end of every round, the ground would shift in specific directions, moving everyone about. </p>
<p>Fight across a battleground covered in portals that teleport people around the field.</p>Fun things I've done with bad guys:
Illusory half-dragon chases party into cave-in trap.
BBEG battle at the top of a bell tower--while the huge bell rings.
From video games: a BBEG that changes form once beaten down to a certain level.
Fight the BBEG in a clock tower, among giant gears: at the end of every round, the ground would shift in specific directions, moving everyone about.
Fight across a battleground covered in portals that teleport people around the field.InVinoVeritas (alias of John M Baker)2012-02-16T14:54:20Z