paizo.com Favorited Posts by Mortag1981paizo.com Favorited Posts by Mortag19812023-01-11T18:14:46Z2023-01-11T18:14:46ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: [APG] Savage Barbarian underpowered?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2lk27?APG-Savage-Barbarian-underpowered#412017-01-26T22:36:23Z2017-01-24T12:20:11Z<p>Gonna throw some possibly unpopular ideas out.</p>
<p>1 - Archetypes are not meant for mechanical advantage. They're meant for flavor. It's quite possible that the Savage Warrior is simply underpowered by design.</p>
<p>2 - There's a balancing act that goes into any archetype. The bonus to saves might be considered strong enough that they needed to "nerf" the build elsewhere.</p>
<p>Honestly I build all my barbarians as "I'm going to get hit, so f%$+ it," and never worry about AC. Even at low level I expect to get hit. That's part of the thrill and trade off of playing a barbarian. If I wanted to avoid being hit, I'd play a fighter.</p>
<p>To that point, I'm also rarely the "first one in". I'm not kicking down doors and rushing into a room ahead of my party. That's just not smart tactical thinking in any case.</p>Gonna throw some possibly unpopular ideas out.
1 - Archetypes are not meant for mechanical advantage. They're meant for flavor. It's quite possible that the Savage Warrior is simply underpowered by design.
2 - There's a balancing act that goes into any archetype. The bonus to saves might be considered strong enough that they needed to "nerf" the build elsewhere.
Honestly I build all my barbarians as "I'm going to get hit, so f~*@ it," and never worry about AC. Even at low level I expect to...Mortag19812017-01-24T12:20:11ZRe: Forums: Advice: How to dissuade PC Stat Counting as a GMMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r8sk?How-to-dissuade-PC-Stat-Counting-as-a-GM#32014-07-11T17:14:54Z2014-07-08T18:48:34Z<p>So just to clarify -</p>
<p>Due to the player's miscalculation, he became a grumpy gus because he thought the encounter was impossible to beat (and hence felt you were actively trying to kill them, or grossly overestimated what they could do), and you want to find a way to prevent this same thing from happening again? (Because I assume it quickly became unfun for everyone)</p>
<p>I guess you really have two options, more transparency, or less transparency. If you really want to keep things hidden, then yes, things like making them roll heal checks to determine how "beat up" a monster is can be fine. Of course, he's going to keep trying to figure things out, you've already spoke to him about it after all. </p>
<p>The other option is to be more upfront, and when he goes "That guy is doing 1d10+15 damage, that's just not fair," correct him if he's wrong. You don't need to be specific, just let him know. Even a simple, "He does a lot less than that, there are modifiers you're not aware of" can help. </p>
<p>I know personally I let players know if I'm rolling to confirm crits, if I've critted them, etc. We also let people make perception checks to tell if damage is going through or if it's being blocked (like by DR). The stuff I keep secret is AC, HP, Bonus to Hit, things like that.</p>So just to clarify -
Due to the player's miscalculation, he became a grumpy gus because he thought the encounter was impossible to beat (and hence felt you were actively trying to kill them, or grossly overestimated what they could do), and you want to find a way to prevent this same thing from happening again? (Because I assume it quickly became unfun for everyone)
I guess you really have two options, more transparency, or less transparency. If you really want to keep things hidden, then...Mortag19812014-07-08T18:48:34ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: Help controlling insane partyMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2r7js?Help-controlling-insane-party#102014-07-04T07:21:58Z2014-06-27T18:43:01Z<p>I would just encourage the ranger (away from the other players) to sneak out of town at night and kill the things while they're tied up. Zombies don't have free will, so if they don't command them to attack the ranger he can just walk up and put down anything they make.</p>
<p>Alternatively, they could be attacked by any number of creatures outside of town, or as others have stated, "wandering necromancer" them. Oh, what's this? An undead horde with no master? Awesome!</p>I would just encourage the ranger (away from the other players) to sneak out of town at night and kill the things while they're tied up. Zombies don't have free will, so if they don't command them to attack the ranger he can just walk up and put down anything they make.
Alternatively, they could be attacked by any number of creatures outside of town, or as others have stated, "wandering necromancer" them. Oh, what's this? An undead horde with no master? Awesome!Mortag19812014-06-27T18:43:01ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Raise Dead and Impact on SocietyMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qk38?Raise-Dead-and-Impact-on-Society#112014-01-15T18:44:32Z2014-01-10T16:25:04Z<p>I should totally write something up and submit it lol.</p>I should totally write something up and submit it lol.Mortag19812014-01-10T16:25:04ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Raise Dead and Impact on SocietyMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qk38?Raise-Dead-and-Impact-on-Society#92016-04-27T01:04:33Z2014-01-10T16:09:52Z<p>"All right Pathfinders, our old Ally, Lord Wimsey, has recently passed. He left strict instructions with the temple of Sarenrae to resurect him, but for some reason they are being denied access to the body. We need you to investigate the estate, find the body, and recover it for our allies in the temple. The Wimsey family itself is quite well connected, and we want to maintain our ties with the former lord."</p>
<p>A great use of the "recover body" prestige reward</p>
<p>;)</p>"All right Pathfinders, our old Ally, Lord Wimsey, has recently passed. He left strict instructions with the temple of Sarenrae to resurect him, but for some reason they are being denied access to the body. We need you to investigate the estate, find the body, and recover it for our allies in the temple. The Wimsey family itself is quite well connected, and we want to maintain our ties with the former lord."
A great use of the "recover body" prestige reward
;)Mortag19812014-01-10T16:09:52ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Raise Dead and Impact on SocietyMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qk38?Raise-Dead-and-Impact-on-Society#72014-01-15T18:43:37Z2014-01-10T15:18:23Z<p>While people don't where giant flashing alignment signs, I think reputation will go a long way. And in the end, being a divine spell, you can assume the Diety in question will know and react accordingly.</p>
<p>As for the Evil churches, you have to ask yourself the same question. Does that God want that person on the world walking around, or do they want them in the afterlife. While the High Priest may be short sighted enough to see the money and potential future favors, Asmodeus himself is probably weighing the value of that soul in the short term versus it's use to him in the afterlife.</p>
<p>While you can definitely assume that nobles have a "living will" type situation in place in case they pass on, I think all the points that have been brought up are valid when you look at "how has society adapted?" I feel that Raise Dead is probably still rare, and it's not rare based on the monetary cost or the frequency of high level characters, but rare based on whether the spell would even work. We tend to gloss over a lot of setting fluff, because we're normally concerned with the mechanics of a particular situation. When we want to look at how the setting is impacted though, we need to remember all the little bits of background that go into how those mechanics have been framed.</p>
<p>Again though, that's fluff, so if you want a world to react and behave a certain way, go for it. I know lots of GMs who ban raise dead in home games, to create that sense that death is final. On the other hand, there are plenty who go the other direction, and the world is more like playing Final Fantasy where you just need to stop off and pick up a Phoenix Down, lol. It all depends on what you want to do.</p>While people don't where giant flashing alignment signs, I think reputation will go a long way. And in the end, being a divine spell, you can assume the Diety in question will know and react accordingly.
As for the Evil churches, you have to ask yourself the same question. Does that God want that person on the world walking around, or do they want them in the afterlife. While the High Priest may be short sighted enough to see the money and potential future favors, Asmodeus himself is...Mortag19812014-01-10T15:18:23ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Raise Dead and Impact on SocietyMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qk38?Raise-Dead-and-Impact-on-Society#32014-01-15T18:41:04Z2014-01-10T14:51:32Z<p>I think there are several things that need to be considered.</p>
<p>First, Raise Dead is a cleric spell, so most of the time (depending on your game world of course) it requires a Diety to fuel. So even if you have casters who can technically cast it, will the cleric's god allow that individual to be raised? For example, will the CG cleric be able to raise the NE Tyrant Noble? Odds are probably not, and people are going to know that, that only those truly blessed can benefit from the magic.</p>
<p>Secondly, Raise Dead only works on those who want to be raised. You take the instance of the Noble's child who dies due to fever (though why they didn't have remove disease on hand is the better question), will that child want to leave the grace of the heavens to return to earth? Maybe, maybe not. Same goes for the hero who sacrifices himself to save others, s/he may feel they've done enough good and can finally get the rest and reward they're entitled to.</p>
<p>Lastly, remember Raise Dead doesn't work on people who've died of old age, or Undead. So if you're concerned about the wealthy avoiding violent death via magic, remember that many undead come about due to violent ends. If that noble dies and comes back as a Wight or Wraith, well then he's out of luck when it comes to Raise Dead.</p>
<p>Ultimately it depends on the vision you have for your game world. Just because it could work a certain way as written doesn't mean that is how it will work. So do what you think is fun, and create a world for your friends to play in.</p>I think there are several things that need to be considered.
First, Raise Dead is a cleric spell, so most of the time (depending on your game world of course) it requires a Diety to fuel. So even if you have casters who can technically cast it, will the cleric's god allow that individual to be raised? For example, will the CG cleric be able to raise the NE Tyrant Noble? Odds are probably not, and people are going to know that, that only those truly blessed can benefit from the magic.
...Mortag19812014-01-10T14:51:32ZRe: Forums: Class Discussion: What niche is the Warpriest attempting to fill?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qdu8?What-niche-is-the-Warpriest-attempting-to-fill#122013-11-26T09:31:23Z2013-11-22T04:27:28Z<p>Yeah the more I read other people's opinions and the more I look at the War-Priest I built for Society play, the more I'm wondering if he wouldn't fill a better roles as "party buffer"/tank. I mean, these days we don't see a lot of heavily armored "you can't hit me" types, because the Fighter as a class is better suited (YMMV) to being a melee DPR guy.</p>
<p>That's the other issue I tend to see for all of the classes right now, is that everyone is comparing them based on "Can it out DPR it's parent classes?" While DPR matters, I think the first thing we need to ask is "Would it be fun to play this?" Now for some, if you can't throw up the numbers so to speak, it won't be fun. I think utility is equality as important and contributes just as much, but then that's how I play.</p>
<p>That being said, maybe we could do some Alternate Abilities for Channel Energy? Something like team wide buffs or debuffs? For example:</p>
<p>Aura of Fervor: By expending 1 use of their Channel Energy a War Priest fills his allies with divine furor, granting all allies in 30ft a +1 Holy bonus to attack. (The flip of this would be Aura of Despair and offer a debuff to enemies if you channel negative)</p>
<p>Aura of Sanctuary: Same thing as above but provide either a bonus to AC or Saves? </p>
<p>Maybe have these scale with level, so every 3 or 4 levels the bonus increases by 1? Keeps the ability relevant, and thematically makes the War Priest the "go to" guy for large scale combat. I mean, imagine a group of Gorum's elite fighers surrounding his war priest, and everyone getting a bonus to attack, damage, or armor. Thematically very appropriate and kind of B.A.</p>
<p>Just a thought.</p>Yeah the more I read other people's opinions and the more I look at the War-Priest I built for Society play, the more I'm wondering if he wouldn't fill a better roles as "party buffer"/tank. I mean, these days we don't see a lot of heavily armored "you can't hit me" types, because the Fighter as a class is better suited (YMMV) to being a melee DPR guy.
That's the other issue I tend to see for all of the classes right now, is that everyone is comparing them based on "Can it out DPR it's...Mortag19812013-11-22T04:27:28ZRe: Forums: Class Discussion: Warpriest DiscussionMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qdje&page=7?Warpriest-Discussion#3092013-11-23T15:13:44Z2013-11-22T01:35:31Z<p>I'm also against the "Let's make this a Paladin without any alignment restrictions" idea.</p>
<p>My first impression is that the War-Priest can do a lot to help boost his own martial prowess, or simply buff the party. Many of the blessings can be used on allies or any weapon, so instead of focusing on what this class can do 1v1, I think we should look at what kind of support role it can play. A war-priest with the animal domain can give an early boost to his natural weapon ranger pal by granting those early natural attacks, any of the bonus damage to weapon blessings can be used on your fighter/paladin's weapon to further increase their output, and there are several other blessings (like Liberation and Charm) that have utility value as well.</p>
<p>With all the suggestions I see on the board, I think we really need clarification as to what the direction of the class was intended. If this is meant to be a front-line beat stick with some spell support, then the BAB increase and removal of channel makes sense. If it's intended instead as a support for front line melee fighters, then I think making the blessings swift instead of standard would be a huge benefit, and improving the channel or spell list would be the way to go.</p>I'm also against the "Let's make this a Paladin without any alignment restrictions" idea.
My first impression is that the War-Priest can do a lot to help boost his own martial prowess, or simply buff the party. Many of the blessings can be used on allies or any weapon, so instead of focusing on what this class can do 1v1, I think we should look at what kind of support role it can play. A war-priest with the animal domain can give an early boost to his natural weapon ranger pal by granting...Mortag19812013-11-22T01:35:31ZRe: Forums: Advice: Advice on my End BBEG?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qczm?Advice-on-my-End-BBEG#22013-11-15T21:59:10Z2013-11-15T02:24:37Z<p>Do you happen to know what kind of AC/Saves your party has? And would you say they're casual or optimized players? Something like this is probably pretty decent for a group that's not focused on optimizing, but then with the artifact level gear you've said you given them, he may be dead in a few rounds. If the party is playing optimized characters, he could be dead in a few rounds.</p>
<p>Have you considered adding any minions to the fight? Typically 1 BBEG by himself gets crowded out due to action economy and the fight is over before it starts.</p>Do you happen to know what kind of AC/Saves your party has? And would you say they're casual or optimized players? Something like this is probably pretty decent for a group that's not focused on optimizing, but then with the artifact level gear you've said you given them, he may be dead in a few rounds. If the party is playing optimized characters, he could be dead in a few rounds.
Have you considered adding any minions to the fight? Typically 1 BBEG by himself gets crowded out due to action...Mortag19812013-11-15T02:24:37ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Deals with Demons and alignmentMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qcpi?Deals-with-Demons-and-alignment#212013-11-13T02:16:42Z2013-11-13T00:04:16Z<p>Just from my perspective, unrelated to the AP in question, a Paladin who makes a conscious "deal with a demon" has most likely violated his code and should probably atone. The fact that he didn't carry out the wish was a good start, since it was clearly evil what was expected. That he was tempted to use that evil power is the big thing he did wrong. It was a "quick and easy" fix, and isn't that what Tempting Evil is ultimately? His alignment shouldn't change, he's still a good guy, but he's violated a pretty strong and basic tenent of his faith. </p>
<p>Remember, this was a wish to make things easier, not simply working alongside evil for the greater good. (For example, working with the evil Tyrant to destroy an evil army of Orcs about to kill innocent villagers).</p>
<p>That's my two cents anyway, if you want to say that he's fine because he changed his mind at the last minute, that works too, just depends on how strict you want your paladins to be.</p>Just from my perspective, unrelated to the AP in question, a Paladin who makes a conscious "deal with a demon" has most likely violated his code and should probably atone. The fact that he didn't carry out the wish was a good start, since it was clearly evil what was expected. That he was tempted to use that evil power is the big thing he did wrong. It was a "quick and easy" fix, and isn't that what Tempting Evil is ultimately? His alignment shouldn't change, he's still a good guy, but he's...Mortag19812013-11-13T00:04:16ZRe: Forums: Advice: Help Me Be Evil.Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qclm?Help-Me-Be-Evil#302013-11-13T04:07:33Z2013-11-12T04:48:12Z<p>I said often, clearly a man of your taste is just asking for what is rightfully owed to him. I mean, what woman wouldn't throw herself at you? And surely you can't be expected to pay full price, look at the quality, they should be happy you're taking it off their hands.</p>I said often, clearly a man of your taste is just asking for what is rightfully owed to him. I mean, what woman wouldn't throw herself at you? And surely you can't be expected to pay full price, look at the quality, they should be happy you're taking it off their hands.Mortag19812013-11-12T04:48:12ZRe: Forums: Advice: Help Me Be Evil.Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qclm?Help-Me-Be-Evil#272013-11-13T04:07:16Z2013-11-12T04:39:28Z<p>And just some general RP tips for evil folks (in my opinion, remember anytime you talk alignment people get angry, so YMMV with these):</p>
<p>One thing to remember is that typically (and I can't stress that enough) evil characters don't think of themselves as "evil" or "the bad guy". Part of being evil is having the hubris to believe that you are more entitled or more "just" in your demands and wants than others.</p>
<p>Lawful Evil - These guys want to use the law to their own ends. Typically they follow the rules, but aren't above "creative reimagining" to ensure they get the outcome they want. If you're planning to play a LE character, you can actually play very similar to a LN character. The big difference is in the reason behind your actions. Where a LN character won't be happy if the party rogue steals a bunch of gold, the LE character won't mind, may even reprimand the thief, but will be happy for the extra coin, assuming no one can prove it was stolen. LE will also not be opposed to torture (for the good of the people of course), extortion (well, with a donation we could let this slide, for the greater good you understand), or murder (they were clearly a threat that couldn't be rehabilitated).</p>
<p>Neutral Evil - These guys are out for number 1. Of course, the best way to stay safe is to have powerful friends. Neutral Evil PCs won't readily betray the party, because they know it's a lost cause if it's 4v1. These guys will be sneaks, or power-hungry casters just looking to improve their own personal power. Often narcissistic and greedy, you'll try to hide your contempt of the "idiots" in the party, and do what you can to make money on the side. And as much as it may pain you, you'll "give in" if you get caught by the party and let that extra gold go.</p>
<p>Chaotic Evil - You're with the group because they let you do what you do best, which is destroy everything that gets in your way. You may frequently find yourself frustrated by the lack of action in the group, and wonder they won't kill things when it would just make everything so much easier. Oddly the CN guy probably will be the last one to see how evil you are, and you'll want to avoid groups heavy with LG and LN characters, but in a Neutral or Chaotic group, you're just "passionate" about combat and getting through situations.</p>
<p>Again, these are rough, general guidelines meant to get your creative juices flowing, not hard and fast "this is how you do it" rules.</p>And just some general RP tips for evil folks (in my opinion, remember anytime you talk alignment people get angry, so YMMV with these):
One thing to remember is that typically (and I can't stress that enough) evil characters don't think of themselves as "evil" or "the bad guy". Part of being evil is having the hubris to believe that you are more entitled or more "just" in your demands and wants than others.
Lawful Evil - These guys want to use the law to their own ends. Typically they...Mortag19812013-11-12T04:39:28ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Reciprocal Slavery - Yet Another Horrible Alignment ThreadMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qc5q?Reciprocal-Slavery-Yet-Another-Horrible#122013-11-11T20:33:33Z2013-11-08T00:14:24Z<p>Why didn't the PCs just return to the Noble and go, "hey the Ogre is being enslaved by a Giant and condemned to hard labor the rest of his days," it seems like the Ogre was already "brought to justice" honestly. This would have avoided the whole conundrum, as the PCs really just found out where the Ogre was.</p>
<p>However, that wasn't your question. It depends on your (and I mean you're setting) view of slavery. If slavery is evil, then this was most definitely an evil act. I'd say slavery falls under lawful, since it's based in property law and requires government to help enforce.</p>Why didn't the PCs just return to the Noble and go, "hey the Ogre is being enslaved by a Giant and condemned to hard labor the rest of his days," it seems like the Ogre was already "brought to justice" honestly. This would have avoided the whole conundrum, as the PCs really just found out where the Ogre was.
However, that wasn't your question. It depends on your (and I mean you're setting) view of slavery. If slavery is evil, then this was most definitely an evil act. I'd say slavery falls...Mortag19812013-11-08T00:14:24ZRe: Forums: Advice: wizard book and deal with a devilMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qb0k?wizard-book-and-deal-with-a-devil#342013-11-01T02:21:32Z2013-11-01T00:55:38Z<p>I like to think Gandalf was a Druid/Sorcerer/Mystic Theurge, but that's me.</p>
<p>Another route you can do since the PC is a gnome, is maybe have him make a deal with the Fey? The Gnomes of Golarion are already tied pretty heavily lore wise into the First World, and the Eldest and their servants are on par power wise with demons, devils, and gods. This way the penalty needn't be as severe as "YOUR SOUL!" but it can still have a very alien end goal, one that the PCs may not even realize is a detriment until far far after the fact.</p>I like to think Gandalf was a Druid/Sorcerer/Mystic Theurge, but that's me.
Another route you can do since the PC is a gnome, is maybe have him make a deal with the Fey? The Gnomes of Golarion are already tied pretty heavily lore wise into the First World, and the Eldest and their servants are on par power wise with demons, devils, and gods. This way the penalty needn't be as severe as "YOUR SOUL!" but it can still have a very alien end goal, one that the PCs may not even realize is a...Mortag19812013-11-01T00:55:38ZRe: Forums: Advice: Monster Character SuggestionsMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qb3o?Monster-Character-Suggestions#32013-10-30T02:15:23Z2013-10-30T02:05:46Z<p>Hey Reinhardt,</p>
<p>I'm typically a fan of using Lizardfolk, though you need to drop the racial HD. For a lot of 3 HD or less monsterous humanoids/humaniods I generally don't mind dropping the racial HD and using them as player races (within reason) when I DM, so check and see if that's something you want to do. </p>
<p>Otherwise, I enjoy the following:</p>
<p>Gnolls - Always fun</p>
<p>Androids - I really like the idea of the clockwork summoner, or gunslinger</p>
<p>Ghoul - Especially if you're doing the lovecraftian style, lots of potential. This can also work for intelligent Zombies/skeletons that want their "life" back after being animated</p>
<p>Soulbound Doll - TPK had a great villain using a soulbound doll, so I think they have a lot of potential</p>
<p>Skum - Especially fun since they're effectively immortal until killed in combat. Maybe you come from a tribe who was abandoned by the aboleth and know nothing of your culture?</p>
<p>Of course, you can have a lot of fun with the standard "monster" style races like Orcs and Hobgoblins. I tried to give some random ideas you may not have thought of.</p>Hey Reinhardt,
I'm typically a fan of using Lizardfolk, though you need to drop the racial HD. For a lot of 3 HD or less monsterous humanoids/humaniods I generally don't mind dropping the racial HD and using them as player races (within reason) when I DM, so check and see if that's something you want to do.
Otherwise, I enjoy the following:
Gnolls - Always fun
Androids - I really like the idea of the clockwork summoner, or gunslinger
Ghoul - Especially if you're doing the lovecraftian...Mortag19812013-10-30T02:05:46ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: How would you make a High Level Play Book (10-20) viable for Paizo?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qay1?How-would-you-make-a-High-Level-Play-Book#292014-05-13T14:27:18Z2013-10-30T01:37:09Z<p>If we're looking at a high level play book as covering levels 10-20 then we don't need a ton of "player options". As people have said, we already have a ton of options that most don't get to explore because games tend to die out prior to reaching these levels. What I would want to see in a book would probably be the following:</p>
<p>1 - The story: How "high level" plots need to evolve from simple dungeon delves in order to keep players on their toes and involved. Like Lincoln said, the 12th level characters running after Bugbear assassins can work, but it's not really the kind of thing Venture-Captains and their ilk are busy doing. Plot and Meta-plot ideas would be an invaluable resource to GMs who aren't already used to making this stuff up.</p>
<p>2 - The Following: If you hit level 6, there's a good chance someone takes Leadership as a feat. How do you incorporate Cohorts and the veritable army of low level characters a player can have at these levels? How does that fit into the story, what adventure hooks can come from this?</p>
<p>3 - The BBEGs: The last thing you want is games that devolve into "Hey let's go kill the Terrasque for giggles." Creating high level opponents that don't just wipe the party is a process in and of itself. With the access to magic that players have, how do villains protect themselves? Also in this section would be advice on how to play some of the more powerful beastiary creatures out there. Vicious tactics for evil outsiders, high level undead, dragons, etc.</p>
<p>4 - Magic items: How to handle powerful magic items, their creation, access to them, etc.</p>
<p>That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I'm sure a lot of it is covered in other books, which is why a dedicated book seems low priority. Generally if I hear "High Level" I'm thinking in terms of 15-20+</p>If we're looking at a high level play book as covering levels 10-20 then we don't need a ton of "player options". As people have said, we already have a ton of options that most don't get to explore because games tend to die out prior to reaching these levels. What I would want to see in a book would probably be the following:
1 - The story: How "high level" plots need to evolve from simple dungeon delves in order to keep players on their toes and involved. Like Lincoln said, the 12th level...Mortag19812013-10-30T01:37:09ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Are you being Paid Less than you would have in 1945?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qaoy&page=2?Are-you-being-Paid-Less-than-you-would-have#842013-10-30T11:12:44Z2013-10-30T00:41:48Z<p>Which would mean I'd have to pony up that portion to cover health care, so it's a wash either way. Besides, the odds of any company just adding that amount to your paycheck are pretty slim. They'd be more apt to introduce some other ephemeral benefit to make it seem like they're offering all these awesome things to employees. As a hyperbolic example, not paying their half of employee healthcare and creating employee daycare instead. On paper it seems like a great benefit, but I don't have kids, so I'd be completely out that money. No, I'd much rather they pay half of my health insurance than "give me the money."</p>Which would mean I'd have to pony up that portion to cover health care, so it's a wash either way. Besides, the odds of any company just adding that amount to your paycheck are pretty slim. They'd be more apt to introduce some other ephemeral benefit to make it seem like they're offering all these awesome things to employees. As a hyperbolic example, not paying their half of employee healthcare and creating employee daycare instead. On paper it seems like a great benefit, but I don't have...Mortag19812013-10-30T00:41:48ZRe: Forums: Rules Questions: Confused About Monsters as PCs RuleMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2qajq?Confused-About-Monsters-as-PCs-Rule#22013-10-25T13:21:24Z2013-10-25T07:15:40Z<p>Well the old "monsters as pcs" rule also says you shouldn't allow monsters with a CR higher than the party. In your example the PCs should be level 11 before you allow a CR 11 monster to join the party.</p>
<p>That aside, if you want to allow them in the game, then yes, they wouldn't level until the party catches up (and keep in mind they will overshadow your party by quite a strong margin until they do). In this case the CR 9 gains a his first class level half way to 10, gets his 2nd level at 10, 3rd at 11, 4th at 12, 5th half way to 13, 6th at 13, 7th at 14, 8th at 15, 9th halfway to 16, 10th at 16, 11th at 17, 12th at 18, 13th half way to 19, 14th at 19, and finishes the game at level 15.</p>Well the old "monsters as pcs" rule also says you shouldn't allow monsters with a CR higher than the party. In your example the PCs should be level 11 before you allow a CR 11 monster to join the party.
That aside, if you want to allow them in the game, then yes, they wouldn't level until the party catches up (and keep in mind they will overshadow your party by quite a strong margin until they do). In this case the CR 9 gains a his first class level half way to 10, gets his 2nd level at 10,...Mortag19812013-10-25T07:15:40ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Is the dwarven goddess of marriage homophobic?Mortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q9qi?Is-the-dwarven-goddess-of-marriage-homophobic#362013-11-16T16:14:51Z2013-10-19T02:49:40Z<p>Not to over simply things, but wouldn't the easiest way to figure this out be to ask what the role of marriage is in traditional dwarven culture on golarion is? </p>
<p>If marriage is meant to create a bond between two dwarven families, is that bond predicated on the idea of offspring, or is it just because two members are now joined together?</p>
<p>I haven't read Dwarves of Golarion, so I'm just going off of what I recall from the CRB, but I'd assume Bolka probably doesn't even think about homosexuality. If anything, she's confused by it, because why wouldn't you want to get married and have children and progress the race? And if Love isn't really what she's after, then I would definitely see her as more of the "Hey, what you and your adventuring pals do on the weekend is your thing, just make sure your wife and kid are taken care of."</p>
<p>Of course, if you assume a Marriage Goddess is also a goddess of being faithful to your partner, then that would go out the window.</p>
<p>But at the end of the day, she's a Good goddess, which to me means that even though they strive to find everyone a marriage partner, they're not going to send the inquisitor squad after you if you don't. Bolkan Inquisitors are probably just shaking their heads at gay couples, shrugging and going, "As long as they're happy I guess." I'm sure there is no shortage of dwarven singles out there that need their help and want their help finding a mate.</p>Not to over simply things, but wouldn't the easiest way to figure this out be to ask what the role of marriage is in traditional dwarven culture on golarion is?
If marriage is meant to create a bond between two dwarven families, is that bond predicated on the idea of offspring, or is it just because two members are now joined together?
I haven't read Dwarves of Golarion, so I'm just going off of what I recall from the CRB, but I'd assume Bolka probably doesn't even think about...Mortag19812013-10-19T02:49:40ZRe: Forums/Pathfinder First Edition: General Discussion: Tiefling CharactersMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q9uc?Tiefling-Characters#52013-10-18T22:19:52Z2013-10-18T22:11:20Z<p>I'll be the first to admit, I'm a Tiefling fanboy. I've loved them since 2e Planescape. There is just so much going on for them, and Paizo has done a lot to make the different heritages for Tieflings fun and balanced (via Player Companion: Blood of Fiends). I rarely have need for one as a villian when I DM (but that's due to the flavor of the games I run), but when I'm playing, I almost always prefer a tiefling.</p>
<p>That being said, it all depends on the campaign being run. A tiefling in a very human centric, superstitious world is going to have a HELL of a time (pardon the bad pun) fitting in or being taken as anything other than a threat by most villages. On the other hand, if you're doing a very cosmopolitan game, or a planar game, they fit in just as easily as anything else, perhaps moreso.</p>I'll be the first to admit, I'm a Tiefling fanboy. I've loved them since 2e Planescape. There is just so much going on for them, and Paizo has done a lot to make the different heritages for Tieflings fun and balanced (via Player Companion: Blood of Fiends). I rarely have need for one as a villian when I DM (but that's due to the flavor of the games I run), but when I'm playing, I almost always prefer a tiefling.
That being said, it all depends on the campaign being run. A tiefling in a very...Mortag19812013-10-18T22:11:20ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Dystopia 2014: The US Government defaultsMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q9f1&page=3?Dystopia-2014-The-US-Government-defaults#1352013-10-17T15:48:57Z2013-10-17T02:07:23Z<p>The problem with unions is that they don't just stick to representing the business needs of their members. Too often they become a political machine in their own right, and focus on maintaining power for themselves instead of creating an environment to allow people to succeed. For example, union's who take their member dues and use it as campaign contributions for a senator. Maybe the union wants that guy in place, but the individual members may not. </p>
<p>This brings up another topic though, campaign finance reform.</p>The problem with unions is that they don't just stick to representing the business needs of their members. Too often they become a political machine in their own right, and focus on maintaining power for themselves instead of creating an environment to allow people to succeed. For example, union's who take their member dues and use it as campaign contributions for a senator. Maybe the union wants that guy in place, but the individual members may not.
This brings up another topic though,...Mortag19812013-10-17T02:07:23ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Dystopia 2014: The US Government defaultsMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q9f1&page=3?Dystopia-2014-The-US-Government-defaults#1312013-11-07T05:08:20Z2013-10-17T01:53:38Z<p></blockquote><p>As a start for what you want, how about a minimum wage increase?
</p>
It's well below what it used to be, adjusted for inflation.
<br />
</blockquote><p>That is a start, but then the value of a college education is worth even less than it currently is. We spent an entire generation telling kids, "If you want a good job you need to go to college."
<p>Now those kids have insurmountable debt, have to live at home (which is one of the fastests ways to make someone feel like a failure), and have to accept whatever minimum wage job or demeaning corporate job they can get a hold on. </p>
<p>What we need is to hold business accountable to the needs of the workers in their employ. I have no idea how, but the fact that right now there's a flood of highly qualified individuals in just about any field (due to the economy, job lay offs, etc.) means that people coming right out of college can't compete in the job market. Who would hire someone who just graduated when they can get a vet of 10+ years for the same wage?</p>
<p>I guess I'm just ranting about the horrific division between the "middle" class and the wealthy. Seriously these days the only differences between poor and middle class is one bad event (medical, legal, you name it), whereas the wealthy can take several hits and pretty much not feel it. That's the issue right now. When we create jobs, it's low paying stuff that doesn't help improve anyone's standing (except potentially from "on the street" to "poor") and the class divide only gets worse.</p>As a start for what you want, how about a minimum wage increase?
It's well below what it used to be, adjusted for inflation.
That is a start, but then the value of a college education is worth even less than it currently is. We spent an entire generation telling kids, "If you want a good job you need to go to college." Now those kids have insurmountable debt, have to live at home (which is one of the fastests ways to make someone feel like a failure), and have to accept whatever minimum wage...Mortag19812013-10-17T01:53:38ZRe: Forums: Off-Topic Discussions: Dystopia 2014: The US Government defaultsMortag1981https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2q9f1&page=3?Dystopia-2014-The-US-Government-defaults#1262013-10-17T15:47:27Z2013-10-17T01:40:29Z<p>I just think it's insane that we've reached a point where if someone isn't working two full time jobs that they're considered "lazy". Government shut down aside, the fact that our culture and economy has reached the point where the only way to survive is to have a multiple income household each working several jobs is just crap.</p>
<p>We need to start evaluating where we are as a people, and start looking at money versus means in a very real way.</p>
<p>What should a full time job at minimum wage afford someone? Probably a small, 1 bedroom apartment, a used car (without a payment, I'm talking like paying for it straight up), furniture, groceries, and the ability to go out twice a month (movies, food, bar, buy gaming books, w/e).</p>
<p>You have a B.A or B.S.? Great, probably a decent apartment, a newer vehicle with a reasonable payment, groceries, go out twice a month, and enough money to contribute to an IRA or 401k.</p>
<p>Get your masters? Now you're talking, here's where you should be able to get a home, have children, all those important things that we look at when we're kids going, "that's what the end goal is".</p>
<p>None of this happens any more. A college degree is all but a waste. Even if you get a "decent" job, the debt you incurred earning the degree puts you behind the guy who's been working at McDonald's for 4 years. Hell, that guy probably makes 40-50k as a manager now, and you're starting off at 25-35k (and probably not even in your field).</p>
<p>These are the problems we need to work on, and as a Republican, I'm sick that my party (or more specifically the Tea party ass-hats) are caught up in an ideological battle instead of a pragmatic one. Quit posturing for the next election and focus on fixing the country please.</p>I just think it's insane that we've reached a point where if someone isn't working two full time jobs that they're considered "lazy". Government shut down aside, the fact that our culture and economy has reached the point where the only way to survive is to have a multiple income household each working several jobs is just crap.
We need to start evaluating where we are as a people, and start looking at money versus means in a very real way.
What should a full time job at minimum wage afford...Mortag19812013-10-17T01:40:29Z