NicoleH's page

I am most excited to see some in house representation in tonight's stream.
I think the staff who are intimately familiar with the game, and have killer personality, and on air experience is going to bring this to a whole other level. (I hope this continues)

NicoleH wrote:

Tonya Woldridge wrote:

Since my silence is something that is causing concern, I wanted to respond.

Response to the current issues is being driven by the leadership team. I'm not a part of that group. I'm also not part of the press release/announcement staff chain and usually find out just before anything is posted. This means I don't have information to update. I appreciate Aaron coming in and providing the information he has, as part of the Marketing team. I appreciate his assistance.

As for whether or not I should be Director of Community. I appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts. I'll make sure to discuss them in my end-of-year review that is fast approaching. It may be the case I'm not the right person for the job and there is someone better to take it on.

While it's completely understandable that many of the major issues must involve the powers that be to formulate a response, I think a lack of public response into the allegations made specifically against you has been cause for concern from many in the community. Particularly given that every other individual named in the catalyst event had given one or more formal statements.

I am not saying that a lack of defense, or rather, continued silence is a sign of admission; however, a left splinter may fester. Many community members are still left to struggle with a lack of understanding in how your position interacts with various subsets of us, and currently resides in a place with broken trust, and no future promises that whether or not some of these actions took place, they won't happen as we move forward.

TLDR: While you can't speak on larger company issues, it's disappointing that you have still not addressed specific allegations made directly against you, and been transparent with your community so that we can work to heal, progress, and prosper together.

I understand the desire for me to speak out. I really do. I'm answering as best as I can in the situation I'm in, after receiving...

Thanks for your response, are you allowed to speak as to what Director of Community means as mentioned a couple of times above.

Jib asked very plainly: “Can you explain what the Director of the Community postion entails? What your responsibilities are? What you do from day to day?“

Since my silence is something that is causing concern, I wanted to respond.

Response to the current issues is being driven by the leadership team. I'm not a part of that group. I'm also not part of the press release/announcement staff chain and usually find out just before anything is posted. This means I don't have information to update. I appreciate Aaron coming in and providing the information he has, as part of the Marketing team. I appreciate his assistance.

As for whether or not I should be Director of Community. I appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts. I'll make sure to discuss them in my end-of-year review that is fast approaching. It may be the case I'm not the right person for the job and there is someone better to take it on.

While it's completely understandable that many of the major issues must involve the powers that be to formulate a response, I think a lack of public response into the allegations made specifically against you has been cause for concern from many in the community. Particularly given that every other individual named in the catalyst event had given one or more formal statements.

I am not saying that a lack of defense, or rather, continued silence is a sign of admission; however, a left splinter may fester. Many community members are still left to struggle with a lack of understanding in how your position interacts with various subsets of us, and currently resides in a place with broken trust, and no future promises that whether or not some of these actions took place, they won't happen as we move forward.

TLDR: While you can't speak on larger company issues, it's disappointing that you have still not addressed specific allegations made directly against you, and been transparent with your community so that we can work to heal, progress, and prosper together.

I don't think Thursty is *that* sorry, but I am excited for this anyways :P <3

https://unitedpaizoworkers.org/2021/10/21/critical-success/

Congratulations to the newly recognized Paizo Workers union!

Give it some time, someone might bring her back as an eidolon ^^

I could only hope for the return of my precious Eloise.

If you were wondering her full name, Eloise J. Carveil.
"She insisted on introducing herself as Eloise J, because she took glee out of telling people the J didn’t stand for anything when they asked" is my headcannon :P

Themetricsystem wrote:

NOTE: I moved this post to the latest page because it was the last reply on the previous page and those posts often get overlooked, in light of that I'm moving it to this new page for better visibility. Apologies if this is less than ideal forum etiquette but the conversation, I feel, is probably the MOST insightful and clarifying bit of media to date on the subject.

Good idea, I think.

Fwiw, BAMF usually release these kinds of things as podcasts, so hopefully that.l be out soon too.
I can’t watch videos for information, so I’m hanging out for this.

(Owen and Jake had a fantastic discussion on the new edition of D&D recently too).

The Paizo workers twitter has been doing a good job of sharing the interviews that some of it's members have been doing. Their twitter is: https://twitter.com/PaizoWorkers

Removed the obviously baiting comments and replies. Reminder to look over the community guidelines before you post something just to get a rise out of someone else.

We appreciate you <3

Day 2 blog from United Paizo Workers

Discussion what can you do now? What news sources have discussed this so far?
As well as What Happens Now

Please consider checking this out: Day 2: Steel Your Resolve UPW

Hello friends, stepping in again to redirect the conversation and ask your consideration for a moment.

1: "For now, what we’re calling for is voluntary recognition from Paizo management. For them to agree to sit down at the bargaining table with us and engage in good-faith negotiations. "

This is directly what the United Paizo Workers (UPW) have asked for so far.

The support card I also attached does not seem to be made by the union, but I can't point to the origin of it directly. Regardless of that, we come to this:

2: "Beginning September 16th, a united bloc of approximately 40 Paizo freelance writers, game designers, and adventure authors announced to management they would be refusing new contracts and in some cases withholding current work until improvements were made for employees. Demands included Paizo fill an HR position that was allowed to sit vacant and leave Paizo without HR for months; that non-warehouse staff be permitted to continue working from home during the pandemic, and that all non-warehouse staff are afforded the option to work remotely from outside Washington if they choose; that Paizo be fully transparent about all salary information; and that Paizo bring a full-time diversity consultant onto staff."

The issues we are debating recently in this thread are slighltly incorrect. While the union hasn't publicly called for a diversity consultant, who knows if they will? - it appears it was a coalition of individuals outside of the Paizo paid staffers.

Please be mindful and informed, and check your sources twice, heck, site them if needed, before playing a horrible game of telephone and detracting attention from the presented platforms. I encourage you all to take a few minutes today before resuming conversation to reread the blog, and twitter posts from UPW, even the support card, and take 5 minutes digestion of their contents before continuing. (you can find these again in the first post of this thread)

Thank you <3

Oh, I agree. While I’d love for the leadership to put actions to their words about wanting to work with staff for a better work environment my experience is that it’s just words, and this will end up going to vote. I’d like to be wrong on that. Do the right thing, Paizo.

And thank you! I wish it didn’t have to go the way it did. The staff at Paizo is wonderful. I’ve met so many good people, and not just on the staff but in the community as well. I miss it all. I believed and still do that I did what was right, but damn if it isn’t hard to let go.

Big hugs <3

A large portion of the Paizo TTRPG community is on socials such as twitter, but like myself a year ago, many aren't. With the recent announcement of numerous Paizo employees asking for a seat at the table in their own house of work, I think it's important to share their words here.

"We, the Paizo workers, recognize that workplace issues shouldn’t be management’s responsibility to solve in a vacuum, and we want to have a seat at the table for discussions on our working conditions and livelihoods. We believe our support is invaluable to management as we all work to make Paizo the best it can be.

For this reason we, the United Paizo Workers (UPW), are invoking our right to organize and administer a vote to form a union. We are working closely with Communications Workers of America (CWA), who have helped organize and represent other workers in the entertainment and gaming industries. We want Paizo and the products we make together to be successful, and to nurture a positive work environment for all staff. We believe that our union is the best avenue with which we as employees can help management achieve that."

I fully support the Unionization of Paizo, and would love to reinstate my subscriptions if Paizo voluntarily recognizes this.
Posting links appropriate to the conversation:

United Paizo Workers Blog and Merch

United Paizo Workers Twitter

More information and support

Unionize Paizo and make steps toward #PaizoAccountability

The problem has still existed.

Hopefully with Brian saying they are looking at it in the morning, it will get figured out, it’s not quite 9am at the Paizo offices currently

I look forward to seeing Diego's work <3 I've been missing his words in the forums, so 10,000 sounds nice
Especially as Diego recently helped me figure out our own shipping issues. I hope to see more in the future

I am excited to see the work this new author has done with Thursty <3 Congratulations Michael

'this isn't even my final --fo-- feat!'

If you’re interested in getting in some practice virtual table top games before PaizoCon, all are welcome in the Organized Play Online Region discord at pfschat.com where we have international Paizo society games year round!

Is it here where I post: The Mona ? :D

Is it really Mother’s Day if we don’t celebrate Venture Mommy Tonya? :P

Isn't this like first adventure in Realms of Mammoth Lords like in... Ever? x'D

:D It's a great area to explore! Given that it is a bounty, there is limited area/time to work much in the setting, but after working with Mike, I would love to see more content set place here! Much opportunity :P

Look at that art in this bounty
Seriously, if the adventure -where nothing at all happens- wasn't worth the price alone, (which be assured it definitely is) that art most certainly takes it to the next level

Looking forward to seeing this. Congratulations on your first scenario Jonas!

Very excited to see this in the wild! ;)

On another note here is the official link for Character Options!

Quickly moves to unbookmark this page, and replace it with the official link, before forgetting to do so - again

Additional Resources: Character Options !

Random question: How does one pronounce "Qxal?" My initial thought is to pronounce "Q" as a "Kh" sound (as in Quetzalcoatl) and the "x" as a "sh". So "KHE-shal"?

It was clarified to be pronounced like 'kicks-all' during Gen Con, like oh pronk! They kicks all our butts!

Two Words: Eagle Warriors.

CAW!

New players bring continuous life to our adventures! Not only are there opportunities to be had in-game society-but out of game society. Whether you are a nufriend, or older friend, if you see some aspect of org play that you wish to participate in, ask around. From playing, to GMing, coordinating games and conventions, volunteering for events to HQ or report games- There is a place and position to contribute in manners you most enjoy. Onboarding is step one, and it can take you as far as you wish to go.
Many wishes of memorable adventures, and Happy Gaming!

Reaper Virtual Expo March 5th-7th

Where?: Online! Reaper Virtual Discord
Cost?: Free!

Will there be games?: Absolutely! SFS, PFS 1e, 2e, and PF1 Modules!
When can I sign up to play?: Starting January 31st!
Can I still sign up to GM?: Yes, for just a couple more days from this post

Where can I sign up?: Reaper Virtual Expo Warhorn

Paizo Event: Reaper Virtual Expo: 2703515
For any accommodations, or other inquiries, please contact the organizers.

Happy Gaming!

What a wonderful list of new appointments, for previous and now current members.

The team being able to continue producing content, and being around to support events, from smaller cons to the big ones has allowed us to gain some great community members. I think this community has both literally and figuratively saved many of our table mates this year, and has left it marked with some great times. Looking forward to seeing what you all have in store for 2021! Thanks again for continuing to do what you do, and enable our community to make memories.

Salamileg wrote:

Quote:

My first big job in my new role has been taking the lead on an awesome new book that we haven’t announced just yet but keep a close eye on our announcements early in the new year!

How much do y'all wanna bet Michael Sayre is developing one of the playtest classes? If so, I'll be excited to see it, having been impressed by his work so far!

I wrote one, Mark wrote the other, both have had complete development passes by every other member of the design team, including James. I just went through the INDD file for the playtest document yesterday and copyfit the final pieces of it so that our amazing team of editors can finish their jobs and everyone can do their final checks before the playtest launches January 5th.

Looking forward to this next big adventure with all of you!

You do know that a vital part of the job description is dropping hints to the community yes? :D let me know when you are ready to do so! lol. Or you could start now ;)

Aww <3 sad to see the departure from OP, but glad to see the transistion into the game mechanics side, moreso than before. Congrats both! Very much looking forward to seeing your impact on the system, and world we all have the pleasure to enjoy.

NicoleH wrote:

I will keep this brief. As a community, especially in the Organized Play region, there have been many peer calls to leave reviews for adventures, or regular releases. We especially saw this with LO Legends.

While it's easy to direct someone to the link where they can leave reviews, it isn't very intuitive for a couple of reasons. One of these being that the link to click to review a product is hidden in the line of another sentence. Secondly, the link color of dark blue fails to contrast the black of the rest of the words. This makes it more difficult for parties looking to provide feedback. If an idividual is less invested in offering their opinion, as well as having a hard time figuring the system out, they may choose to abort. I fully feel that this may lead to an increased percentage of negative reviews, as we know people are prone to persist out of dislike moreso than an affinity or indifference; furthermore, decreasing the total number of prospective responses.

If possible, could we look at making this process easier, and more noticeable/intuitive? Thanks for your time!

Agreed! And anything that can be done to reduce the rate of the site "eating reviews" would be great--I've had at least 3 eaten. I know I should learn to write them outside of the box but apparently I can't help myself :) and while I tend to persist, others may not.

Alas, note pad is friend, but often forget to call her first indeed XD

I will keep this brief. As a community, especially in the Organized Play region, there have been many peer calls to leave reviews for adventures, or regular releases. We especially saw this with LO Legends.

While it's easy to direct someone to the link where they can leave reviews, it isn't very intuitive for a couple of reasons. One of these being that the link to click to review a product is hidden in the line of another sentence. Secondly, the link color of dark blue fails to contrast the black of the rest of the words. This makes it more difficult for parties looking to provide feedback. If an individual is less invested in offering their opinion, as well as having a hard time figuring the system out, they may choose to abort. I fully feel that this may lead to an increased percentage of negative reviews, as we know people are prone to persist out of dislike moreso than an affinity or indifference; furthermore, decreasing the total number of prospective responses.

If possible, could we look at making this process easier, and more noticeable/intuitive? Thanks for your time!

VerBeeker wrote:

Really curious to see what the Goloma, Shisk, and Conrasu look like.

Instant purchase for me, I've been waiting for these big lore books for a while.

This does raise the question, since Absalom was planned, and is stated to be out around early 2021 hopefully, and the Mwangi Expanse coming in June, can we expect other books of this caliber detailing other parts of the world?

Like Lost Omens: The Broken Lands, or Lost Omens: Old Cheliax?

Cause I hope so.

This will depend on how this book sells and the overall reception. Absalom is a little bit different, as it's "only" one city, but yeah.

As Elf said, I imagine it is dependent upon how it is recieved by the community, and urge that you review the content you enjoy if you want to see more like it in the future!

Looking forward to seeing all of our new community members! <3

Congratulations! I have been amazed to see Michael’s passion for his work. It’s not just the side many of us don’t see, working with the organized team and freelancers, but in nearly every society group I am a part of across the internet he is there! Going above and beyond, working to foster an environment where anyone has a seat at the table, and helping them get there. I very much look forward to finding out the new position and seeing what comes of it. I know the passion behind the work is undeniably present, and great things are to come!
This fiction is also one of my personal favorites so far, as I have felt personal investment in Meleeka’s story for some time now, so much to release an audible gasp when first finding out her to-be part in Golarion will be a story we can all enjoy!
Thank you Michael, and the absolute best of luck!

Redeux listed twice....

That’s because of how much work he puts in, and how he’s kind to literally everyone. (That’s what I’m going with)

It has been ab absolute pleasure to be able to work with the HQ team for ConCurrent and Gen Con, and see so many new members of our community with the transition online.

Huge shout out to every new GM, and every GM making the transition online. We see you, we know it can be a process, and we appreciate you.

Thank you again to our OP team, for putting the crunch on and making all of this happen in such a short time, and the online VOs who continue to help our newer members of the online community, you all are ROCK STARS!

11 weeks and I am blown away with all you guys have accomplished. <3

I am pretty darn happy that I did not elect to offer Starfinder games at Gencon if I am honest, I am plenty busy preparing for my tables without trying to cram a playtest into my head.

Ha, we already have enough with the APG ;) but will def have to consider it AFTER Gen Con

Do we know what the Puddles was called before the earthquake?

#1-08 Revolution on the Riverside has 1 encounter minimum, but against some natural things, not other humanoids, but it has the possibility to have more, but they can be avoided with the proper social decisions.

Eleanor blows me away again! Can't wait for this whole book to drop!

Runs around with arms flailing, now just time for the drop. Fantastic job, and thanks to the staff and AR behind this <3

Don't get discouraged that some of your games are currently not showing the proper amount of AcP, this is something the team is working on correcting. Now if the system goes live and you still have issues, then I would bring it to attention, but I highly suspect that there will be a BIG announcement when it does, and a place where you can discuss discrepancies.

Thod wrote:

The Flaming Skull Guards (tier 1-2) are not trained in intimidation. This looks like an oversight. You would expect at least a score of 2-4 in this skill.

Did we ever get an answer to this? I also find it odd that Demoralize is written in; however there is no Intimidation Stat. I also know that Demoralize is a concentrate, and these are mindless, but it is also an NPC. Was it just transfered over from high tier?

Answer found in GMG smh....run with the ability mod if there is no stat

Closest I have had to a TPK in PFS2 was a game where I ran 7 2nd levels, which pushed it up to Tier 3-4 at the time (not sure it does now).

It would not, as 7 player tables are now illegal, and 6 2's would be CP 18, which is the upper section of low tier (18=low because of the changes to 16-18, where only 4 PC parties would go high)

Can’t wait for the Specials :D