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The feel of much of the leadership now, I think, has been affected by the removal of much of the dynamic morality that was in pf1s. When everyone is 'good' there is a lot less room to work with. Zarta no longer being morally dark grey is no longer Zarta. That said, we can't have our cake and eat it too. If we want more dynamic interactions, the society has soul engines (this is a reference). Grandmaster Torch's exist. Colson Maldris, 'nuff said. There is NPC bloat, but I don't know what the solution is. Just my 2 copper.
For clarity, I am not outlawing the rod of wonder. I am saying that we will not be devoting table time to resolving more than (let's say) 3 uses before continuing with the scenario. If they wish to smatter more during sensible points during the scenario or during combats they are welcome to. Edit: I have no interest in allowing a player to waste the time of the rest of the table. This is a group game.
I would probably approach the rod of wonder situation with: "I cannot simply ignore all of the results from the rod that pop up before you get your desired result. However, the time it would take to resolve all of that is more than I am willing to allow. So, no. I will not be allowing that at this table. If you do not like this ruling you are more than welcome to take it up with the event organizer or higher."
I dont think it was ever about replays or even new material....
The ever-diminishing list of PF1 scenarios that the majority of my local group can legally play together has long been cause for concern among us...But for those of us who still want a PFS-legal way to revisit that older content..." There are people looking for PFS1 games to play in via any method possible (roll20 or other VTT options, online games, cons, etc.) If you go to other online communities people are talking about the same things discussed here. Unfortunately those communities are devolving into listing evergreen scenarios repeatedly due to the limited replays. Some of them are having more non-PFS games, discussing options like I presented, talking about issues with the replay tracking issues and generally just looking for some way to continue playing the game they love with the community of people they enjoy. If some community wants to create a Definitely Not PFS1, track replays in whatever way they see fit... Sasha: While all of the things are technically true I can tell you that with limited replays that it is in decline. People are looking for other outlets to play PF1 and ways to play PFS1. I have stated this upthread already. Barring changes to allowable content... Maybe not new material, but I get the feeling replays is accurate. Though, "Barring changes to allowable content..." seems to lean toward new material, but maybe that is just me.
Let's say you had unlimited replays... Here's the thing about that. With the rules of PFS1, it is not, in fact, unlimited. One cannot replay something that they have already replayed. So, the 'unlimited' is actually limited to playing each scenario a max of 2 times. What then? What will you do when you run out of scenarios to replay? You'll essentially be back in the same boat. Will you then ask for a lift on the next restriction? At some point, even if you can replay any given scenario any number of times people aren't going to want to run the Destiny of Sand series again. What then? I enjoy(ed) PFS1 a lot. But at some point you have to look at the writing on the wall. Either you (or someone) puts forth effort to get more material out there (likely unsanctioned), or...you're out of material. It isn't about replays.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but there is a subsection of the organized play discord that run, talk about, and play PFS1 still. I've also seen a consistent number of PFS1 games scheduled on warhorn. I guess I've just been wondering if the PFS1 enthusiasts are looking for such things before creating threads. While I understand that my phrasing is abrupt, I mean no offense. I am solidly confused as I've found these outlets with little to no effort. And, it would seem to me that, if one contacted aforementioned warhorn organizers, one could likely put in requests. And, given the rules of PFS1, if you didn't have enough people to complete the table, you could ask someone who has played it to replay for no credit (thus getting around the lack of replays problem). Heck, if you need someone to complete a PFS1 table for no credit, hit me up. I'm happy to help out.
Every time I've played or ran the series my groups planned for it to be a weekend-long activity.I did that as well. It's doable, but you're literally only playing, eating, sleeping, and repeating. I'd prefer some space in between for some relaxation. That is the ideal run though. EotT is an amazing story that should not be rushed. Similarly, All for Immortality and Passing the Torch. As such, I'd be very hesitant to play or run it at a convention. The time limitation does not improve gameplay.
I believe that they have already expressed their intention of going all the way for both SFS and PFS2, so it is definitely something to look forward to. That said, it will require patience. In SFS they are soon going to release the first 11-14, after about 5 years from its original release. For PF2S, I suspect that they will not account for AP credits in their building of scenario foundation for higher level scenarios.
Honestly, that they made Passing the Torch playable at 17-18 was a surprise in and of itself. I believe they 100% did not intend to have any society content for 19-20th level play. I'm pretty sure that the 15+ was a mistake. If you have played at the 17-20 range, you know that, from a writing perspective, you are in a no win situation. That high a level of play gets silly (at best) and is therefore not really worth writing for. It is just the nature of PF1. This truth is also why Starfinder and PF2 are mechanically how they are. Thier adherence to tighter math mechanics allows for writing at those high levels. Should one have the opportunity to play RftRK with a character of 18-20th level, I would strongly encourage the player to make sure that both the GM and fellow players at the table are okay with it. While you technically have the right to sit down at the table, your character was unintended (at best) to play it. Be respectful. Just because you can do something does not mean that you should.
There are some new book 5 and 6s of adventure paths, the 6s allow credit from 16-18. All for Immortality - (12-15) - This is a 3 scenario arc (7-20, 7-26, 7-29)
These are all of the new stuff.
Venture Captain Sasha Velinznrarikovich, Aasimar Wizard (7), Cleric of Nethys (2), Mystic Theurge (10). He has had a long and storied career. Most of which is entangled with Torch and Lissala. The most notable occurrence recently is a run in with Torch. Also, while on the team researching how the sky key operated and could be used for a jump back in time, there was a bit of a time magic debacle and...he is now a child again... This occurrence has caused him to have to reassure new folks that he meets that he is indeed "..a very powerful spellcaster..", which he sometimes feels he must insist several times. All that said, he is an academic at heart and enjoys teaching the new ranks of Pathfinders. Venture Captain Sasha can be found in the Grand Lodge in the 'lodge' he has set up which he has dubbed the 'Research Room'. This 'room' is actually a well integrated demiplane whose door is the portal, allowance to which is a wayfinder. This separate plane allows full blown experimentation without fear of the 'full blown' nature damaging the Grand Lodge itself.
I'm not overly opposed to playing down, but will definitely express my concern with level 14's and 15's playing up. Ultimately it is your decision because, as an 18, I have little to lose. In the end I'm in this for the rp fun. I have not gotten to play this character in some time and my goal is rp fun.
According to PFS rules, 17-18 cannot play in the 12-13 tier and 12-13 cannot play in the 17-18 tier. So that is not actually a major concern. That said, your decision is quite reasonable and aids in the organization. THIS is a link to a thread wherein 3 17-18th level characters (myself included) have signed up to play. If any level 16s are feeling particularly confident you are welcome to round out the table, we seem to have two frontliners and a mystic theurge at the moment. That is all, sorry to intrude on your thread.
I have also put my name in another recruitment for this series. It might behoove us level 17-18 folks to coordinate together to ensure that we bring little to no lower levels into the high tier (for the danger to the lower level characters. Also for situations of us rolling through things should we end up playing down (9th level spells are quite powerful). All of the above said, if you do have a level 17-18 char, please contact me and I'll see to coordinating with the GMs who are running this so that they don't have to do extra work for something that doesn't benefit them.
I have also put my name in another recruitment for this series. It might behoove us level 17-18 folks to coordinate together to ensure that we bring little to no lower levels into the high tier (for the danger to the lower level characters. Also for situations of us rolling through things should we end up playing down (9th level spells are quite powerful). All of the above said, if you do have a level 17-18 char, please contact me and I'll see to coordinating with the GMs who are running this so that they don't have to do extra work for something that doesn't benefit them.
"Yes well..," turning to the small Oread. chants some incantation Spellcraft DC 17:
Psychic Reading "Mr. Kruger I believe? There is expectation, not break. Make sure others don't break either. and Miss..?" Sasha turns to the Varisian woman. chants same incantation "Casrua I believe? And.." chants same incantation "Mr. Shieldarm, that is an excellent point and helps lead me to three:" turning back to the rest of the room, "Write down! Once desirables are safe for few moment, write down! Record the find and preferably record message themselves. I know some can barely read common, but you don't have to know what it say to draw symbols or characters. As Miss Casrua pointed out," gesturing to the Varisian woman, "there are people who destroy and desecrate locations. If we have writing from before it was damaged we will have more than nothing. And, in answer to Miss Casrua's specific question, if you come across previously damaged relics and such, all we can ask is that you salvage what you can." Beginning to gather up the papers in his lectern Sasha concludes, "And that all. Just three simple points to help with spotting and preserving valuable information. Look before you walk. Nobody break it. Write down. If you have more questions feel free to stay and ask, but I am aware that the Master of Swords has something for some of you so I made brief.'
"Yes, yes.." Sasha begins again waving down the hand of the Oread."This bring me to next point; preservation. Once ancient...desirables are located, like wall carvings or paintings, or pedestals,or even pottery," as he say this he gestures at the Oread," nobody break it. That number two. Nobody break it! Grabbing a bit more fleece out of a side pouch, he begins a similar incantation with similar designs and then a small bead of fire slowly moves away from his now pointed finger toward the center of the room. As it passes one can feel the heat. "Number two not only apply to you folk who swing around sword bigger than you. It also apply to you magic users as well." as he says this the bead of fire makes it to the middle of the room and then explodes in a giant ball of fire encompassing the entire room. A strong wave of heat washes over the lecture hall for all inside. Will Save DC 23:
This is an illusion Quickly, the fire visual and heat disappear and Sasha continues, "Because, as you can see," Sasha gestures to the walls which once held the images of hieroglyphics, now show charred walls with the faintest of the previous writing."Such spells, be them arcane, divine, or psychic can cause damage. So I repeat..NOBODY break it!"
A bearded elderly Aasimar clothed from head to toe in the stereotype of an old wizard stands at the lectern of the lecture hall. The only deviation from the wizardly stereotype is the designs on his clothing which depict all manner of symbols of Nethys. He clears his throat and then speaks loudly, his voice thick with an Ustalavian accent, "This lecture on best ways to spot and preserve ancient sites while on mission." He pauses for a moment, mutters a short incantation while tracing designs in the air with a bit of fleece. After he finishes, oversized images of heiroglyphic symbols display on the walls to the left and right and on the ceiling and floor. The symbols seem to have the same characters on each surface. Ancient Osirian:
PROTECT ME "We begin with the spotting. When dealing with Ancient Osirian places it is a simple case of look around. Not just walls but ceiling and floor," as he says these he gestures to each of the surfaces. After, he slams his fist on the lectern with a small 'Boom!' "Those of you I just woke up for you fell asleep already, this next part extremely important to you. There purpose for finding writing. Writing tells you not just story about place but often about traps placed. So please, look before walk. That is our first point lecture..." the aaismar looks around expectantly. "Write down please! One! Look before walk!
"You know.." Sasha begins, stroking his beard, "Best option may be to delve into mind via possession. First thing ve need learn is vether she husk or mentally destroyed. Both of which ve could find out and possibly more if ve try possession. Vile possessing, ve could also observe extent to vich gem controls her." He then silently nods to himself in affirmation.
Sasha quickly moves over and sits down next to the demonstration stroking his beard vigorously and exclaiming "Interesting!" several times. "This remind me of report I read about corpse animation via transmutation! But this takes it to whole new level!" the Venture Captain exclaims again accentuating his point by thrusting his hands in the air. He then begins to pace quickly, obviously lost in thought. After a few moments of pacing he snaps his old fingers and starts,"Yes! I remember reading 3 months ago-" he breaks and says a few arcane words and makes a gesture and stares blankly for a couple seconds. Spellcraft DC 21:
Psychic Asylum After those couple seconds Sasha comes to and continues a bit slower than before, "It is as I remembered. There vas a Gnome who animated a vale carcass with transmutation magic. This could be but the beginnings, however. For to keep body 'living' and vorking, one could use necromancy. Nethys! Vith an intricate enough knowledge of the vorkings of a body you could even use evocation! After that one could build it and control it as golem. It turns into flesh golem except the flesh is 'living'. Thus, functioning body, but only husk, as zhe soul vas likely to have gone to zhe boneyard...hopefully," Sasha concludes. Sasha says moments later with another wave of a hand,"This is of course under assumption that zhe mind vasn't just crippled and body remains functioning off base instincts." The old Aasimar hunkers down and begins to get lost in his own thoughts again.
Sasha carefully grabs the singed, worn book from the air and begins skimming through it as Gordan explains. When the disheveled woman is brought back the old Aaismar's eyes light with curiosity. Hearing the curses and prayers, Sasha waves his hand, "No need for concern. There spells of psychic kind for healing minds." He continues studying the woman, snapping and poking. "Where is this woman kept?"
The old mage stands slowly with a few books in hand and begins scanning them. After reordering them he slowly bends down for some more, repeating the process. A few moments pass, he speaks up in a soft patient manner, "Though my fellow scholar has point about zhe passion in vhich fellow pathfinders live their lives, there is something to say for their contribution to collective as whole." Sasha ends the last statement looking at Gordan with his bushy brows raised and pauses for another few moments. He then looks up at the ceiling as if reminiscing, "Vhy, I cannot count how many times one zhe 'passionate' have saved me from harm." Sasha begins slowly picking up books again. "Ms....Ka, vould you be dear and take care of shelves and tables? Nethys has not seen fit to bless me vith physical prowess," he chuckles to himself, still moving slowly. " Vell, now is good time!" the sage turns to the half-elf while reordering books, "Vat vere findings from Emerald Spire?"
Sasha relaxes significantly, his body changing to a bit apologetic. " My apologies worshipper of Sekhmet. Nethys knows I get a bit over protective of this room." He begins to pick up the books strewn about, turning his head slightly as he talks. " There are rarely any large animals that come in here as this is a place of knowledge and the sharing of such."
As the large woman expands and moves she overturns tables and knocks over bookshelves. With each book falling to the floor Sasha's face darkens. During the verbal exchange Sasha clenches his staff, his knuckles turning white, and begins moving his fingers in the somatic manner of casting. Spellcraft DC 23:
Sasha begins casting Maze "Sasha..you probably shouldn't.." a voice sounds in Sasha's head. Sasha pauses the incantation and hand motions and takes a deep breath. "You talk to her Riddy, I will not. Sasha says in his head and glares at the new entrant. Inside of Seketkhentiou's head she hears a small voice,"You might want to stop knocking over book shelves ma'am. That old Aaismar over there is about to do something...inconvenient...to you."
"Sasha, the half-orc over here asked what a construct is," giggles a voice in Shasha's head. Sahsa pauses mid lecture and turns back toward Adrianna, "Vell then lady Adrianna, constructs, in simple vay, are statues animated by magic. If jou vould like to more complicated explaination I vould encourage you study vis ze vayang here or vait til I finished and can teach jou ze intricate details of ze magical machinations."
"Constructs! Jess of course!" Sasha exclaims excitedly gesturing and leading the wayang towards some book shelves marked 'Arcana'. "You know, though the subject of constructs seems very specific, it is interesting how many different ways that constructs come into being..." Sasha begins, talking continuously while handing the wayang several stacks of papers from the middle of the 'C' section. "...Arcane construction with a simple incantation..." "...Divine imbuement, well I remember a time when this holy symbol caused some constructs to leave me alone..."
"Hyello Adrianna," He nods to the Half-Orc and then nods to the deinonychus "and you little monster. I am Sasha Velinzrarikovich," he says with a formal bow holding the books in his off-hand with practiced dexterity. Knowledge Local DC 15:
Sasha is Veture Captain Alexander Velinznrarikovich adopted by the Blackrose family "Well, " Sasha begins, "between myself and my assistant Grundersnutt we have researched a great many subjects and have also written reports about those subjects. After all of our many missions and reports we decided to make this research room. Feel free to make a copy for any mission you are sent on."
"I would also be happy to answer any questions you may have about..well, anything really."
A bearded elderly Aasimar suddenly appears between some book cases. Knowledge Arcana DC 27:
the effects of a greater teleport The Aaismar starts rummaging through the books where he appeared, muttering something about sphinxes and memory. He is clothed from head to toe in the stereotype of an old wizard, pointy hat and all. The only deviation from the wizardly stereotype is the designs on his clothing which depict all manner of symbols of Nethys. The frequency of these symbols seem to signify a cleric.
After a couple moments he notices the interaction. Walking over carrying a couple of books, "I do not see too many people in research room. And a worshiper of Isis no less." Nodding to Balthazar, "Plumekith. What brings the two of you to this humble room of research?"
"Hmm..yes..the Mana Wastes.."Sasha again scratches his beard and then goes silent for several more seconds."..Maybe all come from same place. Maybe divine goes through divine beings who get from same place as arcane and psychic.." "I should ask Nethys." Sasha concludes. Sasha turns to the quiet Garundi man keeping to himself,"What of you Khaled? Though you seem more of non-magical knowledge, surely this subject directly affects all your areas?
The bearded aasimar chuckles and backs up more into the hallway. "My apologies Grunder. I did not believe that we would get such rise out of academic populous after notes I left around." After a few more moments of silent chuckling he composes himself and turns to the neatly dressed man. " Yes, there are some records of Spire. It would be quite interesting to compare findings with those that have been recorded as well as with any powerful magics from ancient Thassilon or Osirian." Sasha turns his head to his shoulder,"Go see if Grunder needs help Rid." "Hmm...now that we have more people here.." Sasha begins while scratching his bearded chin,"This quite possible may be applicable to all present. So! Based on my experience with both arcane and divine capabilities I have find that many avenues in common." Sasha pulls out a rod. "Example!" Sasha flicks the rod and the stone floor next to him warps into a thin, 3 foot high pillar."As everyone surely know that used divine power. Thanks to Nethys. However this-" Sasha pulls out some substance that looks like clay, mumbles, and traces some symbols in the air. After he finishes, the pillar goes back to its original state."use arcane power. The point I lead to ladies and gentleman, which did any or all ancient civilizations use?!" Sasha exclaims dramatically."Where did spell power come from? Was it arcane? Divine? Psychic? Or mixture?"
"Oh, yes of course. I was informed by Drendle that one might be showing up." Sasha begins flipping through the journal.
"Huh..it slightly more complex shift cipher Grunder. One second.....two...twelve..fourty-two..Ah ha! Here Grundersnutt. You see, with any shift cipher all you have do is find modification based on modular of full alphabet of language. In this situation modular of Aslanti is fourty-two. And with that.." Sasha trails off and is silent for several minutes. "What!? Sasha exclaims leaping to his feet propelling scrolls in all directions."Grunder, journal speaks of location of possible Azlanti location here on Kortos!"
Inside the Grand Lodge, toward the archives, a right before the double doors, down the hall, and finally the fifth door on the right. "The Research Room", a slipshod sign hangs slightly off center above the old wooden door. This dank room hosts a great number of interesting things..unless scrolls and journals don't interest you. In that case this room is barren. Behind a mountain of scrolls, barely visible, stands a heavily bearded aassimar pouring over some papers. "Hmm..I wonder if Grundersnutt want to look at new report on psychic magic?" the older humanoid grumbles to himself while scratching his bearded chin."It really might link the gap between arcane and divine magics." Folding it slightly, Sasha tosses it into the air, mumbles and makes a short gesture, and the paper moves slowly across the room. The paper sails over a couple unorganized stacks of scrolls and papers, over very neatly organized stacks of papers onto a clean orderly desk. "I wonder how Grunder keeps such order?"
Comparing notes between his and those presented the heavily bearded aasimar ponders deeply "Very interesting." he mutters to himself. He seems to come back to himself and blinks twice as if remembering he's in a room with other people in it. "Excuse me." he asks the room in general "Does anyone know where examples of this remarkable fellow's work can be had?" Sasha's head perks up at this inquiry. "Well actually, my comrade and I are working on getting lodge or facility dedicated to research," waving a hand with a scroll in it arbitrarily. "Well, " Sasha says while standing,"it unfortunate Grundersnutt is so excitable. I have come across recently a similar effect of to the life-force component. Uncommon individuals with direct connection to either environmental or planar elements. When harnessing connection they are little drained. Herein might be relation." As he says this he begins to move up to the front of the lecture hall. "You see..." Sasha begins, standing at the lectern, and trails off."I should probably call Grundersnutt back in here." Pausing for a moment, "Rittywhipple!" he exclaims. A faerie dragon appears right next to Sasha with several giggles and holds a staff. Sasha grabs the staff and taps it on the ground and both figures disappear. A couple seconds later Sasha reappears without the staff and back behind the lectern. "Grunder should be back shortly. I feel I should wait for him return before continue." Sasha begins placing some of his scrolls on the lectern. |
