Sebastian Hirsch's page

Is this scenario supposed to give one or two points of reputation with the Verdant Wheel faction? The scenario and the reporting page are kind of add odds here.

The box is looking great, however I have a question. Will this product be using the full PFS2 ruleset or a limited ruleset like previous products?
For example, apparently previous Beginner's Boxes remove some parts of the rules like swift actions and attacks of opportunity, and I would personally love the introductory product features the "normal" ruleset (mostly so I can recommend it as a product for new players).

I recently had a table where a familiar had acquired a natural attack via a mutagen, but considering the attack bonus, it missed.

The artwork for this product line really hits the spot for me ^^

I have just prepared to run it tomorrow and honestly, one of the smoothes preps I have had in PFS2 thus far.

Most things are well explained and there are some really good ideas in there as far as presentation and reprinting of CRB rules are concerned.

Shard cove feels like it is missing a bit of information, like how many of the refugees can swim, or dare to do so and in which direction you swim. I would not be surprised to see players swimming ahead to clear the area first.

Paizo just sold several books! I'm off to build an Ancient Half-Elf Human Fighter-Imperial Sorcerer for PFS!

Are you 100& certain that Elf Atavism works with Ancient Elf?

Thank you for the update, I have a fair number of players that will be keen to learn what is legal and finally buy those books ^^

The web traps not being properly statted as hazards and the treasure bundles are also things that bothered me during prep.

I think take 20 on a Disguise check is not going to work on most tables.

I might be blind, but I could not find the god listed for the cleric, which is once could say pretty defining, particularly since the cleric is described as one in the text GMs are supposed to read to players.

Welcome aboard James^^

I am pretty happy that Ehu won, and I am looking forward to his storyline.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

BigNorseWolf wrote:

Uchuujin wrote:

Could we maybe include some bioware/cyberware whateverware in a book or AP soonish that gives a bite attack back then? Not asking for double level on on unarmed attacks, just a bite...

Bionic dentures?

Or implant hard light projectors, so you can switch between different styles of fangs and colors ^^

Color-coordinating fangs in the party was a need I didn't realize I had, until now.

You are welcome ^^ I wonder if it costs extra to do some telepathic interface so you can change the color/light up the frequency to send a signal... or attune it to the beat at a rave.

I prefer being able to roll one huge number of dice than doing several sets, so I vastly prefer having 10+ d6 for a fireball or similar effect (and started making dice cups that are large enough).

Uchuujin wrote:

Could we maybe include some bioware/cyberware whateverware in a book or AP soonish that gives a bite attack back then? Not asking for double level on on unarmed attacks, just a bite...

Bionic dentures?

Or implant hard light projectors, so you can switch between different styles of fangs and colors ^^

To be fair, there are also a fair number of people that are perfectly fine with the current version, they just don't have a huge incentive to keep posting here.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

I am not entirely certain that unlocking the scroll actually makes the spell available for those casters, but I would have to do some research.

Actually I wanted to request something, could we please get properly cut versions of the maps in the scenarios, they usually area bit bigger (I heard that these might be the versions sent to the printer to deal with color bleeding etc.) but that also means that if I want to just extract the map and use it online (roll20 in this case), the maps made from map pack parts and flip -tiles are almost impossible to use properly.

What I meant was that because snowball is not listed as an uncommon spell in the Lost Omens World, when that book becomes sanctioned for play, if it is legal from that source without any restrictions, this reward might not seem like much of one.

Right now the options for low-level items are pretty limited, though I suspect that the boon is the real reward.

I would not be surprised if that spell required the player to designate that general area as one of their home regions, so this one could have some value

Flipping through the scenarios, there are just not a lot of options to fill that box and putting in the scroll at least prevents it from staying empty.

I am not entirely certain that unlocking the scroll actually makes the spell available for those casters, but I would have to do some research.

Actually I wanted to request something, could we please get properly cut versions of the maps in the scenarios, they usually are a bit bigger (I heard that these might be the versions sent to the printer to deal with color bleeding etc.) but that also means that if I want to just extract the map and use it online (roll20 in this case), the maps made from map pack parts and flip -tiles are almost impossible to use properly.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

In PFS2 you are way more likely to see that with secret rolls, some GMs just let players roll the vast majority of them (with the general understanding that no-one is expected to metagame, it works pretty well for me thus far, but I can always suspend it if players require it) and there are a couple of other issues.

I have to say, as a GM, I am really enjoying the whole secret roll thing. In a recent adventure, I was able to give 3 different players a piece of the puzzle and enjoyed watching the Role-playing happening at the table.

I know some GMs will just let players make their own rolls but using secret rolls I believe enhances the playing experience.

It is certainly an option, in one game I played, the players had a lot of fun viewing the scenario through the lens of an obviously wrong recall knowledge check ^^

I have been toying with this idea for quite some time, maybe it will help the discussion.

Since we generally do not ask players when/how they have assigned feats or skills, the PFS2 model does not quite work, so I would suggest the following.

Make a snapshot of the current character, then start rebuilding the character from scratch. After you are done, pay an amount of Fame/other limited currently for each change.

Different Feat X points
Reassign X skill points Y points
Different alternate racial X points ... etc.

This way you would still have an incentive to stay relatively close to your original character, but you could fix some minor mistakes.

The issue is more about managing player expectations at the table than power in the game. Having one rule prevents players with a strong opinion about it from flipping your table when you do it differently than the way “my regular GM always does it.”

In PFS2 you are way more likely to see that with secret rolls, some GMs just let players roll the vast majority of them (with the general understanding that no-one is expected to metagame, it works pretty well for me thus far, but I can always suspend it if players require it) and there are a couple of other issues.

In general, this edition seems to want to give more power into the hands of individual GMs, and while that is sometimes challenging, it seems to be part of the core philosophy in some areas.

Honestly, I am just happy that we ended up getting a list of monster types and recall knowledge checks in the end.

I don't say this often enough, but your work is very much appreciated Simon ^^

I would tend to go with Gary's interpretation.

If you use the strict definition of optional/alternate (i.e. it has a header naming it such), then you're opening the door for other "the GM may" variations on rules that the CRB presents (e.g. setting different task levels for Earn Income and using alternative skills for Earn Income).

I think the task level is covered in the guide, though using different skills and I suspect much higher DCs is not. Of course, that would be an actual change, the difference between the two ways to deal with critical hits is honestly not huge. I don't have a huge horse in this race, but it felt like the rule is a balancing act:

Some players really enjoy rolling a lot of dice and adding them together, while others would rather minimize this aspect and thus prefer to double a result.

But it sounds like you're flipping it.

The default rule is: roll once and double. This is the faster option.

I would not be surprised if adding up all the various numbers might not be easier for some math-challenged players, I have seen all sorts over the years, some are pretty damn quick adding up 10+ dice but get slow when they to multiply things.

Thank you for the clarification ^^

HammerJack wrote:

But you also get a move action back, and that is a much bigger deal. You can intimidate (with a feat), move (before or after your attack), tumble, hide (making cloaking field much better), greater feint (so that your debilitating doesn't need to be flat-footed), build a barricade (also with a feat), etc.

You kinda sort of have your move action already, its just lock in.. well with the action so common they named the action for it (moving)

The cloaking field... ok, yeah. THATS a combo worthy of the banhammer. Good job spotting the cloaked operative. :)

And also Marked for Death...

I think it is just a normal rule and not an optional one, and with so many "GM might allow this" situation in PF2, you are boing to have some level of table variation when it comes to things like this.

Frankly speaking, the only things that are optional or alternative (that I can recall right now) are the voluntary flaws on page 26 are allowed and that the alternative method of rolling for ability scores are not used.

The current version of the guide does not seem to include the word optional.

Cool, that was a lot of work to update and I appreciate it. I was happy to see most of the racial options make it in fact.

I don't care but I always wonder why things like below get banned:

Unveil Reality [Witchwarper Paradigm Shift]
Multi-Weapon Versatility [Feat Boost]
Quick Trick [Alternate Class Feature]

More of just a mental exercise for me but I couldn't figure out why these were so much stronger than say a baseline full BAB Soldier attacking normally for their level. I like to look at the recent Society games I have played or run and try and figure out would it really make a difference?

Quick Trick kinda removes the only weakness of the class (not being able to do a trick attack if you are staggered) and as written it still allowed you to move and attack as a standard action. That might have been too much.

Personally not having Quick Trick, makes Marked for Death slightly less oppressive.

As the GM I tend to prefer to roll twice to reduce the chance of damage spikes.

The CRB basically lets the GM decide, though as a GM I would ask players to choose one option and stick with that for the game (so not wanting to roll more dice if the first set of rolls was low).

Having a magic version on the chronicle sheet might be relevant for those that might be able to purchase the item with a discount or those that have limited access to items due to their level (you can usually get char level 2 from chronicle sheets unless I am mistaken) and/or their infamy.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

So basically you would want something like a "ring of hard knocks" that allow your unarmed strike damage to deal lethal damage and not counts as archaic?

I still want it to count as Archaic, so A) i didn't waste Raw Lethality and B) it doesn't replace Natural Weapons for those that took a race with it.

Good point, personally I think that some level of augmentations could also solve the issue since Archaic reduces damage by a set amount, it would be reasonable to find a good level for an augmentation that does something like implanting super dense bones from some alien creature or something similar.

I was gonna make my con boon Embri a envoy with mysticism expertise and noble scion theme in order for them to be Speaker who faked their mystic abilities, but noble scion theme isn't legal so have to figure out better theme I guess :'D

Kinda sad even if I understand it, I mean it DOES give you free money even if its for flavor stuff like social events and fancy clothing

I suspect that the free money was not the problem here, but that the Personal Retainer is something that SFS usually does differently via hireling.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

BigNorseWolf wrote:

The Biohackers Genetics inhibitor apparently needs a big clarification before people get excited and start injecting liquid magnesium into people so they take 150% damage from lasers.

I hope we get that one, and a couple of others as soon as possible. It was pretty silly when one of my playtest players used this option with that particular interpretation of the effects.

I don't think I've seen the other interpretation independently arise unless people were talking with people. In the playtest the language was the same , and every mention of the genetics inhibitor I could find was under the impression that that that's how it works.

Well I reported the feedback from the playtest, but the language did not change significantly, having an entire party use the same energy type (in this case it ended up as acid) really showcased how bonkers that version of the ability would be.

A more extensive retraining/rebuilding option would be very welcome.

Sebastian Hirsch wrote:

Nefreet wrote:

I was dismayed when I read Thurston's announcement, but the "offer" to sell back my 315 credit item for full value just... stung.

My Ysoki Soldier was built around biting. He famously chewed through a scenario where technological weapons weren't allowed. His jokes were always tooth related. Without a Natural Weapon of his own he not only doesn't function, his whole concept ceases.

• Gloom Gunner Archetype
• Weapon Focus
• Raw Lethality Gear Boost
• Lack of other offensive gear
• Lunge and Cleave lose their hilarity
• Even Ysoki was specifically picked for this

He'll either need a rebuild or a shredder. And either way, I'm going to miss playing him =(

So you would prefer a rebuild option that allowed you to take the natural weapon alternate racial on page 28 of SCOM?

That wouldn't help those of us who don't have a Natural Weapon option.

Honestly, I don't care about the x2 damage. It could do levelx1.5 like a Natural Weapon and it would still be very good (frankly that would be better overall because it wouldn't invalidate natural weapons races). Heck, I would take it even if it was levelx1 damage like normal specialization but still be a lethal bite attack and it wouldn't ruin my build.

So basically you would want something like a "ring of hard knocks" that allow your unarmed strike damage to deal lethal damage and not counts as archaic?

I was dismayed when I read Thurston's announcement, but the "offer" to sell back my 315 credit item for full value just... stung.

My Ysoki Soldier was built around biting. He famously chewed through a scenario where technological weapons weren't allowed. His jokes were always tooth related. Without a Natural Weapon of his own he not only doesn't function, his whole concept ceases.

• Gloom Gunner Archetype
• Weapon Focus
• Raw Lethality Gear Boost
• Lack of other offensive gear
• Lunge and Cleave lose their hilarity
• Even Ysoki was specifically picked for this

He'll either need a rebuild or a shredder. And either way, I'm going to miss playing him =(

So you would prefer a rebuild option that allowed you to take the natural weapon alternate racial on page 28 of SCOM?

The Biohackers Genetics inhibitor apparently needs a big clarification before people get excited and start injecting liquid magnesium into people so they take 150% damage from lasers.

I hope we get that one, and a couple of others as soon as possible. It was pretty silly when one of my playtest players used this option with that particular interpretation of the effects.

I am a big fan or more extensive retraining/rebuilding options in general, not just for this one situation.

I am looking forward to some options from LOCG, though I mainly want the spells that allow me to throw swords at people ^^

It is a fresh AR, I would personally wait if/until there are any clarifications before you get your hopes up.

Can we maybe get a sample image for the front and back of these cards? I was... surprised by the condition cards (bought clear sleeves before I had time to open the package and noticed that they were not double-sided like the last ones - or at least not in a way I wanted).

I am looking forward to hearing some reviews about this one, but I fear that I am really not the target audience for this product, though if it lets people that otherwise could not enjoy the hobby do so, more power to them.

Even potentially giving Amazon more money or data than they already have would not be a dealbreaker, (though as a European, I am not thrilled about the deal they made with Luxemburg) and have bought audiobooks on Audible yesterday.

Actually, that might be my request, can we get some proper Starfinder audiobooks? Some of the Pathfinder audiobooks were so amazing that I ended up buying somewhere I had already read the novel years ago.

Should the birds and other critters hit the canvas automatically? The rules on attacking objects only deals with damage dealt to them, there's no mention of AC in there or in the rules, nor there's a mention if you can crit an object.

Not having good rules to attack objects is a system-level problem, but I agree, that it is a problem for the scenario. I went with an automatic hit and no chance for a critical effect.

In my experience, that ooze fight is the real end boss in this scenario, and splitting can work as a tactic, it really depends on Ezren and his fireball.

1. The transport via starship is an issue and one that I would not ask the GM to ignore.

2. As others have mentioned your GM might not be super familiar with the relevant rules, so I would suggest warning that person ahead of time, and/or ideally bringing some amazing handouts. GMs already have to prepare anything from the scenario, and being forced to incorporate another set of rules players bring to the table, might convince them that offering public tables was a mistake.

3. Scenarios are usually not written with the assumption that you will bring a vehicle, just like many encounters do not assume that the group will start the fight from sniper rifle range.
It can be fun with the right group to destroy a scenario, but the other players and the GM might not appreciate it, so be absolutely sure that everyone is on the same level so you all have a great time.

I give out another point to everyone at the table after about 2/3s or 3/4 (usually before the boss fight or a big challenge) of the scenario and I tell that to my players in advance. That way players dare to actually spend the points.

I don't think this will be grandfathered in and I would not want that to happen, some organizations are just a bad fit for organized play.

I think a bag of holding should not be an "I win" option to solve issues within a scenario, though at the same time I would not want to suggest that the final encounter should burst said bag with all the consequences usually attached to that.

He really is one of my favorite characters from Golarion, I can't wait to dig deep into my copy of the ACG and the Chrimson Throne AP as soon as I have some time.... and it is really tough to avoid spoilers.

I can absolutely recommend the various audiobooks that feature the Varian and Radovan^^

Ok everyone, join in!!

WE WANT A BLOG!

WE WANT A BLOG!

WE WA...

Sigh...

A forum post would be enough, together with a short Email to all the RVCs, though considering how busy they are, I won't really request anything.

What I expect from the org play crowd is to give feedback on how they would like those characters to be able to perform in withing the constraints of a scenario etc.

Things like:

"The way this ability is written makes it a really bad fit for org play and this tiny tweak would change that" or "In my lodge players are big fans of X, and that could totally work for the class with a slight change".