Search Posts
In looking at the Urban Ranger and Scout ranger archetypes, I see no duplicity between the two as to the normal class features each archetype's features replace. I would assume that this would allow one to take both archetypes, yes? If so, would the Guide's terrain bond apply to the Urban Ranger's favored community? Because the RAW says terrain bond applies to the ranger's favored terrain (which is replaced by favored community), I would assume not unless the GM house rules that it does, yes?
This makes total sense to me. Isn't part of the metaplot that you've just spent three years as a Pathfinder Trainee?
Not everyone ... is prepared for every situation. As a group we go out to handle the missions... This is a team game. Exactly. Andy considers himself a casual gamer. It sounds as if the groups with which he played Season 4 scenarios were well-prepared for their missions.MisterSlanky considers himself a casual gamer. It sounds as if the groups with which he played Season 4 struggled. Was Season 4 attractive to the casual gamer? Will Season 5 be? Yes. And no, probably.
In the instances mentioned in this thread, it was due to the quirks of our local convention scheduling. The local PFS lodge had little control over who signed-up for which scenarios; it was all handled by the convention staff. New players either had to play the level 7 pregens or sit out the slot for which they had been given a ticket.
Besides, when was the last time you saw a GM ask before the session started, "Does anyone here have splash weapons?" to make sure they were prepared for swarms before it was too late?Maybe that's what needs fixing? With a table of new or inexperienced players, I'd have no problem with the Venture Captain (at the end of the mission briefing) saying something like: "Alright Pathfinders, you know what you need to do. You have some time. Get into town and buy whatever you think you might need for this mission. You know. Splash weapons, weapon blanches... what's that? What are splash weapons?! Seriously? What are we teaching the new recruits these days?! Swarms! How are you going to deal with swarms? And what about ghosts and such? Your normal blades will slash right through them with hardly a scratch! You need to be prepared..."
I'm mostly worried about low level tables having to face things that they're just not ready for. Perhaps the best solution to this problem lies with the event/game day/convention coordinator. If a good introductory scenario is made available with a patient and willing-to-teach GM and all of the new or inexperienced players could be mustered to such a table, the education process could begin there. Those are actually the types of tables I love to GM.
The point of this thread is not "should we educate them, or should we rudely criticize/chase them off?" It's more like "should we educate them, or should we design scenarios so that we won't need to?" I liked Season 4. If our local area is any indication, we gained many new players after Con of the North (at least, I believe we did) and I believe we ran Season 4 scenarios almost exclusively. I know I ran a Season 4 scenario three times and all three tables had a majority of first time players. Unless those new players were being less than honest with me afterwards, they all had a great time, even those whose tables failed their missions. So I'd rather educate new players than dumb down future seasons/scenarios.
But I would never criticize another player's choices or build or play style. Yes, I believe I am who you think I am. And while I may have exchanged glances with the GM during that session, I don't recall criticizing the player (nor do I recall any player doing so). There is a difference between trying to make helpful suggestions to a new player (which I think I recall all of us at that table doing) and rudely telling someone they're playing their character wrong (which has happened to me at least a couple of times at other tables). I firmly believe in offering helpful suggestions to new players if they seem open to such suggestions; I strongly oppose hostile criticism of any player for any in-game actions. And I still feel badly for being a party to the deaths of you and your brother's characters in that aforementioned game.
So a casual player would think about how their character(s) will level when they level - and the non-casual player knows what they are going to select for the next 3,6,12 levels of the character. So what's the type of player one step below casual? I rarely think ahead even one level. I build my characters reactively based upon their in-game experiences rather than proactively to take advantage of every angle. Even so, I'm having fun with my PFS play. Even in Season 4. And with one (or two) exceptions, I don't think my style of play has been a hindrance to any table at which I've sat.
Well, thanks! I'm flattered. But perhaps I have no idea what "optimized" means. I certainly wouldn't consider A'rul optimized. His AC may be, but I wouldn't consider his choice of skills, feats or spells optimized. And since he tries to avoid combat at all costs, I've sometimes gotten grief for not playing him correctly; we won't even bring up that unfortunate color spray incident.
As someone who only plays/GMs PFS occasionally and does not build optimized characters, I still find PFS attractive. Even Season 4. What could be off-putting to some people are players who do not believe "casual players" (whatever those may be) have a place in PFS and are not afraid to voice their opinions about another player's "poor choices" or "bad build" at the gaming table.
At most, I play in or GM PFS games once or twice a month. I do not build optimized characters, nor do I have any desire to do so. I don't know all the rules because, quite frankly, there are just too many and more are being released all the time. I don't know everything about the campaign setting or PFS's seasonal metaplots because (again) there is a plethora of campaign material (with more being released all the time) and I just don't have time to play or GM every scenario of every season. Am I a casual gamer? I don't think so. I'd consider myself an experienced gamer. I've played and GMed RPGs for 30+ years. I've amassed a huge collection of RPG gaming material. I subscribe to several of Paizo's product lines. I believe I have a good understanding of the Pathfinder rules and a good understanding of PFS organized play. And I know exactly how my characters should be played, so I do not appreciate sitting at a table and feeling belittled because my character may not be built or equipped the way some other player believes it should be. I like to believe I'm mature enough to realize there are many different types of players and when I decide to play in a public game at a public venue, I have little to no control over which types of those players I'll be joining. But I would never criticize another player's choices or build or play style. I just want to have fun with friendly people; I don't need to "win." Regardless, whether I'd be considered a casual player or not, I believe players like me have a place in PFS organized play. I have no idea if I was on topic or not... ;-)
All conditions, including attribute drain that otherwise doesn't have any effect, needs to be cleared by the end of the session or else the PC is declared dead. Chris, I had a GM at PaizoCon tell me both negative levels couldn't be cleared at the same time and that the next scenario would have to be played with one negative level unless the GM of that next scenario would let me clear the one remaining negative level at the beginning of that next scenario. The GM listed the remaining negative level on my chronicle sheet as a condition gained even though I was willing and able to have it removed. So now what?
I'm flying in early tomorrow. I have no idea what the early hour and change in time zones will do to this old body. But if I'm alert enough to play something, I plan to track down this game and, if there's still an open spot, join you.
Pat, where are you going to run this game? Down in the hotel lobby?
Assuming we went with first picks, the party so far would be: flowing monk, halfling cavalier, cleric of Groetus (you've been warned!), wizard. You could round that out with my barbarian, as that would be my first choice of characters.
I am bringing a lvl 15 archer and my buddy has a lvl 15 cleric. Unfortunately, John, we only have one spot left. I'm more than happy to give it to you, though. I can't wait to see what kind of party I get at Gen Con. Or maybe I should sit this one out to let John and his buddy play. ;-)
How long are you expecting this game to run? I should be at the hotel by 11:00 AM, plenty early enough to make a 1:00 PM game. I haven't played MA in decades and would love to do so again, but I was also hoping to hit the Meet & Eat and I have another pre-con game to which I've committed (10:00 PM start time).
Regarding the GenCon Special being run at PaizoCon I have a lvl 14 barbarian that I'm lookin for a group to play with. I have a level 15 Paladin I'm looking to play at Paizocon. Is the table full yet? Wes and Tim, if you're still interested, there's still an open spot. Please go to this thread: 12+ Group for Con Special Still Needs a Few Playersfor more information and to get on our list.
We've found a fifth. The group is now:
Our APL currently stands at 14, which puts us solidly in the 14-15 sub-tier. We're looking for one more.
I may bump my archer bard up with AP credit. I could hit 14. John, if you'd like to be added to the list, please let us know ASAP. We've had interest from four other players, but only one spot left.
Mathwei and Uktabi, we'd love to have you join us; just let us know ASAP and we'll add you to the list and get you on our email list.
Umm.... no. The thread title says GenCon, and you seem to be the only one who has mentioned PaizoCon. I was talking about GenCon. The confusion is likely that Siege of the DIamond City is running at both PaizoCon (beta!) and GenCon.That.. plus I would have sworn this thread was originally in the PaizoCon forum. Exactly. When I first replied to this thread, it was in the PaizoCon forum. The PaizoCon event to which it originally referred is listed in the events schedule as the GenCon Special.You'll pardon my confusion if I erroneously believed this thread was still referring to the GenCon Special being run at PaizoCon.
I have four friends with level 15 characters. I know for sure that two of them are going to be playing in this, but I'm not certain about the other two. [I'm assuming this is in reference to PaizoCon; if not, please disregard] Fromper, if your two "uncertain" friends are definitely "out" and your two "for sure" friends are still hoping to play the 14-15 sub-tier at PaizoCon, but need four more players to field a table of six, please point them to 12+ Group for Con Special Still Needs a Few Players. Thanks.
With the opening of the con just a week away now, we're still looking for two available and willing players (able to legally play the 14-15 sub-tier) to join the above mentioned four players for Friday night's convention special. Having a pre-mustered group of six such players should increase (but not guarantee) our chances of actually being seated together at a sub-tier 14-15 table
And a little about each of my builds: Shackles: Half-Orc Barbarian 10. Very physical. Maxed out Acrobatics, Climb, Perception and Swim. Fights with a +1 impact adamantine greatsword. Took the entire World Serpent rage power chain. Most effective against outsiders and aberrations (bypasses alignment-based DR, bonuses to AC, bonuses to saves vs. spells). Malraine: Tiefling Rogue 10. Fights with a +3 whip. Maxed out all the typical rogue skills and many of the knowledge skills. Took the Gang Up feat, so hope to be able to deal 5d6 sneak attack from range, provided two of you are threatening my target. A'rul: Human Magus 10. Fights with a +2 ghost touch scimitar. Tried to concentrate on defensive spells, touch spells, rays, spells that bypass SR and spells with no saves. Hopefully, he'll be very hard to hit.
With The Great Rinaldo! and his wife, Damien_DM and his brother, and myself, that would be the full table of five. Just as The Great Rinaldo! mentioned doing, I built my characters based upon characters I've enjoyed playing in the past. They are a human magus, a half-orc barbarian and a tiefling rogue. And I gave them each 62,000 gp worth of gear. I also made some funky choices and added an unusual twist here and there, so if those don't pay off and lead to a character's death, please accept my apologies in advance; I built for fun and not optimization.
The GM is Ryan Blomquist, Venture-Captain of the Minnesota area. Sorry to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I couldn't help overhearing... Ryan ran our group through EotT last summer; you'll have a blast!
Albert Cohen is also in. He's got a level 14 Dragon Disciple The group is now: The Earl of Gray Park - Magus 12/Rogue 3Marc Reynolds - Cleric 13 Deidre Tiriel - Bard 14 Albert Cohen - Dragon Disciple 14 We're looking for two more.
I've been led to believe that the chances of one playing one of the 12+ sub-tiers of the convention special are better, though not guaranteed, if one has a full group of six ready to fill such a table come muster. In the hope that this is true, I'm trying to gather six willing and eligible players in anticipation of mustering together for one of the tables running one of the 12+ sub-tiers. So far, we have:
We're looking for three more players to join us. If interested, please post here.
Okay. Now I understand, PirateRob. You're simply saying that one's odds of actually playing a specific sub-tier are greatly increased if one has a group of six players all willing and able to play that sub-tier together. Another quick question for you (if you know, or anyone else, for that matter): With these 12+ sub-tiers, is it possible/permissible to play up or down (i.e. could a 15 level character play down in the 12-13 sub-tier, could a level 12 character play up in the 14-15 sub-tier, could a level 10 character play up in the 12-13 sub-tier, could a level 13 character play down in the 10-11 sub-tier, etc.)?
I, too, am in this Friday morning game. I was thinking rogue, barbarian, magus or sorcerer and will probably (as you) create several and make a final choice later.
I am aware of at least 4 planned tables of 12-13. I'm not sure that they have any room though. PirateRob, I'm curious: Are you aware of any 14-15 tables and, if so, how many? Also, I've gotten the impression from your post that seats at the 12-13 tables have already been "claimed," yes? As this is my first PaizoCon, I'm also curious how one goes about "reserving" seats for a specific tier. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Just from this thread alone, I can see three players without groups looking to be seated at a 14-15 table.
I'm in that event. I'll be playing a 4th level Kitsune rogue/sorcerer; she may be 5th level come game time.
If you play one of the PFS specials that has a 12+ tier (now capping at 15, I understand), you'd be able to get that 1 XP you'd otherwise be missing for 20th.
But I could give the 2X a try, you just never know with some of these advertised shirt sizes, they can vary so much from manufacturer to manufacturer. It has been my experience with both the faction shirts and PFS season shirts that they run small. And (this may just be my method of washing, though) they tend to shrink more than others. Or maybe I'm just in denial about my overindulgences.
As a serious guess, has anyone said "Pathfinder Battles: We Be Goblins Encounter Pack" containing (at least) the four new sculpts for the We Be Goblins adventures pre-gens?
Please add me to the list of attendees.
We played Eyes of the Ten at 12th level, hitting 13.2 at that scenario arc's conclusion.
So, no, we're not yet 17th level, but yes, I do believe it is possible to reach levels even higher than that.
If I have to choose one or the other, I'll be choosing Paizocon, but I am tempted to try to juggle both. I guess a lot depends on what events I get on which days. Can't wait for that lottery! If my PaizoCon schedule had sufficient "downtime," I would be interested in splitting the cost of and sharing an Everfree badge (if such a thing is possible) to gain access to the dealer room. My daughter would be thrilled if I could return home with some Pony memorabilia!
Good to know some of the veterans my generation learned from are still out there gaming, Fitzwalrus! And those dice... are those the ones that were hollow inside?
The original D&D had no set deities. The release of the Gods, Demi-Gods, & Heroes supplement was the first time any deities were stated or explained. And almost all of them were either real world pantheons or well-known pantheons from works of fiction.
Yikes. A quick scan of ages and I notice I'm definitely at the far end of the curve. 50+ I remember when we had to roll our dice three miles up hill in a snowstorm. Seriously though, I remember not being able to get polyhedral dice and having to use cups full of chits. Now, get off my graph paper, you kids!
Thanks, Mathwei and Trippen; you've both provided the information I needed. Thanks again.
Thanks, Mathwei. I got so hung up on the duration of the potion being "10 rounds", I forgot the duration of the spell is actually 1 minute per level. However, I fear an "enterprising" player may argue that minutes can be measured in rounds, therefore the duration of enlarge person can be measured in rounds, making it usable in the sipping jacket Do you (or anyone else for that matter) know of something somewhere that defines minutes as "minutes" and not something that is "measured in rounds"?
Does the enlarge person effect from the suffused potion happen immediately upon taking the swift action or is there a delay due to the spell enlarge person having a casting time of 1 round?
At the beginning of a dungeon delve, a character wearing a sipping jacket uses a standard action to suffuse a potion of enlarge person into the coat's lining. Then, for the next 24 hours, the character wearing this sipping jacket may, as a swift action, gain the benefits of the potion of enlarge person for 1 round. This could be done for 10 rounds, none of which need to be consecutive. Is this how these two magic items would interact and function together? |
