Thursty's page

#1929, #2029 for Shadows of Esteren by Agate RPG. Sweet mercy as these books gorgeous. I think I will fill out my collection this year.

This... THIS!

Every year I make my way to this booth (along with Posthuman Studios and Eclipse Phase). Admittedly, it's tricky, because I already own all their products from backing their Kickstarters, but these people create some of the most stunning books I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

It's so weird to see an NPC I wrote as a "Let's see if a Paladin blindly attacks this person because of how they look" tactic has become such a great fan favorite. Also, I wrote that scenario over 5 years ago... damn, I'm getting old!

Traitor's Lodge is another great horror one, but lacks any heavy undead/spirit/haunt themes for most of it.

To be thought of as in the league of Ravenloft... oh, bless you.

Cal, sounds like you've visited the area before?

To interject (in my own AMA thread—MADNESS), I've also been to Calgary Comic Con! My girlfriend ran an art exhibitor table there 2 years ago. We drove out, and I was amazed at how BIG the convention was. :)

What about Fatbird Raptors?

I offer leeway; they look like chocobos.

Nothing is sacred anymore.

What's your favorite dinosaur?

Being completely honest, I'm not really a dinosaur person. I think they're interesting creatures, but don't really know much about them beyond some casual research / what I've seen in documentaries of movies.

I suppose, if I had to choose, I like the non-winged velociraptors (Deinonychus?) because I've seen them used to good effect in horror-themed content. Yeah, they're pretty rad, and way more interesting than the concept of dinosaurs with feathers, which I believe is more factually accurate? :)

Plans to come visit Calgary for our Comic Con next weekend? You should ask them to send you as an official Starfinder representative next year. That would be really neat. Ask for a few extra days so I can take you to Drumheller and you can see the giant skunk mascot in my hometown.

:D

I love random Canadiana things!

That being said, no conventions in the immediate future for me (beyond PaizoCon / Gen Con). I'm spending the months up to Gen Con getting everything ready for some kind of Society that takes place in the stars. I'm hoping to hit up a few more conventions after the Gen Con rush, probably starting with SkalCon (as it's pretty close to Winnipeg). I would also like to hit up more Canadian conventions... hmmmm, something to talk to Tonya about!

Now that you're getting paid regularly, have you started taking bids for your Scrooge McDuck money vault.

The 'problem' (it's not really a problem) is that I'm still getting through the cross-over freelance assignments I had from being a full-time freelancer. So, instead of worrying about the 'Money Vault', I'm spending all my free time doing work to get caught up!

That being said, I do have a house now... so I guess it's kind of like a vault?

Thursty, are you, just like your country, young, scrappy, and hungry thirsty hungry Thursty?

Wait, you're Canadian. Dang it!

OK, look, this was supposed to be something about, like, Hamilton, because, you know, "Hillman" and "Hamilton" are vaguely sort of kind of similar, along with the related concepts of "thirsty" and "hungry"… But, I'm not Lin-Manuel, so… it kind of got away from somewhere around the all of it...

Anyway, new question! How do you feel about the musical Hamilton?

I actually quite enjoy Hamilton! I was introduced to it by a Twitch streamer, friend of mine and host of my Tuesday Roll20 Rise of the Runelords game that I GM — the magnificent BB Wolfe.

/Pride is not the word I'm looking for!

I also just have a love of musicals in television. The recent Flash/Supergirl musical episode was FANTASTIC; there was a freaking Superfriends song for crying out loud, and John Barrowman singing was amazing. Obviously the old Buffy musical episode was another great example of a musical that formed my love of such things.

Oh! And for extra super duper nerdy bonus points: one of my all time favorite (and ridiculous) musical bits that I enjoyed, was a musical episode of the TV series Lexx. It was another formative production I saw that showed me how music could really end up telling a compelling story.

Thursty, we all agree John Compton is (clearly) evil. But what, exactly, is his alignment? I'm leaning toward Lawful Awful.

Lawful MONSTER. He knows what he did, and he should feel bad.

Excuse me as I melt into a puddle over how awesome this cover art turned out...

Oh, and yes. It is some kind of incorporeal (ghostly) medusa and a naga. Crystal and I have SUCH (painful) wonders to show you! :)

I guess maybe I am trying to see how well Aethera can mesh with Starjammer, and with the system shut off in like a pocket, it might be difficult to incorporate aspects from Starfinder.

I imagine all these are not problems if you run the Aethera game vanilla, and at this point I am just collecting all the ideas I can for a future game.

Having written a fair bit for the 'Beyond Aethera' section of the book, I'll come in with some expectation management. The focus of the game is primarily on the Aethera system, but there's also a lot of things pulled in from beyond the solar system. One of the setting's primary antagonists, the taur, are a species who've come from outside solar systems and had their entire race changed as a result of entering a system where divine powers are cut-off.

I think there's A LOT of material to mine from the Aethera setting, even if you're just looking for inspiration for a home run Pathfinder in space / Starfinder game. Also, I'd say the reverse is true, and you'd be able to include a lot of Starfinder material (races being a prime example) into the Aethera setting.

Hopefully that's some additional encouragement!

2. This is very minor, but in one of the handouts, the name Deckland is dropped. As far as I know, that's the third time that name's appeared. First in The Infernal Vault, second in a small encounter in the Season 5 special Siege on the Diamond City. Both are written by Thurston, so maybe that's just a reference to his earlier work. But when a second author starts name-dropping the Deckland family, I start to get suspicious. Maybe it's just a playful nod, but still. In fact, that same handout also mentions the Harbingers of Fate. The Dacilanes might have a connection with the Harbingers, who so far have only shown up once during a special. Meaning, Black Waters might tie in somehow to that special. I'd love to see that explored more should we return to another adventure with J. She wants to be a Pathfinder, so she's bound to pop up again sooner or later.

Point is, J. is cool and I need more of her. She could be a new once per season ally, like Valais (who needs a followup as well, by the way).. It'd give the Blakros family some time off. :)

The Deckland's are entirely a namedrop on my part, I figured the nod back to my Season 1 title would be a neat call-back in Siege of the Diamond City, and adds to the whole 'living campaign' vibe. Still, always room for doing more with infernal-allied noble families in Pathfinder...

How about a map suggestion for the Reszavass fight please. Or a better description of the area and I'll try to brew one up. What does the barricade look like? What are they barricading from? Wood won't stop water but the elementals are angry about blocking up the river flow? Dikes aren't made of wood. A wind break? Still doesn't effect the river flow to anger elementals. Thurston?

My original turnover included a small map intended to be a tactical flip-map for this very encounter. It ended up getting cut (rightfully so) because we were able to fit in the exploration map and a shot of Pridon's Hearth, that turned out to be pretty amazing. Honestly, I'm always a fan of getting more regional/macro level maps in my poster maps, but I can understand the confusion around running these encounters sans-map.

For what it's worth, the encounter map I'd done up took place between the back of two buildings, with a hodgepodge heap of carriages/barrels/carts being used as temporary break against the water from the rising storm. The citizens never encountered a storm of this intensity, so this was their best solution. There were some also stone formations alongside these.

Hopefully that historical tidbit helps! Honestly, I'd just run this on a map that makes sense and is appropriate to your PCs strengths. :)

Ahhhhhh! So excited for this to be released!

Players & GMs alike can consume the crazy rules for aethership combat that I designed alongside Robert Brookes. Also, former demon-worshiping space minotaurs. OH! And the whole gas giant planet filled with elemental breaches and...

Basically, just get this book; it's pretty amazing.

on initial read haven't liked any AP this much thus far since KM

and the intro text in Mod 2 is very re-assuring for our all mounted PCs

Crystal mentioned this in past panels, but the AP is really designed to work with mounted PCs / PCs with animal companions. One thing that really stuck with me from the outline, was that the authors had to make every scene in their adventures 'work with a bear', as in, you should assume the PCs have a bear companion in each of the encounters.

Glad to see that people are noticing and appreciating that intended goal!

Kyle Baird wrote:

When do we get to start experimenting with Mark's DNA to have him cloned?

Kyle,

I have to speak up here. I'm really concerned that Mark would stress Mark out.

That being said, I'm not sure who we could clone that wouldn't stress him out.

We need mythic rules so that we can combat the Avatar of Mark's stress.

Jim... are you suggesting that Mark's stress gets to act twice in a round? ;)

I just wanted to point out that while you saw this as wasted RP it was also the ONLY way to see, at the half-way point, where your table was sitting in comparison to other in the same level bracket where you stood in comparison of scoring. That way you could pick up your game if you needed to.

This.

You crazy kids... BEST GEN CON EVER!

Seriously though, it was a blast to hang out with you again Tim. Also, it was good to actually hang out with the Care Baird for a bit :)

Here piggy piggy...

We had 12 tables of overflow in a separate area. The even organizers wanted everyone to be able to contribute to the results of the event. Would it be better to tell them, "You get to play, but your efforts don't matter to the overall results," instead?

Nope. While it wasn't the best situation, I'm glad I was able to help in seating an addition 12 tables of eager PFS players.

As for the rest of this conversation... Mmmmm tasty.

Seeing as I'll be at HQ for most of the con, I expect to be "That Guy" a lot.

... but drinking after, right? :)

So if my necromancer wants a 250gp onyx gem for his 10 HD undead abomination, where does he get it from pray tell? Short of going outside the rules and making stuff up, he's not going to.

Then your GM can work with you to reach that goal of getting such an onyx. That's what he/she is there for. Simple as that.

The feral child, whose name escapes me, and his many and awesome actions resulting in some of the most appropriate quotes such as "I'm a land shark!" "I'm a T Rex!" and of course "I'm a Dragon!" rawr.

That was me! Thanks, it was a hell of a game, Liz did an amazing job, and I'm already looking at stealing some of her rules :)

Thurston: For the great Convocation work! I enjoyed playing out my role as Ambrus, and the entire storyline was phenom! I cannot wait to see how it churns the story waters this upcoming year!

Thank YOU for the volunteer work, and all the help. I'm really looking forward to what's in store for the following year!

Amen, you're a great guy and a great GM!

I spent some of Sunday evening hunting Dave down to discuss our shuttle to the Airport, and wouldn't you know it... he was GMing! :)

well since you asked....
Go to Infernal Vault.

Oh, that's been on my YouTube favs for a while now! :D

Having written the Infernal Vault, I can only say... AMAZING!

It amazes me the lengths players and GMs out there will go to, in order to make their sessions come to life. This clearly does that.

Really looking forward to seeing more maps, for this and other modules! :)

Wolfgang Baur wrote:

Kassil wrote:

So, since I'm running some of those for you, am I some kind of honorary kobold?

You are indeed an honorary kobold! It comes with a snazzy title and an invite to the Kobold Meetup.

Huh. A title and an invite? That's kinda cool.

Wait... will this involve MORE drinking for Kassil and I? If so, HIGH FIVE!

This is why I'm glad I ordered directly from Paizo. I have the book in my hands instead of dealing with some other company's fulfillment problems.

Don't forget the tasty tasty PDFs! :)

Thank you Jeff, for handling this important mission on behalf of the fans! :)

Congrats Myron, sorry I couldn't be down for the occasion!

Looking forward to more games at your table :)

Anetra wrote:

Some of these names are really too familiar ...

How so?

Apparently people who play in my home games read these boards, and recognize one or two names... :)

It would appear that there's a lot happening around this year's Grand Convocation... I suppose I'll have to fly down from Canada and find out what all the fuss is about!

Good to know!

I know that sometimes I've gone ahead and used my 'GM Shirt' re-roll to make up for a potential PC killing crit if it comes up at a bad point. Thus far, I've only ever used this in Module play - since they're particularly deadly compared to scenarios.

I still have a coin at home! It sits on my desk and I bring it out to PFS for good luck. :)

Well, isn't this something... :)

I think the potential for a 'split' would be way too problematic from having an unofficial Triad.

At our local PFS groups (which I sometimes attend), I always get asked rules questions because I've written a few scenarios. I only answer if I'm 100% sure on things, and if there's any room for rules quirks, I leave it up to the VL/VC..

By having this Triad, you're running the potential of having players reference 'Triad rulings' during PFS sessions. Inexperienced GMs who don't frequent the forums may be confused and run with it, and it could lead to frustration with VLs/VCs.

Honestly, I say that power should remain where it always has - with the GM or Venture staff. That is, until such time as an official ruling is made public by Paizo staff.

My 2.33 (repeating of course) coppers.

Lands of the Linnorm Kings
Nex/Geb
Darklands
And... Absalom

It's available for 12+ right? I have a 14.2 that would love to hit 15. :-)

I look forward to killing him Mr Care Baird. :)

Thanks Brent!

This was an absolute pleasure to work on! I think it really fits in with the Kingdoms of Legend setting, but is different in that it (hopefully) gives more 'fluff' than most people are used to.

Oh, it's also very chilly. :)

Perhaps Mrs. Captain the Venture?

This is likely a thread that will be moved (not PFS specific)

But your best bet is the Tome of Horrors Complete from Frog God Games, as they have the statblock for all sizes of negative energy elementals.

Great post, Mark!

I look forward to seeing the final product from our four contenders, and I hope they keep the above in mind.

Jiggy wrote:

Sooner or later they'll run out of ideas with Blakros Museum and turn it into a house-boat or something so you can fight sharks in it. ;)

You've ruined my big Season 4 surprise. Now I have to start all over!!!

Damn... I guess I'll have to note this somewhere, Mark!

Luckily, the PDFs are now available! So GMs should be able to print these maps off if needed. Also, as Matt said, the map is pretty darn simple (I tend to just draw it out on a grid map when I run).

Oh, I see what you did there Mike! ;)

Asking for FAQs to include things like this is the reason we can't have nice things.

You sir, are my hero.

I will confirm that these still aren't legal.

Darn, there goes my plan to stat up the Arch-Peasant!

Excellent... really looking forward to this! :)

As part of my 'Module Madness' marathon (we're finished Godsmouth tonight), I've been going through more chronicles to get a sense of rewards. From a module perspective I've noticed the following:

-LOTS of scrolls/pots/wands
-A small number of other magical items (maybe 1/4 or 1/3)

I'd like to include more magical items (especially unique weapons/armor/wondrous) within scenarios. The concern, as mentioned above, is keeping within the GP limit of the adventure.

Perhaps in scenarios where PCs don't have the luxury of shopping/selling partway through, we could include a higher number of magical items for them to acquire without adjusting gold received from the chronicle? That way at the end of the scenario, the PCs just have a bigger list of items they can collect but still end up with roughly same amount of gold as they should be getting?