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Recently listed a huge Pathfinder Battles collection on Ebay. 99% are from the original Pathfinder Battles run, before it got relaunched a few years back. Tons of rares, promos, and a few holy grails. I'm not interested in breaking up the lots at this time. These suited for someone that wants to assemble large armies, or fill in large gaps in their collection.
My group also fled from the Vermleks. I had them return to the barn. Nemmia was also present, as she fled from the initial circus encounter. It made for a rather epic, and very difficult boss fight.
I ran into similar confusion. I first downloaded the free rebuild, and saw it had the %15 wealth reduction. I then made a poor assumption that the rebuild that costs 20 acp must be an improved version of the free one. I later learned the free one was temporary, but was initially surprised that the two were identical in all things but cost. I guess I missed the announcement, but extra details would be useful before paying the purchase price.
The circus performance took about 2.5 hours, similar to what
After learning the other performers were all freaked out, the party motioned to explore the area, and check things out. Our Ranger had captured one of the vipers that was in the stands, and wanted to let it go away from the wagons first. The party started to head directly to the rocky area, and very close to the Kanbali wagon, where I didn't necessarily want them to begin poking around inside wagons yet. So they found that someone had opened the gate to that southeast most horse pen, and that several horses had escaped, and the remaining ones were spooked. A high tracking roll also informed them of horse tracks heading further southeast into the rocky area, but also humanoid, rat, and snake tracks heading south west into the wooded area. I also had the performers call out from the bonfire area, and alert them that something had gotten into Bardolph, and he was trying to bash his way out of his wagon. I thought this would draw everyone back to Bardolph, but things got more interesting, as they decided to split the party. Thinking that Bardolph was their trusted mascot, and distressed, or in need of help, the cleric and the rogue moved there and immediately opened up his wagon gate, and we moved into initiative. Two rounds later they were both dying 1, but both stabilized on first try. Bardolph snapped out of it after the 2 rounds, as written, and is whining and licking his unconscious friends wounds. In the mean time the ranger, wizard, and alchemist took some damage fighting the vipers, but managed to avoid the trap. The performers again alert them that Bardolph attacked, and the cleric and the wizard broke off, heading north. The ranger stopped to grab the backpack, leaving her isolated, and close to the hiding water mephits who are rolled into initiative. We had to stop there for time. Because of their initial plan to let the snake go to the southwest, they did not yet inspect Myron's wagon, and I'm interested to see how that plays out later. It could be a bit of a surprise if handled after everything else is dealt with, because boss fight always means it's safe now, right? I anticipate that after healing their downed allies, and certainly dealing with the mephits, they will most likely go to look for the escaped horses, on the assumption that it will lead to a villain or more clues. Unless they decide it's too dangerous, and to look for the horses in the morning. I'm also considering that a small group of performers take take it upon themselves to go looking for the horses on their own, while the PCs were fighting mephits, with one or two disappearing, and perhaps a petrifaction by cockatrice. Assuming there were some more minions about to capture them, it could add a little urgency and immediate interest to chapter 2. A circus friend NPC death here could also really drive home the point that this is some really serious business going on. Regardless of whether npcs disappear, or not, the party heading to the rocky area next is great because it will trigger the cockatrice, and give a chance for the grigs to swoop in near the pond on do their thing. They'll certainly come back to the fire when they hear the out of place hootenanny taking place, and I can trigger the 'mini-boss fight', so to speak, which I think is excellent, and would prefer to execute as written. It might not be the only thing I execute next session. Between the performance and the immediate events after, chapter 1 comes hard and fast! There are a ton of moving parts, so make sure you have your plot point ducks in a row, and ready to rearrange. I would call it an extremely strong opening chapter. The continuous problems that take place during the performance are varied and fun, and the after show events are going to be a legit, serious challenge.
I had a successful first session of chapter one a few days ago. My group is generally keen on performances, musical numbers, caring for animals, strong npc roleplay/friendships, and dinosaurs in general, so this AP seemed like a good fit. Our version of Savinth Yhi in Serpent's Skull had regular district wide dance party festivals, to give you some idea. I think there is a lot of benefit to breathing some life into the NPCs, before starting book one. We are an online Roll20 live group, but I ran a chapter zero as a play by post, for about a month in real life, that took place the night before the first big show in the backstage wagon camp area. It was 80% NPCs interacting with each other and that was fine. It allowed me to develop many of the performer personalities, since that info is generally missing from the book, and the players got to absorb info on few dozen new friends in measured chunks. I also created a 'circus friends and family' gallery thread in our group discord, with portraits and short descriptions for reference. With six clowns, seven dwarf throwers, the Feather Fall 5, and the rest of the named NPCs there are A LOT of new faces. My clown troop never takes off their make up, or "clown clothes". They are totally dedicated to the clown life. Personalities include goofy, worried, sad, philosophical-intellectual, smart aleck, and one named Meow that behaves as if he was a cat. It's also rumored that they have some pretty wild after show parties. My Famboli sisters are early twenty somethings who are fiercely competitive with each other, the Feather Fall Five are a family unit, and also talented musicians who provide campfire music in the evenings, and Mordaine is pretty much Mordaine as indicated in the book, but I changed her assistant Hod from a youngish boy, to a young adult (13 year old) goblin. The dwarven throwers are the new arrivals, and despite appearing to be a group of seven bearded dwarves, not actually dwarves, or even males. No one but Myron is aware of this yet. They very much keep to themselves, and stay absorbed in practice, perhaps avoiding group socialization up to this point. They also turn the barrels they use for their acrobatic antics into a blanket fort kind of home at night, instead of sleeping in a tradition wagon home. At the end of chapter zero, Myron called everyone to the bonfire, gave a very inspirational pep talk, ahead of the first big performance, which was themed into three sections. The first was a thanks for sticking with this, difficult times dating back to Celestial Menagerie, better times ahead kind of theme. The second part transitioned to a serious cross your Ts, dot your Is, don't mess this up bit, take it very seriously our we might not make it to another performance bit of speech. The final part was a powerful and heartfelt 'this is why we (entertainers) matter to the world' conclusion, that brought everyone to their feet applauding, cheering, and perhaps even crying some tears of joy. There was also a great moment after the speech, when one of the PCs visited Myron in his wagon, and he relayed a story about a performer/ringleader he knew who had all of the heart and glitz to be a successful performer/leader, but none of the business acuity. He gifted the PC the performers old rhinestone jacket, with a reminder to follow your dreams, but be smart about it. I was very glad for the chance to show Myron as a thoughtful and considerate leader, instead of just jumping to 'your ring leader, who is supposed to be a great dude, that you know nothing about', is suddenly dead. Figured I would share these added details, to give others inspiration, or ideas to borrow from. I'm hoping that extra legwork will keep my players invested in the circus part of the campaign. I do believe it added some interest, context, and certainly familiarity to relate to once book ones straight to it beginning gets started. So far so good. When Axel begs to join, they already knew he's been asking for a week. They already know Mordaine is a Diva (who more than lived up to her ego BTW, two nat 20s in a row during her big number performance. PERFECT!) They know the clowns by name and personality, and the first performance felt more like PC and NPC friends with a common bond and working together, versus players trying to suddenly relate to all these new npcs that just got introduced.
Thank you Tonya and Draco. I applaud the moderation that took place removing some posts/replies, even if it left some without context. Since the posts that concerned me were deleted, mods can feel free to delete my 'questions for Lisa' post if they like. The removals answered my questions satisfactorily. I also appreciate the overwhelmingly positive messages here, and throughout the official and unofficial Pathfinder communities I participate in, that are focused on the BLM cause. Finally I respect Paizo's decision to make the statement they did, knowing it would cause disagreement or dissent among some in the community.
Can your Premier Event Coordinator say the words Black lives matter I wasn't asking you, nor was I asking you to do anything. It was a rhetorical question directed to Lisa. My third question is the real one for her. "If you were Black gamer would you want to play Pathfinder Society, when it's high level leadership cannot get behind a simple call for solidarity against injustice, without making it about something else?"
Lisa, Can your Premier Event Coordinator say the words Black lives matter, or only champion the good cops, dismiss a few bad apples, hope for justice, and relate stories about shop owners who benefited from a go fund me. Can your Venture-Lieutenant of Colorado say the words Black lives matter, or only deflect blame on the media, and wish for a return to unity via praising pandemic responders? If you were Black gamer would you want to play Pathfinder Society, when it's high level leadership cannot get behind a simple call for solidarity against injustice, without making it about something else? I look forward to your response.
Incredibly sad and telling that this thread couldn't make it a few hours without people trying to make it about something else besides black lives.
We can all do better, and this hobby we share is in no way exempt. Black lives matter. Black gamers matter. Black authors matter. Black designers matter. Black artists matter.
And how do you play?
That's my biggest hangup with roll20. Not sure why it vexes me so. Also being web based, when roll20 goes to the great website graveyard in the sky so does your campaign. I really like Ttop which is simple and free. There is no multiple chat window support that I am aware of, and community support is nil, but that is offset by the easy to communicate with designer/programmer, ease of use, and it's free.
I didn't read this thread more than fifty or so posts back, but what how does Gencon 2015 factor into the "Wizards supports the flgs so that explains their business decisions' argument? If 5th edition had a presence at Gencon 2015, I was not aware of it. I did stumble on the shared organized play area. It wasn't exactly impressive. Of course there is that 'Wizards is now focused on Origins' counter, but I don't buy that one. What in the world are they thinking by not pumping up their brand all over Gencon?
This is the place to go for Gencon questions and information:
I was thinking about running Arrested Development the RPG, with Bluth family pregens.
I like the Red Mantis best.
I saw two or three 'new' gaming table companies at Gencon this year. They ranged in quality from ok to, "hey that's just a folding card table with a wooden board slapped on top." Prices all seemed high for what you got still, but not Geek Chic expensive. They also lacked the super high quality of GC. I did't get names, but they are out there making them.
So are there any MMORPGS were people are actually role playing? Everything I try is just OOC banter and meta gaming, and I get bored really quick. I got spoiled on the original Never Winter Nights with servers dedicated to role play (not to mention a DM client). It wasn't exactly massive, but it was enough, and the role play was so good.
Based on the other D&D movie, I'm sure I'll stick with Zombie Morpheus/Dead Gentlemen. They've been making the best gaming movies out there for quite awhile.
This sounds like the Battletech game I've been dreaming of since 1991.
it strikes me that I should have been posting about this long before now. Now we can reference it for future years. This is my ninth Gencon since 2006 and I'm always interested in hearing other peoples Gencon tips, or about must attend events. Favorite restaurants? The Rathskeller and the Slippery Noodle stand out.
Also if you see some one tossing a glowing red frisbee after dark, that would be me. Come and have a toss.
My advice in regards to not missing anything-> Take Thursday afternoon or evening to just walk around the Con. Not just the convention center, but the surrounding hotels and sidewalks. Amazing how every hotel has their own halls filled with events, and the many games going on in lobbies and even hallway floors. Check out the Veteran's Memorial at the city circle a few blocks away. Spend a little time on one the benches near Elf Park. That's were I usually chat up strangers and always enjoy a bit of time relaxing. for the curious:
Can't wait till I arrive tomorrow AM. :)
->forget something, miss something or worse. All of that will happen at Gencon, but it should balance out. You will also find or experience some great things you didn't plan on. The only things you can permanently forget are forms of currency, government identification, and character sheets/records. Everything else is theoretically replaceable, especially at Gencon. Might also want to grab your life sustaining medications and/or devices, as the local pharmacy down town has some really lame hours. Unfortunately it's impossible to do it all. I lie awake at night wondering things like do I attend the zombie parade, or another Society special? Late night gallivanting with who knows what game, or should I be true to my 8:00 AM slot? Scottys or the Ram? These are the truly difficult questions at Gencon.
I really enjoy the electric organ. Actual organizational skills are null.
Thanks for the info Jeff. No Dave Gross?
I'm wondering what writers and artists Paizo is going to have hanging around their booth in regards to Pathfinder Tales & Comics?
I always grab the paint sets, which are at a great price point.
While no one wants to stand in line, I did perhaps enjoy my time within the Paizo booth a little more. The products and staff were more accessible with a lower population density inside the booth space.
Why did it have to be snakes?
A great (increasingling comprehensive guide) to video game RPGS. Reviews of virtually every CRPG from the dawn of video gaming to 1991, so far.
Ultimate Dungeoneering
I believe that Serpent's Skull is an ideal campaign for Occult Adventures.
I enjoy the Nerdherders, who discuss games, comics, movies, and all things nerdy.
Was the I-tunes subscription link updated, or a new one created? I still can't find it on my podcast app ditto
James Jacobs adventurers always tickle my RPG bone. 2nd place is a tie between many.
Let's put some music to those lyrics.
Hire Pygon. Ttop is awesome.
My it has puny little legs. Less impressive than any of the Pathfinder gargantuan dragons.
Mwangi Hexploration please.
I guess I should have been more specific. I was there on Saturday. Spent 10 minutes in the outside chatting with Ryan, and ten minutes in the check out line chatting with Eric and whoever else was around. I can't complain at all about that. 2 hours would have been nuts.
I thought the line moved pretty quick. Advantage was being able to browse around the booth while having a little bit of elbow room.
Thanks Perram. Off topic, but there's no Know Direction forums on your new site yet. Listening to 'Harrowing the Future' now, and interested to know if you have any changes in opinion post-gencon.
Silver is a victory!
Just in time for the drive to Gencon. :)
Grok
background:
Spoiler:
Grok was born in the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, where he spent the first dozen years of his outcast life as an orphan in the harsh climate. Usually this meant being half frozen and near starvation, trying to scavenge and forage from the wilds and fringes of primitive tribes, but accepted by neither humans or orcs. Grok has no clear memory of exactly how he survived his youngest years. There is no evidence of a father or mother ever being in his life. Charity and luck were infrequent, but the rare occasions of both prevented Grok from becoming a casualty of the environment. Someone obviously did rear Grok as an infant and toddler, but that history is unknown to him. What Grok does remember is being alone from a very young age. Cold, hungry, and alone. Grok's fortune shifted when he was discovered by a well to do Taldan adventurer, who took him in as a curiosity. Grok was brought south to be dressed up in hides and displayed during fancy dinner parties as a legitimate primitive of the north. He adopted rudimentary common language, and accepted his new life, even if he did feel out of place. Six years later the novelty of the primitive grown too familiar (perhaps Grok had become too cultured), and he was cut loose. Now on his own, Grok has few talents to rely on in the civilized world. Removed from his element, Grok is strong and healthy, but without a trade. Grok has begun seeking work with adventuring groups and mercenaries to avoid the life of meager scavenging that was once his reality. Having no real idea where to go Grok has wandered randomly from Zimar all the way to Heldren, still looking for work.
description:
Spoiler:
Grok favors his human side in facial features, though brutish with rough dark olive skin. The barbarian is just over 6'0 tall, with thick muscular features. His experience with high society in Taldor has left him slightly more personable than the average half-orc conversationally. What Grok lacks in vocabulary and diction he makes up for in tone and personality. Though illiterate Grok has assimilated to most civilized customs. When angered, however, his rage brings out all the primal instincts and personality of a desperate survivor. Grok has also come to appreciate hot baths and soap. stats:
Spoiler: Grok Half-Orc Barbarian (True Primitive) 1 (Pathfinder RPG Ultimate Combat 0) N Medium humanoid (human, orc) Init +4; Senses Perception +4 -------------------- Defense -------------------- AC 16, touch 12, flat-footed 14 (+4 armor, +2 Dex) hp 15 (1d12+3) Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +0 Defensive Abilities orc ferocity; Resist cold 2 -------------------- Offense -------------------- Speed 20 ft. Melee greatclub +5 (1d10+6) and unarmed strike +5 (1d3+4 nonlethal) Ranged sling +3 (1d4+4) Special Attacks rage (6 rounds/day) -------------------- Statistics -------------------- Str 18, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 8, Wis 10, Cha 12 Base Atk +1; CMB +5; CMD 17 Feats Power Attack Traits northern ancestry, reactionary Skills Appraise -1, Climb +5, Perception +4 (+6 to find hidden objects (inc. secret doors and traps), determine whether food is spoiled, or identify a potion by taste), Survival +4; Racial Modifiers +2 Appraise, scavenger Languages Common, Orc SQ favored terrain (cold +2), illiteracy, orc blood, weapon familiarity Other Gear hide armor, greatclub, sling, sling bullets (20), 84 gp, 9 sp -------------------- TRACKED RESOURCES -------------------- Orc Ferocity (1/day) - 0/1 Rage (6 rounds/day) (Ex) - 0/6 Sling bullets - 0/20 -------------------- Special Abilities -------------------- Energy Resistance, Cold (2) You have the specified Energy Resistance against Cold attacks. Favored Terrain (Cold +2) (Ex) +2 to rolls vs Favored Terrain (Cold). Illiteracy May never learn to read or write any language. Orc Blood Half-orcs count as both humans and orcs for any effect related to race. Orc Ferocity (1/day) If brought below 0 Hp, can act as though disabled for 1 rd. Power Attack -1/+2 You can subtract from your attack roll to add to your damage. Rage (6 rounds/day) (Ex) +4 Str, +4 Con, +2 to Will saves, -2 to AC when enraged. Scavenger +2 Perception to find hidden objects (inc. secret doors and traps), determine if food is spoiled or identify a potion by taste.
I have a vague idea what an RSS feed is, but can't believe I never noticed them on the site before. Thanks!
I don't want to know about total amount spent. Ignorance is bliss there. I will second Steve's requests for: *hide/delete aliases. For those pbp characters you are never going to revisit. *backorder/preorder/sidecart/stock. Estimated dates for everything. An indicator that states there are x amount of copies remaining in the warehouse, once they get so low. I'd like a comprehensive list of what I have pre-ordered without fumbling around the order page, where every other order is crossed out and combined elsewhere. Also the ability to skip subscription items without contacting cs to cancel, and again to resume. *3rd party subs - yes please, with an option for print or print/pdf combo only. *comprehensive new product updates - maybe a link on the weekly newsletter that shows a list of ALL the new products to be released next week.
Lightspeed is in Portage. They have Pathfinder Society every other Thursday. Valparaiso has Galactic Greg's, which was more of a comic store the last time I was in there many years ago. If you are going to come this far north, you might as well visit Chicago. Indiana Dunes/National Lake Shore is definitely worth seeing. A minor wonder of the world with a large variety of biomes banded within just a few miles.
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