paizo.com Recent Posts by username_unavailablepaizo.com Recent Posts by username_unavailable2023-01-16T20:52:35Z2023-01-16T20:52:35ZRe: Forums: Campaign Journals: Carrion Crown [Major Spoilers]Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2revz?Carrion-Crown-Major-Spoilers#72014-10-28T05:39:22Z2014-10-28T05:39:22Z<p>Further analysis of the prison confirms that it is still extremely haunted.</p>
<p>We seem to have accepted a mission from the ghost of Vesorianna, the wife of the former warden, to rid the ruins of the prison of five, powerful evil presences. She claims to be able to hold the rest of the prison in check if these are eliminated and her husband’s symbol of authority is returned to her. Frankly, it all seems a bit suspect: many people in Ravengro believe Vesorianna may have started the fire at Harrowstone. This could all be some sort of ectoplasmic turf war, and we could be unwitting patsies—or, witting patsies at a complete loss for anything else to go on. I’m not inclined to do everything Ms. Vesorianna says without some measure of caution. It’s possible I don’t trust her because she’s a ghost. Ghosts suppressing ghosts: I’m not sure Our Lady would approve.</p>
<p>We’ve finished searching the first floor. We opted not to make a thorough examination of the laundry room lest we be attacked by animate wash basins, but we did check the infirmary for medical supplies. These we were able to recover after having some of them forcibly dispensed onto us by a poltergeist. I must say that among our group, myself included, Miri V is probably the most proficient ghost slayer. Her stories remind me of my time with the Aljiba family caravan. Arlyxxanah, on the other hand, appears to be some sort of lycanthrope. I don’t know much about shapeshifters, but as she seems more intent on biting into me with pithy remarks than fangs, I’ll have to assume she has some measure of … control. I’m keeping silver close at hand.</p>
<p>We’ve made a brief attempt to scout the second floor. As we tried to establish the “lay of the land” we began to hear eerie flute music. All at once, skeletons began breaking out of the cells all around us. I managed to destroy the first wave of them with a burst of holy energy, but they kept coming. I spent most of the battle running interference and protecting our flank while Miri V disrupted them from a distance. Meanwhile, Isinwen attempted to counter the song that animated the creatures with music from what we assume was the Piper of Illmarsh’s instrument. This was only partially effective in that, while it slowed the undead, it also caused Isinwen to bleed from the eyes, ears and nose in a manner suggestive of cerebral haemorrhage. After waking up, she seemed disoriented and far away: apparently suffering no permanent damage.</p>
<p>We will continue to search the second floor of Harrowstone, hoping to make as much of a survey as possible before our resources run out.</p>
<p>Arlyxxanah — shape-shifting investigator
<br />
Ka'kutah — cleric-deafening gunslinger
<br />
Isinwen — un-brain-damaged witch
<br />
Miri Magave — skeleton-bashing fighter
<br />
Miri Vishki — story-telling sorcerer
<br />
Ovidiu — ground-holding cleric</p>Further analysis of the prison confirms that it is still extremely haunted.
We seem to have accepted a mission from the ghost of Vesorianna, the wife of the former warden, to rid the ruins of the prison of five, powerful evil presences. She claims to be able to hold the rest of the prison in check if these are eliminated and her husband’s symbol of authority is returned to her. Frankly, it all seems a bit suspect: many people in Ravengro believe Vesorianna may have started the fire at...Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)2014-10-28T05:39:22ZRe: Forums: Campaign Journals: Carrion Crown [Major Spoilers]Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2revz?Carrion-Crown-Major-Spoilers#42014-09-17T18:40:18Z2014-09-17T18:40:18Z<p>Castril 22 - 23
<br />
===================
<br />
One of the things you come to grips with when your god violently severs her connection to your soul it that the event itself might not be the worst of it. Watching a town fall under siege by what appears to be an army of undead and knowing I can do to stop it is, in itself, a horrible punishment. Undead sightings have become more frequent in the last two days, and I had the misfortune to be involved in two of them.</p>
<p>The first was at the farmer’s market. All of us—that is, the wards of the Lorrimor estate—went into town to practise our trades and purchase provisions. I took the opportunity to offer my services as a diviner, but found it difficult to attract business on a cold Calistril afternoon. At least I’m still as good a prophet as the rest of my former order—and I would like to think better than some. Ka’Kutah met another young halfling who said he had been onto the Harrowstone grounds and offered to take Ka’Kutah in through a secret entrance. To his credit, Ka’Kutah tried to talk him down, but the youth insisted he would go that night to prove himself.</p>
<p>The market was interrupted by screams near the outskirts of the square and we soon saw a number of shambling skeletal figures moving though the crowd. Lacking the means I may have used in another life, I charged into the crowd to disintegrate them by more conventional means. That is to say: I woke up several minutes later choking on a potion and covered with blood. I am fairly certain skeletons do not bleed. </p>
<p>I’m told that we prevented severe injury from befalling anyone and dispatched the undead before the priests showed up to help. Father Grimburrow wasted no time in asking if I was responsible for the attack, which I suppose indicated where I stand with the clergy. He seemed particularly worried about my exposure to the materials in Dr. Lorrimor’s books, which I find curious. The Professor kept those books secreted away with such care that I’m surprised anyone but he knew about the vile things inside them. He asked that I attend the town meeting the next day and I agreed—though I can think of few better ways to get run out of town than to explain how I lost my skane.</p>
<p>After the priests left, we followed the skeletons’ tracks back to the Restlands. They came from multiple graves around the cemetery—probably not an animate dead spell.</p>
<p>Long after dinner that evening, we realized that Ku’Kutah’s halfling friend was, to our knowledge, still planning to infiltrate Harrowstone at midnight. After much hand-wringing, we determined to stop him. We recruited Imdlara and Morguvic to watch over the house and made for the prison. On arrival, we found no evidence of the halfling or the concealed entrance he had mentioned and determined we had been fooled. We returned to bed colder and crankier.</p>
<p>The next day was spent mostly in libraries around town. The undead attacks led us back to Professor Lorrimor’s journal, and from there to all manner of local archives in search of information about the Whispering Way: the cabal of necromancers that the Professor was convinced had established a foothold in town. Our last stop was town hall, where we helped set up for the town meeting after completing our research.</p>
<p>For the meeting, Father Grimburrow asked me to sit near the front, though I never got the chance to find out why. Before things were fully underway, torches around the room exploded, setting much of the wooden structure on fire. While the citizenry was quick to form a mob and mass for the door, my fellow wards and I managed to get most of the flames under control quite quickly. After glancing outside and seeing undead, Miri Magravi barricaded the doors to keep the panicked citizenry inside and the creatures out long enough for Father Grimburrow to solve both problems with a massive influx of positive energy. The meeting was adjourned, albeit somewhat prematurely.</p>
<p>Cast:</p>
<p>Arlyxannah, the Sleuth
<br />
Isinwen, the Fletcher
<br />
Ku’Kutah, the Hunter
<br />
Miri, the Merchant
<br />
Miri, the Wagonmaster
<br />
Ovidiu, the Vagabond</p>Castril 22 - 23
===================
One of the things you come to grips with when your god violently severs her connection to your soul it that the event itself might not be the worst of it. Watching a town fall under siege by what appears to be an army of undead and knowing I can do to stop it is, in itself, a horrible punishment. Undead sightings have become more frequent in the last two days, and I had the misfortune to be involved in two of them.
The first was at the farmer’s market. All...Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)2014-09-17T18:40:18ZRe: Forums: Campaign Journals: Carrion Crown [Major Spoilers]Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2revz?Carrion-Crown-Major-Spoilers#32014-09-06T20:40:18Z2014-09-06T20:40:18Z<p>Castril 20 (card: Bear)
<br />
=======================
<br />
These people are pieces of work. The Professor’s journal gives one hint that he went to an ostensibly-fake Pharasmin mausoleum as part of his investigations, and they immediately insist on breaking into it themselves. Together for 48 hours and already we’re acting like the blind leading the blind. I accompanied them as far as the Restlands, where it was all I could do to convince them not to leave a pack mule conspicuously outside while they broke in. I can’t be a part of that. I don’t know what my reputation is around here, but I’ll be damned—potentially literally—if I’m going to spend my first days back in Ustalav breaking wards and trespassing. Never again. I left them to it and returned to the Lorrimor estate with Iniswen.</p>
<p>We arrived to find Kendra passed out with a migraine, though two of her friends waited in the living room. Morgvic is also a priest of Pharasma, but he follows a bizarre and frankly heretical philosophy, denying prophecy for anarchy. Ironic that Grimburrow would call me an apostate when this man serves in his temple. Imdlara is an elf, though not one who takes pains to hide her heritage as Iniswen does. Given the treatment we’ve been getting, I’m shocked she hasn’t been run out of town. Despite their past deeds, my time at Urion taught me that many elves are still fighting, and despite their years, many will die as quickly as we will at the Worldwound.</p>
<p>Our introductions were cut short by the arrival of Quess, a lady from The Silk Purse. She told us that someone had tried to pawn an artifact stolen from Professor Lorrimor, and offered us the opportunity to retrieve it. With Kendra still feeling unwell, we assented and soon joined her at the Silk Purse. The items turned out to be stones called the Sarkoris Shards, of which Iniswen had some knowledge. Three of the stones had been stolen, though the apprehended pawner, Sier, had only tried to fence one. After a brief interview with him, we set out on the trail of the other stones.</p>
<p>No sooner were we out of the Purse, however, than the town square was attacked by large, mosquito-like creatures. Endralla managed to kill one with her crossbow before it could hurt anyone, but the other flew into the panicking crowd and attached itself to a bystander. By the time we got creature off of the man, Petros, he had lost a lot of blood, and we decided to take him to the temple. I had been hoping to start a difficult dialogue with Father Grimburrow anyway, and this seemed like an opportunity to do so. While Grimburrow was indisposed, we were able to leave petros with his attendants, along with a message from me for the good father.</p>
<p>During the attack, I had noted that the creatures appeared to swoop and dive in time with the music form the string quartet in the square. We stopped to interview one of the musicians, but discovered nothing helpful—he did not appear to have any conscious connection to the attack.</p>
<p>By the time we had finished, it was getting dark, so we returned to the manor. There we discovered something curious had appeared on the table: a divination board. Unlike those I had heard of in my time studying the Harrow, this one appeared to radiate magic, and was of fine workmanship. I wasted no time in attempting to use the board, asking a fairly conventional performance question as to whether a spirit was there with me. Immediately, I felt—</p>
<p>[page missing]</p>
<p>—around in circles. I shouldn’t have done that.</p>
<p>Castril 21 (card: Dance)
<br />
========================
<br />
We set out on the trail of the missing Shards. Iniswin, who is apparently a witch on top of being an elf, had her fox, Duck, lead us into a dingier part of town, where he came to a stop and refused to take us any farther. We soon realized why as a large, obviously undead boar bore down upon us from out of some rubble nearby. After a brief demonstration of Morguvic's heretical powers, we put the beast down and were back on the trail of the stones. Duck traced them to a building that looked suspiciously less rundown than those around it. With some searching and prying, Imdlara found a secret entrance, and was able to retrieve the stones from what she reported as some sort of fungal growth inside.</p>
<p>On returning the stones to the the Lorrimer estate, we discovered them to be something akin to spellbooks, from which a witch like Iniswin could learn some particularly repulsive spells. We resolved to return them to the University with the rest of Professor Lorrimor’s questionable texts during our forthcoming visit.</p>
<p>Cast:
<br />
Ovidiu the Apostate (Fallen Cleric 1)
<br />
Morguvic the Apostate (Apparently-totally-legitimate Cleric 1)
<br />
Iniswin the Elf (Non-cannibal Witch 1)
<br />
Imdlara the Elf (Rogue 1)</p>Castril 20 (card: Bear)
=======================
These people are pieces of work. The Professor’s journal gives one hint that he went to an ostensibly-fake Pharasmin mausoleum as part of his investigations, and they immediately insist on breaking into it themselves. Together for 48 hours and already we’re acting like the blind leading the blind. I accompanied them as far as the Restlands, where it was all I could do to convince them not to leave a pack mule conspicuously outside while they...Ovidiu, the Repentant (alias of username_unavailable)2014-09-06T20:40:18ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: Twitter - Facebook - Blog redirect is annoyingJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k5uj?Twitter-Facebook-Blog-redirect-is-annoying#72009-11-20T08:25:50Z2009-11-20T08:25:18Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Erik Mona wrote:</div><blockquote> My concern is that if we feed an RSS of the blog directly to twitter, it will include just the title of the blog and the first few words, which will often sound like nonsense. I suspect that might be even MORE annoying.</blockquote><p>I agree with you :). I believe there are repeaters meant especially for blogs that will tweet "New blog post: [title]", though most of the ones I've seen used look to be wordpress/blogger plugins, and I know you use custom software.
<p>I also see Vic's point that this would make any sort of automated Facebook feed difficult.</p>
<p>Sorry; I wish I could suggest a solution :S. Thinking about it, I have problems with this kind of integration myself, and you're working with more content.</p>
<p>I've used Tweetdeck myself. It's a twitter client that has optional Facebook support. I believe it only does status updates, however, which wont help you post links in quite the same fashion.</p>Erik Mona wrote:My concern is that if we feed an RSS of the blog directly to twitter, it will include just the title of the blog and the first few words, which will often sound like nonsense. I suspect that might be even MORE annoying.
I agree with you :). I believe there are repeaters meant especially for blogs that will tweet "New blog post: [title]", though most of the ones I've seen used look to be wordpress/blogger plugins, and I know you use custom software. I also see Vic's point that...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-11-20T08:25:18ZForums: Website Feedback: Twitter - Facebook - Blog redirect is annoyingJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k5uj?Twitter-Facebook-Blog-redirect-is-annoying#12012-11-15T22:16:23Z2009-11-19T20:41:27Z<p>Hey folks, while I appreciate having the blog entries repeated to Twitter, I really don't like that the attached links take me to facebook pages, which <i>then</i> link to the actual blog post. It's not so bad once, but if I try to follow two or three in a row, it gets old really quickly.</p>
<p>I realize you're probably using a facebook repeater, but there are plenty of RSS repeaters that feed to Twitter directly.</p>Hey folks, while I appreciate having the blog entries repeated to Twitter, I really don't like that the attached links take me to facebook pages, which then link to the actual blog post. It's not so bad once, but if I try to follow two or three in a row, it gets old really quickly.
I realize you're probably using a facebook repeater, but there are plenty of RSS repeaters that feed to Twitter directly.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-11-19T20:41:27ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Advanced Player's Guide Playtest ScheduleJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k131?Advanced-Players-Guide-Playtest-Schedule#332009-10-30T09:44:01Z2009-10-30T09:44:01Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Lisa Stevens wrote:</div><blockquote><p>I've been subtly trying to give you guys a scaup. But if I teal too much, I'll need to run for muscovey. But you will totally be gadwall when you find out why I am writing this stupid post! Friday. Friday.</p>
<p>-Lisa</p>
<p></blockquote><p>Paizo has FINALLY listened to my many, many letters and worked the archaic word for a group mallard ducks (a "sord" of mallards) into the new game "Sords and Sorcery: Ducks and Dragons". I'm so glad to see you folks producing this; I think it's going to be a really solid product! I especially look forward to the Wayne Reynolds art of the noble Hen Queen Amvarria protecting her stash of golden eggs from the dreaded aurumvorax.Lisa Stevens wrote:I've been subtly trying to give you guys a scaup. But if I teal too much, I'll need to run for muscovey. But you will totally be gadwall when you find out why I am writing this stupid post! Friday. Friday.
-Lisa
Paizo has FINALLY listened to my many, many letters and worked the archaic word for a group mallard ducks (a "sord" of mallards) into the new game "Sords and Sorcery: Ducks and Dragons". I'm so glad to see you folks producing this; I think it's going to be a...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-30T09:44:01ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Chronicles: Classic Horrors Revisited (PFRPG)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/products/btpy8ban/discuss&page=3?Pathfinder-Chronicles-Classic-Horrors-Revisited#1022010-07-15T22:32:53Z2009-10-28T07:59:52Z<p>Woah! After seeing the new art, I'm inclined to call this "Classic Covers Revisited". Well played :).</p>Woah! After seeing the new art, I'm inclined to call this "Classic Covers Revisited". Well played :).Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-28T07:59:52ZRe: Forums: Lost Omens Products: Pathfinder Chronicles Campaign Setting (errata/DM Reference)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ipj3&page=7?Pathfinder-Chronicles-Campaign-Setting#3352009-10-22T07:19:08Z2009-10-22T07:19:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">James Jacobs wrote:</div><blockquote>This is one of a bazillion things we're gonna be fixing if/when we reprint. Honestly, this error is the tied with the "Reigon" typo on the poster map for "Most Embarrassing Error in a Pathfinder Product" as far as I'm concerned, and that they're both in the same product is shameful. Neither error is one we talk much about. But yeah... they're errors. (cries) </blockquote><p>Don't cry! I just wanted to make sure you knew ... Knowing <i>is</i> half the battle (sadly, it's usually the easier half, before you get to the tanks at the back, but half the battle nonetheless ;)).James Jacobs wrote:This is one of a bazillion things we're gonna be fixing if/when we reprint. Honestly, this error is the tied with the "Reigon" typo on the poster map for "Most Embarrassing Error in a Pathfinder Product" as far as I'm concerned, and that they're both in the same product is shameful. Neither error is one we talk much about. But yeah... they're errors. (cries)
Don't cry! I just wanted to make sure you knew ... Knowing is half the battle (sadly, it's usually the easier half,...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-22T07:19:08ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Where to vacation in Golarion?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k2ic?Where-to-vacation-in-Golarion#112009-10-21T06:32:54Z2009-10-21T06:32:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Set wrote:</div><blockquote><p> A 1st level arcane Sorcerer or generalist Wizard, or 2nd level Adept, could make a handy living for himself by getting a Raven or Hawk familiar and hanging around the chasm, distracting note-tossers with begging, the hawking of imaginary wares or services, or doing a brief entertainer's routine (comedy, dance, <i>prestidigitation</i>-enhanced 'magic tricks, extemperaneous verse, mime...), while his familiar snags their note. He could then, using the information in the note, arrange for elaborate cons and stings based on the desires they've expressed, or, sell that information to rivals or merchants who might have use for that information.</p>
<p>Yes, the ultimate sacriledge, stealing people's letters to the gods to use to swindle them!</p>
<p></blockquote><p>This is too amazing to <i>not</i> happen :). This kind of operation could provide fuel for a whole information network ...Set wrote:A 1st level arcane Sorcerer or generalist Wizard, or 2nd level Adept, could make a handy living for himself by getting a Raven or Hawk familiar and hanging around the chasm, distracting note-tossers with begging, the hawking of imaginary wares or services, or doing a brief entertainer's routine (comedy, dance, prestidigitation-enhanced 'magic tricks, extemperaneous verse, mime...), while his familiar snags their note. He could then, using the information in the note, arrange for...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-21T06:32:53ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Where to vacation in Golarion?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k2ic?Where-to-vacation-in-Golarion#82009-10-21T00:56:42Z2009-10-21T00:51:21Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:</div><blockquote> Absalom certainly seems a likely destination, for all the reasons given in the last post plus a few. </blockquote><p>Hahaha ... not that you're biased or anything :). One of my PCs just got back from an (abstracted) holiday in Absalom, and had a ton of (abstracted) fun there :).
<p>Here's the writeup I gave my GM:</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>I may have to expand that description with some of the ideas above, though :).</p>Owen K. C. Stephens wrote:Absalom certainly seems a likely destination, for all the reasons given in the last post plus a few.
Hahaha ... not that you're biased or anything :). One of my PCs just got back from an (abstracted) holiday in Absalom, and had a ton of (abstracted) fun there :). Here's the writeup I gave my GM:
[Spoiler omitted]
I may have to expand that description with some of the ideas above, though :).Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-21T00:51:21ZRe: Forums: Lost Omens Products: Pathfinder Chronicles Campaign Setting (errata/DM Reference)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ipj3&page=7?Pathfinder-Chronicles-Campaign-Setting#3322009-10-21T00:12:11Z2009-10-21T00:12:11Z<p>This isn't really errata, but recently we've been gaming at the office, and my copy of the Campaign Setting has been living there as a result. Some of my co-workers pointed out the other day that the cover art is not actually at print resolution, and you can see signs of compression artifacts against the blue-green background (look against the edges of Valeros's sword for an easy-to-spot example).</p>
<p>The Branding looks fine and the Pathfinder Chronicler on the back is very crisp, but they're right: something's up with that cover painting.</p>This isn't really errata, but recently we've been gaming at the office, and my copy of the Campaign Setting has been living there as a result. Some of my co-workers pointed out the other day that the cover art is not actually at print resolution, and you can see signs of compression artifacts against the blue-green background (look against the edges of Valeros's sword for an easy-to-spot example).
The Branding looks fine and the Pathfinder Chronicler on the back is very crisp, but they're...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-21T00:12:11ZForums: Lost Omens Products: Campaign Setting: Jestercap?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2k22g?Campaign-Setting-Jestercap#12012-11-15T22:14:57Z2009-10-16T00:51:54Z<p>According to the timeline of holidays in the Campaign Setting, there is a holiday called 'Jestercap' celebrated in Druma, Taldor and Andoran on Lamashan 27. Is is there any information elsewhere on what this holiday or festival might be?</p>
<p>It's not mentioned in the entries for those countries ... or maybe it is and I just missed it ...</p>According to the timeline of holidays in the Campaign Setting, there is a holiday called 'Jestercap' celebrated in Druma, Taldor and Andoran on Lamashan 27. Is is there any information elsewhere on what this holiday or festival might be?
It's not mentioned in the entries for those countries ... or maybe it is and I just missed it ...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-10-16T00:51:54ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Come get you some PFRPG CthulhuJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jw8o?Come-get-you-some-PFRPG-Cthulhu#72009-08-31T09:28:22Z2009-08-31T09:28:22Z<p>The "Cthulhu through the ages" angle is a neat one — it reminds me a lot of Eternal Darkness, which is not a bad thing in the slightest :). If I wasn't a starving artsy type, I'd be all over this ...</p>The "Cthulhu through the ages" angle is a neat one -- it reminds me a lot of Eternal Darkness, which is not a bad thing in the slightest :). If I wasn't a starving artsy type, I'd be all over this ...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-08-31T09:28:22ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Pathfinder knit-doll "ad"Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2juaq?Pathfinder-knitdoll-ad#42009-08-14T21:19:52Z2009-08-14T21:19:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tarlane wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Sounded like at least one of those voices hidden behind the distortion was one of the people who do unskippable over on <a href="http://www.escapistmagazine.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Escapist Magazine.</a></p>
<p>Is that right? </blockquote><p>Ulric is played (puppeteered?) By Paul Saunders of Unskippable ... also modeled after him, (though the present RL Paul is beardless, having shaved his goatee for charity).
<p>Good catch!</p>Tarlane wrote:Sounded like at least one of those voices hidden behind the distortion was one of the people who do unskippable over on Escapist Magazine.
Is that right?
Ulric is played (puppeteered?) By Paul Saunders of Unskippable ... also modeled after him, (though the present RL Paul is beardless, having shaved his goatee for charity). Good catch!Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-08-14T21:19:51ZForums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Pathfinder knit-doll "ad"Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2juaq?Pathfinder-knitdoll-ad#12012-11-15T22:07:22Z2009-08-14T18:07:10Z<p><a href="http://lrr.cc/456" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">It's adorable :).</a></p>
<p>... well I think it's adorable, but then I had a hand i making it ;).</p>
<p>Hopefully it gets the game some more exposure ... though judging by EN World it's already the talk of Gen-Con.</p>It's adorable :).
... well I think it's adorable, but then I had a hand i making it ;).
Hopefully it gets the game some more exposure ... though judging by EN World it's already the talk of Gen-Con.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-08-14T18:07:10ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Player Companion: Pathfinder Companion - CheliaxJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j6vu?Pathfinder-Companion-Cheliax#232009-08-12T17:13:46Z2009-08-12T17:13:45Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kevin Mack wrote:</div><blockquote> Just noticed that one of the named characters has ranks in Hellknight so Im wondering which book the class would be showing up in? </blockquote><p>There's a big Hellknight article coming as part of Council of Thieves, so that was my guess ...Kevin Mack wrote:Just noticed that one of the named characters has ranks in Hellknight so Im wondering which book the class would be showing up in?
There's a big Hellknight article coming as part of Council of Thieves, so that was my guess ...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-08-12T17:13:45ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Module: Crypt of the Everflame (PFRPG)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/products/btpy89c9/discuss&page=2?Pathfinder-Module-Crypt-of-the-Everflame#952010-02-27T04:24:52Z2009-08-11T00:07:28Z<p>Is that a Castlevania reference on p16? Or a reference to source material that Caslevania ripped off prior to the 80s?</p>
<p>In any case, I very much approve :).</p>Is that a Castlevania reference on p16? Or a reference to source material that Caslevania ripped off prior to the 80s?
In any case, I very much approve :).Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-08-11T00:07:28ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: GameMastery Module D3: The Demon Within (OGL) PDFJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/products/btpy82qg/discuss&page=2?GameMastery-Module-D3-The-Demon-Within#692009-07-30T05:02:54Z2009-07-30T05:02:51Z<p>This module has one of the best opening encounters I've ever seen. Great setpiece (although it doesn't come close to fitting on my flip-mat) and great use of monster powers to create some truely epic mayhem. Looking forward to running it tomorrow :).</p>This module has one of the best opening encounters I've ever seen. Great setpiece (although it doesn't come close to fitting on my flip-mat) and great use of monster powers to create some truely epic mayhem. Looking forward to running it tomorrow :).Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-30T05:02:51ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: AP 7 Set in Varisia?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jju1&page=2?AP-7-Set-in-Varisia#602009-08-17T17:51:04Z2009-07-25T10:20:07Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">baron arem heshvaun wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Such a tease !!</p>
<p>May you be afflicted with my insomnia until all is revealed !</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>: ) </span> </blockquote><p>Given that will be in the leadup to Gen Con until all is revealed, I predict your curse will be extremely effective.baron arem heshvaun wrote:Such a tease !!
May you be afflicted with my insomnia until all is revealed !
: )
Given that will be in the leadup to Gen Con until all is revealed, I predict your curse will be extremely effective.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-25T10:20:07ZForums: Campaign Journals: Flumphs 'n the Knight (an all-flumph playthrough of The Demon Within)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jryp?Flumphs-n-the-Knight#12012-11-15T22:06:42Z2009-07-24T07:22:34Z<p><b>Background:</b></p>
<p>Xqaluk Xquash was the greatest flumph hero the cosmos had ever known. As a
<br />
Cleric 8 / Evoker 8 / Fighter 8 / Monk 8 / Paladin 8 / Ranger 8 / Rogue 8 / Sorcerer 8 he was by far the most powerful and effective champion of his race.</p>
<p>As such a decorated hero, he took it upon himself to hunt and kill the demon lord Andirifkhu, but only got as far as the doorstep before running into problems. As he approached, a terrible trap unleashed a curse upon the flumph, tearing him into pieces and scattering them about. These pieces fled back to their home, and soon discovered themselves unable to merge back into one being. Where once there had been one flumph, now there were eight.</p>
<p>Shortly thereafter, a portal opened up, and they were unexpectedly sucked into another world. Oh dear!</p>
<p><b>Character Creation Guide</b></p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>The first session was taken up entirely by character creation, which is fair given that there were twice as many characters as players. Character creation also involved miniature creation, with some fantastic results.</span></p>
<p>Picture: <a href="http://twitpic.com/bfb0q" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Eight Pieces of Xqualuk Xquash</a> </p>
<p>Character Roster:</p>
<p>Nod Xquash - Abr2/Ftr4/Rgr4
<br />
Cornelia Isabelle Nadine Delilah Isadora Xquash - Abr2/Monk1/Rog7
<br />
Daeman Xquash - Abr2/Sor8
<br />
Dumpy Xquash - Abr2/Mnk2/Rgr3/Evo1/Frt1/Pal1
<br />
Tenporrya Xquash - Abr2/Clr7/Pal1
<br />
Kyandyd Xquash - Abr2/Ftr2/Pal5/Rog1
<br />
Pyankin Xquash - Abr2/Evo7/Rgr1
<br />
Xmacky Xquash - Abr2/Mnk5/Ftr1/Pal2</p>
<p><span class=messageboard-ooc>Please hide any comments that might spoil the adventure for my players behind spoiler tags, as I expect they will follow this thread. Thanks!</span></p>Background:
Xqaluk Xquash was the greatest flumph hero the cosmos had ever known. As a
Cleric 8 / Evoker 8 / Fighter 8 / Monk 8 / Paladin 8 / Ranger 8 / Rogue 8 / Sorcerer 8 he was by far the most powerful and effective champion of his race.
As such a decorated hero, he took it upon himself to hunt and kill the demon lord Andirifkhu, but only got as far as the doorstep before running into problems. As he approached, a terrible trap unleashed a curse upon the flumph, tearing him into pieces...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-24T07:22:34ZRe: Forums: Local Play: Paizo at PAXJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jroa?Paizo-at-PAX#72009-07-23T06:26:19Z2009-07-23T06:26:19Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joshua J. Frost wrote:</div><blockquote> Well, sure, the last time we checked they were charged a large sum of money for tiny spaces in which to play. I'm not sure if that changed, but even if did I wouldn't put PAX on my radar for PFS. </blockquote><p>This is fair, though Paizo's presence will be felt. WotC was there in force last year, and I expect Green Ronin and Bioware to have a big Dragon Age RPG presence, given the crossover potential. Somewhere in there, I'd love to play some Pathfinder. There was certainly a lot of unused space in the gaming building last year, so hopefully some of us can get together for some a game or two-I don't travel for cons that often and would love to game with strangers :).
<p>I'll check when the final schedule is up to see what folks are into.</p>Joshua J. Frost wrote:Well, sure, the last time we checked they were charged a large sum of money for tiny spaces in which to play. I'm not sure if that changed, but even if did I wouldn't put PAX on my radar for PFS.
This is fair, though Paizo's presence will be felt. WotC was there in force last year, and I expect Green Ronin and Bioware to have a big Dragon Age RPG presence, given the crossover potential. Somewhere in there, I'd love to play some Pathfinder. There was certainly a lot of...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-23T06:26:19ZForums: Local Play: Paizo at PAXJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jroa?Paizo-at-PAX#12012-11-15T22:06:37Z2009-07-21T02:51:03Z<p>I know Seattle is close to home turf for the Paizo folks, and PAX keeps getting bigger ...</p>
<p>... any chance of an official presence this year? Or a panel? Or just some PFS stuff? </p>
<p>I'll mostly be there for video gaming, but will probably hit a pickup game or two if it's anything like last year.</p>
<p>Anyone else going and planning on running some Pathfinder?</p>I know Seattle is close to home turf for the Paizo folks, and PAX keeps getting bigger ...
... any chance of an official presence this year? Or a panel? Or just some PFS stuff?
I'll mostly be there for video gaming, but will probably hit a pickup game or two if it's anything like last year.
Anyone else going and planning on running some Pathfinder?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-21T02:51:03ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Wesley! We want more articles about your F.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jr9n?Wesley-We-want-more-articles-about-your-F#122009-07-16T16:33:08Z2009-07-16T16:33:03Z<p>He could be the <b>F</b>lumph man on the inside ...</p>He could be the Flumph man on the inside ...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-07-16T16:33:03ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Adventure Path #25: The Bastards of Erebus (Council of Thieves 1 of 6) (PFRPG)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/products/btpy89a4/discuss&page=3?Pathfinder-Adventure-Path-25-The-Bastards-of-Erebus#1042010-03-17T04:42:46Z2009-06-30T18:39:43Z<p>How comprehensive a gazetteer of Westcrown will we be looking at between these various documents? My GM made most of the Guide to Korvosa required reading prior to the start of our CotCT campaign, and I must say that having a reference for the city and its people has HUGELY improved the experience.</p>How comprehensive a gazetteer of Westcrown will we be looking at between these various documents? My GM made most of the Guide to Korvosa required reading prior to the start of our CotCT campaign, and I must say that having a reference for the city and its people has HUGELY improved the experience.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-06-30T18:39:43ZForums: Announcements: The Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook PDF will be ... $9.99!?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jp84?The-Pathfinder-RPG-Core-Rulebook-PDF-will-be#12012-11-15T22:05:54Z2009-06-27T05:20:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Paizo Twitter wrote:</div><blockquote>In case you missed it: Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook PDF will be just $9.99. #pathfinder #pfrpg (SKR)</blockquote><p>I am floored. Seriously, guys, well done - that's one hell of a lost leader.
<p>While I knew I was going to buy the book, I was wondering whether my players were going to be willing to buy-in right away ... now that is no longer in question.</p>
<p>My group will be playing this game; please enjoy our money.</p>The Paizo Twitter wrote:In case you missed it: Pathfinder RPG Core Rulebook PDF will be just $9.99. #pathfinder #pfrpg (SKR)
I am floored. Seriously, guys, well done - that's one hell of a lost leader. While I knew I was going to buy the book, I was wondering whether my players were going to be willing to buy-in right away ... now that is no longer in question.
My group will be playing this game; please enjoy our money.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-06-27T05:20:34ZRe: Forums: Council of Thieves: Council of Thieves 6 AnnouncedJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jok9?Council-of-Thieves-6-Announced#502009-06-26T06:47:30Z2009-06-26T06:47:30Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The 8th Dwarf wrote:</div><blockquote><p>Could you have Pathfinder Modules that could be related to the AP (It would have to be able to stand alone as well to make it viable). </p>
<p>So if your AP ends at Level 15 you could have a level 18 Pathfinder Module with ideas on how to connect it to the AP.</p>
<p>(EDIT: James it was raised and JJ gave valid reasons for not doing it :-( bummer) </blockquote><p>Sorry, I missed the thread where these valid reasons were presented, so I may be treading well-worn ground here, but I think high-level mega-adventure sequels to established APs could be a grand idea ... not something that happens directly after the curtain drops, but maybe several (or more) years later. There would be a delicate balance to strike between making the sequel feel baked-into the plot of the original, and making those who purchased the original feel ripped off for not getting the full story; however the results could be quite rewarding.
<p>... there's a certain charm to the idea of retired or just otherwise occupied heros being called back to old haunts, Dark Knight Returns style, to deal with menaces they may have helped create :).</p>The 8th Dwarf wrote:Could you have Pathfinder Modules that could be related to the AP (It would have to be able to stand alone as well to make it viable).
So if your AP ends at Level 15 you could have a level 18 Pathfinder Module with ideas on how to connect it to the AP.
(EDIT: James it was raised and JJ gave valid reasons for not doing it :-( bummer)
Sorry, I missed the thread where these valid reasons were presented, so I may be treading well-worn ground here, but I think high-level...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-06-26T06:47:30ZRe: Forums: Website Feedback: WotC halts PDF salesJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2jhqs&page=3?WotC-halts-PDF-sales#1082009-04-07T08:38:52Z2009-04-07T08:38:52Z<p>This whole thing makes me really sad. I find it especially ironic that not a month ago Wil Wheaton was publicly crowing about how awesome it was to be able to relive his childhood through legacy pdf products.</p>
<p>I felt the same way, and now I am left sad.</p>This whole thing makes me really sad. I find it especially ironic that not a month ago Wil Wheaton was publicly crowing about how awesome it was to be able to relive his childhood through legacy pdf products.
I felt the same way, and now I am left sad.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-04-07T08:38:52ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Leveling up in Pathfinder Society too rapid?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j8s1?Leveling-up-in-Pathfinder-Society-too-rapid#312009-02-04T04:54:04Z2009-02-04T04:54:04Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">DarkWhite wrote:</div><blockquote><p> There's also the feeling that leveling is occurring too rapidly. Maybe it's my old-school gaming experience, or Living Greyhawk/Arcanis convention play experience, but I've always felt I've had to work for those levels. I'm not gaining that sense in Pathfinder Society, it seems almost too easy.
</p>
Is it that I'm burning through playtest scenarios more rapidly as a Pathfinder GM than I did as a LG/LA con player? Specifically I'm interested to hear from other Living Greyhawk/Arcanis players - do you feel Pathfinder Society advancement is more rapid than you're used to? Pathfinder Society is it's own game, it doesn't have to mimic LG/LA in every regard, faster or slower advancement is okay, but what I am asking is does it feel "right" for you, or a little faster than you're comfortable with?</blockquote><p>I'll throw my hat into the "faster than I'm comfortable with" category. If each level represents a new toy to play with, then I feel I'm not really getting to appreciate each one before I have the next thrust upon me. Does that make sense?
<p>Two thirds of the time I'm either getting a new toy for the first time, or thinking ahead to the toy I'm about to get. It would be nice to see that curve plateau a little longer in between those states.</p>
<p>I'm also a little uncertain of the forced progression inherent in PFS XP. Because the same principle isn't also applied to treasure, a party that fails a mission gets no loot and full experience. Three such scenarios theoretically put these characters a level behind in terms of treasure, which, I don't think is desirable. In standard 3.5, this problem is self-correcting: PCs who fail a lot (and don't get treasure) advance in level more slowly. The all-or-nothing approach to leveling might be a problem.</p>
<p>As has been mentioned, the fact that Xp doesn't scale also means that a character who gets behind his party will always be behind. Again, this removes the system's inbuilt ability to self-correct, and I think this may be the root of many players' worries with regard to low-level death and subsequent character creation.</p>DarkWhite wrote:There's also the feeling that leveling is occurring too rapidly. Maybe it's my old-school gaming experience, or Living Greyhawk/Arcanis convention play experience, but I've always felt I've had to work for those levels. I'm not gaining that sense in Pathfinder Society, it seems almost too easy.
Is it that I'm burning through playtest scenarios more rapidly as a Pathfinder GM than I did as a LG/LA con player? Specifically I'm interested to hear from other Living...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-02-04T04:54:04ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: PFS #23 and 24 submissions - who's with me?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j90p?PFS-23-and-24-submissions-whos-with-me#292009-02-04T00:10:00Z2009-02-04T00:08:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Zombieneighbours wrote:</div><blockquote> Why did so many of you go with 23?</blockquote><p>My co-submitter and I figured we knew more about Andoran's forests than Taldor's slums. We were going to submit for both, but got a late start and ultimately ran out of time.Zombieneighbours wrote:Why did so many of you go with 23?
My co-submitter and I figured we knew more about Andoran's forests than Taldor's slums. We were going to submit for both, but got a late start and ultimately ran out of time.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-02-04T00:08:22ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Leveling up in Pathfinder Society too rapid?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j8s1?Leveling-up-in-Pathfinder-Society-too-rapid#292009-02-04T00:03:16Z2009-02-04T00:03:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Mortika wrote:</div><blockquote> A couple of the local folks are indeed planning to pool their money to buy the cleric a wand of <i>cure light wounds</i>, and I, for one, am happy that there's no rule in PFS banning that. </blockquote><p>This looks like an oversight to me; I wouldn't get my hopes up.Chris Mortika wrote:A couple of the local folks are indeed planning to pool their money to buy the cleric a wand of cure light wounds, and I, for one, am happy that there's no rule in PFS banning that.
This looks like an oversight to me; I wouldn't get my hopes up.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-02-04T00:03:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Pathfinder RPG Release Date 8/13Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j9hj?Pathfinder-RPG-Release-Date-813#22012-11-15T21:54:54Z2009-02-03T19:47:00Z<p>I seem to recall a Living Jungle scenario whose point was to convert characters from second to third edition. In this scenario, the heroes were sent by a shaman or something to a special place of power, where they undertook a ritual of transformation to become "great heroes of the jungle", or somesuch. The module then had an hour scheduled into it for players to convert their characters, before delivering the final encounter in 3rd ed.</p>
<p>Josh, if you're looking for some kind of special Gen-Con event, this could be a fun way to handle conversion :).</p>I seem to recall a Living Jungle scenario whose point was to convert characters from second to third edition. In this scenario, the heroes were sent by a shaman or something to a special place of power, where they undertook a ritual of transformation to become "great heroes of the jungle", or somesuch. The module then had an hour scheduled into it for players to convert their characters, before delivering the final encounter in 3rd ed.
Josh, if you're looking for some kind of special Gen-Con...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-02-03T19:47:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: PFS #23 and 24 submissions - who's with me?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j90p?PFS-23-and-24-submissions-whos-with-me#162009-02-01T06:31:03Z2009-02-01T06:31:03Z<p>A friend and I co-submitted for 23. If nothing else I think it was a far stronger submission than my last one :). We were thinking of doing 24 as well, but didn't have time to get it together.</p>
<p>Knock on wood, folks - now comes the big wait!</p>A friend and I co-submitted for 23. If nothing else I think it was a far stronger submission than my last one :). We were thinking of doing 24 as well, but didn't have time to get it together.
Knock on wood, folks - now comes the big wait!Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-02-01T06:31:03ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Things you'd like in Season 1Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j0ss?Things-youd-like-in-Season-1#262009-01-28T01:57:33Z2009-01-28T01:56:41Z<p>Another way to offset the cost of a resurrection might be to allow a characters to throw themselves on the mercy of their factions. The faction in question could step in as a mysterious benefactor to raise its agent, but not be too happy about it and dock him or her some privileges.</p>
<p>Mechanics wise, this amounts to losing a certain number of prestige points in exchange for a free raise. This wouldn't affect the faction's overall points for the shadow war (which have already been reported anyway) but would affect the prestige on the PC's chronicle, and his ability to purchase items.</p>Another way to offset the cost of a resurrection might be to allow a characters to throw themselves on the mercy of their factions. The faction in question could step in as a mysterious benefactor to raise its agent, but not be too happy about it and dock him or her some privileges.
Mechanics wise, this amounts to losing a certain number of prestige points in exchange for a free raise. This wouldn't affect the faction's overall points for the shadow war (which have already been reported...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-28T01:56:41ZRe: Forums: Playtest Reports: Expedition to the Ruins of Castle GreyhawkJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j6zv?Expedition-to-the-Ruins-of-Castle-Greyhawk#32009-01-15T09:04:23Z2009-01-15T09:04:19Z<p>The players have decided that all of their characters are from or have at least been living on Lof'Rhiane, a small island in the Nyr Dyv that houses the equally small town of Salt Harbour.</p>
<p>In truth, Salt Harbour was our group's Living Greyhawk "club village", and is an entirely original creation. Those who played Living Greyhawk in the PNW circa 2001 might remember this as the setting for the adventure <i>Lonely Harbour</i>, as well as a couple interactives, and a regional adaptation for <i>Descent Into Darkness</i>. It's been fun updating the setting six years from 592 to 597, though it's been a slog cutting through my own writing from age 17.</p>
<p>If you're interested in slogging through such prose yourself—which I've had time to update and add to, but not greatly improve upon—you can see it <a href="http://castlegreyhawk.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/home-base/#more-9" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>. Fair warning though, it's long.</p>The players have decided that all of their characters are from or have at least been living on Lof'Rhiane, a small island in the Nyr Dyv that houses the equally small town of Salt Harbour.
In truth, Salt Harbour was our group's Living Greyhawk "club village", and is an entirely original creation. Those who played Living Greyhawk in the PNW circa 2001 might remember this as the setting for the adventure Lonely Harbour, as well as a couple interactives, and a regional adaptation for Descent...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-15T09:04:19ZForums: Playtest Reports: Expedition to the Ruins of Castle GreyhawkJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j6zv?Expedition-to-the-Ruins-of-Castle-Greyhawk#22009-01-15T08:56:31Z2009-01-15T08:52:47Z<p>We've spent a few weeks in character creation so far, mostly over the internet, though we've done some work in person as well. As we're using the Pathfinder beta, the rules are a bit new to all of us—not entirely new, of course, but new enough that there have been some questions. </p>
<p>Part 1: The Guide</p>
<p>Here is the guide that I gave the group:</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Character Creation Guide wrote:</div><blockquote><p><b>Character Creation Guide</b>
</p>
Use the material in the Pathfinder Beta to create eighth-level characters. You may use material from the core book, and its various web enhancements. Your characters live and have always lived somewhere in the Flaness.</p>
<p><b>Abilities</b>
<br />
Use the "Purchase" method for ability score generation outlined on page 5 of the beta. You have 25 points. Don't forget that because you are 8th level, you get two +1 bumps to any score after all is said and done.</p>
<p><b>Hit Points</b>
<br />
You get maximum hit points at first level, and half your hit die (plus appropriate modifiers) for each subsequent level. Add 10 to your total hit points at eighth level.</p>
<p>For each odd-numbered level beyond eighth, gain half your hit die plus appropriate modifiers; for each even numbered level beyond eighth, gain this number plus one.</p>
<p>You may choose to get one bonus hit point for each level you take in your race's favoured class, but you may opt for skill points instead. Choose wisely.</p>
<p><b>Feats</b>
<br />
You may use feats from this thread in addition to those in the beta.</p>
<p><b>Money</b>
<br />
Purchase equipment from the Beta and its web enhancements with a value of 33 000 gp. Anything left over is cash on hand.</blockquote><p>Of course, I made one mistake: while I meant to tell them they could have 15 points for ability scores, I was so used to "standard 3.5 point buy" that I must have written "25 points" by accident. By the time we all got together to talk about characters, many of them had purchased their scores based on these guidelines, and I didn't have the heart to tell them to reroll.
<p>Knowing what they will be up against (thanks to the devious gentlemen who wrote it), I doubt this will help them all that much when all is said and done.</p>
<p>Part II: The Characters</p>
<p>So far our lineup looks like this:</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">lineup wrote:</div><blockquote><p>• ______ - Elven Fighter 7 / Cleric 1 (Bralm)
</p>
(two-weapon fighting specialist)</p>
<p>• Kirek Rendkali - Mostly-Human Fighter 6 / Sorcerer 1 (BlueDragon) / Dragon Disciple 1
<br />
(natural weapons specialist)</p>
<p>• Darius Grey- Human Fighter 7 / Bard 1
<br />
(two-handed weapon specialist)</p>
<p>• Winston Acareis - Human(?) Fighter 6 / Rogue 2
<br />
(shield specialist)</p>
<p>• Sagihlahahl "Saige" Ehv'nscatil - Elven Cleric 3 (Boccob) / Universalist 3 / Mystic Theurge 2
<br />
(blaster/buffer)</blockquote><p>Observant readers will note that of the five characters listed, four chose to play fighters. Their "concept party" idea was that everybody would play a fighter of some sort, and multiclasss to fill another party role (albeit lackingly). Horrified by this idea, the fifth player decided to break the mould in an attempt to cover all the spellcasting bases herself. I look forward to seeing how this party functions in the Greyhawk dungeons, especially if confronted with Will saves.
<p>Part III: Questions</p>
<p>The following issues or questions were raised by various players over the course of chacter creation. These are summarized below (with my temporary rulings):</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">questions wrote:</div><blockquote><p>Q: Does the DR from my Adamantine Full Plate (3/-) render 3 points of my <i>vicious</i> weapon self-dealing damage null?
</p>
A: No. <i>Vicious</i> weapons deal damage with 'a flash of disruptive energy', or untyped energy damage of some sort (one of the vagaries of magic items, I guess). DR doesn't help against energy damage.
<br />
Q: How about hardness?
<br />
A: Energy damage doesn't cut through hardness. Objects in general only take damage from specific types of energy, and the type done by vicious weapons is not among them. Negative and positive energy similarly do no damage to objects.</p>
<p>Q: What happens when a <i>vicious</i> weapon wielded by <i>hand of the acolyte</i> hits a target?
<br />
A: <i>Mage hand</i> is 5 lb telekinesis that targets an item, therefore there is no "hand" per se (even if <i>hand of the acolyte</i> seems to imply that one exists). While this is seemingly contradictory, I'm going to say that the target takes 2d6 damage, but because there is nothing actually wielding the weapon, nothing takes the additional 1d6.</p>
<p>Q: Does Devastating Blow work with the Critical Hit Deck?
<br />
A: Critical Hit Cards count as a special effect; devastating blow is for damage only.</p>
<p>Q: Fleet's movement bonus does not apply if one is carrying a "medium or heavy load". So... if I'm wearing heavy armour, but have a high enough strength, my base move goes up 5'? Does that mean my move is 25'? Or does 35' get reduced to 20' as well?
<br />
A: For now, I'm ruling that 35 becomes 25 in medium or heavy armour, and 25 likewise becomes 20. Literal interpretation of the rules implies that this is not the case, but why explicitly make the the feat function in medium and heavy armour if it clearly does nothing under those circumstances?</p>
<p>Q: Can a shield be used as a primary weapon?
<br />
A: The rules don't mention this, but I see no reason why not (I'm sure I will soon). Remember one can only have one shield bonus to one's AC at a given time.</p>
<p>Q: Into what fighter weapon group do a dragon sorcerer's claws fall?
<br />
A: This is unclear. I'm going to say an unlisted one called "natural" that also includes other forms of natural weapons.</p>
<p>Q: How frequently does one get new feats?
<br />
A: While it's not explicitly stated in the beta, the chart implies every odd-numbered level.</p>
<p>Q: Now that specialist bonus spells have been rolled into a wizard's class features, does a mystic theurge continue to receive them?
<br />
A: The rules seem to imply that, no, the mystic theurge is screwed, as compared to 3.5. Tough beans.</blockquote><p>That's it for now; more as it develops.We've spent a few weeks in character creation so far, mostly over the internet, though we've done some work in person as well. As we're using the Pathfinder beta, the rules are a bit new to all of us--not entirely new, of course, but new enough that there have been some questions.
Part 1: The Guide
Here is the guide that I gave the group:
Character Creation Guide wrote:Character Creation Guide
Use the material in the Pathfinder Beta to create eighth-level characters. You may use material...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-15T08:52:47ZForums: Playtest Reports: Expedition to the Ruins of Castle GreyhawkJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j6zv?Expedition-to-the-Ruins-of-Castle-Greyhawk#12009-01-15T08:43:00Z2009-01-15T08:42:57Z<p>Here We Go!</p>
<p>I’ve decided to run <i>Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk</i> campaign using the Pathfinder RPG beta release. I've been waiting to run this adventure for a while, and now seems like a fine time :). While I’ll be documenting the game as it progresses. My players will likely read this thread, so information not meant for them will be hidden behind spoiler tags. Please comment on anything, but use spoilers liberally.</p>
<p>I'll also be following the lead of other recent playtesters and posting a blog containing both the content posted here, and other information not relevant to the playtest (but possibly relevant to the campaign).</p>
<p><a href="http://castlegreyhawk.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">You can find that blog here.</a></p>Here We Go!
I’ve decided to run Expedition to the Ruins of Castle Greyhawk campaign using the Pathfinder RPG beta release. I've been waiting to run this adventure for a while, and now seems like a fine time :). While I’ll be documenting the game as it progresses. My players will likely read this thread, so information not meant for them will be hidden behind spoiler tags. Please comment on anything, but use spoilers liberally.
I'll also be following the lead of other recent playtesters and...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-15T08:42:57ZRe: Forums: Campaign Journals: Aristocracy Mephits of Korvosa (an all-noble CotCT campaign) [Major Spoilers]Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i9hv&page=2?Aristocracy-Mephits-of-Korvosa-Major-Spoilers#572009-01-10T09:47:25Z2009-01-10T09:47:25Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">tbug wrote:</div><blockquote>Kezug is usually the one with a weak stomach when it comes to killing, and he's running the perimeter outside. </blockquote><p>Goblins in Korvosa, call the guards!tbug wrote:Kezug is usually the one with a weak stomach when it comes to killing, and he's running the perimeter outside.
Goblins in Korvosa, call the guards!Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-10T09:47:25ZRe: Forums: Magic and Spells: Mage Hand - Dueling Swords For EveryoneJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j4uu?Mage-Hand-Dueling-Swords-For-Everyone#152009-01-09T09:57:15Z2009-01-09T09:57:13Z<p>Some points:</p>
<p>• There is nothing about <i>mage hand</i> beyond its name to suggest that it actually creates an anthropomorphic hand. It is not a conjuration spell, and its target is the object upon which it is cast; it is simply a 5 lb telekinesis. My ruling (based strictly on the text of the Beta) would therefore be that <i>hand of the apprentice</i> can wield a two-handed weapon <i>if</i> that weapon weighs 5 lbs or less, and <i>if</i> the caster is proficient.</p>
<p>But that's not going to happen, right?</p>
<p>• Well actually, a mithral weapon weighs half the weight of a standard weapon of its type, putting a greatsword in <i>hand of the apprentice</i> range.</p>
<p>But you still need proficiency right?</p>
<p>• No. Because <i>hand of the apprentice</i> makes no concession for the size of the weapon wielded — note that it is the weapon itself that attacks, and that while it borrows some of the caster's stats, it has no size of its own — an elven wizard can wield a large mithral longsword without a hitch.</p>
<p>That's a really high ranged attack roll that effectively ignores firing-into-melee restrictions and does a metric tonne of damage.</p>
<p>Want to break it even more?</p>
<p>• Try it with a <i>vicious</i> weapon. A <i>spectral hand</i> would be destroyed by the mysterious untyped energy damage a vicious weapon deals, but the straight telekinesis of <i>mage hand</i> sidesteps this problem.</p>
<p>So my eighth-level wizard, for 10,015 gp, now has (about) +10 to hit from 30 feet away for 4d6+6 with his flying DOOM sword <i>OF DOOM</i>.</p>
<p>Also, this is also a supernatural ability, isn't it? Meaning I could use it in conjunction with <i>transformation</i>? That would be . . . vicious :D.</p>
<p>Snarky tone aside (And I'm only playing, of course), here are my suggestions:</p>
<p>• Change the wording of <i>hand of the apprentice</i> such that it doesn't refer to an actual "hand". There <i>is</i> no hand according to <i>mage hand</i>, and adding one would drastically increase the complexity of this ability.
<br />
• Add a proviso that the weapon affected must be a light or one-handed weapon of the caster's size.
<br />
• Add a further clause that any effect that would cause the weapon to damage its wielder (<i>heat metal</i>, damage from a <i>vicious</i> weapon, etc.) ends the effect.
<br />
• Also, in general this ability does more damage than <i>spiritual weapon</i>, which is a second-level spell of limited duration. It's not a force effect like <i>spiritual weapon</i>, but it <i>can</i> be augmented as suggested above, making it (in my oppinion) a little too good, even before being abused. A damage modifier more in line with <i>spiritual weapon</i>'s seems like it would be more appropriate.</p>Some points:
• There is nothing about mage hand beyond its name to suggest that it actually creates an anthropomorphic hand. It is not a conjuration spell, and its target is the object upon which it is cast; it is simply a 5 lb telekinesis. My ruling (based strictly on the text of the Beta) would therefore be that hand of the apprentice can wield a two-handed weapon if that weapon weighs 5 lbs or less, and if the caster is proficient.
But that's not going to happen, right?
• Well actually,...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-09T09:57:13ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: 3.x PFS scenarios and PRPGJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j609?3x-PFS-scenarios-and-PRPG#62009-01-08T02:40:04Z2009-01-08T02:40:03Z<p>Josh talked a bit about this on the <a href="http://atomicarray.com/pathfinder-aa011" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Atomic Array podcast</a> a couple weeks back.</p>Josh talked a bit about this on the Atomic Array podcast a couple weeks back.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-08T02:40:03ZRe: Forums: Magic and Spells: Does Magical Healing Need a Tweak?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j5zl?Does-Magical-Healing-Need-a-Tweak#142009-01-08T02:28:55Z2009-01-08T02:28:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Lehmuska wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Bob the 1st level fighter is fighting a greataxe wielding orc, and Eric the cleric is healing Bob.</p>
<p>The Orc is standard Monster Manual Orc armed with a greataxe. This gives the Orc an attack bonus +4 and damage 1d12+4 (average 10.5 points). I'll ignore criticals for simplicity's sake.</p>
<p>Bob has AC 15 (Dex +1, scale mail +4). This gives the orc 50% chance to hit Bob, and so the orc's average damage per round versus Bob is <b>5.25</b>.(including criticals will boost this a bit)</p>
<p>Eric the cleric hasn't specialized in healing, and so his cure light wounds heals 1d8+1. Average damage healed per spell is <b>5.5</b>.... </blockquote><p>That's fair, but remember that a first-level party doesn't fight <i>an</i> orc; it fights two—effectively doubling the damage intake; and that's only 50% of the time according to the DMG. in reality, I think encounters with CR equal to APL have fallen out of style (there's not a single CR 1 encounter in <i>Burnt Offerings</i>), so it's likely the damage to healing ratio of an average fight is even higher.
<p>That's as it should be.</p>
<p>The cleric isn't supposed to be able to support all the hats, but I think the trend towards tougher encounters over the lifespan of 3.5 has resulted in more fights where the cleric bounces from ally to ally, bringing each person from -[X] to +[number less than the hit he's gonna take next round].</p>
<p>Further, with the increase in character hit points in the PFB, it can take longer for a party to heal between delves. This is somewhat offset by the cleric's ability to channel positive energy, but that doesn't apply to bards, druids, or (to some extent) clerics multiclassed into prestige classes.</p>
<p>I'd say healing could use a little boost.</p>
<p>My current idea: replace the "standard" d8 healing die with 2d6</p>
<p>Why?:
<br />
• Simple: Healing spells aren't broken. Simple changes are best.
<br />
• Power boost: the average heal die increases from 4.5 to 7.
<br />
• Bell curve: cures are easier to predict. The chances of rolling a minimum on a cure light drop from 1/8 to 1/32. Further, the chances of rolling above the previous maximum (8) are only 23%, meaning the potential to make healing <i>too powerful</i> is dampened.
<br />
• Flavour: single-target cures are clearly more effective for healing single targets than Channel Energy, which, presently breaks away after about 6th level.
<br />
• It makes non-cleric healers more effective, especially at low levels.
<br />
• Damage: cure spells are very effective single-target weapons against undead - as they should be.</p>Lehmuska wrote:Bob the 1st level fighter is fighting a greataxe wielding orc, and Eric the cleric is healing Bob.
The Orc is standard Monster Manual Orc armed with a greataxe. This gives the Orc an attack bonus +4 and damage 1d12+4 (average 10.5 points). I'll ignore criticals for simplicity's sake.
Bob has AC 15 (Dex +1, scale mail +4). This gives the orc 50% chance to hit Bob, and so the orc's average damage per round versus Bob is 5.25.(including criticals will boost this a bit)
Eric the...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-08T02:28:51ZRe: Forums: Magic and Spells: Does Magical Healing Need a Tweak?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j5zl?Does-Magical-Healing-Need-a-Tweak#112009-01-07T23:07:47Z2009-01-07T23:07:46Z<p>In the alpha playtest I ran, we went with the Con + hit die option for starting hit points. Everyone played their favoured classes, and a couple characters took toughness, and the result was a group with massive numbers of hit points, that served to make healing seem incredibly ineffective.</p>
<p>At third level, the fighter had something like 65 hit points, and once he got down to single digits, it took more healing than the cleric could muster for the entire day to bring him back to full.</p>
<p>I don't know if this <i>needs</i> to change, but the overall increase in party durability seems to suggest a proportionate healing increase.</p>In the alpha playtest I ran, we went with the Con + hit die option for starting hit points. Everyone played their favoured classes, and a couple characters took toughness, and the result was a group with massive numbers of hit points, that served to make healing seem incredibly ineffective.
At third level, the fighter had something like 65 hit points, and once he got down to single digits, it took more healing than the cleric could muster for the entire day to bring him back to full.
I...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-07T23:07:46ZRe: Forums: Prestige Classes: [Mystic Theurge] - How can we fix it?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j0m8&page=4?Mystic-Theurge-How-can-we-fix-it#1722009-01-07T18:56:28Z2009-01-07T18:56:18Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Herald wrote:</div><blockquote> I was always under the assumption that the bonus spells beyond what was accrued at base levels were lost. This is one of the reasons that the players in my games have avoided it. I really think that there could be some review performed on this that could have some value. </blockquote><p>Check out the example at the bottom of the WotC page dragonborn3 just linked to. You'll see that Deggum the Theurge has both a third-level domain spell, and a third-level specialist spell. That's the way I've always seen it ruled.
<p>I'm really unclear as to whether or not pathfinder prestige classes (and Theurges in particular) get bonus specialist bonus spells, but losing one spell per level (two for the Theurge) in the transition from 3.5 constitutes a hefty (if not very obvious) nerf.</p>Herald wrote:I was always under the assumption that the bonus spells beyond what was accrued at base levels were lost. This is one of the reasons that the players in my games have avoided it. I really think that there could be some review performed on this that could have some value.
Check out the example at the bottom of the WotC page dragonborn3 just linked to. You'll see that Deggum the Theurge has both a third-level domain spell, and a third-level specialist spell. That's the way I've...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-07T18:56:18ZRe: Forums: Magic and Spells: Schools as powers belong in the Wizard Class sectionJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j4yb?Schools-as-powers-belong-in-the-Wizard-Class#212009-01-07T06:00:20Z2009-01-07T06:00:19Z<p>My girlfriend was making a Mystic Theurge this weekend and we were all over the book looking stuff up. Given the final book will be BIGGER, my vote is that everything go in the Classes chapter</p>My girlfriend was making a Mystic Theurge this weekend and we were all over the book looking stuff up. Given the final book will be BIGGER, my vote is that everything go in the Classes chapterJer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-07T06:00:19ZRe: Forums: Classes: Barbarian, Fighter, and Ranger: Fighters and Natural Weapon Training (p.28)Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j3ie?Fighters-and-Natural-Weapon-Training#42009-01-07T03:46:16Z2009-01-07T03:46:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Kaisoku wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I think he's talking about the new Weapon Training fighter ability, the one that gives +1 to attack/damage on the weapons in that group.</p>
<p>Since many 0-level player races can have natural weapons (Eberron shifters have them, don't they?), I don't think it'd be even out of place to put natural weapons (claw, bite, tail, wing, slam, etc) as a Weapon Group for the Fighter's Weapon Training ability.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I have a sorcerer (dragon bloodline) 2/fighter 6 playing in my upcoming playtest campaign, so this issue is foremost in her mind. Natural weapons could fall into Close, Monk or a new group called Natural. I'm going to go for the latter, as she's going Dragon Disciple, and will have access to bite and wing attacks later anyway.Kaisoku wrote:I think he's talking about the new Weapon Training fighter ability, the one that gives +1 to attack/damage on the weapons in that group.
Since many 0-level player races can have natural weapons (Eberron shifters have them, don't they?), I don't think it'd be even out of place to put natural weapons (claw, bite, tail, wing, slam, etc) as a Weapon Group for the Fighter's Weapon Training ability.
I have a sorcerer (dragon bloodline) 2/fighter 6 playing in my upcoming playtest...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-07T03:46:14ZRe: Forums: Prestige Classes: [Mystic Theurge] - How can we fix it?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j0m8&page=4?Mystic-Theurge-How-can-we-fix-it#1682009-01-07T00:06:11Z2009-01-07T00:06:09Z<p>I'm starting a group using the beta fairly soon, and we're creating characters at eighth level.</p>
<p>It has occurred to me watching character creation process, however, that wizards and clerics multiclassing into prestige classes that continue their spell progressions get a bit of a hose-down in Pathfinder.</p>
<p>In 3.5, cleric domain spells and specialist wizard bonus spells are part of their respective classes' spell progressions; thus they continue to accrue after the wizard or cleric multiclasses into a spellcasting prestige class. Now they are a separate subsystem tied into wizard and cleric class levels. While I may be wrong, it appears to me that under the beta rules wizards and clerics no longer get these spells after multiclassing into a prestige class—even a class that builds on their previous class's spellcasting abilities.</p>
<p>Am I wrong in this assertion? If so, please let me know.</p>
<p>If I'm correct, this amounts to a 20-25% reduction in total number of spells gained over 10 levels of prestige class progression . . . which frankly seems a little harsh — especially for the Mystic Theurge, who in 3.5 doubled her spellcasting repotiore at the cost of her other class abilities and upper-level spells, and in Pathfinder gets only 1.5-1.6x the number of spells she would have if she'd stayed a straight caster at the MUCH steeper cost of cool domain and specialist abilities.</p>
<p>Furthermore if specialists stop getting their bonus spells under prestige classes, yet continue to face the cost of having restricted schools at higher levels, this makes the generalist look like the clear winner: he doesn't get bonus spells at prestige levels, but neither does he suffer restricted schools for his entire career in exchange for this non-benefit.</p>I'm starting a group using the beta fairly soon, and we're creating characters at eighth level.
It has occurred to me watching character creation process, however, that wizards and clerics multiclassing into prestige classes that continue their spell progressions get a bit of a hose-down in Pathfinder.
In 3.5, cleric domain spells and specialist wizard bonus spells are part of their respective classes' spell progressions; thus they continue to accrue after the wizard or cleric multiclasses...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-07T00:06:09ZForums: Skills and Feats: [Fleet] Unclear: Speed in medium and heavy armourJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j5ym?Fleet-Unclear-Speed-in-medium-and-heavy-armour#12012-11-15T21:53:54Z2009-01-06T22:23:13Z<p>Literal interpretation of the rules would have it that a medium-sized character with Fleet (+5 ft base movement if not carrying a medium or heavy load) still has a movement of 20 in medium or heavy armour, even if he is still lightly encumbered.</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">beta wrote:</div><blockquote><p>Speed: Medium or heavy armor slows the wearer down. <b>The number on Table 7–6 is the character’s speed while wearing the armor.</b> Humans, elves, half-elves, and half-orcs have an unencumbered speed of 30 feet. They use the first column. Dwarves, gnomes, and halflings have an un-encumbered speed of 20 feet. They use the second column.
</p>
Remember, however, that a dwarf ’s land speed remains 20 feet even in medium or heavy armor or when carrying a medium or heavy load.</blockquote><p>Is the speed of a medium character in medium armour 20 ft regardless of other factors? Or is the speed of the a 35 ft base speed character 25 ft in medium armour?
<p>What if a small character takes Fleet twice to improve his base speed to 30 ft, then puts on medium armour? Is his speed 20 ft or 15 ft?</p>Literal interpretation of the rules would have it that a medium-sized character with Fleet (+5 ft base movement if not carrying a medium or heavy load) still has a movement of 20 in medium or heavy armour, even if he is still lightly encumbered.
beta wrote:Speed: Medium or heavy armor slows the wearer down. The number on Table 7–6 is the character’s speed while wearing the armor. Humans, elves, half-elves, and half-orcs have an unencumbered speed of 30 feet. They use the first column....Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-06T22:23:13ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Murder on the Silken Caravan GM Discussion [SPOILERS]Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2is6r?Murder-on-the-Silken-Caravan-GM-Discussion#492017-07-31T20:40:00Z2009-01-05T20:37:53Z<p>PLAYER 1: What? A harpy carrying an adolescent boy?
<br />
GM : She could grab him as an unattended object!
<br />
PLAYER 1: It's not a question of how she grabs him! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A Strength 10 harpy cannot carry an eighty pound slave.
<br />
GM : Well, it doesn't matter. Please roll initiative.
<br />
PLAYER 1: Listen. In order to maintain air-speed velocity, a harpy needs to carry a light load, right?
<br />
GM : Please!
<br />
PLAYER 1: Am I right?
<br />
GM : I'm not interested!
<br />
PLAYER 2: It could be carried by an elite harpy!
<br />
PLAYER 1: Oh, yeah, an elite harpy maybe, but not a monster manual harpy. That's my point.
<br />
PLAYER 2: Oh, yeah, I agree with that.
<br />
GM : Will you please roll initiative and prepare for battle?!
<br />
PLAYER 1: But then of course a— elite harpies are all flesh-eating.
<br />
PLAYER 2: Oh, yeah.
<br />
PLAYER 1: So, they wouldn't really need slaves anyway.
<br />
[GM leaves]
<br />
PLAYER 2: Wait a minute! Supposing two harpies carried it together?
<br />
PLAYER 1: No, they'd have to have it on a line.
<br />
PLAYER 2: Well, simple! They'd just use a strand of assassin vine!
<br />
PLAYER 1: What, held under the dorsal guiding feathers?
<br />
PLAYER 2: Well, why not?</p>PLAYER 1: What? A harpy carrying an adolescent boy?
GM : She could grab him as an unattended object!
PLAYER 1: It's not a question of how she grabs him! It's a simple question of weight ratios! A Strength 10 harpy cannot carry an eighty pound slave.
GM : Well, it doesn't matter. Please roll initiative.
PLAYER 1: Listen. In order to maintain air-speed velocity, a harpy needs to carry a light load, right?
GM : Please!
PLAYER 1: Am I right?
GM : I'm not interested!
PLAYER 2: It could be carried...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2009-01-05T20:37:53ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Murder on the Silken Caravan GM Discussion [SPOILERS]Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2is6r?Murder-on-the-Silken-Caravan-GM-Discussion#422008-12-31T10:26:23Z2008-12-31T10:21:11Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Greg A. Vaughn][QUOTE="Jer wrote:</div><blockquote> Could a PC conceivably know to bring appropriate face-protection with a decent survival or knowledge (local) check? Certainly Osirion PCs should be familiar with the desert. </blockquote>I wouldn't recommend it for running a sanctioned event, because it would give those players an advantage not otherwise written into the scenario, but for use in games outside of the Pathfinder Society, I'd think it would be reasonable.</blockquote><p>Acknowledged. Granted you don't have space in a 7000-word scenario to go into Osirion's weather patterns - I was more-or-less trying to establish the line of reasoning: If sandstorms of this severity happen often, shouldn't the PCs know to prepare for them ;). You're right though, that in the interests of fair play this is probably not a good option.
<p>Spoiler: Entombed with the Pharaohs
<br />
[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>This disturbance would certainly justify a lack of preparedness on the part of the caravan, and if the Osirion ranger asks how a bunch of goblins out-survived her, I'm going with this as an explanation :).</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Greg A. Vaughn wrote:</div><blockquote><div class="messageboard-quotee">Jer wrote:</div><blockquote> Also, does Gasper's 19 Str reflect his state pre- or post-<i>bull's strength?</i> </blockquote>The Str 19 is with <i>bull's strength</i>. His stats without the buff are listed in the "Base Statistics" portion of the stat block underneath "Morale." </blockquote><p>So they are - thanks :).Greg A. Vaughn][QUOTE="Jer wrote:Could a PC conceivably know to bring appropriate face-protection with a decent survival or knowledge (local) check? Certainly Osirion PCs should be familiar with the desert.
I wouldn't recommend it for running a sanctioned event, because it would give those players an advantage not otherwise written into the scenario, but for use in games outside of the Pathfinder Society, I'd think it would be reasonable.Acknowledged. Granted you don't have space in a...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-31T10:21:11ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Murder on the Silken Caravan GM Discussion [SPOILERS]Jer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2is6r?Murder-on-the-Silken-Caravan-GM-Discussion#402008-12-30T23:38:14Z2008-12-30T23:38:12Z<p>How common are sandstorms of the type encountered in this adventure? If desert raiders frequently wear headgear of the type described, wouldn't caravan merchants have figured out the utility of this by now? </p>
<p>Could a PC conceivably know to bring appropriate face-protection with a decent survival or knowledge (local) check? Certainly Osirion PCs should be familiar with the desert.</p>
<p>Also, does Gasper's 19 Str reflect his state pre- or post-<i>bull's strength?</i></p>How common are sandstorms of the type encountered in this adventure? If desert raiders frequently wear headgear of the type described, wouldn't caravan merchants have figured out the utility of this by now?
Could a PC conceivably know to bring appropriate face-protection with a decent survival or knowledge (local) check? Certainly Osirion PCs should be familiar with the desert.
Also, does Gasper's 19 Str reflect his state pre- or post-bull's strength?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-30T23:38:12ZRe: Forums: Combat: Massive damage fortitude saveJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j39h&page=2?Massive-damage-fortitude-save#692008-12-30T19:53:00Z2008-12-30T19:52:49Z<p>I don't feel this rule adds any more drama to the game than using "and then they all died" as the conclusion to a story. The drama of combat lies in the tracking of resources, whether they're hit points, spells or whatever. Tossing in an arbitrary death check just seems like a killjoy, especially for a barbarian or fighter whose job is to suck up huge amounts of damage.</p>
<p>Some other points
<br />
• At epic levels, massive damage saves are made more frequently. Combat does not need any more die rolls.</p>
<p>• At low levels, a massive hit against a monster can ruin the drama of an encounter. Sure, it might feel awesome to take out Strahd in one hit after months of harassment, but is that a fulfilling final fight? Was it worth the weeks of preparation? Probably not.</p>
<p>• At epic levels, many monsters are immune to massive damage. All deities with a divine rank of 1 or higher are similarly immune. At this point, massive damage becomes a PC-only threat, making it seem that much more arbitrary. </p>
<p>Some suggestions:
<br />
• Make Massive damage optional again. Those who want it can keep it.</p>
<p>• Introduce a feat in the Toughness tree that gives a +4 bonus to saves vs. massive damage, and negates the auto-fail on a 1. Make this a fighter feat and give it to Barbarians as a bonus feat later on.</p>I don't feel this rule adds any more drama to the game than using "and then they all died" as the conclusion to a story. The drama of combat lies in the tracking of resources, whether they're hit points, spells or whatever. Tossing in an arbitrary death check just seems like a killjoy, especially for a barbarian or fighter whose job is to suck up huge amounts of damage.
Some other points
• At epic levels, massive damage saves are made more frequently. Combat does not need any more die
...Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-30T19:52:49ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Today's Chilly BlogJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j46q?Todays-Chilly-Blog#102008-12-24T20:53:28Z2008-12-24T20:53:28Z<p>A white Christmas for the PNW!?</p>A white Christmas for the PNW!?Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-24T20:53:28ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: Pathfinder - Child's Play Online Charity AuctionJer (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j455?Pathfinder-Childs-Play-Online-Charity-Auction#172008-12-24T20:51:15Z2008-12-24T20:51:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">vagrant-poet wrote:</div><blockquote>Pity theres no Irish hospital sponsored by the charity. </blockquote><p>Vagrant, get a children's hospital hospital in your area to give <a href="http://www.childsplaycharity.org/contact.php" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kristen at Child's Play</a> a call. She is super enthusiastic about getting more hospitals involved from all over the world.vagrant-poet wrote:Pity theres no Irish hospital sponsored by the charity.
Vagrant, get a children's hospital hospital in your area to give Kristen at Child's Play a call. She is super enthusiastic about getting more hospitals involved from all over the world.Jer (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-24T20:51:14ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: LoadingReadyRun hearts Paizousername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j2a8?LoadingReadyRun-hearts-Paizo#52008-12-09T01:09:16Z2008-12-09T01:08:39Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">thelesuit wrote:</div><blockquote> <b>username_unavailable</b> has the details.</blockquote><p>LoadingReadyRun are a Canadian sketch comedy group. Besides short weekly videos, they are best known for <a href="http://www.desertbus.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Desert Bus for Hope</a>, an annual Child's Play Charity fundraiser where they play an excruciatingly boring video game for days at a time.
<p>Commodore Hustle is the LRR web sitcom, similar in style to <a href="http://www.watchtheguild.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Guild</a> or <a href="http://www.purepwnage.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Pure Pwnage</a>.</p>thelesuit wrote:username_unavailable has the details.
LoadingReadyRun are a Canadian sketch comedy group. Besides short weekly videos, they are best known for Desert Bus for Hope, an annual Child's Play Charity fundraiser where they play an excruciatingly boring video game for days at a time. Commodore Hustle is the LRR web sitcom, similar in style to The Guild or Pure Pwnage.username_unavailable2008-12-09T01:08:39ZForums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: LoadingReadyRun hearts Paizousername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j2a8?LoadingReadyRun-hearts-Paizo#12012-11-15T20:41:00Z2008-12-08T21:43:00Z<p>Almost precisely nine minutes into the latest episode of Commodore Hustle (LoadingReadyRun.com's web sitcom) is a D&D scene featuring a strikingly familiar adventure . . . and a similarly familiar deck of cards.</p>
<p>Check it out! (Warning: Entombed with the Pharaohs spoilers!) </p>
<p><a href="http://loadingreadyrun.com/videos/view/399/commodorehustle-03-critical" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Commodore Hustle 03: Critical</a></p>
<p>Yes, it's out: LoadingReadyRun love them some Pathfinder.</p>Almost precisely nine minutes into the latest episode of Commodore Hustle (LoadingReadyRun.com's web sitcom) is a D&D scene featuring a strikingly familiar adventure . . . and a similarly familiar deck of cards.
Check it out! (Warning: Entombed with the Pharaohs spoilers!)
Commodore Hustle 03: Critical
Yes, it's out: LoadingReadyRun love them some Pathfinder.username_unavailable2008-12-08T21:43:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Pathfinder Society Census Data:Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2j14i?Pathfinder-Society-Census-Data#262008-12-04T23:12:44Z2008-12-04T23:12:44Z<p><b>Name:</b> Vibia Carmina Rappatunia Thrune
<br />
<b>Race:</b> Human
<br />
<b>Gender:</b> Female
<br />
<b>Class:</b> Wizard (Conjurer)
<br />
<b>Faction:</b> Cheliax
<br />
<b>Alignment:</b> Lawful Neutral</p>Name: Vibia Carmina Rappatunia Thrune
Race: Human
Gender: Female
Class: Wizard (Conjurer)
Faction: Cheliax
Alignment: Lawful NeutralVibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)2008-12-04T23:12:44ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: More reasons to love AndoranVibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2iyj8?More-reasons-to-love-Andoran#32008-11-06T21:55:57Z2008-11-06T20:11:21Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">hida_jiremi wrote:</div><blockquote><p>"In Andoran, she is called Andora, the national personification of the People’s Revolt, and frequently figures upon the bows of the ships of the Gray Corsairs."</p>
<p>"She frequently takes mortal lovers of both sexes..."</blockquote><p>In Cheliax, Erinyes have been doing that since before Andoran even existed. Plus there are lots of them to go around as opposed to just one measly demigod.
<p>If this is the kind of treatment you want, just bow to House Thrune, and I'm sure we can arrange something :).</p>hida_jiremi wrote:"In Andoran, she is called Andora, the national personification of the People’s Revolt, and frequently figures upon the bows of the ships of the Gray Corsairs."
"She frequently takes mortal lovers of both sexes..."
In Cheliax, Erinyes have been doing that since before Andoran even existed. Plus there are lots of them to go around as opposed to just one measly demigod. If this is the kind of treatment you want, just bow to House Thrune, and I'm sure we can arrange something...Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)2008-11-06T20:11:21ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Open Call: Pathfinder Society Scenarios 17 & 18username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ivf5&page=5?Open-Call-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios-17-18#2112009-01-22T01:53:51Z2008-11-04T17:57:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tarren Dei wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">username_unavailable wrote:</div><blockquote>The passive voice downplays the importance of the SUBJECT, and makes the OBJECT appear to be the active agent of a sentence. THIS IS NOT INCORRECT, but it does have some ramifications. </blockquote>But when 'Seoni' is the object of the sentence, best to play her up, right? Right? </blockquote><p>I concede that Seoni is often the focus of my attention, regardless of sentence construction.Tarren Dei wrote:username_unavailable wrote:The passive voice downplays the importance of the SUBJECT, and makes the OBJECT appear to be the active agent of a sentence. THIS IS NOT INCORRECT, but it does have some ramifications.
But when 'Seoni' is the object of the sentence, best to play her up, right? Right? I concede that Seoni is often the focus of my attention, regardless of sentence construction.username_unavailable2008-11-04T17:57:41ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Open Call: Pathfinder Society Scenarios 17 & 18username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ivf5&page=5?Open-Call-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios-17-18#2052009-01-22T01:53:51Z2008-11-04T06:20:53Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Heathansson wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Charles Evans 25 wrote:</div><blockquote>2) I should have made more of an effort to find out what the 'passive voice' is which you keep mentioning; although perhaps 'passive voice' is a European writing accent? </blockquote><p>I think it's the difference between:
<p>The vampire bit Seoni in the neck. (active)</p>
<p>vs</p>
<p>Seoni was bitten in the neck by the vampire. (passive)</blockquote><p>This is correct. The passive voice usually looks like this:
<p>[object] + [to be] + [verb (past tense)] + [BY] + [subject]</p>
<p>Take this sentence:
<br />
[CONTRACTORS] + [DEMOLISHED] + [THE BUILDING] </p>
<p>In the passive, it looks like this:
<br />
[THE BUILDING] + [WAS] + [DEMOLISHED] + [BY] + [CONTRACTORS]</p>
<p>The passive voice downplays the importance of the SUBJECT, and makes the OBJECT appear to be the active agent of a sentence. THIS IS NOT INCORRECT, but it does have some ramifications.</p>
<p>In situations where the focus should be on an active agent, the passive voice severely downplays his or her initiative. In the above case, the contractors are clearly the active agents, but the reader is too focused on the building to really notice them. In fact, I could shorten the sentence to "The building was demolished" and few would bat an eye, even though the subject - the contractors - would be entirely absent.</p>
<p>Given that we are writing action-packed tales of high adventure, you can see how the passive voice COULD be counterproductive. Frankly, it also tends to be wordy, so best leave it to the politicians ("Mistakes were made!").</p>Heathansson wrote:Charles Evans 25 wrote:2) I should have made more of an effort to find out what the 'passive voice' is which you keep mentioning; although perhaps 'passive voice' is a European writing accent?
I think it's the difference between: The vampire bit Seoni in the neck. (active)
vs
Seoni was bitten in the neck by the vampire. (passive)This is correct. The passive voice usually looks like this: [object] + [to be] + [verb (past tense)] + [BY] + [subject]
Take this sentence:...username_unavailable2008-11-04T06:20:53ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Open Call: Pathfinder Society Scenarios 17 & 18username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ivf5&page=4?Open-Call-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios-17-18#1822009-01-22T01:53:51Z2008-11-03T19:17:41Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joshua J. Frost wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">James Jacobs wrote:</div><blockquote> Are you SURE there weren't any X-rated proposals that you rejected, though? </blockquote>Just mine. </blockquote><p>Hot.Joshua J. Frost wrote:James Jacobs wrote: Are you SURE there weren't any X-rated proposals that you rejected, though?
Just mine. Hot.username_unavailable2008-11-03T19:17:41ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Scenario 17's that weren't acceptedusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2iy7l?Scenario-17s-that-werent-accepted#62009-01-22T01:54:44Z2008-11-03T09:32:57Z<p>Hmmm. Well it looks like my rhetorical train never really got out of the station on this one, but I'll be back for the next round. I'll work on curbing the circuitous diction for next time.</p>
<p><b>Background</b>
<br />
Two weeks ago, a starmetal meteorite fell just outside Numeria’s eastern border bearing a cargo of two puppeteers—travelers from another world.
<br />
Finding themselves in the abandoned town of Pitch Creek these travelers set about dominating the present inhabitants. It quickly became apparent, however, that this pair of ettercaps could not have constructed the town themselves. The puppeteers set out to learn more of the original inhabitants, modeling the population using the materials at hand. They harnessed the ettercaps’ affinity for spiders to create brood puppets from exhumed remains, and trained these to imitate human activities as best they could deduce them.
<br />
Serendipitously, a group of humans arrived soon after. These were incapacitated for further study, though all but one were accidentally killed. The skeletons of the dead became additional brood puppets, while their skins were hung above the Sellen to welcome future guests. </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p><b>Encounter 1</b>
<br />
The PCs find themselves, secreted aboard the River Eel, just as it is attacked by one of the Gerrialli twins, famed highwaymen of the Sellen. At tiers two and three, both twins attack, and at tier three a gang accompanies them. The PCs make dramatic entrances during the surprise round, before being whisked into a flashback. The flashback describes their receipt of letters from Adril Hestram, who instructs them to drop everything, help out pirate leader Sidaea Müre, and recover a stolen tome as payment.
<br />
After the fight, the PCs continue downriver to Sidaea’s camp, where she tells them that she recently sent her daughter, Aidetta, downriver with a team to recover a starmetal meteorite. The group’s last contact was a messenger, who returned claiming the town of Pitch Creek had been resettled, and that they would negotiate a pact with its inhabitants to procure the meteorite. His companions never returned and their skins, excepting Aidetta’s, now hang across the river. </p>
<p><b>Encounter 2</b>
<br />
Arriving at Pitch Creek, the PCs find a necropolis. A matted canopy of webs covers the sky, and dozens of brood puppets act out “typical” human behavior. A blacksmith pounds flayed flesh, as a shopkeeper sells handfuls of dust to eager children. An ettercap-bound puppeteer watches from the canopy, telepathically adding dialogue to each scene, and using charm monster to encourage the PCs to “act normally”. It is the puppeteers’ intention to observe the PCs while they are in town and thereby study human interaction.
<br />
The content of these vignettes is based mostly on the puppeteers’ interrogation of Aidetta, though it is filtered through their own alien logic. Because Aidetta is aware of her situation, components of each scene hint at her current location. While PCs can start fights, the brood puppets will not attack without provocation. </p>
<p><b>Encounter 3</b>
<br />
Eventually, the PCs trace Aidetta to the steeple of the church where she is watched by the second ettercap-bound puppeteer. As they explore the building, the charmed Aidetta uses illusions and unseen servants to try and scare them away. Once they reach her chamber, they must contend with both ettercaps, accompanied by increasingly large spider pets at higher tiers. Potentially, a fire breaks out, spreading to the webs about town, and necessitating a speedy rescue.</p>
<p><b>Conclusion</b>
<br />
The PCs return Aidetta to her camp and are given the McGuffin tome to take back to Absalom.</p>
<p><b>Summary and Faction Missions</b>
<br />
<i>Andoran</i>
<br />
Free thinking is important: if you find anything that interferes with free thinking (i.e. a puppeteer), bring it back
<br />
<i>Cheliax</i>
<br />
I’m interested in the poisons of rare spiders. Get bitten by any spiders you see and I will “extract” the poison from you later.
<br />
<i>Osirion</i>
<br />
Spirits speak of creatures like undead, but without undead weaknesses. Find one, and get it to wear this ring so that we may scry on it.
<br />
<i>Quadira</i>
<br />
Spiders of the area produce fine silk; make sure any large quantities of webbing you find remain intact (not burned), and we will send a ship later.
<br />
<i>Taldor</i>
<br />
We are currently looking to recruit the Gerrialli twins as agents in the area; see that they don’t die.</p>
<p><b>Appendix: New Monsters</b>
<br />
<i>Puppeteer (Magical Beast)</i>
<br />
This is basically the creature from the Psionic SRD, with its psionic abilities replaced by magic ones.
<br />
<i>Brood Puppet (Construct)</i>
<br />
A swarm of spiders able to maintain humanoid form, using a skeleton for structural support. They are coated with a “skin” of cobwebs, which breaks like a piñata when they are defeated, spilling out a spider swarm.</p>Hmmm. Well it looks like my rhetorical train never really got out of the station on this one, but I'll be back for the next round. I'll work on curbing the circuitous diction for next time.
Background
Two weeks ago, a starmetal meteorite fell just outside Numeria’s eastern border bearing a cargo of two puppeteers—travelers from another world.
Finding themselves in the abandoned town of Pitch Creek these travelers set about dominating the present inhabitants. It quickly became apparent,...username_unavailable2008-11-03T09:32:57ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Open Call: Pathfinder Society Scenarios 17 & 18username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ivf5&page=3?Open-Call-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios-17-18#1032009-01-22T01:53:51Z2008-10-19T04:57:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joshua J. Frost wrote:</div><blockquote> I'm not at work. If you don't get a "Received" response from me by end of day on Monday, resend. </blockquote><p>10-4 good buddy;
<p>Thanks for the AMAZINGLY quick response :).</p>Joshua J. Frost wrote:I'm not at work. If you don't get a "Received" response from me by end of day on Monday, resend.
10-4 good buddy; Thanks for the AMAZINGLY quick response :).username_unavailable2008-10-19T04:57:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society Scenario Submissions: Open Call: Pathfinder Society Scenarios 17 & 18username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ivf5&page=3?Open-Call-Pathfinder-Society-Scenarios-17-18#1012009-01-22T01:53:51Z2008-10-19T04:51:12Z<p>So . . . I sent in a submission at 11:30 last night (pacific time) and have NOT received confirmation of receipt. I know I'm not supposed to re-submit for 72 hours, but that is very clearly after the deadline, and I'm getting worried.</p>
<p>I understand if it's taking some time to get through mountains of submissions, but I want to make sure my submission has not been lost in the tubes. Is anyone else in this position? That would reassure me somewhat :S.</p>So . . . I sent in a submission at 11:30 last night (pacific time) and have NOT received confirmation of receipt. I know I'm not supposed to re-submit for 72 hours, but that is very clearly after the deadline, and I'm getting worried.
I understand if it's taking some time to get through mountains of submissions, but I want to make sure my submission has not been lost in the tubes. Is anyone else in this position? That would reassure me somewhat :S.username_unavailable2008-10-19T04:51:12ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Murder on the Silken Caravan GM Discussion [SPOILERS]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2is6r?Murder-on-the-Silken-Caravan-GM-Discussion#192008-10-28T19:05:10Z2008-10-04T07:27:19Z<p>I actually came up with the same idea regarding camels, Wulf, and was considering posting it. This could alleviate player tension on multiple fronts during what is potentially a very stressful encounter.</p>
<p>Also, thanks for all the clarifications, Greg :).</p>I actually came up with the same idea regarding camels, Wulf, and was considering posting it. This could alleviate player tension on multiple fronts during what is potentially a very stressful encounter.
Also, thanks for all the clarifications, Greg :).username_unavailable2008-10-04T07:27:19ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: Murder on the Silken Caravan GM Discussion [SPOILERS]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2is6r?Murder-on-the-Silken-Caravan-GM-Discussion#82008-10-28T19:05:10Z2008-10-03T06:58:25Z<p>Anybody have any idea how much time is supposed to pass between encounters 2-3 and 4-5? It occurs to me that these are all going to be extremely tough on low-tiered parties, and the description isn't really clear on whether there's time to rest in between.</p>Anybody have any idea how much time is supposed to pass between encounters 2-3 and 4-5? It occurs to me that these are all going to be extremely tough on low-tiered parties, and the description isn't really clear on whether there's time to rest in between.username_unavailable2008-10-03T06:58:25ZRe: Forums: GM Discussion: PFS2 Hydra's Fang Incident GM Discussion [SPOILERS]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ires?PFS2-Hydras-Fang-Incident-GM-Discussion-SPOILERS#382010-04-09T07:17:36Z2008-10-02T07:41:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">David Watson wrote:</div><blockquote>I think the issue here is faction goals (kill Darcy) conflicting with another character's alignment (killing bad), not two faction alignments conflicting.</blockquote><p>This is exactly what happened when I played this scenario. D'Arcy surrendered, and suddenly everyone at the table got all tense. Many of us wanted to kill him, but nobody was willing to go against the perceived intentions of the rest of the party to let him live.
<p>Nobody accomplished their orders; everyone left a bit edgier than they came in.</p>
<p>There might be nothing in the module that says D'Arcy should surrender, but if I was a rich kid playing pirate with my parents' money and I got caught out, that's sure as heck what I'd do. If I run this, I might make him a really angry drunk or maybe a delusional psychotic because - in the interest of keeping the table happy - I think it best that he fight to the death.</p>
<div class="messageboard-quotee">Suzaku wrote:</div><blockquote> ummmm.... did you forgot to add something? </blockquote><p>I think he was <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=qft" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">quoting for truth</a>.David Watson wrote:I think the issue here is faction goals (kill Darcy) conflicting with another character's alignment (killing bad), not two faction alignments conflicting.
This is exactly what happened when I played this scenario. D'Arcy surrendered, and suddenly everyone at the table got all tense. Many of us wanted to kill him, but nobody was willing to go against the perceived intentions of the rest of the party to let him live. Nobody accomplished their orders; everyone left a bit...username_unavailable2008-10-02T07:41:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Go Cheliax!Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icck?Go-Cheliax#452008-09-30T05:58:17Z2008-09-30T05:58:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dragonborn3 wrote:</div><blockquote> you make a good point but who keeps promises to such creature? </blockquote><p>Well it's sort of a zero-sum game, I guess. The dark tendrils of the nine hells will soon enwrap our world (I'm told I should say "pitiful" world, but it sounds a bit melodramatic) regardless of what we do, and . . . well there's no sense in getting the powers that - will - be angry with us before we even meet them, is there? A solid rapport built on a history of mutual gain is the best solution; it may hasten the inevitable, but the inevitable was going to happen anyway, right? Plus, look what devils have already done to bring order to Cheliax! What's coming up will be the most significant and most natural reform movement Golarion has ever seen, so why not get in on the ground floor :).
<p>Anarchy and rebellion are bad moves. They make us look bad in the eyes of our soon-to-be rulers, and lessen the value of our souls. No devil wants a worthless soul tainted by chaos and strife does he? I can't think of a worse way to make an impression, even in the afterlife . . .</p>Dragonborn3 wrote:you make a good point but who keeps promises to such creature?
Well it's sort of a zero-sum game, I guess. The dark tendrils of the nine hells will soon enwrap our world (I'm told I should say "pitiful" world, but it sounds a bit melodramatic) regardless of what we do, and . . . well there's no sense in getting the powers that - will - be angry with us before we even meet them, is there? A solid rapport built on a history of mutual gain is the best solution; it may hasten...Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)2008-09-30T05:58:16ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Go Cheliax!Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icck?Go-Cheliax#412008-09-29T07:29:35Z2008-09-29T07:29:34Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Dragonborn3 wrote:</div><blockquote><p>Oh please, didn't your deity leave...I mean Die?
</p>
•laughs at the chex clerics with no spells• </blockquote><p>Well nobody knows, do they? But even if he did, I think there's something to be said for channeling past disruptions into a bold new national order.
<p>Our present religious practices, for example, exemplify the greatest ideals of Chelaxian prudence. If the devils have already been promised the world after all, then promising it to them again, bit by bit, in return for favors only seems practical :).</p>Dragonborn3 wrote:Oh please, didn't your deity leave...I mean Die?
*laughs at the chex clerics with no spells*
Well nobody knows, do they? But even if he did, I think there's something to be said for channeling past disruptions into a bold new national order. Our present religious practices, for example, exemplify the greatest ideals of Chelaxian prudence. If the devils have already been promised the world after all, then promising it to them again, bit by bit, in return for favors only...Vibia Carmina Rappatunia-Thrune (alias of username_unavailable)2008-09-29T07:29:34ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: "This is all very interesting stuff... but I still think there should be more scantily clad females :)"Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ihxv?This-is-all-very-interesting-stuff-but-I#82010-06-05T04:44:27Z2008-07-13T00:00:56Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jal Dorak wrote:</div><blockquote> I think what people really mean is "scantily clad females conforming to the modern stereotype of beauty/hotness in submissive poses" </blockquote><p>Unfortunately, Drazmorg will not be able accept Brittany Spears as a sacrifice until her stability can be verified.
<p>Drazmorg will happily accept one or more Olsen twins in the meantime, however.</p>Jal Dorak wrote:I think what people really mean is "scantily clad females conforming to the modern stereotype of beauty/hotness in submissive poses"
Unfortunately, Drazmorg will not be able accept Brittany Spears as a sacrifice until her stability can be verified. Drazmorg will happily accept one or more Olsen twins in the meantime, however.Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)2008-07-13T00:00:56ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: "This is all very interesting stuff... but I still think there should be more scantily clad females :)"Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ihxv?This-is-all-very-interesting-stuff-but-I#32010-06-05T04:44:27Z2008-07-12T23:26:15Z<p>The Great Drazmorg demands <i>THE SACRIFICE</i> of more scantily clad females!!</p>The Great Drazmorg demands THE SACRIFICE of more scantily clad females!!Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)2008-07-12T23:26:15ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Chronicles: Guide to Darkmoon Vale (OGL)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy83yv/discuss&page=2?Pathfinder-Chronicles-Guide-to-Darkmoon-Vale#862009-04-25T06:27:42Z2008-07-04T08:18:17Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Coridan wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Hrm, I can't find Piren's Bluff on any of the regional maps included, and it doesn't look like there's one big poster map :(</p>
<p>Those are of course my only complaints.</p>
<p>Every "Guide to" should include a poster map! </blockquote><p>Hmmm . . .I've done a little bit of chopping and put together a composite map, which might help.
<p>It's in super-low-res-squint-o-vision, but it sort of shows how (I think) things fit together.</p>
<p><a href="http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/jp64k/?action=view&current=darkmoon_composite.jpg" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">map</a></p>
<p>(also, it's not made to be a malicious map — I can take it down if any Paizo folks would like me to :)).</p>Coridan wrote:Hrm, I can't find Piren's Bluff on any of the regional maps included, and it doesn't look like there's one big poster map :(
Those are of course my only complaints.
Every "Guide to" should include a poster map!
Hmmm . . .I've done a little bit of chopping and put together a composite map, which might help. It's in super-low-res-squint-o-vision, but it sort of shows how (I think) things fit together.
map
(also, it's not made to be a malicious map -- I can take it down if any...username_unavailable2008-07-04T08:18:17ZRe: Forums: Product Discussion: Pathfinder Chronicles: Guide to Darkmoon Vale (OGL)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy83yv/discuss?Pathfinder-Chronicles-Guide-to-Darkmoon-Vale#22012-11-15T20:31:30Z2008-07-04T04:59:14Z<p>I'm considering using good ol' photoshop to throw together just such a thing . . . but I'd not say "no" to a free download :).</p>
<p>Good read so far, though I'm not quite through it . . .</p>I'm considering using good ol' photoshop to throw together just such a thing . . . but I'd not say "no" to a free download :).
Good read so far, though I'm not quite through it . . .username_unavailable2008-07-04T04:59:14ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Unluckiest Ducks Playtest Observationsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifke?Unluckiest-Ducks-Playtest-Observations#172008-06-27T17:32:19Z2008-06-27T17:32:18Z<p>Also an interesting idea . . . the issue for my game would be more for Profession, which cannot be used untrained.</p>
<p>I'm leery about giving the +3 bonus for half ranks because that could result in rogus with +3 on their entire class skill list at 1st level ;) . . . however, using half-ranks that at least allow a character to <i>use</i> a skill seems practical.</p>Also an interesting idea . . . the issue for my game would be more for Profession, which cannot be used untrained.
I'm leery about giving the +3 bonus for half ranks because that could result in rogus with +3 on their entire class skill list at 1st level ;) . . . however, using half-ranks that at least allow a character to use a skill seems practical.username_unavailable2008-06-27T17:32:18ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: OK Mr. Logue, who the heck is Drazmorg?Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifp6?OK-Mr-Logue-who-the-heck-is-Drazmorg#72008-06-27T17:23:00Z2008-06-27T17:23:00Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Rookseye wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">Drazmorg wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>As long as he doesn't put any poison into those cinnamon-crusted flapjacks!</p>
<p>DEE-licious! </blockquote><p>I don't think you have anything to worry about there . . . you see:
<p>THE CINNAMON-CRUSTED FLAPJACKS ARE MADE OF PEOPLE.</p>
<p>So says the mighty Drazmorg!</p>Rookseye wrote:Drazmorg wrote:As long as he doesn't put any poison into those cinnamon-crusted flapjacks!
DEE-licious!
I don't think you have anything to worry about there . . . you see: THE CINNAMON-CRUSTED FLAPJACKS ARE MADE OF PEOPLE.
So says the mighty Drazmorg!Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)2008-06-27T17:23:00ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: OK Mr. Logue, who the heck is Drazmorg?Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifp6?OK-Mr-Logue-who-the-heck-is-Drazmorg#52008-06-26T23:23:02Z2008-06-26T23:19:32Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Rookseye wrote:</div><blockquote> I'm dying to know the identity of the mysterious benefactor who would so gleefully raise a kobold king from the dead! </blockquote><p>It's me!
<p>I AM DRAZMORG!!</p>
<p>I didn't think the Forsaken Tunnel had internet access, but I seem to be picking up somebody's WiFi signal LOL. Maybe Greypelt finally got a new cable guy in to fix the connection. The last one got eaten by a big spider or something, and Greypelt has been horrible about getting in exterminators. </p>
<p>He's a horrible neighbor, incidentally—big parties, lots of yowling and such. Long since due for eviction. One time I saw one of his wolf "buddies" change into a girl, who I'll hedge my bets was underage. The last thing I need is hellknights searching through <i>my</i> lair because ol' Greypelt has a thing for kids. He's almost as bad as Merlokrep's shaman—what was his name? "Eater of Crow"?—always talking about his next sacrifice like there was no tomorrow.</p>
<p>Glad I chased those ignorant shysters off of <i>my level</i> . . . and out of <i>my complex</i> now that they're all (un)dead.</p>
<p>But hey, why moan? Now I have free WiFi and don't have to keep buying beers I don't want off that Jak Crimmey guy just to keep my table. Dude gives me the creeps. 10gp says he eventually snaps and starts putting Dark Reaver powder in his drinks ROFL. The relative intelligence of the townsfolk suggests he's been dipping into his striped toadstool stock for a while now.</p>
<p>Seriously, 10gp. Any takers?</p>Rookseye wrote:I'm dying to know the identity of the mysterious benefactor who would so gleefully raise a kobold king from the dead!
It's me! I AM DRAZMORG!!
I didn't think the Forsaken Tunnel had internet access, but I seem to be picking up somebody's WiFi signal LOL. Maybe Greypelt finally got a new cable guy in to fix the connection. The last one got eaten by a big spider or something, and Greypelt has been horrible about getting in exterminators.
He's a horrible neighbor,...Drazmorg (alias of username_unavailable)2008-06-26T23:19:32ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Unluckiest Ducks Playtest Observationsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifke?Unluckiest-Ducks-Playtest-Observations#132008-06-26T18:57:25Z2008-06-26T18:57:24Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">cr0m wrote:</div><blockquote><p> There's a game called Savage Worlds that has an elegant way of handling "backstory" skills. They have a skill called Common Knowledge that covers anything your character would reasonably know how to do, based on his background, or anything your character would reasonably know about but isn't deep enough to require a Knowledge Local type roll (things like "who is the King").</p>
<p>The relevant ability is the one that makes the most sense, given the context. If you were a shepherd and you're trying to I dunno, herd some sheep, use Dex or Wis, depending on whether you're running around or tricking them into going the way you want. If you were a sailor and you need to tie a particular knot, use Dex. Etc. </blockquote><p>Brilliant!cr0m wrote:There's a game called Savage Worlds that has an elegant way of handling "backstory" skills. They have a skill called Common Knowledge that covers anything your character would reasonably know how to do, based on his background, or anything your character would reasonably know about but isn't deep enough to require a Knowledge Local type roll (things like "who is the King").
The relevant ability is the one that makes the most sense, given the context. If you were a shepherd and...username_unavailable2008-06-26T18:57:24ZRe: Forums/Lost Omens Campaign Setting: General Discussion: GSL Loophole?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifku?GSL-Loophole#112008-06-25T22:01:30Z2008-06-25T22:01:30Z<p>Of course, under the OGL, I could theoretically take all of Paizo's open gaming content to date, republish it under my own "Pie-Zone" pdf lines ("Roadlocator" and "Amusement Conquest"), then, under the GSL, update those to 4e without Paizo's involvement.</p>
<p>Even better, I could created a "line" called "2008" and republish all of Paizo's 2008 open gaming content, then convert that line to 4e under the GSL and start a new OGL-compatible line called "2009" . . .</p>
<p>. . . then get called by WotC for shenanigans ;).</p>Of course, under the OGL, I could theoretically take all of Paizo's open gaming content to date, republish it under my own "Pie-Zone" pdf lines ("Roadlocator" and "Amusement Conquest"), then, under the GSL, update those to 4e without Paizo's involvement.
Even better, I could created a "line" called "2008" and republish all of Paizo's 2008 open gaming content, then convert that line to 4e under the GSL and start a new OGL-compatible line called "2009" . . .
. . . then get called by WotC for...username_unavailable2008-06-25T22:01:30ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: Is Hand of the Apprentice a superset of Mage Hand?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icl8?Is-Hand-of-the-Apprentice-a-superset-of-Mage#92008-06-25T20:49:21Z2008-06-25T20:48:51Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Khalarak wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
I'd have to disagree; touch ACs for perhaps 80% of the enemies out there (probably more than that) usually hover around 8-12, even at high levels. At CR 1 there's probably a 3-5 point difference, which only gets bigger as the game progresses; even an NPC with good magic gear probably only has a touch AC of 15 or so by level 10 unless he's an archer or rogue.</p>
<p>Even the mighty pit fiend and balor have touch ACs of 17 and 16 respectively, and the great wyrm red dragon has a whopping 2. Touch attacks are essentially guaranteed hits past level 8 or so. It makes a huge difference. </blockquote><p>Consider the following situation:
<p>RANGER 1, WIZARD 1 and CLERIC 1 are all attacking ENEMY, who is in a melee with FIGHTER 1 25 feet away.</p>
<p>RANGER 1:
<br />
Str 14
<br />
Dex 16
<br />
composite longbow
<br />
Point Blank Shot</p>
<p>WIZARD 1:
<br />
Dex 14
<br />
Int 16
<br />
<i>energy ray</i></p>
<p>CLERIC 1:
<br />
Wis 16
<br />
warhammer
<br />
<i>hand of the acolyte</i></p>
<p>ENEMY:
<br />
Dex 12
<br />
scale mail</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>RANGER 1:
<br />
Total bonus +1 (firing into melee) => 30% chance to hit AC 16
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+3 => 7.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 2.25</p>
<p>WIZARD 1:
<br />
Total bonus -2 (firing into melee) => 35% chance to hit AC 12 (touch)
<br />
Average damage = 1d6 => 3.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 1.225</p>
<p>CLERIC 1:
<br />
Total bonus +3 => 40% chance to hit AC 16
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+3 => 7.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 3</p>
<p>CONCLUSIONS:</p>
<p>RANGER 1 does the same damage as CLERIC 1 (thanks to his feat and expensive weapon), but hits less frequently.</p>
<p>WIZARD 1 hits almost as often, but for significantly less damage.</p>
<p>Winner: CLERIC 1</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>For kicks, let's put ENEMY in full plate, increasing his AC to 19, but reducing his Touch to 11.</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>RANGER 1:
<br />
Total bonus +1 (firing into melee) => 15% chance to hit AC 19
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+3 => 7.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 1.125</p>
<p>WIZARD 1:
<br />
Total bonus -2 (firing into melee) => 40% chance to hit AC 11 (touch)
<br />
Average damage = 1d6 => 3.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 1.4</p>
<p>CLERIC 1:
<br />
Total bonus +3 => 25% chance to hit AC 19
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+3 => 7.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 1.875</p>
<p>RANGER 1 still does the same amount of damage as CLERIC 1, and still hits less frequently (as expected).</p>
<p>WIZARD 1 now hit more often, but still has significantly lower damage output than CLERIC 1.</p>
<p>Note: For WIZARD 1 to overtake CLERIC 1, they must be fighting an opponent with an armour bonus of at least +10. I do not expect this to happen until at least level 4 in a standard campaign. Unfortunately for WIZARD, by this point, CLERIC's BAB will have gone up significantly, and she will probably getting a damage boost from a magic weapon. Every 8 levels, CLERIC will probably get an additional attack and damage boost from increasing her Wisdom, so it's likely she will always stay ahead in this respect.</p>
<p>Winner: CLERIC 1</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>Finally, to really beat the dead horse, let's bump them all to 10th level, and say they each took two ability boosts in their primary abilities (Dex for RANGER, Int for WIZARD, and Wis for CLERIC)</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>RANGER 10:
<br />
Total bonus +11 (firing into melee) => 65% chance to hit AC 19
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+3 => 7.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 4.5</p>
<p>WIZARD 10:
<br />
Total bonus +3 (firing into melee) => 70% chance to hit AC 11 (touch)
<br />
Average damage = 1d6+3 => 6.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 4.55</p>
<p>CLERIC 10:
<br />
Total bonus +11 => 65% chance to hit AC 19
<br />
Average damage = 1d8+4 => 8.5 per hit
<br />
Average damage per round = 5.525</p>
<p>CONCLUSION:</p>
<p>Even at 10th level, RANGER 10 and WIZARD 10's standard attacks fail to compete with the mighty CLERIC 10's. If CLERIC 10's Wisdom increases hadn't increased her damage, all three would have been more-or-less on par.</p>
<p>Winner: CLERIC 10</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>It's worth noting that I gave RANGER point-blank shot and better equipment to allow him to compete; CLERIC just got a plain old warhammer, and no feats whatsoever. Had I also given RANGER precise shot, he would have easily left CLERIC in the dust far earlier. This begs the question, however, as to why a RANGER should need TWO FEATS and EXPENSIVE GEAR to compete with what a CLERIC can do OUT OF THE BOX with regard to RANGED ATTACKS.</p>
<p>Realistically, the 10th-level example sort of falls apart, as a ranger's combat style feats will start to make a huge difference . . . but given that the Cleric's main power is, in fact SPELLS and not ranged combat, I don't think the two should even compete. The <i>hand</i> should be what the cleric falls back on when spells are not going to cut it, and the fact that it can in many ways compete with the areas in which other classes are supposed to excel is a problem.</p>
<p>In my playtest, the cleric makes our fighter look like a raw recruit, heals everyone, explodes undead, casts support spells, and uses her <i>hand</i> like Gordon Freeman's gravity gun to do a bunch of other cool things (drop rocks on potential pressure plates, goad unintelligent monsters into acting, etc.) I think this is an issue because everyone needs a chance to excel, but the Cleric is so generally awesome that she sort of eclipses the rest of the group (who have realized that the most tactically-effective solution to most problems at this point is to simply support the cleric).</p>
<p>• • •</p>
<p>SOLUTIONS:</p>
<p>I am looking at ways to nerf this ability in combat to reduce the already-apparent CoDzilla factor. Here are my current thoughts:</p>
<p>• Reduce the damage bonus of the <i>hand</i> to +1 per 3 levels to put it more in line with the evoker's ray.</p>
<p>• Have the hand always attack from the square adjacent to the opponent that is closest to the cleric, and say that if that square is occupied, the attack is subject to cover. This should stop the group from using the fighter to create a bottleneck and having the Cleric attack through him.</p>Khalarak wrote:I'd have to disagree; touch ACs for perhaps 80% of the enemies out there (probably more than that) usually hover around 8-12, even at high levels. At CR 1 there's probably a 3-5 point difference, which only gets bigger as the game progresses; even an NPC with good magic gear probably only has a touch AC of 15 or so by level 10 unless he's an archer or rogue.Even the mighty pit fiend and balor have touch ACs of 17 and 16 respectively, and the great wyrm red dragon has a whopping...username_unavailable2008-06-25T20:48:51ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Unluckiest Ducks Playtest Observationsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifke?Unluckiest-Ducks-Playtest-Observations#72008-06-25T17:37:33Z2008-06-25T17:37:32Z<p>I've considered something like this, though my solution might be as simple as just giving everyone a free skill rank or two at first level to allocate to a background-appropriate craft, profession or knowledge skill.</p>
<p>When the sorcerer who was raised by a shepherd gets two skill ranks at level one, it's just kinda hard for her to justify (from a game mechanics standpoint) putting one into profession: shepherd instead of spellcraft ;).</p>I've considered something like this, though my solution might be as simple as just giving everyone a free skill rank or two at first level to allocate to a background-appropriate craft, profession or knowledge skill.
When the sorcerer who was raised by a shepherd gets two skill ranks at level one, it's just kinda hard for her to justify (from a game mechanics standpoint) putting one into profession: shepherd instead of spellcraft ;).username_unavailable2008-06-25T17:37:32ZForums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Unluckiest Ducks Playtest Observationsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifke?Unluckiest-Ducks-Playtest-Observations#12012-11-15T20:31:09Z2008-06-25T06:25:13Z<p>While I realize the relevance of this post is questionable, as the Beta is already at the printer, I figure since my group is using the alpha, I might as well write it up.</p>
<p>I just got back from our second session; we are playing Hollow's last Hope at level one.</p>
<p>Some general observations:</p>
<p>• CoDzilla is in full effect. Chrissie, the cleric of Nethys, uses her <i>hand of the acolyte</i> to dominate melees from afar. While <i>spiritual weapon</i> was already powerful (for using the cleric's Wisdom bonus to hit and damage instead of strength, and for allowing her to effectively make ranged attacks that ignore both cover and other melee opponents), the ability to use it at willmakes it just nasty at first level.</p>
<p>In fact, Chrissie's damage output is so high that the group has adopted a new and very effective effective (while slow and boring) process for clearing the dungeon: Calum, the fighter (who used to actually <i>use</i> his two-handed sword), stands just outside a doorway where he can bottleneck whatever attackers are after him, and uses total defense. Chrissie then squishes the enemies over the course of the next several rounds with her <i>hand of the acolyte</i>. Thees players are not normally power-gamers, so it's surprising to see them adopt such tactics—especially ones that leave the sorcerer and rogue mostly useless (beyond firing range attacks <i>through</i> Calum at -8 to hit whatever he is presently tanking).</p>
<p>Interestingly, I don't see Chrissie using a lot of her spells at all. She's been channeling energy to heal a fair bit, and using her hand for damage . . . but not a lot else.</p>
<p>• Stella, our sorceress, very much enjoys her unlimited cantrips. Actually, the only issue with this is that they have made her extremely unwilling to use her first-level spells unless absolutely necessary, and goes entire days using only <i>acid splashes</i> and such. This isn't a bad thing—it's probably more a matter of getting a feel for the new game's rhythm—but considering she's been doing a lot of shooting from behind Calum, some <i>magic missles</i> may have been more effective.</p>
<p>While Stella's dragon claws seemed effective at first, her low strength means she rarely hits with them, and her relatively low hp makes that a dangerous venture anyway. I llok forward to seeing her get cooler dragon abilities as she advances.</p>
<p>• Calum is an effective two-handed swordsman, but he gets a bit upstaged by Chrissie. This is something that has the potential to work itself out over time—as his BAB breaks away—but at first level, its pretty clear that Chrissie is a more effective and consistent damage dealer, and he's sort of been reduced to a damage sponge.</p>
<p>• CMB seems to work well for things like tripping . . . it certainly reduces rolls, and has prevented random combat maneuver lookups. Calum's Defensive Combat Expertise feat was very effective against some wolves. :).</p>
<p>• I'm not sold on the new skill system's approach to "dabbling" as choosing skills at first level (where background-related dabbling is most prevalent) still choice seems like an all-or-nothing deal. I realize this will get better at second level (where class-centric skills get easier to pick up) but there have been some annoyed comments about it.</p>While I realize the relevance of this post is questionable, as the Beta is already at the printer, I figure since my group is using the alpha, I might as well write it up.
I just got back from our second session; we are playing Hollow's last Hope at level one.
Some general observations:
• CoDzilla is in full effect. Chrissie, the cleric of Nethys, uses her hand of the acolyte to dominate melees from afar. While spiritual weapon was already powerful (for using the cleric's Wisdom bonus to...username_unavailable2008-06-25T06:25:13ZForums: Campaign Journals: The Unluckiest Ducks of Darkmoon Vale (Pathfinder Alpha playtest; may spoil D0, D1, D1.5 and E1)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ifdf?The-Unluckiest-Ducks-of-Darkmoon-Vale#12012-11-15T20:31:05Z2008-06-24T05:57:19Z<p>•••Note 1 - these characters have fairly intricate backgrounds, which I wont fully detail unless my free time drastically increases. Their players could jump in themselves to do this for me, but I am leaving that up to them. For a quick summary, you can read the timeline behind the spoiler tag•••</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>•••Note 2 - Given the above, my players may read this thread, so please hide any comment regarding possible future events behind spoiler tags•••</p>
<p>Calum's birthday had never been a cause for celebration. Years of experience had taught him that if anyone close to him was to die a horrible death, be tricked into killing a friend, or get turned into a silent, frozen spectre damned to an existence of eternal pain and misery, it was going to happen on his birthday and he was going to get blamed. He was, after all, born under a bad sign.</p>
<p>Today, however, started without incident. On his sister Dosa's request Calum set out to Jabbs' Meats to deliver some freshly killed chicken-lizards for preparation and sale. After having a short conversation with Jabbs, he ran into his friends Chrissie and Stella, who began acting suspicious, and invited themselves back to his house.</p>
<p>Like Calum, both Chrissie and Stella had been born under ill omens, and all three had grown up familiar with sharp looks and suspicious musings from their more superstitious neighbours. Recently, they had fallen under suspicion as vectors for the wheezing death, an often-fatal respiratory plague that had recently besieged Falcon's Hollow.</p>
<p>Upon arrival at Calum's farm, Chrissie and Stella revealed their true motives for following him. Dosa kicked off a surprise birthday party as they entered, and the four of them feasted on chicken-lizard, while catching up on current events. Dosa gave her brother a sword from the local blacksmith that had been enchanted to look magic, while Chrissie gave him a fancy cummerbund. Although Stella didn't have a gift, she was happy to have several shoes returned to her, which she had left at Calum and Dosa's over the prior weeks.</p>
<p>Celebrations were cut short as both Dosa and Stella were reduced to fits of hacking and sputtering indicative of the wheezing death. While Chrissie suggested consulting Laurel, the local herbalist, Dosa expressed concern that Laurel might, in fact, be a doppleganger, and therefore untrustworthy—Dosa's own fiancee having turned out to be a doppleganger only months before. She revealed that Laurel had in fact, come looking for Calum while he was out, but that she had rebuffed her for not knowing an up-to-date doppleganger password.</p>
<p>Putting aside fears of rampant shapechangers, Stella, Calum and Chrissie set off to discover what Laurel had wanted, only to find her shop closed, and surrounded by a crowd of desperate plague victims. Wading through the crowd and telling those gathered that they were there to help cure the plague, Calum knocked on Laurel's door and and announced their presence. Laurel let them in, amid a coughing fit of her own, and sat them down in the parlour. Stella used her magics to shield herself and her friends from the horrid smell that permeated the house as they listened intently to Laurel's explanation of the plague.</p>
<p>As it turned out, Laurel revealed, the outbreak of plague had been caused by a fungal infestation of one of the local springs. While she believed that she had most of the makings for a cure, she found herself lacking some ingredients that she had hoped Stella, Chrissie and Calum could retrieve from the Darkmoon Wood. Specifically, she needed elderwood moss, ironbloom mushrooms and a substance called rats' tail, which she believed to be in the pantry of the Witch of the woods. The group agreed to help, and set about gathering supplies for a trip to the woods.</p>
<p>This done, the three proceeded to their first stop: imposing themselves on Thuldrin Kreed's easternmost cutyard, they bribed the thugs at the gate and pulled woodsman Milon Rhoddham away from a meeting to mine him for information. Upon hearing the gravity of their situation, he pledged to help them, and mapped out the locations of their targets: the Forest's Elder Tree, the Witch of the Woods, and an old dwarven monastery.</p>
<p>Leaving the camp behind them, the group headed into Darkmon forest, where they were quickly halted for lack of daylight, and forced to set up camp. Their first night in the woods was uneventful but for some drunken carousers, who invaded their campsite in hopes of swapping stories, and reveling amongst company. Chrissie, who was not keen on reveling, sent the inebriated loggers on their way.</p>
<p>Rising late the next day Stella set about guiding her friends towards the Darkmoon's Elder Tree. The tree, said to have spawned the Darkwwod itself, was struck by lightning on the day od Stella's birth, and while some of its boughs had been partially immolated, the fire had not been able to fell the heart of the ancient darkwood. Stella, feeling a kinship with the tree, had camped under its branches in the past, and knew the secrets of its location. En route, however, the group heard the crying of an animal from over a bank to the west.</p>
<p>Climbing down the embankment, the Calum spotted a small firefoot caught in a cruel, hunter's trap. As he and his friends ran to free the animal, Stella saw a flash of metal in the foliage behind them, which was promptly followed by an arrow. This flew from the trees, accompanied by two large, nasty-looking crows. While Calum suffered the sting of arrows, Chrissie bid Nethys carry her mace to mash the head of their hidden source. Meanwhile, Stella showed her ancient dragon ancestry by downing a crow with a set of hidden claws. Even as their assailant fled, Chrissie took down the second crow with her levitating weapon, and thus ended the battle.</p>
<p>While Calum destroyed the trap, Chrissie and Stella bound the fox's leg, and began nursing him back to health. They left him with a delicious razorcrow lunch, and continued their trip towards the Elder Tree.</p>
<p>Here, despite encroaching darkness, Stella was able to spot what must be the blue, elderwood moss. As Calum climbed to collect some, however, he was attacked by a large lizard, which swung from a branch on its prehensile tail propelling itself towards him at a high speed. Fortunately, the lizard was not able to gain purchase as it tried to grab him, and fell prone to the ground, even as Calum jumped from the tree in an attempt at a leaping, overhand chop—which might have severed the beast's head, had it connected. Stella and Chrissie unleashed their powerful magics, and before long the lizard was felled.</p>
<p>More careuful scrutiny revealed that the creature was a type of dragon called a tatzylwyrm, and that it was edible if prepared correctly. As such, the group dined well that evening under the Elder Tree, and was able to pack some meat for the next day's lunch. Chrissie used her holy energies to heal her friends, who were happy for some relief after a long and arduous day. While the night passed quietly, Stella awoke to discover strange, cloven hoofprints around their campsite.</p>
<p>As the sun began its ascent, Calum climbed the elder tree in hopes of spotting a clearing that would indicate the cabin of the Witch of the Woods. Sure enough, about half a day away, he was able to spot a small hut right around where Milon said it should be. Thus, they packed up their things, and soon found themselves staring head-on at the very same domicile, which looked wild and partially taken by the woods.</p>***Note 1 - these characters have fairly intricate backgrounds, which I wont fully detail unless my free time drastically increases. Their players could jump in themselves to do this for me, but I am leaving that up to them. For a quick summary, you can read the timeline behind the spoiler tag***
[Spoiler omitted]
***Note 2 - Given the above, my players may read this thread, so please hide any comment regarding possible future events behind spoiler tags***
Calum's birthday had never been a...username_unavailable2008-06-24T05:57:19ZRe: Forums: 4th Edition: 4E players are MIAusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ieqo?4E-players-are-MIA#22012-11-15T20:30:57Z2008-06-19T22:05:22Z<p>Maybe they're not posting because they're all too busy playing 4e ;).</p>
<p>All the time.</p>
<p>Every day.</p>Maybe they're not posting because they're all too busy playing 4e ;).
All the time.
Every day.username_unavailable2008-06-19T22:05:22ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: Is Hand of the Apprentice a superset of Mage Hand?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icl8?Is-Hand-of-the-Apprentice-a-superset-of-Mage#52008-06-19T00:02:19Z2008-06-19T00:00:49Z<p>I guess that's true after fashion, but the cleric using it [hand of the acolyte; same difference] in my game last night used it to pretty amazing effect.</p>
<p>While the ray is a ranged touch attack and ignores armour, the hand ignores pesky issues like the penalty for firing into melee, meaning it can easily be used to gang-bang whoever happens to be scrapping with the fighter. Furthermore, because the hand uses the wizard or cleric's spellcasting stat to derive its bonuses to hit AND damage, its initial damage has the potential to be very high.</p>
<p>My party's 1st-level cleric presently uses her hand to wield a morningstar, which gives her +4 to hit at a range of 30 ft for 1d8+4 damage, ignoring penalties for firing into melee.</p>
<p>That's better damage than the ray would give an 8th level wizard, at an attack bonus that is likely about the same, unless the evoker in question has an astounding Dex. </p>
<p>You can take or leave the benefits of a melee attack vs. a ranged touch attack, taht's going to depend on the situation in question, but average attack roll and, damage on a successful hit are still going to be higher for the hand, at least until the evoker is 10th level.</p>I guess that's true after fashion, but the cleric using it [hand of the acolyte; same difference] in my game last night used it to pretty amazing effect.
While the ray is a ranged touch attack and ignores armour, the hand ignores pesky issues like the penalty for firing into melee, meaning it can easily be used to gang-bang whoever happens to be scrapping with the fighter. Furthermore, because the hand uses the wizard or cleric's spellcasting stat to derive its bonuses to hit AND damage, its...username_unavailable2008-06-19T00:00:49ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: Is Hand of the Apprentice a superset of Mage Hand?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icl8?Is-Hand-of-the-Apprentice-a-superset-of-Mage#32008-06-18T08:59:20Z2008-06-18T08:59:20Z<p>This seems very strong for a first-level at-will ability. Thanks to the Int/Wis bonus to hit and damage, it will almost always hit more reliably and do more damage than the evoker's energy ray, for example.</p>This seems very strong for a first-level at-will ability. Thanks to the Int/Wis bonus to hit and damage, it will almost always hit more reliably and do more damage than the evoker's energy ray, for example.username_unavailable2008-06-18T08:59:20ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: Combat Maneuvers: Grapple (p. 81)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2iajk?Combat-Maneuvers-Grapple#102008-06-18T08:45:33Z2008-06-18T08:45:33Z<p>So in my game this evening I had a tazilwyrm attempt to monkey-swing off a tree branch, and grapple a character who was halfway up a tree. The rules state that if the attacker does not have both hands free, he takes a penalty to his grapple check. However, it says nothing about a bonus if the defender's hands are full.</p>
<p>In this case, I gave him a +4 bonus because his opponent's hands were full of tree. Unfortunately, he still failed, missed his grapple, and hit the ground with a loud thump (to the great delight of all).</p>So in my game this evening I had a tazilwyrm attempt to monkey-swing off a tree branch, and grapple a character who was halfway up a tree. The rules state that if the attacker does not have both hands free, he takes a penalty to his grapple check. However, it says nothing about a bonus if the defender's hands are full.
In this case, I gave him a +4 bonus because his opponent's hands were full of tree. Unfortunately, he still failed, missed his grapple, and hit the ground with a loud thump...username_unavailable2008-06-18T08:45:33ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: At Will Orisons/Cantrips (pg 23)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2iasl?At-Will-OrisonsCantrips#422008-06-18T08:32:37Z2008-06-18T08:32:37Z<p>Prestidigitation is the pretty much the best spell in the game, so having it at-will has some interesting ramifications.</p>
<p>You could have a magical maid go house-to-house every Tuesday and charge a copper to clean everything up. 15 minutes later and its on to the next house :).</p>
<p>Adventurers will never be without clean or well-maintained clothing again! Guess that explains why the iconic look so darned snappy all the time ;).</p>Prestidigitation is the pretty much the best spell in the game, so having it at-will has some interesting ramifications.
You could have a magical maid go house-to-house every Tuesday and charge a copper to clean everything up. 15 minutes later and its on to the next house :).
Adventurers will never be without clean or well-maintained clothing again! Guess that explains why the iconic look so darned snappy all the time ;).username_unavailable2008-06-18T08:32:37ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Playtest Creditsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ieap?Playtest-Credits#202008-06-18T05:47:39Z2008-06-18T05:47:38Z<p>You could make a special Game Mastery™ certificate that we could all download, print, frame and paste next to our university diplomas to recognize our astounding playtesting accomplishments and annoy our spouses :).</p>You could make a special Game Mastery™ certificate that we could all download, print, frame and paste next to our university diplomas to recognize our astounding playtesting accomplishments and annoy our spouses :).username_unavailable2008-06-18T05:47:38ZRe: Forums: GM Tools: NPC classes [p.130-133]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2iakz?NPC-classes-p130133#42008-06-10T07:44:22Z2008-06-10T07:44:22Z<p>Fun fact: 90% of people in the middle ages were illiterate.</p>
<p>I think giving commoners the barbarian's illiteracy class ability would pretty much cover that, and fit the theme of commoners getting the short end of every stick :).</p>Fun fact: 90% of people in the middle ages were illiterate.
I think giving commoners the barbarian's illiteracy class ability would pretty much cover that, and fit the theme of commoners getting the short end of every stick :).username_unavailable2008-06-10T07:44:22ZRe: Forums: Combat & Magic: [Design Focus] Spellsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ic3p?Design-Focus-Spells#432008-06-09T20:05:49Z2008-06-09T20:05:48Z<p>The entire CURE family, specifically CLW:</p>
<p><b>Problem:</b>
<br />
At low levels, when the party's healing resources are limited, CLW can be little more than a band-aid, especially when the cleric blows his die roll.</p>
<p>At level one, spell slots are at a premium, and healing spells are at their least reliable (being very dependent on random numbers). Thus there is a higher chance than at any other point in the game that <i>all</i> of a cleric's spells will be used for healing . . . and that's no fun for the cleric.</p>
<p><b>Possible Solution</b>
<br />
Maximize the first die of all healing spells. CLW heals 8+level hp, CMW 1d8 + 8 + level, CSW 2d8 + 8 + level, and so on.</p>
<p>This has the added bonus of allowing any healing spell to reliably pop characters in the negatives back to fighting shape, even from -9, eliminating much of the problem of 3.x's "negative HP debt", but keeping the death mechanic intact.</p>The entire CURE family, specifically CLW:
Problem:
At low levels, when the party's healing resources are limited, CLW can be little more than a band-aid, especially when the cleric blows his die roll.
At level one, spell slots are at a premium, and healing spells are at their least reliable (being very dependent on random numbers). Thus there is a higher chance than at any other point in the game that all of a cleric's spells will be used for healing . . . and that's no fun for the cleric.
...username_unavailable2008-06-09T20:05:48ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 3: General Discussion: Random HP's - What do they add to the game?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2icjm&page=2?Random-HPs-What-do-they-add-to-the-game#912008-06-09T19:31:36Z2008-06-09T19:31:35Z<p>I'm kindof fascinated by the idea of implementing nonrandom hp at a game system level.</p>
<p>Given that 99% of GMs give their players max hp at level 1, removing random hit die roll altogether gets rid of the necessity of having a hit die value in the first place. There's no point in having a d10 hit die if you're never actually going to roll a d10 for anything.</p>
<p>Under a system where classes have set hp (like 4e), the hit die becomes a redundant concept and should probably simply be replaced by a starting value with a bonus applied each level.</p>
<p>This seems simple, but doesn't take into account the somewhat complicated (overly-so in my mind) relationship between hit dice and level, which is muddier in 3.x than in previous editions. In 3.x, power = HD = size, and if "level" and "HD" just become merged (as they are in True20), then you enter the uncomfortable situation where powerful monsters must, by necessity, be big ones.</p>
<p>Under a system where every class uses the same hit die, and adds a class bonus (like the proposed 1d4 + x and 1d6 + x systems above), you achieve the goal of making sure the tanks stay buffed, and at least keep the concept of having a number of hit dice around for use by other mechanics (specifically mechanics like <i>sleep</i> that have an effect based on the hit dice of their target).</p>
<p>It's been mentioned that a system like this favours high HD classes over lower-HD classes, and this is true; moving a fighter from 1d10 -> 1d6+4 and a wizard from 1d6 -> 1d6 clearly benefits the fighter more than it does the wizard. In my mind, however, this is fine. It eliminates the possibility of an overly-frail fighter, while keeping the benefits of a random system part of the game. Ultimately, I don't care if wizards are frail: they're supposed to have glassjaws. I do care that fighters can stand toe-to-toe with bad guys like they're suposed to instead of doing jack-in-the-box impressions every time they take a hit.</p>
<p>I think I like this second system best, but I'm still pondering . . .</p>I'm kindof fascinated by the idea of implementing nonrandom hp at a game system level.
Given that 99% of GMs give their players max hp at level 1, removing random hit die roll altogether gets rid of the necessity of having a hit die value in the first place. There's no point in having a d10 hit die if you're never actually going to roll a d10 for anything.
Under a system where classes have set hp (like 4e), the hit die becomes a redundant concept and should probably simply be replaced by a...username_unavailable2008-06-09T19:31:35ZForums: 4th Edition: Inside Fourth Edition (comedy video)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ibz2?Inside-Fourth-Edition#12012-11-15T20:27:19Z2008-06-02T19:02:43Z<p>The Rouse and Mike Mearls reveal the true nature of Fourth Edition.</p>
<p>I knew it all along ;).</p>
<p>Check it out :) => <a href="http://loadingreadyrun.com/videos/view/332/inside_dd_4th_edition" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Inside Fourth Edition with Scott Rouse and Mike Mearls</a></p>The Rouse and Mike Mearls reveal the true nature of Fourth Edition.
I knew it all along ;).
Check it out :) => Inside Fourth Edition with Scott Rouse and Mike Mearlsusername_unavailable2008-06-02T19:02:43ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Welcome to the Pathfinder Society!username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hy4f&page=3?Welcome-to-the-Pathfinder-Society#1182008-04-05T05:35:14Z2008-04-05T05:35:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joshua J. Frost wrote:</div><blockquote> <div class="messageboard-quotee">username_unavailable wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I just talked with my buddy at my friendly local game (and comic) store.</p>
<p>Before I could even mention Pathfinder Society, however, he began talking my ear off about "Paizo's new organized play thing", and how much he wanted to be involved.</p>
<p>. . . so I dunno, could be a hard sell ;). </blockquote>When you're in there next time, can you ask him if he heard about Pathfinder Society from his distributor? It'd be nice to know the PDF I sent the distributors to send to their retail accounts was getting out there. :-) </blockquote><p>Hmm, I followed up yesterday, and it looks like I was right on both counts: he got no PDF or printout from his distributor, but is generally pretty on the ball. In fact, you could say he has his finger on the pulse . . though he attributes his general astuteness to the great number of informed gamers that pass through his store to gawk at his wares.Joshua J. Frost wrote:username_unavailable wrote:I just talked with my buddy at my friendly local game (and comic) store.
Before I could even mention Pathfinder Society, however, he began talking my ear off about "Paizo's new organized play thing", and how much he wanted to be involved.
. . . so I dunno, could be a hard sell ;).
When you're in there next time, can you ask him if he heard about Pathfinder Society from his distributor? It'd be nice to know the PDF I sent the distributors to...username_unavailable2008-04-05T05:35:14ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Adventures: E1: scaling back the gore in Carnival of Tears [spoilers]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i3bu?E1-scaling-back-the-gore-in-Carnival-of-Tears#42008-04-03T01:52:53Z2008-04-03T01:52:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">yoda8myhead wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>I can see that a table not into the extreme horror might not like it so much, though, and think that your scaling is good for the most part. For the chiselers, if you keep the turning to ice off-stage, it might be possible to take it for granted that doing so is just something they can do. Perhaps it's a fey ritual that takes long enough that it wouldn't threaten the PCs. </blockquote><p>Yeah, this is definitely a table-specific concern. Some like their dark-fey-chaos with horror, others with tea and crumpets ;).
<p>Good idea on the ritual! I can also see putting some sort of dark fairy circle in the woods that could facilitate the transformation . . . that would make a good set piece for if the PCs ever take a sled ride out of town. Hmm . . . ponderponderponder.</p>
<p>Also, nice website, Nick! </p>
<p>(and thanks for making Carnival of Tears a great module too!)</p>yoda8myhead wrote:I can see that a table not into the extreme horror might not like it so much, though, and think that your scaling is good for the most part. For the chiselers, if you keep the turning to ice off-stage, it might be possible to take it for granted that doing so is just something they can do. Perhaps it's a fey ritual that takes long enough that it wouldn't threaten the PCs.
Yeah, this is definitely a table-specific concern. Some like their dark-fey-chaos with horror, others...username_unavailable2008-04-03T01:52:52ZRe: Forums: 3.5/d20/OGL: Sinister Adventures LLC - Nick Logue's New Gaming Companyusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i3gr?Sinister-Adventures-LLC-Nick-Logues-New#192009-11-02T19:02:32Z2008-04-01T19:26:16Z<p>Nick, from your description on the podcast, it sounds like everything needed to use the Dark Vistas as campaign settings will be right there in the books. </p>
<p>Do you see these settings as branching out into product lines? Or are we looking at one Dark Vista per setting, surrounded by a bunch of indulgences to back it up?</p>
<p>Or is this something you have yet to decide?</p>
<p>What's up there now looks awesome!</p>Nick, from your description on the podcast, it sounds like everything needed to use the Dark Vistas as campaign settings will be right there in the books.
Do you see these settings as branching out into product lines? Or are we looking at one Dark Vista per setting, surrounded by a bunch of indulgences to back it up?
Or is this something you have yet to decide?
What's up there now looks awesome!username_unavailable2008-04-01T19:26:16ZForums: Pathfinder Adventures: E1: scaling back the gore in Carnival of Tears [spoilers]username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i3bu?E1-scaling-back-the-gore-in-Carnival-of-Tears#12012-11-15T20:24:54Z2008-03-31T21:26:29Z<p>I'm considering running E1 for a group of players who I don't think will take well to the generally visceral nature of its horror scenes.</p>
<p>I like the module a lot, but I think the table will turn against me if I present them with the abattoir described. Any ideas on scaling back the general level of graphic nastiness while keeping things scary?</p>
<p>Some of my initial thoughts:</p>
<p><b>CT1:</b> Death masks are replaced with hanging, wreaths of skulls, and tickets are still made of parchment, but are written in blood. Inside the ticket booths are buckets of blood, and some corpses that, on closer examination, have been bled like stuck pigs, though this does not happen on camera.</p>
<p><b>CT2:</b> As described (most of the horror here happens off-camera anyway), though Sathelbry's entire body is dragged on a length of rope, and most of his injuries are from blunt trauma (he is still dead, obviously).</p>
<p><b>CT5:</b> Instead of the nasty squishyness described, the brownies are tying victims to the wheel and spinning it, while other villagers take pot shots at the victims with crossbows in a nasty parody of the archery contest.</p>
<p><b>CT6:</b> As written; the trees are not incredibly anthropomorphic after they are changed.</p>
<p><b>CT8:</b> A number of brownies bring"trees" from CT6, while newcomers are offered free beers; Victims fed into the machines have already been turned into trees, and meet a nasty, but less sticky end.</p>
<p><b>CT15:</b> Instead of being incased in ice, the villagers have been turned <i>into</i> ice, and can be shattered or broken, or whatnot without things getting too gooey. This is tricky, as I'm not sure what could have caused such a transformation. Theoretically, I could modify the chiselers to allow them to do this, but maybe a better idea is to give one of them a different kind of Cerulean Ice Shard that makes this possible. If I make the chiselers able to "ice" victims, I run the risk of making them too powerful; if I use a shard to do it, I run the risk of confusing the PCs into thinking it is <i>the</i> ice shard . . . which could yield odd results</p>
<p>Anyone else have other thoughts? Just to restate, the last thing I want to do is castrate the module's scare factor, but I think scenes of violent torture will probably illicit poor reactions from some of my more conservative players.</p>I'm considering running E1 for a group of players who I don't think will take well to the generally visceral nature of its horror scenes.
I like the module a lot, but I think the table will turn against me if I present them with the abattoir described. Any ideas on scaling back the general level of graphic nastiness while keeping things scary?
Some of my initial thoughts:
CT1: Death masks are replaced with hanging, wreaths of skulls, and tickets are still made of parchment, but are written...username_unavailable2008-03-31T21:26:29ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Welcome to the Pathfinder Society!username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hy4f&page=3?Welcome-to-the-Pathfinder-Society#1112008-03-28T16:33:55Z2008-03-28T16:33:54Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Joshua J. Frost wrote:</div><blockquote> When you're in there next time, can you ask him if he heard about Pathfinder Society from his distributor? It'd be nice to know the PDF I sent the distributors to send to their retail accounts was getting out there. :-) </blockquote><p>Haha, I'll ask him, but I don't put it past Glenn to be extremely informed under his own auspices. He's been evangelizing the adventure paths to people since they started, and he's got at least two Rune Lords GMs who frequent his store to keep him in the loop.Joshua J. Frost wrote:When you're in there next time, can you ask him if he heard about Pathfinder Society from his distributor? It'd be nice to know the PDF I sent the distributors to send to their retail accounts was getting out there. :-)
Haha, I'll ask him, but I don't put it past Glenn to be extremely informed under his own auspices. He's been evangelizing the adventure paths to people since they started, and he's got at least two Rune Lords GMs who frequent his store to keep him in the...username_unavailable2008-03-28T16:33:54ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Welcome to the Pathfinder Society!username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hy4f&page=3?Welcome-to-the-Pathfinder-Society#1052008-03-27T23:01:44Z2008-03-27T23:01:44Z<p>I just talked with my buddy at my friendly local game (and comic) store.</p>
<p>Before I could even mention Pathfinder Society, however, he began talking my ear off about "Paizo's new organized play thing", and how much he wanted to be involved.</p>
<p>. . . so I dunno, could be a hard sell ;).</p>I just talked with my buddy at my friendly local game (and comic) store.
Before I could even mention Pathfinder Society, however, he began talking my ear off about "Paizo's new organized play thing", and how much he wanted to be involved.
. . . so I dunno, could be a hard sell ;).username_unavailable2008-03-27T23:01:44ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 1: General Discussion: Stat generationusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i0th?Stat-generation#222008-03-27T16:37:49Z2008-03-27T16:37:49Z<p>On one hand, we know that point buy isn't happening in its present form.</p>
<p>Point buy isn't open content, so if it does happen, it will need to be reworked like xp.</p>On one hand, we know that point buy isn't happening in its present form.
Point buy isn't open content, so if it does happen, it will need to be reworked like xp.username_unavailable2008-03-27T16:37:49ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 1: General Discussion: Posters Are Blowing Itusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i201?Posters-Are-Blowing-It#172008-03-27T06:34:40Z2008-03-27T06:34:15Z<p>Sorry for spamming up the boards, but I've got to try this Smurf thing.</p>
<p>sorry. pay no mind. carry on.</p>
<p>And also: wow!</p>Sorry for spamming up the boards, but I've got to try this Smurf thing.
sorry. pay no mind. carry on.
And also: wow!username_unavailable2008-03-27T06:34:15ZRe: Forums/Alpha Release 1: General Discussion: Pathfinder RPG Alpha Release 1.1 - Development Notes #1username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i28h?Pathfinder-RPG-Alpha-Release-11-Development#272008-03-27T06:24:01Z2008-03-27T06:24:01Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Billzabub wrote:</div><blockquote> Regarding the PDFs opening in Adobe, instead of as a generic file, is that intentional? I ask because I'm a Mac guy and prefer to use their Preview program. It's not a big deal, since I just have to change the settings under file information, but I am curious. </blockquote><p>It works fine for me in both Preview and Quick-Look, so you should be good to go.
<p>Also, good show, Jason! I wasn't expecting to see notable changes so soon!</p>Billzabub wrote:Regarding the PDFs opening in Adobe, instead of as a generic file, is that intentional? I ask because I'm a Mac guy and prefer to use their Preview program. It's not a big deal, since I just have to change the settings under file information, but I am curious.
It works fine for me in both Preview and Quick-Look, so you should be good to go. Also, good show, Jason! I wasn't expecting to see notable changes so soon!username_unavailable2008-03-27T06:24:01ZRe: Forums: Skills & Feats: [Design Focus] Skillsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i13a&page=5?Design-Focus-Skills#2052008-03-26T16:43:46Z2008-03-26T16:40:14Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Tarren Dei wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Doesn't that just bring us back to the multiclassing rogue munchkin at first level?</p>
<p>. . .</p>
<p>Not to be a naysayer, but this does not seem to be an improvement over the OGL for me. </blockquote><p>Yup, this brings said Rogue back for revenge . . . though the effect isn't quite as profound. A prospective wizard can still take Rogue at 1st, load up on Wizard skills, and then cross-class to have those skills magically improved to maximum effectiveness.
<p>Because the skills aren't auto-maxed at each subsequent level, there's no way the Wizard is going to be able to maintain them all at their max, but this does dramatically increase her skill options through low levels.</p>
<p>I kindof feel that the SRD may have been set up the way it was for a reason, and that this suggestion opens it up to being gamed.</p>
<p>If nothing else, this will require extensive playtesting. Frankly, I'm still hoping for a "fixed" alpha system, and I still think the solution lies in finding a better way to represent class-typical skills than the somewhat cumbersome "class vs. cross-class" distinction.</p>Tarren Dei wrote:Doesn't that just bring us back to the multiclassing rogue munchkin at first level?
. . .
Not to be a naysayer, but this does not seem to be an improvement over the OGL for me.
Yup, this brings said Rogue back for revenge . . . though the effect isn't quite as profound. A prospective wizard can still take Rogue at 1st, load up on Wizard skills, and then cross-class to have those skills magically improved to maximum effectiveness. Because the skills aren't auto-maxed at...username_unavailable2008-03-26T16:40:14ZForums: Pathfinder Society: Interstitial and GM-based adventuresusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i23u?Interstitial-and-GMbased-adventures#12012-11-15T20:24:27Z2008-03-26T07:23:17Z<p>So something I've seen experimented with in other Organized Play campaigns is the concept of interstitial adventures . . . something that would allow players to play their PCs between "official" modules. </p>
<p>The way I have seen this executed in the past is basically summed up as:
<br />
• The GM creates small, inconsequential campaign element to run games in, and gets campaign approval for it.
<br />
• The GM is then allowed to run games in his or her setting, but only to give out minimal rewards (50xp + 10gp for example).
<br />
• Players are limited to receiving such rewards once per month, or somesuch, but can play as many of these adventures as they like.</p>
<p>The idea here would be to give players the chance to roleplay, develop their characters, and establish friendships and backstories in a familiar setting. Such a thing would also (on a more personal note) allow me to run new Pathfinder material at my local game store as often as I like ;).</p>
<p>It would be very cool to see such a program built into the Pathfinder Society from the get-go.</p>
<p>Xendrik Expeditions experimented with a similar concept with its "DM's Mark" adventures. I never really got to play or run one of those, but (as I understand it) they allowed GMs to make up whatever kinds of adventures they liked, providing they followed a specific reward structure. This also seems like a cool idea for empowering local GMs to develop stories around their preferred play styles, and around the characters in their communities . . and that just seems cool :).</p>So something I've seen experimented with in other Organized Play campaigns is the concept of interstitial adventures . . . something that would allow players to play their PCs between "official" modules.
The way I have seen this executed in the past is basically summed up as:
• The GM creates small, inconsequential campaign element to run games in, and gets campaign approval for it.
• The GM is then allowed to run games in his or her setting, but only to give out minimal rewards (50xp + 10gp...username_unavailable2008-03-26T07:23:17ZRe: Forums: Pathfinder Society: Questions for Experienced Organized Play folksusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i0km?Questions-for-Experienced-Organized-Play-folks#112008-03-26T06:57:54Z2008-03-26T06:56:43Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Cintra Bristol wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
So...can some of those with positive/successful experiences at Organized Play (as DMs or as players) share some insights into what makes a session work well? What should an Organized Play DM do to make a session successful? How do you deal with "difficult" players who show up at your table (I recall stories of cheaters, spotlight-hogs, and even some obnoxious/abusive/drunk folks)? Any insights/stories you care to share would be helpful...and entertaining to read, while we wait for plans to be finalized. Thanks! </blockquote><p>My only advice: remember to have a boatload of fun yourself, whatever you decide to do for your players :).
<p>Long digression about my own organized play experiences behind the break.</p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>
<p>. . . So I guess that's a long way of saying that if you come to a table prepared to have fun—like you would any other game—then it's going to be fun for everyone involved. Enthusiasm is infectious, and if you're as enthused as I am about the prospects of Pathfinder organized play . . . well that can only lead to some fantastic gaming :).</p>
<p>. . . also I've been told that silly voices help ;).</p>
<p>Cheers and beers; see you at a table sometime.</p>Cintra Bristol wrote:So...can some of those with positive/successful experiences at Organized Play (as DMs or as players) share some insights into what makes a session work well? What should an Organized Play DM do to make a session successful? How do you deal with "difficult" players who show up at your table (I recall stories of cheaters, spotlight-hogs, and even some obnoxious/abusive/drunk folks)? Any insights/stories you care to share would be helpful...and entertaining to read, while we...username_unavailable2008-03-26T06:56:43ZRe: Forums: Races & Classes: Wizard's & Bonded Objectsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i0pt?Wizards-Bonded-Objects#172008-03-25T19:45:18Z2008-03-25T19:45:18Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jason Bulmahn wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
Remember, you can enchant your bonded object as if you had the requisite feats and can do so for half the normal price (or 1/4 the enchantment's total price). This is a pretty big bonus if fully utilized.</blockquote><p>So, according to the alpha, a bonded item that is lost can be replaced within one week . . . but what isn't stipulated is whether or not this erases the powers of the lost object (I assume it would). If the powers don't disappear, then I can see wizards "losing" five cheap rings of protection and amulets of natural armour right off the bat in some campaigns ;).
<p>On the other side, though . . . what if wizards <i>couldn't</i> just make new bonded objects? Then such things could be captured, held hostage, etc., and thereby create new adventure hooks.</p>Jason Bulmahn wrote:Remember, you can enchant your bonded object as if you had the requisite feats and can do so for half the normal price (or 1/4 the enchantment's total price). This is a pretty big bonus if fully utilized.
So, according to the alpha, a bonded item that is lost can be replaced within one week . . . but what isn't stipulated is whether or not this erases the powers of the lost object (I assume it would). If the powers don't disappear, then I can see wizards "losing" five...username_unavailable2008-03-25T19:45:18ZRe: Forums: Skills & Feats: Extend CMB to "Tumble" and "Concentration" (Acrobatics/Spellcraft)username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hysm?Extend-CMB-to-Tumble-and-Concentration#172008-03-25T01:26:31Z2008-03-25T01:26:30Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Jason Bulmahn wrote:</div><blockquote><p>I also really like DC = 10+CMB for Acrobatic checks to tumble and Spellcraft checks to cast defensively.
</p>
</blockquote><p>Actually, this could be an effective way to nerf the "tumble" aspect of acrobatics.
<p>There has been a lot of talk on these boards about eliminating cross-class skills, and/or giving all classes more options for skill choices. One concern was that in either of these situations, everyone would suddenly take Acrobatics, as it is the skill that most directly affects combat.</p>
<p>By increasing the DC of tumbling past an opponent, to 15 + CMB, the chance of somebody at the "cross-classed" level pulling off a successful tumble becomes much lower, while the chance of a Rogue (who is probably at the "classed" level, and probably has a high Dex modifier) succeeding becomes smaller, but not insurmountable.</p>
<p>A first-level rogue with 4 ranks (or effective ranks) in Acrobatics, and a +3 Dex would have a total bonus of +7, giving her a 45% chance of succeeding against a human fighter of equal level with a +3 Str). Her chances of succeeding against a wizard with a +0 CMB would obviously be much higher (70%).</p>
<p>By the same token, a sorcerer with a +1 Dex bonus, and only two "ranks" from skills would succeed against the fighter only 25% of the time, and the wizard only 45% of the time.</p>
<p>The rogue's trained Acrobatics skill would go up by 1/level, keeping him on par with a fighter's 1/level CMB increase, but making her better at tumbling past classes without a +1/level BAB progression. Meanwhile, the sorcerer, whose acrobatics advance only at +1/2 levels would keep pace with the wizard (at 45%) but quickly find tumbling around fighters an improbable goal.</p>Jason Bulmahn wrote:I also really like DC = 10+CMB for Acrobatic checks to tumble and Spellcraft checks to cast defensively.
Actually, this could be an effective way to nerf the "tumble" aspect of acrobatics. There has been a lot of talk on these boards about eliminating cross-class skills, and/or giving all classes more options for skill choices. One concern was that in either of these situations, everyone would suddenly take Acrobatics, as it is the skill that most directly affects
...username_unavailable2008-03-25T01:26:30ZRe: Forums: Skills & Feats: [Design Focus] Skillsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i13a&page=3?Design-Focus-Skills#1372008-03-25T00:59:40Z2008-03-25T00:59:40Z<p>I like skill points. They are like an old pair of hiking boots that are totally functional (waterproof, in fact), but not really attractive or comfortable.</p>
<p>From a practical point of view, skill points work fine; from an aesthetic point of view, they are fiddly and take too much time to assign, especially in complex situations (multiclassing/stat buffs/acquired templates, etc). When you take into account that most players simply max the same skills each level you begin to wonder if the added options are worth the hassle. </p>
<p>If there is not a more-or-less balanced way of making skills simpler, I'll agree that skill points are a good idea. In the meantime, I'd like a chance to actually playtest some of the above options (and whatever else comes of the errata) before throwing out simplified skills altogether. As stated, I think they are a worthwhile goal that may yet see a fantastic implementation.</p>I like skill points. They are like an old pair of hiking boots that are totally functional (waterproof, in fact), but not really attractive or comfortable.
From a practical point of view, skill points work fine; from an aesthetic point of view, they are fiddly and take too much time to assign, especially in complex situations (multiclassing/stat buffs/acquired templates, etc). When you take into account that most players simply max the same skills each level you begin to wonder if the added...username_unavailable2008-03-25T00:59:40ZRe: Forums: Curse of the Crimson Throne: Korvosa/Carcosausername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hw5q?KorvosaCarcosa#52008-03-24T22:12:58Z2008-03-24T22:12:58Z<p>Sounds like a fun idea :).</p>
<p>I seem to recall a recent issue of Dungeon that had a Hastur-based adventure . . . which could serve as an interesting side quest for when the PCs get need a break from the insanity and decide to flee the city ;).</p>Sounds like a fun idea :).
I seem to recall a recent issue of Dungeon that had a Hastur-based adventure . . . which could serve as an interesting side quest for when the PCs get need a break from the insanity and decide to flee the city ;).username_unavailable2008-03-24T22:12:58ZRe: Forums: Skills & Feats: [Design Focus] Skillsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i13a&page=3?Design-Focus-Skills#1192008-03-24T18:18:17Z2008-03-24T18:18:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Alcore wrote:</div><blockquote><br />
<br />
<p>No. You are not alone. It is so •blindingly• obvious to me, that I've been having trouble understanding the folks who kept saying "it's just like 3.5 with maxed skills".</p>
<p>It's not.</p>
<p>etc.
<br />
</blockquote><p>I agree with you that this is pretty obvious. Adding skills, however, is a necessary evil of an auto-max system, which otherwise screws muticlassing.
<p>Under a straight conversion of OGL to an auto-max system, a character would choose a number of skills at first level, and simply have those skills maxed for the rest of his career. That's fine and dandy until he decides to take a level of Wizard, and discovers he can never learn Spellcraft, or until he moves to the land of nubile cat-eared elven damsels and realizes he can never learn Meowish.</p>
<p>This presents even more problems when you consider that the SRD encourages multiclassing into prestige classes, and that many existing OGC sources take this as a given.</p>
<p>There are a lot of good reasons for moving away from a skill-point system, but for a new system to work with multiclassing it must allow for some degree of skill expansion. Incidentally, True20 launched with auto-max skills, but moved back to skill points for its final release when this problem proved insurmountable. Their initial solution was straight auto-max, with additional skills added via a feat called "Skilled".</p>
<p>Granted, the PRPG system <i>does</i> allow for a rather rapid increase in trained skills, and the downside of this is that it takes away from the clarity of class distinctions at high levels. I could see slowing it down—adding one skill every four levels, for example—but this again has the potential to severely hinder multiclass options. Instead of never getting Spellcraft, as in the above example, the character multiclassing into Wizard at second level would have to wait until level four to get it . . . which is not a lot better.</p>
<p>Incidentally, this is an issue that I see with the <b>Scaled</b> system as well. If Wizards and Fighters get a new skill every fourth level, then a character multiclassing into Wizard would have to stick to his new class for four levels <i>without Spellcraft</i> just to learn it; a character going Ftr3/Wiz3/PrClass3 might never get a new skill at all. If skill acquisition is acquired based on variable number of class levels (like BAB), then there is the potential for multiclass characters to accumulate a large number of empty skill levels and thereby get hosed.</p>
<p>. . . of course, under the scaled system you could give every class its first skill at level 1, but then you give multiclass characters a significant skill boost over even the fastest advancing classes, and that could also be an issue. Basically, this is the way saves are set up now, and it's already problematic.</p>Alcore wrote:No. You are not alone. It is so *blindingly* obvious to me, that I've been having trouble understanding the folks who kept saying "it's just like 3.5 with maxed skills".
It's not.
etc.
I agree with you that this is pretty obvious. Adding skills, however, is a necessary evil of an auto-max system, which otherwise screws muticlassing. Under a straight conversion of OGL to an auto-max system, a character would choose a number of skills at first level, and simply have those skills...username_unavailable2008-03-24T18:18:16ZRe: Forums: Skills & Feats: [Design Focus] Skillsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i13a&page=3?Design-Focus-Skills#1062008-03-23T23:54:45Z2008-03-23T23:49:37Z<p>I like the sound of the hybrid system, but it still strikes me as very complicated. I also like the current Pathfinder system quite a bit . . . though there seems to me something inherently wrong with class skills being twice as effective as cross-class skills . . . especially given how easy it is to move between the two.</p>
<p><i><b>My Suggestion</b></i></p>
<p>Here is another, relatively simple alternate method that I have been pondering, based on my previous skill suggestions, and also on some suggestions from Etrigan, Majuba and Mosaic. It is based on the current Pathfinder system, but attempts to make it both simpler to use, and harder to break:</p>
<p><b>1- There are three levels of skill aptitude</b></p>
<p>Untrained: d20 + ability modifier + racial modifier
<br />
Trained: d20 + ability modifier + racial modifier + 1/2 level + 2
<br />
Expert: d20 + ability modifier + racial modifier + level + 4</p>
<p><b>2 - There are no class skills</b>
<br />
Instead, each class begins with a class-specific selection of inherent trained (but not expert) skills. So Rogue might get Acrobatics, Deception, Disable Device, Escape Artist, Stealth and Theft; while Fighter might only get Climb, Handle Animal, Ride and Swim. These bonus skills are gained only at first level; multiclassing characters need not apply.</p>
<p><b>3 - Skill points Increase skill aptitude</b>
<br />
A skill point can be applied to move a skill from <i>untrained</i> to <i>trained</i>, or from <i>trained</i> to <i>expert</i>. </p>
<p>At first level, all characters gain 4+(Int bonus) skill points on top of their inherent trained class skills. They may apply only one point to a given skill (thus boosting an inherent class skill to expert, or any other skill to trained, but not beyond). </p>
<p>After first level, all characters gain one skill point per level.</p>
<p><b>Done!</b></p>
<p><b><i>For Greater-Than-First-Level Character Creation</i></b></p>
<p><b>1 - Determine inherent skills from starting class</b></p>
<p><b>2 - Apply 3+level skill points</b></p>
<p><b>Done!</b></p>
<p><b>Reasoning:</b></p>
<p>Under the current Pathfinder System, there are two levels of skill proficiency: <i>trained</i> and <i>untrained</i>. However, there are also two states in which a trained skill can exist: <i>classed</i> and <i>cross-classed</i>. </p>
<p>The move from trained to untrained and the move from classed to cross-classed each provide an equal benefit [+(1/2 level + 1.5)], so classed is twice as good as cross-classed <i>but doesn't have an associated cost</i>. Thus, the system becomes easy to game through the magic of multiclassing. By applying a cost to the move from a cross-classed to classed skill, the system becomes somewhat harder to break.</p>
<p>The concept of class and cross-class skills also sucks because it requires players and GMs to consult a chart when leveling multiclassed characters. This slows down prep, and confuses new players. In order to get rid of the class skills, but emulate their intended purpose, we can start each class with a "core" selection of skills that have the equivalent of "half-max" skill ranks, with the option to either max those skills or, for the same cost, "half-max" other less iconic abilities.</p>
<p>After first level, skills advance at exactly the same rate as under the Pathfinder system, with a couple of conceits.</p>
<p>1- because my skill points are half as effective as Pathfinder skill picks (they only half-max a skill instead of maxing it), they are given out twice as frequently.</p>
<p>2 - Because there is no longer an "auto-bump" involved in multiclassing, and because all of the "bonus skills" associated with classes like Rogue are allocated automatically, there is significantly less potential for abuse.</p>I like the sound of the hybrid system, but it still strikes me as very complicated. I also like the current Pathfinder system quite a bit . . . though there seems to me something inherently wrong with class skills being twice as effective as cross-class skills . . . especially given how easy it is to move between the two.
My Suggestion
Here is another, relatively simple alternate method that I have been pondering, based on my previous skill suggestions, and also on some suggestions from...username_unavailable2008-03-23T23:49:37ZRe: Forums: Races & Classes: Favored Class Suggestionsusername_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2hy6m?Favored-Class-Suggestions#282008-03-22T05:05:32Z2008-03-22T05:05:32Z<p>Another option might be to give each race some specific bonus relating to its favoured class.</p>
<p>Something like:</p>
<p>Favoured Class Wizard: Elves make especially good wizards and pick up spells faster than other races. Elven wizards get a +2 bonus to Spellcraft checks made to learn new spells, and gain an extra metamagic feat on character creation.</p>Another option might be to give each race some specific bonus relating to its favoured class.
Something like:
Favoured Class Wizard: Elves make especially good wizards and pick up spells faster than other races. Elven wizards get a +2 bonus to Spellcraft checks made to learn new spells, and gain an extra metamagic feat on character creation.username_unavailable2008-03-22T05:05:32ZRe: Forums: Rise of the Runelords: Goblins as PCs?username_unavailablehttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2i0po?Goblins-as-PCs#62008-03-22T04:25:12Z2008-03-22T04:25:12Z<p>Have you checked out <a href="http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/community/gaming/campaignJournals/birdcrunchersAnAllGoblinRotRLAPCampaignMajorSpoilers&page=1#460138" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">tbug's RotRL campaign</a>?</p>
<p>Warning: major spoilers!</p>Have you checked out tbug's RotRL campaign?
Warning: major spoilers!username_unavailable2008-03-22T04:25:12Z