I think the book was ok, but I think that may have been the size of the book (seems really thin when you compare it to other Pathfinder (not including the adv path books). That said, I think the info inside was very informative. Hated seeing reprinted stuff in it thou, but I like the traits section + other the other stuff that that Vic mentioned.
What reprinted stuff are you seeing in this book?
For the price of this book it was money well spent. I thought it was just the right length for this type of book. The old Complete Elves of 2E and even the Races of Destiny were a little too long winded IMHO.
I liked the Elven Traits, Alchemical Archery, Stronger Magic, and Magic Foods from a crunch perspective. The Racial and Kyonin fluff sections reminded me of the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (a huge compliment in my book). The Info on the inside of the front cover is also convenient. I like the way the book is laid out.
This book is all bang for the buck. If Jeff, Hal, and Sean give the rest of the races the same treatment, Ill be perfectly satisfied.
Nice Work.
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I got my book today and man I'm enjoying the read. The only thing I m having an issue with is the lack of more info on the Forsaken. The written info is too short. But overall the book is great.
My feeling is that the Forsaken are the "elves that can be absolutely any way you want" (which is good for chargen and playing purposes). A designer's note to that effect (if that is the case) would have been helpful, though (or maybe I'm just wrong).
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I was kind of hoping for more information about the Aquatic and Wild Elves. I'm probably exagerrating, but it felt like the pictures of those two sub-races took up more of the book than the amount of space devoted to text about them.
I think, after the lightning-in-a-bottle debut of the Golarion goblin (mechanically the same, but thematically fresh), I'm kind of waiting for the next race re-imagining that makes me go 'WOW!' There was nothing *wrong* with Elves of Golarion, but I think the Goblin song set our standards unrealistically high...
And, as a PC race, I don't think Paizo could radically re-define Elves anyway, so it's a catch-22.
For the price of this book it was money well spent. I thought it was just the right length for this type of book. The old Complete Elves of 2E and even the Races of Destiny were a little too long winded IMHO.
I liked the Elven Traits, Alchemical Archery, Stronger Magic, and Magic Foods from a crunch perspective. The Racial and Kyonin fluff sections reminded me of the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (a huge compliment in my book). The Info on the inside of the front cover is also convenient. I like the way the book is laid out.
This book is all bang for the buck. If Jeff, Hal, and Sean give the rest of the races the same treatment, Ill be perfectly satisfied.
Nice Work.
Thank you very much :) It's always a difficult balancing act but I'm glad we produced something you can use.
"attracted to metal..." D'oh! Good catch. :)I used to be a physics teacher and examiner, so it's something I've seen rather a lot.
However, I really do like the book. I'm happy if this is the template for race (include human subraces) books.
Speaking as a fan (as well as a contributer) I'll agree 100% with you there.
Chief Technical Officer
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Hi! did Elaine Cunningham contribute to this book?
Nope. Elaine's working on the Pathfinder Journals that will be published in Pathfinder 19–24.
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Chief Technical Officer
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I think the book was ok, but I think that may have been the size of the book (seems really thin when you compare it to other Pathfinder (not including the adv path books).
I have to say that I'm personally very proud of the value proposition we have on the Pathfinder Companion line. It's the least expensive regular Pathfinder product we sell, yet it's 32 pages—the same size as the Pathfinder Modules.
Look at 32-page products from other companies, and I think you'll find that they all:
A) cost several dollars more
B) have black-and-white interiors
and/or
C) provide less content (by word count or pretty much any other metric)
and often, D) all of the above.
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My feeling is that the Forsaken are the "elves that can be absolutely any way you want" (which is good for chargen and playing purposes). A designer's note to that effect (if that is the case) would have been helpful, though (or maybe I'm just wrong).I got my book today and man I'm enjoying the read. The only thing I m having an issue with is the lack of more info on the Forsaken. The written info is too short. But overall the book is great.
There still should have more of a write up about the Forsaken in the book not a re hash what is in the big world book that came out at Gen Con. But I'm liking the rest of the book.
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I think the book was ok, but I think that may have been the size of the book (seems really thin when you compare it to other Pathfinder (not including the adv path books).I have to say that I'm personally very proud of the value proposition we have on the Pathfinder Companion line. It's the least expensive regular Pathfinder product we sell, yet it's 32 pages—the same size as the Pathfinder Modules.
Look at 32-page products from other companies, and I think you'll find that they all:
A) cost several dollars more
B) have black-and-white interiors
and/or
C) provide less content (by word count or pretty much any other metric)
and often, D) all of the above.
i agree
i received mine physically yesterday, and i rember it feel "bigger" in PDF (due to the fact that i have not finished it yet :P)but the full book is colored, the art interior is amazing and what i read about the elves iswhat i wanted: their nature, their organization, their realm, and few extras... i hate those books that give you just a bit of what is important and then fill the the rest with just mechanics, like prestigue classes, and similar thing
but elves of Golarion left in me a pretty good taste... i love the importance you give to elven's bright, and the possibility that half-elven souls could be part of the elven reencarnation cycle...
to the writer i would say its a good job
still too little on the Grey elves ofthe Mordent Spire...
Vic do you know if we will have something in the future about them in any of the products?
this volume seems to be having a hard time making it to the flgs. =/The retail release date isn't until November 12.
Oh, good. Was hoping this wasnt a website exclusive.
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I just opened the book for the first time and now I'm searching for my chin under the table. Once again you got me with this incredible artwork (Eva, Julie, Andrew and Ben, all of you did an amazing job).
Now if the content is half as good as the artwork (and given who the contributors are I have high expectations) this thing is worth every bit of copper I spent for it. Haven't read anything so far as I can't stop myself admiring Ben's Cover :).
By the way, as I see that you're lurking in this thread:
Hal, I've just started an elven Wu Jen hoping to become a master astrologer one day. Your article about "Astrology in D&D" has been a great inspiration since I read it the first time and finally I can make use of all the great content written by you, E.W. Morton, Craig Campbell and Chris Tulach in Dragon #340. So thanks a lot for the fun I'm having right now.
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errata
in pag 27, the price of "Snowberry Fire Peppers" is 600 GPs, bu the cost for making it is 3000 gps, i will supose there is an extra 0 in the 3000 gps cost
just one thing about that seccion... elven food? elven food! i loved the elven food!!!!
you did posible the creation of LotR Lembas!!!
gah!!! my cleric don't have enought skills or feats for this, and yet i love the idea of having her doing Waybread!!
ok... I still 3 levels to go and decide on this... but but... i really like it!
By the way, as I see that you're lurking in this thread:
Hal, I've just started an elven Wu Jen hoping to become a master astrologer one day. Your article about "Astrology in D&D" has been a great inspiration since I read it the first time and finally I can make use of all the great content written by you, E.W. Morton, Craig Campbell and Chris Tulach in Dragon #340. So thanks a lot for the fun I'm having right now.
I'm glad you're getting a chance to use it. Hopefully it won't disappoint. That article was one of my favorites to write. I had to go through three or four editors before I finally found one willing to greenlight the pitch so I have a bit of sentimental attachment to it as well. :)
errata
in pag 27, the price of "Snowberry Fire Peppers" is 600 GPs, bu the cost for making it is 3000 gps, i will supose there is an extra 0 in the 3000 gps cost
just one thing about that seccion... elven food? elven food! i loved the elven food!!!!
you did posible the creation of LotR Lembas!!!
gah!!! my cleric don't have enought skills or feats for this, and yet i love the idea of having her doing Waybread!!ok... I still 3 levels to go and decide on this... but but... i really like it!
I don't have the book in front of me so I can't say anything too specific about the pricing issue until I get to check it for myself.
As for the rest. Yes! Someone who's obsessed with elven food as me! :) Ever since I first read LotR I've been fascinated by the idea, and when I got a chance to work on this project the first thought that popped into my head was, "Finally! Magical meals."
I'm just glad it didn't get cut... :)
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I just want to know if the answer the question as to whether elves take forever to reach the same look in age as adulthood or not.
You know, like if a 20 year old elf looks like a 20 year old then STOPS aging for the most part, or if a 20 year old elf looks like an 8 year old. I was really wanting to get this book and was hoping that simple that was at least answered.
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I think the book was ok, but I think that may have been the size of the book (seems really thin when you compare it to other Pathfinder (not including the adv path books). That said, I think the info inside was very informative. Hated seeing reprinted stuff in it thou, but I like the traits section + other the other stuff that that Vic mentioned.What reprinted stuff are you seeing in this book?
Sean,
first off sorry for the late response. After all this time not used to this style of message board (even with the dots).
Anyways, I guess what I meant by reprinted stuff was the gods section, but that is because I seen it also in the gods book that I got at the same time. Artwork obviously the same, made me think that is was printed. Thou most information regarding the gods & deities of Golarion will have some sorta reprinted information leading up to guide on them.
Sorry about that.
RM
in pag 27, the price of "Snowberry Fire Peppers" is 600 GPs, bu the cost for making it is 3000 gps, i will supose there is an extra 0 in the 3000 gps cost
Yes, cost to create is just 300 gp, not 3,000 gp. My bad!
just one thing about that seccion... elven food? elven food! i loved the elven food!!!!
you did posible the creation of LotR Lembas!!!
gah!!! my cleric don't have enought skills or feats for this, and yet i love the idea of having her doing Waybread!!
ok... I still 3 levels to go and decide on this... but but... i really like it!
I don't have the book in front of me so I can't say anything too specific about the pricing issue until I get to check it for myself.
As for the rest. Yes! Someone who's obsessed with elven food as me! :) Ever since I first read LotR I've been fascinated by the idea, and when I got a chance to work on this project the first thought that popped into my head was, "Finally! Magical meals."
... when I got a chance to work on this project the first thought that popped into my head was, "Finally! Magical meals." I'm just glad it didn't get cut... :)
Me, too! :)
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Yes, cost to create is just 300 gp, not 3,000 gp. My bad!
thanks :)
supposed soyet needed to be sure
and yes i am gald this made the cut, its something i haven't thought in eyars, but when i saw it i perused with some interest, calculating cost (i don't take item creation feats in general) but when i arrived to Waybread i just fell in love understanding from where it all came, and how deep rooted magic is elven culture
BTW sorry for including some extraneous quoted text in my reply up there. The only comments from me were:
I don't have the book in front of me so I can't say anything too specific about the pricing issue until I get to check it for myself.
and
Me, too! :)
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BTW sorry for including some extraneous quoted text in my reply up there. The only comments from me were:
I don't have the book in front of me so I can't say anything too specific about the pricing issue until I get to check it for myself.
and
Me, too! :)
i thout it was: Yes, cost to create is just 300 gp, not 3,000 gp. My bad!
but no worries... i did understood
So, is there any indication as to when we can expect companion books for Dwarves (or other races)?
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So, is there any indication as to when we can expect companion books for Dwarves (or other races)?
for what has been discused in other threads right now there are no specific plans...
also as Jacobs doesn't like dwarves :P...
lol he also says he is not the only onetaking the decision... but yes nothing on the schedule
Thanks for the reply, Montalve.
I think it's a horrible tease to invent racial traits but to only have planned on releasing elvish ones.
I also think it'll be ironic if psionic crunch sees print before other racial traits.
For me, that makes Elves of Golarion all the more bitter. I like Elves just about as much as I'm guessing James likes Dwarves, and this book delighted me very much when I wasn't really expecting it to. I just don't get excited about Elves, but this book actually has me intrigued with them for the first time. Touches such as including magic meals and a stat block of the Queen sealed the deal. As much as I had enjoyed this book, it had increased my anticipation for similar treatment for the Dwarves only to be horribly dashed that this will be but an impossible dream.
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. As much as I had enjoyed this book, it had increased my anticipation for similar treatment for the Dwarves only to be horribly dashed that this will be but an impossible dream.
It's not an impossible dream. "Not on the schedule right now" means simply that they're waiting to see if the numbers justify making another race book like this - and honestly, the money making APs and big risky PFRPG are pretty much consuming the entirety of the development staff's attention right now.
It's almost certain that the next "Race of Golarion" book will be Dwarves of Golarion, simply based on the number of purchasing fans out there. *I* have to deal with the sensible notion of the publishers that Gnomes of Golarion might not sell enough to justify the cost.
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I for one would have love to have seen dwarves out first but I guess I'm a bit impartial to dwarves, being they are my favorite fantasy race to play(dwarven fighter-clerics!!!!).
Thou, with the latest AP focusing allot on elves (drow & otherwise) I can see why elves got the push first thou (that & one of the first iconics is a elf of course).
Hopefully maybe other racial traits will come out in the Rulebook or maybe as a online treat.
RM
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I was reading through again and noticed something that might not have been thought out when concerning the Duelist PrC.
In the Faith section, under Shelywn's Warm Embrace, whenever you fight defensively or use total defense, you gain a sacred bonus to saves equal to one half of the AC bonus you gained by taking the action.
... as a duelist, the AC gained from THAT action is between 13-16. So yours saves would shoot up by 6-8 points?
Wording leans that way ...
It's almost certain that the next "Race of Golarion" book will be Dwarves of Golarion, simply based on the number of purchasing fans out there. *I* have to deal with the sensible notion of the publishers that Gnomes of Golarion might not sell enough to justify the cost.
For what it's worth, I would run out and buy Gnomes of Golarion as soon as it was available.
For what it's worth, I would run out and buy Gnomes of Golarion as soon as it was available.
It's almost certain that the next "Race of Golarion" book will be Dwarves of Golarion, simply based on the number of purchasing fans out there. *I* have to deal with the sensible notion of the publishers that Gnomes of Golarion might not sell enough to justify the cost.
Me too. Gnomes rock.
For what it's worth, I would run out and buy Gnomes of Golarion as soon as it was available.Me too. Gnomes rock.
Golarion's gnomes rock. :)
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Director of Brand Strategy
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Well, I hear Golarion's rocks totally gnome.Golarion's gnomes rock. :)For what it's worth, I would run out and buy Gnomes of Golarion as soon as it was available.Me too. Gnomes rock.
Not all of 'em can be successes, Vic. We appreciate the effort to keep the boards a fun and humorous place, though, so we overlook the times that it just doesn't work the way you might originally intend.
Not all of 'em can be successes, Vic. We appreciate the effort to keep the boards a fun and humorous place, though, so we overlook the times that it just doesn't work the way you might originally intend.I can read between the lines... I know you loved it.
I certainly did!
And I present you with the Seal of Approval!Arf! Arf! Arf!
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I don't have the book in front of me so I can't say anything too specific about the pricing issue until I get to check it for myself.
As for the rest. Yes! Someone who's obsessed with elven food as me! :) Ever since I first read LotR I've been fascinated by the idea, and when I got a chance to work on this project the first thought that popped into my head was, "Finally! Magical meals."
I'm just glad it didn't get cut... :)
All in all, this sounds like a very good product, and an ideal christmas present for myself! :D I'm glad if there are magical food/drinks in the book, because it fits perfectly my own image of the elven culture.
BTW, The best sources on elves I have seen so far and used (in my FR campaigns) were Ed Greenwood's 'Cormyr: a novel' and Elaine Cunningham's 'Evermeet: island of elves'. So, I have really high hopes for whatever Elaine is writing for Paizo! :)
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Vic,
will there be any chance for "crunch" updates when PF RPG comes out? I know it should be easy to do yourself, but some mechanics may still get revised a bit, and end up being very different from 3E (e.g. certain spells or feats that a product refers to might be *very* different in PF RPG or not exist at all).
Maybe free, downloadable PDFs for all the PF Companion products and CS? :)
Just arrived today after exactly 9 working days ^^
A first note:
The description about elves given in the first few pages is a sort of standard 'primer to elves for the new and clueless' which, to older players who may still have the complete book of elves from 2nd edition may seem like a repetition of the already known and stated, but it still is a great few lines for those who first look at the race in-depth.
It also shows that golarion elves are not entirely so different than your good old everyday other DND elf.
Two things I am disappointed about is the prestige class. Some may disagree, but the path given in this book is sort of NPC-ey - I don't imagine many players in my campaign would be charmed into playing it. It does not fit any spellcaster classes as it does not add any caster levels and the low attack bonus will probably disorient fighter-types from picking it.
I suppose I was hoping towards something like the return of a worthy bladesinger class to the game, which I've not seen since 2nd edition, or a mordant spire inspired one, perhaps even something from the winter council, oh well!
Second, the elven queen's stat block seems a bit sub-par to me. Although I like the 2nd ed feeling these not-too-high-level-but-still-epic-npc give, but she could use a bit of extra omph.
(After a quick breakdown, her original unmodified by race or items statblock comes out at a total cost of 24 points in creation, which is 1 less from the 'epic fantasy' point selection. This is awesome for an NPC of this magnitude, but her crown which disables her from wearing a headband of intellect is a bit of a kick in the groin. She could still come out large and in-charge by researching a permanency spell on a maximized fox cunning spell, and with the PF rules she also gets a +2 racial int buff and 2 extra hps per level according to the conversion rules which puts her in a good place. 27 int sounds much better for a queen of elves rather than 20, which will likely be outmatched by an elf PC by level 8 or 12. I might go make my own version of her on the forums just for kicks later, using the same good logic of non-munchkinism)
Other than that, this is most likely my favorite PF companion thus far. Firstly because it speaks of my favorite race (can you tell :P) in extensive detail, and second because it gives me a lot of new information on areas I am more than likely to use in the campaign I presently run.
I would go as far as to say 'elves of golarion' is a must have for anyone planning to run an elf-involving campaign on golarion, and a great roleplay-resource and background information crate of treasures for anyone who wants to start an elf in this new amazing world.
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i agree, elves of Golarion is a great book, loved since i got it...
i disagree withh Vak... i usually don't persue the use of prestigue class but the seeker of the bright attracts me for RPG reasons... already my elven bard / captain is looking for the bright, while she founds its she just traveles where the wind takes her...
after having a few or many levels of bard focused in oratory an giving order to her crew...
i like the queen, since i try strongly to discourage PC of wearing a dozen or so magic items... i do the same with NPCs, the queen does pretty good by herself and also she is not supposed to be Epic nor to fight alone, her strategies and reasoning are great so i believe she will endure.
i myself give offer magic shops in them there are only sold magic regents and in cities a few minor magic items... but otherwise no i don't offer such posibilities...
i see as munchikinsm the persue of the full christmas tree syndrome... but that is me... i do prefer to strenghten magic instead of making magic items indispensable.
I'm against munchkinism as well. I use the same logic with players.
I always discourage pc's from taking too many 'leet feats' and all those character build programs some tend to draft up since lv 1.
Its not the magical items of the queen I commented on, or her feat list, but the fluff of buffs a 15th level wizard imo 'should' have.
I suppose I have the tendency to play out important or major npcs just as if they were PC's, so if the pc's have developed 'tricks' with which to deal with situations, so will the important npc's.
What I suggested was an addition to her buff list, along with a permanency spell.
Modifying her to pathfinder, I would further make her an enchanter or conjurer, most likely conjurer, even though enchantment seems to be the trademark elven school.
Too bad her actual age isn't listed.
I'd like to know if this is a 1342 years old queen or one that just got the crown- Unless I missed something.
In my mind and according to her persona file, I'd picture her as a fairly young elven queen, in her early 200's. She seems to be more progressive than the average elf, which would make new experiences (and levels) come faster to her than most elven way-living elves (as opposed to adventuring elves matching their paces with humans)