Creative Director
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James,
Please, please use the APG and future content you intend to create in the AP!!!!!!! Just add some references to the book or a small explanation if needed! There is nothing more frustrating than buying a source book (with I'll keep on doing) that won't be used in any published module or adventure...I think content integration and continuity are key for a system to feel alive and evolving (and the AP is Paizo spinal cord)
We'll absolutely be using content from our hardcovers in our adventures; we already do so in Serpent's Skull, in fact, with a witch in the first adventure and some archetype using NPCs in the second one.
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Thanks to James and Wes, my new local group starts playtesting Carrion Crown tomorrow night. I'm ridiculously excited to revisit Ustalav as a player rather than as a writer.
I broke down and purchased Hero Lab to confirm what I'd suspected--I'd made several small mistakes in creating Sascha Caromac, my young human oracle. The software is impressive. Both times I thought I spotted a bug, it turned out I simply hadn't finished a necessary field in a later tab.
The other characters include a fighter, a rogue, and a witch. With my -1 CM, you can guess which one I plan to befriend first.
With Wes's blessing, I'll post non-spoiler playtest notes in coming weeks.
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Or, another alternative use for those pages could include extra fiction in the event you want your authors to have more "elbow room" to flex their literary muscles.
Or, you can squeeze in some more monsters.
Or, you can include extra rules elements like the mass combat stuff that appeared in Kingmaker without having to trim anything else.
Or, you can have an extra long supporting article that helps enhance the campaign setting with more information on where the campaign takes place.
Or, you could have any mix of these things in any or all of the six issues over a single AP.
Or some extra art would be nice (not every issue maybe just now and again.)
Thanks to James and Wes, my new local group starts playtesting Carrion Crown tomorrow night. I'm ridiculously excited to revisit Ustalav as a player rather than as a writer.
I broke down and purchased Hero Lab to confirm what I'd suspected--I'd made several small mistakes in creating Sascha Caromac, my young human oracle. The software is impressive. Both times I thought I spotted a bug, it turned out I simply hadn't finished a necessary field in a later tab.
The other characters include a fighter, a rogue, and a witch. With my -1 CM, you can guess which one I plan to befriend first.
With Wes's blessing, I'll post non-spoiler playtest notes in coming weeks.
Awesome! Looking forward to it.
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Looking to hear updates Dave Gross.
I am interested in "Brought together by the death of an ally" and "a new system of background character traits that promise to draw the heroes’ histories into the Adventure Path like never before". Is a a military background? Just want to get my group planning for this.
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Looking to hear updates Dave Gross.
I am interested in "Brought together by the death of an ally" and "a new system of background character traits that promise to draw the heroes’ histories into the Adventure Path like never before". Is a a military background? Just want to get my group planning for this.
We lost a week to the flu, and I held off reporting from our second session because it had a lot in common with the first. I'll report more non-spoilery info after Monday evening's session.
FYI, we have not yet had access to the character traits, but the GM has since had a new package from Paizo, so perhaps we'll see them next time.
I'm guessing she's the eponymous Haunting of Harrowstone. (Which is what you were getting at, right?)
Also, Feiya somehow looks even cooler with half the picture blocked off by the Blue Lady.
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I'm guessing she's the eponymous Haunting of Harrowstone. (Which is what you were getting at, right?)
Also, Feiya somehow looks even cooler with half the picture blocked off by the Blue Lady.
Yeah more or less but she might not be too.
Feiya always looks cool.
I know the chick on the cover would make a wicked cool mini though.
I'm guessing she's the eponymous Haunting of Harrowstone. (Which is what you were getting at, right?)
Also, Feiya somehow looks even cooler with half the picture blocked off by the Blue Lady.
Yeah more or less but she might not be too.
Feiya always looks cool.
I know the chick on the cover would make a wicked cool mini though.
Not to mention that the "Blue Lady" (I also assume a ghost) is a hottie in her how right. :)
No reason why ghosts cant be HAWT!!!
Just thought I'd put my two cents in. First off can't wait for this new adventure path, been a while since done anything like Ravenloft or Castlevania.
I think it's great we are finally seeing one of the new Iconics appear in an adventure path, for me the iconics resemble a kind of family. Much like Mordenkainen or Elminster are for fans of Greyhawk and Forgotten Realms. These are our heroes, while they don't necessarily play any actual role in the story of the world, their images in the various books bring a smile to my face when I get to flip through the art.
James, you asked what do we use the iconic stats for. Well for my group, we don't use them. I'm indiffrent on whether they remain in the AP or are removed. However, if they are removed I would like to see a section on the paizo website where we can view the iconics in full. Their full stats (ranging from various levels), their entire backstory, their art, and such. This way if someone ever does want/need to use them, they can still be found. Even if it is online.
Thank you all once again at Paizo for creating a campaign world I can finally call home. It took 17 years of gaming, but I finally found it.
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Ooh... me LIKE! Love the layout for this AP, and the ghost is really hawt! I wonder if she's into... er, manlier types, like brimstone-smelling, tattooed and hairy Chelaxian dwarven males!
No, no one is. :)
*Note - I posted this once, thread said I posted in it but my post never showed up. So trying it again.
I'm indiffrent on whether they remain in the AP or are removed. However, if they are removed I would like to see a section on the paizo website where we can view the iconics in full. Their full stats (ranging from various levels), their entire backstory, their art, and such. This way if someone ever does want/need to use them, they can still be found. Even if it is online.
That's a very cool idea Kevin and something we'd like to do in the future. It's a long term goal, though, as creating stats for our ever-expanding stable of iconics at every level with related back stories is a pretty huge undertaking. And, if we'd be putting something like this up online for free, such a project immediately takes a backseat to any project we'd be printing or selling. But it's totally something we'd like to do. It just might be a good while coming.
On a related note, so one one is surprised, the iconics no longer appear in Pathfinder Adventure Path as of volume #43. In that volume the space is repurposed to present the Carrion Crown Adventure Path's campaign outline. In future volumes it will be be subsumed into content earlier in the book. (Don't worry, we didn't just stick in two more ads.)
We removed the iconics from the back for a few reasons, not the least of which was because they were a hassle to put together every month without much obvious use. Additionally, though, the Pathfinder RPG has been around for more than a year now and most players have their own characters by this point. If players do need characters, we've got dozens of volumes of past Pathfinder Adventure Paths, the Pathfinder Campaign Setting NPC Guide and the upcoming Rival Guide full of stat blocks ready for use as new adventurers. Alternatively, for GMs who used those statblocks for extra NPCs and what not, we now have dozens of NPC statblocks up on the NPC Gallery of the Pathfinder RPG Reference Document - so no more trying to use 5th-level monk stats when the PCs decide to fight that mouthy but unstated merchant, just use the free traveling merchant stats. So, we think folks are pretty well covered for statblocks, and are excited to have a little more room to present more adventure, world material, and monsters.
But your opinions are the ones that matter. Check out Pathfinder Adventure Path #43, run it without those two pages of stats in the back, then get on here and tell us what you think!
That's a very cool idea Kevin and something we'd like to do in the future. It's a long term goal, though, as creating stats for our ever-expanding stable of iconics at every level with related back stories is a pretty huge undertaking. And, if we'd be putting something like this up online for free, such a project immediately takes a backseat to any project we'd be printing or selling. But it's totally something we'd like to do. It just might be a good while coming.
so give a man a job!
I work for minimum wage!
anything will do!
i can multi task too! need your waste paper basket emptied??
I'm indiffrent on whether they remain in the AP or are removed. However, if they are removed I would like to see a section on the paizo website where we can view the iconics in full. Their full stats (ranging from various levels), their entire backstory, their art, and such. This way if someone ever does want/need to use them, they can still be found. Even if it is online.That's a very cool idea Kevin and something we'd like to do in the future. It's a long term goal, though, as creating stats for our ever-expanding stable of iconics at every level with related back stories is a pretty huge undertaking. And, if we'd be putting something like this up online for free, such a project immediately takes a backseat to any project we'd be printing or selling. But it's totally something we'd like to do. It just might be a good while coming.
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I'd think put the icons out there as a tease a few months before the release. As each AP release come up, add a page updating the stats and adding to their back story. Then, the icons, their stat blocks and history don't become a 'huge' undertaking. Just adding a little at a time over seven (preview + 6) installments.
-Swiftbrook
Just My Thoughts
On a related note, so one one is surprised, the iconics no longer appear in Pathfinder Adventure Path as of volume #43. In that volume the space is repurposed to present the Carrion Crown Adventure Path's campaign outline. In future volumes it will be be subsumed into content earlier in the book. (Don't worry, we didn't just stick in two more ads.)
This is a good idea.
It also allows the use of the new iconics in the APs artwork. :)
On a related note, so one one is surprised, the iconics no longer appear in Pathfinder Adventure Path as of volume #43. In that volume the space is repurposed to present the Carrion Crown Adventure Path's campaign outline. In future volumes it will be be subsumed into content earlier in the book. (Don't worry, we didn't just stick in two more ads.)
I will kinda miss just checking out how the iconics progressed, but it's a fair trade for more content. I do miss the Set Pieces from LoF, but understand that they were too much to get organized with all the other AP material. I wondered if maybe a page for a related Map of Mystery feature has ever been discussed? I always found those really useful in the old Dungeon Mag days.
The pre-update post said something about "a new trait system to draw your characters deeper into the campaign than ever before."
I see that has gone away in favor of a guide to the local city. Has that material been moved to the Player's Guide, or cut? I was really looking forward to that...
Awesome cover art folks. Bravo.
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Creative Director
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The pre-update post said something about "a new trait system to draw your characters deeper into the campaign than ever before."
I see that has gone away in favor of a guide to the local city. Has that material been moved to the Player's Guide, or cut? I was really looking forward to that...
There'll still be material in the Player's Guide about campaign traits and advice on building characters that fit well into the Carrion Crown AP. That stuff isn't going into the actual print product though; it'll be a free PDF that will be available at about the time this volume will be available for purchase.
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The pre-update post said something about "a new trait system to draw your characters deeper into the campaign than ever before."
I see that has gone away in favor of a guide to the local city. Has that material been moved to the Player's Guide, or cut? I was really looking forward to that...
I would think the players guide, that is really a better place for it anyways. Least I hope it is.
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On a related note, so one one is surprised, the iconics no longer appear in Pathfinder Adventure Path as of volume #43. In that volume the space is repurposed to present the Carrion Crown Adventure Path's campaign outline. In future volumes it will be be subsumed into content earlier in the book. (Don't worry, we didn't just stick in two more ads.)
Never used them ... And I surely won't cry ... My player's characters are much much better ... simply because they are THEIRS.
What would be great would be to add "side treks" or expand the AP a bit more...
BtW ... I love your APs and I hate you guys for launching so many great products and not having the time to play them all.
I suppose that's the lot of having a family ;o)
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I'm indiffrent on whether they remain in the AP or are removed. However, if they are removed I would like to see a section on the paizo website where we can view the iconics in full. Their full stats (ranging from various levels), their entire backstory, their art, and such. This way if someone ever does want/need to use them, they can still be found. Even if it is online.That's a very cool idea Kevin and something we'd like to do in the future. It's a long term goal, though, as creating stats for our ever-expanding stable of iconics at every level with related back stories is a pretty huge undertaking. And, if we'd be putting something like this up online for free, such a project immediately takes a backseat to any project we'd be printing or selling. But it's totally something we'd like to do. It just might be a good while coming.
Why not let fans do the writing and mechanics for you? I mean, it could a competition like RPG Superstar 2011, or even part of it? Just a thought.
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Ooh... me LIKE! Love the layout for this AP, and the ghost is really hawt! I wonder if she's into... er, manlier types, like brimstone-smelling, tattooed and hairy Chelaxian dwarven males!No, no one is. :)
*Note - I posted this once, thread said I posted in it but my post never showed up. So trying it again.
You're a speciecist, aren't you? Well, I never liked succubuses anyway -- too chaotic and out-of-control for my refined tastes! My erinyes secretary, however... mmmmm! ;P
What would be great would be to add "side treks" or expand the AP a bit more...
This was done in the Second Darkness and Legacy of Fire APs. People did not like them, alas.
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Looking forward to your report Dave on Monday and really interested in that new package your GM got.
My apologies for the delay. We lost a week to GM's illness, and I've been up to my eyes in work. Because the report for sessions 2 and 3 is full of medium-to-big spoilers, here's your warning not to click this link to read the post.
Session 4 was very nearly a TPK. More on that soon.
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Looking forward to your report Dave on Monday and really interested in that new package your GM got.
My apologies for the delay. We lost a week to GM's illness, and I've been up to my eyes in work. Because the report for sessions 2 and 3 is full of medium-to-big spoilers, here's your warning not to click this link to read the post.
Session 4 was very nearly a TPK. More on that soon.
It sounds wicked cool and I can not wait to get this AP and read more of your posts about it.
Thanks for taking the time out to share this Dave! Your GM sounds most excellent.
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What would be great would be to add "side treks" or expand the AP a bit more...
Even if we didn't get back to the side trek format (which I though was great and very Dungeon-esqe) I would like to see an AP expansion/suggestion idea area.
Something similar to what is found at the end of both I1 (Dwellers of the Forbidden City) and B4 (The Lost City) - doesn't need to be full adventure ideas unless it is a huge site, but maybe some encounter ideas +CR which expand and build upon the presented scenario.It would be nice.
Edit: Also some nice filler for DMs who want to run the APs on a slow xp track and don't want to deviate with too many outside modules to keep the PCs on track with the APs. A way to pad xp which is relevant to the overall AP theme and isn't just 100% random encounters.
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What would be great would be to add "side treks" or expand the AP a bit more...Even if we didn't get back to the side trek format (which I though was great and very Dungeon-esqe) I would like to see an AP expansion/suggestion idea area.
Something similar to what is found at the end of both I1 (Dwellers of the Forbidden City) and B4 (The Lost City) - doesn't need to be full adventure ideas unless it is a huge site, but maybe some encounter ideas +CR which expand and build upon the presented scenario.It would be nice.
Seconded!
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Contributor
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Thanks Dave for the update and more interested in playing this AP.
If you don't fear spoilers, check out the latest playtest report at my Facebook page.
Please post a reply to the message thread to let me know people are still reading them, and I'll continue to post them.
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Thanks Dave for the update and more interested in playing this AP.If you don't fear spoilers, check out the latest playtest report at my Facebook page.
Please post a reply to the message thread to let me know people are still reading them, and I'll continue to post them.
I am reading it and finding it interesting.
Definetly interested in this AP, more so now after the nice read from Dave Gross's little adventure.
This one looks like it will be a lot of fun, even if you just run it as a stand alone. First I was thinking it had a "Ghost Hunters" vibe to it, but now I'm thinking more along the lines of "Ghost Busters." Hmm, that may be idea...scribble, scribble, ghostbusting PCs, scribble, scribble...
When will this AP be up for grabs? I'd like to start my AP subscription starting with this one and it would mean a lot if I could know a better approximation than February 2011.
It ships to subscribers in mid-February. In my experience, mid-Something usually means it ships in the second or third week of a month. Until it actually arrives at the warehouse, though, Paizo aren't going to commit to a solid date.
And when will I be able to start my subcription to APs without ordering the 5th and 6th part of Serpent's Skull?
As soon as Serpent's Skull #6 has been released. In the adventure path subscription page, there's a sidebar letting you know what you're options are. Just scroll down a bit and you'll find it. Naturally this sidebar is updated as soon as an installment is released.
Does that mean that I will not get the early shippment/pdf?
Another two thumbs up for Mike Kortes!!
(However, the town name of "Ravengro" sounds like it was thought up while bird-watching at the local gardening centre.)