
William Hannon |
William Hannon wrote:James,
I was reading some notes about your Shadows under Sandpoint game. There is some interest in using similar material with a group I have. Is there any way to get ahold of more reference material to use? WRT Kanker, and the like?
Thanks,
BillAt this point, beyond some scattered notes associated with that game that crept into some of the back matter articles in the comics, the Magnimar Book, the PCs in NPC guide, the Sandpoint traits in Advanced Player's Guide, and the Ilvarandin entry in Lost Cities, there's not a lot of info about Shadows under Sandpoint out there for folks to run with.
Would folks be interested in seeing more stuff from Shadows Under Sandpoint?
I know I would here. Actually, part of the reason for this is that I am crafting a home-brew extension to the We Be Goblins and Kanker is the force exerting (or trying to) control over the neighboring Birdcrunchers via assorted minions. The insane little maniacs now in charge of the tribe (our 'heroes') have to choose to submit to the authority of some unknown evil power, or do as their instincts tell them and start setting things on fire until the problem goes away. Any additional reference material that is 'canon' absolutely helps.

![]() |

James Jacobs wrote:I know I would here. Actually, part of the reason for this is that I am crafting a home-brew extension to the We Be Goblins and Kanker is the force exerting (or trying to) control over the neighboring Birdcrunchers via assorted minions. The insane little maniacs now in charge of the tribe (our 'heroes') have to choose to submit to the authority of some unknown evil power, or do as their instincts tell them and start setting things on fire until the problem goes away. Any additional reference material that is 'canon' absolutely helps.William Hannon wrote:James,
I was reading some notes about your Shadows under Sandpoint game. There is some interest in using similar material with a group I have. Is there any way to get ahold of more reference material to use? WRT Kanker, and the like?
Thanks,
BillAt this point, beyond some scattered notes associated with that game that crept into some of the back matter articles in the comics, the Magnimar Book, the PCs in NPC guide, the Sandpoint traits in Advanced Player's Guide, and the Ilvarandin entry in Lost Cities, there's not a lot of info about Shadows under Sandpoint out there for folks to run with.
Would folks be interested in seeing more stuff from Shadows Under Sandpoint?
Well... Kanker is a relatively high-level foe; he's a ghast alchemist 10, after all. He'd be unlikely to directly interact with any goblin tribe, but minions of his minions might be involved.

William Hannon |
William Hannon wrote:Well... Kanker is a relatively high-level foe; he's a ghast alchemist 10, after all. He'd be unlikely to directly interact with any goblin tribe, but minions of his minions might be involved.James Jacobs wrote:I know I would here. Actually, part of the reason for this is that I am crafting a home-brew extension to the We Be Goblins and Kanker is the force exerting (or trying to) control over the neighboring Birdcrunchers via assorted minions. The insane little maniacs now in charge of the tribe (our 'heroes') have to choose to submit to the authority of some unknown evil power, or do as their instincts tell them and start setting things on fire until the problem goes away. Any additional reference material that is 'canon' absolutely helps.William Hannon wrote:James,
I was reading some notes about your Shadows under Sandpoint game. There is some interest in using similar material with a group I have. Is there any way to get ahold of more reference material to use? WRT Kanker, and the like?
Thanks,
BillAt this point, beyond some scattered notes associated with that game that crept into some of the back matter articles in the comics, the Magnimar Book, the PCs in NPC guide, the Sandpoint traits in Advanced Player's Guide, and the Ilvarandin entry in Lost Cities, there's not a lot of info about Shadows under Sandpoint out there for folks to run with.
Would folks be interested in seeing more stuff from Shadows Under Sandpoint?
My thoughts exactly, I was confused by the note saying he was an alchemist 10, I read that online also yet he's described as a priest of Kabriri, so I wasn't sure if there was a mix of classes going on. I think you'd approve of the choice of baddies/minons that the goblins do get to interact with and fight against.
The idea of maps of the various extensive tunnels that connect Sandpoint, the Pauper's Graves and the Devil's Platter is very appealing, as is some details about the Bugbears that are rumored to be in 'the pit'. However, don't mistake this goblin diversion, any info on your entire Shadows under Sandpoint campaign as described would be fantastic for its own enjoyment. Sandpoint seems to be the central location to most of what we do as a group, since it's central to several adventure paths. Anything that expands the detail in the area is extremely valuable.
Thanks for all the awesome enjoyment and rich content you guys have delivered already!

![]() |

My thoughts exactly, I was confused by the note saying he was an alchemist 10, I read that online also yet he's described as a priest of Kabriri, so I wasn't sure if there was a mix of classes going on. I think you'd approve of the choice of baddies/minons that the goblins do get to interact with and fight against.
The idea of maps of the various extensive tunnels that connect Sandpoint, the Pauper's Graves and the Devil's Platter is very appealing, as is some details about the Bugbears that are rumored to be in 'the pit'. However, don't mistake this goblin diversion, any info on your entire Shadows under Sandpoint campaign as described would be fantastic for its own enjoyment. Sandpoint seems to be the central location to most of what we do as a group, since it's central to several adventure paths. Anything that expands the detail in the area is extremely valuable.
Thanks for all the awesome enjoyment and rich content you guys have delivered already!
Kanker IS a priest of Kabriri. He's also a 10th level alchemist. "Priest" is not a class in the game; it's a catch-all term we often use instead of saying "actual active member of the church's clergy." He's more than a worshiper of Kabriri, in other words, even though he's not a divine spellcaster.
ANYway! Have fun with Sandpoint and thanks for the interest! I'll see what I can do regarding more Sandpoint stuff in the future.

![]() |

Rysky wrote:I quite like it! That it gives all sorts of builds a resource to manage and also allows for more spellcasting potential is fun!I would also be interested in the Shadows Under Sandpoint game :3
What are your thoughts on the Focus Meter in 3 and the various skills with the weapons?
Me too :3
What about them limiting the amount of arrows you can carry to 99 per type? I was... not amused XD

![]() |

James Jacobs wrote:Rysky wrote:I quite like it! That it gives all sorts of builds a resource to manage and also allows for more spellcasting potential is fun!I would also be interested in the Shadows Under Sandpoint game :3
What are your thoughts on the Focus Meter in 3 and the various skills with the weapons?
Me too :3
What about them limiting the amount of arrows you can carry to 99 per type? I was... not amused XD
I'm fine with that. It's how it worked in Bloodborne. Arrows (and any other thing) in excess of 99 simply get shifted over to the bottomless box, and whenever you camp at a bonfire, the game automatically refills the stuff you carry from your supplies in the box. In this way, arrows are as limited a resource as your health or mana or anything else.

Jareth Elirae |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

Are there any thoughts to Paizo selling actual versions of the stuffed owlbear that the iconic kineticist carries with him and is featured on page 15 of Occult Adventurers? Even my most hardcore power gamer friends have seen the picture and say "I want one in real life". That picture seems to have significant appeal (as does the stuffed tiefling to a lesser degree).

![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

1)What is the last animated movie you have seen?
2)What is the last animated TV show that you have seen?
3)Have you seen the preview for the new Japanese Godzilla movie?
4)What movies have you seen lately?
5)What is the last videogame that you have played?
1) No change; haven't seen an animated movie since the last time you asked. So I guess that means it's still "The Book of Life".
2) Venture Brothers.
3) Yes.
4) Kristy: Not bad, but not all that innovative.
VANish: An interesting core concept (ill-prepared kidnappers abduct a drug kingpin's daughter and get in over their heads) bolstered by awesome cameos by Tony Todd and Danny Trejo, but otherwise didn't live up to its potential
The Hallow: Excellent movie! Felt like a mix between Evil Dead and Pan's Labyrinth.
The Midnight Swim: A very compelling and subtly unsettling found-footage ghost movie
He Never Died: Excellent movie with an outstanding performance by Henry Rollins
Bound to Vengeance: Interesting idea completely ruined by being so entirely implausible by being set in the modern day and not, say, in a post-apocalyptic setting where there aren't police to call for help
Outrage: Great yakuza movie!
Beyond Outrage: Great sequel yakuza movie!
Final Girl: A fun and cathartic revenge movie
Hardcore Henry: Over the top, some fun scenes, but overall a bit too much
Knock Knock: Delightful, despite an annoying lame chunk of Keanu
47 Ronin: Some not bad CGI work but overall a pretty lame version of a classic story, with bonus annoying lame chunks of Keanu
The Big Short: Good, a little hard to follow, and infuriating
Spotlight: Good, easy to follow, and infuriating
Chained: Excellent movie about Vincent Dinofrio being crazy
Fermat's Room: Interesting but kinda flawed
The Revenant (2009): Quite good, with some fun escalation of events that I didn't see coming
Extraterrestrial: Kinda annoying and lots of humor that simply fell flat and really annoying characters... bleh
5) Dark Souls III

![]() |

Are there any thoughts to Paizo selling actual versions of the stuffed owlbear that the iconic kineticist carries with him and is featured on page 15 of Occult Adventurers? Even my most hardcore power gamer friends have seen the picture and say "I want one in real life". That picture seems to have significant appeal (as does the stuffed tiefling to a lesser degree).
It's certainly cute, but I doubt we'd do one, since the owlbear itself isn't really something we invented in the first place.

![]() |

William Hannon wrote:My thoughts exactly, I was confused by the note saying he was an alchemist 10, I read that online also yet he's described as a priest of Kabriri, so I wasn't sure if there was a mix of classes going on. I think you'd approve of the choice of baddies/minons that the goblins do get to interact with and fight against.
The idea of maps of the various extensive tunnels that connect Sandpoint, the Pauper's Graves and the Devil's Platter is very appealing, as is some details about the Bugbears that are rumored to be in 'the pit'. However, don't mistake this goblin diversion, any info on your entire Shadows under Sandpoint campaign as described would be fantastic for its own enjoyment. Sandpoint seems to be the central location to most of what we do as a group, since it's central to several adventure paths. Anything that expands the detail in the area is extremely valuable.
Thanks for all the awesome enjoyment and rich content you guys have delivered already!
Kanker IS a priest of Kabriri. He's also a 10th level alchemist. "Priest" is not a class in the game; it's a catch-all term we often use instead of saying "actual active member of the church's clergy." He's more than a worshiper of Kabriri, in other words, even though he's not a divine spellcaster.
ANYway! Have fun with Sandpoint and thanks for the interest! I'll see what I can do regarding more Sandpoint stuff in the future.
Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus of support for more Sandpoint!

Cole Deschain |

Sandpoint was my introduction to Golarion, way back when I was running a human ranger with a crush on Shalelu and a borderline obsessive hatred of giantkind. Add me to the "yes" pile.
What's your favorite part of Golarion someone else came up with?

Alexander Augunas Contributor |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

Jareth Elirae wrote:Are there any thoughts to Paizo selling actual versions of the stuffed owlbear that the iconic kineticist carries with him and is featured on page 15 of Occult Adventurers? Even my most hardcore power gamer friends have seen the picture and say "I want one in real life". That picture seems to have significant appeal (as does the stuffed tiefling to a lesser degree).It's certainly cute, but I doubt we'd do one, since the owlbear itself isn't really something we invented in the first place.
Side note, my friend Robyn actually made a Gom Gom for our former Venture-Lieutenant before he had to move. I got her to photo-document it and helped her write it into an article for Know Direction.
What do you think?

![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

James Jacobs wrote:Jareth Elirae wrote:Are there any thoughts to Paizo selling actual versions of the stuffed owlbear that the iconic kineticist carries with him and is featured on page 15 of Occult Adventurers? Even my most hardcore power gamer friends have seen the picture and say "I want one in real life". That picture seems to have significant appeal (as does the stuffed tiefling to a lesser degree).It's certainly cute, but I doubt we'd do one, since the owlbear itself isn't really something we invented in the first place.Side note, my friend Robyn actually made a Gom Gom for our former Venture-Lieutenant before he had to move. I got her to photo-document it and helped her write it into an article for Know Direction.
What do you think?
Very well done!

![]() |

William Hannon wrote:James,
I was reading some notes about your Shadows under Sandpoint game. There is some interest in using similar material with a group I have. Is there any way to get ahold of more reference material to use? WRT Kanker, and the like?
Thanks,
BillAt this point, beyond some scattered notes associated with that game that crept into some of the back matter articles in the comics, the Magnimar Book, the PCs in NPC guide, the Sandpoint traits in Advanced Player's Guide, and the Ilvarandin entry in Lost Cities, there's not a lot of info about Shadows under Sandpoint out there for folks to run with.
Would folks be interested in seeing more stuff from Shadows Under Sandpoint?
1,000 times yes

![]() |

Hey James, seeings as the Venture Bros. was the last animated series you've seen, I am gonna bet you watched the last season of it. So...
1. What did you think of the last season?
2. What do you think of the series as a whole?
And just in case you haven't seen it yet. Here is a link to the prologue of the sixth season.

![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

Hey James, seeings as the Venture Bros. was the last animated series you've seen, I am gonna bet you watched the last season of it. So...
1. What did you think of the last season?
2. What do you think of the series as a whole?
And just in case you haven't seen it yet. Here is a link to the prologue of the sixth season.
1) It was enjoyable, but this season's better.
2) I think it's one of the best animated shows ever. It and Archer are my current favorites in that category.

![]() |

Snowsarn |

My answers, extracted from in-movie info and logic...
** spoiler omitted **...
Thanks for the insightful and honest answers, James
I think I underestimated the pragmatism necessary to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Over the last year-and-half I've lost about 66 pounds, and boy do I feel the difference. Its wonderful to feel lighter and have an easier time just getting around, not that I still couldn't stand to loose more weight.
How did you get started on your weight-loss?
Mine got started as a silver lining to being sick for a long time, where I almost couldn't eat, afterwards my stomach had shrunk so I had an easier time not overeating.
What has kept you motivated to keep loosing weight/keep it from coming back?
My weight has gone up and down many times throughout my life but always seems to come back. My motivation these days, besides being well healthy, is to look good/better for my upcoming marriage
Cheers
P.S.
I would also love more about Sandpoint

Darkshade |
Dear James, i have some questions for play good my charcter. I play a wizard (Spec. divination) specialized with Battering Blast spell, the problem is... this spell isn't a Ray, so...
1 - Can i use Weapon Focus or Improved Critical?
2 - I need Precise shot for shoot with Battering Blast or i don't have -4 penality?
3 - If i use spells with melee touch attack, can i use Weapon Finesse for use Dex?
I tried searching for official answers everywhere but... nothing.
Thank you for your patience.

![]() |

He Never Died: Excellent movie with an outstanding performance by Henry Rollins
I really enjoyed that movie and surprised by how much I liked Henry Rollins in that role. The reveal for his identity I did not see coming.
BTW James, I really enjoy your short one line movie synopses. I have a similar take on most of them. Notable exceptions: Dune and Labyrinth.
Ever going back to Bigfoot Country?

![]() |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |

James Jacobs wrote:
My answers, extracted from in-movie info and logic...
** spoiler omitted **...Thanks for the insightful and honest answers, James
I think I underestimated the pragmatism necessary to survive in a post-apocalyptic world.
Over the last year-and-half I've lost about 66 pounds, and boy do I feel the difference. Its wonderful to feel lighter and have an easier time just getting around, not that I still couldn't stand to loose more weight.
How did you get started on your weight-loss?
Mine got started as a silver lining to being sick for a long time, where I almost couldn't eat, afterwards my stomach had shrunk so I had an easier time not overeating.What has kept you motivated to keep loosing weight/keep it from coming back?
My weight has gone up and down many times throughout my life but always seems to come back. My motivation these days, besides being well healthy, is to look good/better for my upcoming marriageCheers
P.S.
I would also love more about Sandpoint
I got started when Jeff Alvarez mentioned he was going to try a high-protien regimen under a nutritionist/coach and went with him. He didn't have NEAR the amount of weight to lose that I did, but we both stuck with it... took me a lot longer than him but I got there. The key was the combination of tracking every meal, having the TYPES of food you eat be controlled, and having to come back every week for a weigh-in and check up. That last bit, being accountable, is huge.
What's kept me motivated to keep the weight off is the simple fact that being heavy is no fun. It's unhealthy, makes it hard to move around, forces you to not take part in certain social activities, makes you have to pay more for clothes that are already harder to find, humiliates you when you don't fit in an airplane seat or in a booth at a restaurant, etc. etc. Having lived with all the inconveniences of being heavy, all I have to do is to think about how my life was then when I start to see weight going on again, and that's what it takes to get me to focus more on eating healthy and hitting the gym more often. OH and that's another thing. Staying active by going to the gym lots (I try to do 5 times a week, but I was sick with the flu a few weeks ago and it threw me off-schedule) helps a lot, but when you're heavy, not only is it harder to work out, it's more dangerous; sort of a catch-22 of "I can work out to get healthy but the chances of hurting myself because my body can't take the workout means that working out might actually make things WORSE..."

![]() |

Dear James, i have some questions for play good my charcter. I play a wizard (Spec. divination) specialized with Battering Blast spell, the problem is... this spell isn't a Ray, so...
1 - Can i use Weapon Focus or Improved Critical?
2 - I need Precise shot for shoot with Battering Blast or i don't have -4 penality?3 - If i use spells with melee touch attack, can i use Weapon Finesse for use Dex?
I tried searching for official answers everywhere but... nothing.
Thank you for your patience.
1) That's up to your GM. I'm not familiar with the spell myself, but I think that it's probably fine to allow someone to pick a single spell like that to do weapon focus and the like, provided that the spell requires attack rolls to hit.
2) Correct.
3) Yes.

![]() |
2 people marked this as a favorite. |

What games are you running/playing now?
Last time I asked you were playing a Way of the Wicked game, did it end in a good way?
Current games:
I'm running Temple of Elemental Evil; just had our first PC death there.
I'm playing in a Hell's Vengeance game—we abandoned our Way of the Wicked game 2/3 through book 2 and restarted more or less with Hell's Vengeance after things kinda bogged down with book 2 of Way of the Wicked.
I'm playing in a Mummy's Mask game as well, which started after a TPK in our Skull & Shackles game.
That's it for now. I had to recently cancel my Horror on the Orient Express game, but am looking to restart it soon, probably not until after Paizocon though. And I'm also considering starting a Star Frontiers game.

![]() |

James Jacobs wrote:He Never Died: Excellent movie with an outstanding performance by Henry RollinsI really enjoyed that movie and surprised by how much I liked Henry Rollins in that role. The reveal for his identity I did not see coming.** spoiler omitted **
BTW James, I really enjoy your short one line movie synopses. I have a similar take on most of them. Notable exceptions: Dune and Labyrinth.
Ever going back to Bigfoot Country?
Yeah, the origin for his character in "He Never Died" kinda blindsided me too, despite some pretty obvious clues along the way. VERY cool.
I have been considering going back to the blog, but haven't done so yet. I should. It was fun. If I did, it'd probably focus mostly on movie reviews and the Sunday Monster thing. One of the reasons I kinda fell off writing there was that it didn't feel like it was getting that much attention/comments or anything, but of course NOT writing for it isn't gonna solve that problem! :-P

![]() |

James,
Dark Souls board game Kickstarter:
Have you seen/backed this? Interested?
I did indeed see it. I'm certainly interested, but then I stop and look at the mostly unopened box of Cthulhu Wars stuff, and the even LESS opened box of Bones minis, and consider that throwing big piles of cash at games I'll never even open the boxes to might not be the best way to spend my money. The game LOOKS really cool though. Hmmm.

![]() |

alientude wrote:James,
Dark Souls board game Kickstarter:
Have you seen/backed this? Interested?
I did indeed see it. I'm certainly interested, but then I stop and look at the mostly unopened box of Cthulhu Wars stuff, and the even LESS opened box of Bones minis, and consider that throwing big piles of cash at games I'll never even open the boxes to might not be the best way to spend my money. The game LOOKS really cool though. Hmmm.
You can also repurpose the minis and have your players suffer through a Smough and Ornstein fight :3

The Doomkitten |

Mr. Jacobs,
What do you look for in a videogame? I'm currently in the rough, vaguely idea-shaped forms stage of planning, and as an avid player of the type of game I want to make (story-focused, open world, character driven, branching paths RPG), I want your opinion. I've already got some basic ideas for combat, story, etc, but I won't burden you with them.

![]() |
3 people marked this as a favorite. |

Mr. Jacobs,
What do you look for in a videogame? I'm currently in the rough, vaguely idea-shaped forms stage of planning, and as an avid player of the type of game I want to make (story-focused, open world, character driven, branching paths RPG), I want your opinion. I've already got some basic ideas for combat, story, etc, but I won't burden you with them.
The part of a video game that appeals to me the most is its story or atmosphere. Story focused is more interesting than an open world that's all empty. As super awesome as Skyrim was, I prefer Dragon Age Inquisition as an example there.
For an RPG, equally important is deep character customization, along with lots of fun NPCs to interact with. If you don't let me play a female character, chances are VERY good I won't play your game unless the rest of everything is so over the top outstanding that I'm willing to forgive you for that. I generally don't get hung up on replayability. If your game is fun, I'll play it more than once... but honestly, there's so many video games out there these days that replayability isn't a big deal for me.

BreakinStuff |
How would you run a protracted series of sessions in mechitar for a group? I ran a bit there but I'm not sure if I did it justice. I'm highly drawn to the "gauntlet of horrors" aspect, and I believe you would have appreciated the looks on my players' faces when they encountered their first chattel pen and realized there was nothing they could do to save all those people. But I don't know necessarily how the day to day life of the people (living and not) plays out. What's a good source or inspiration for a campaign that isn't purely "smash 'n grab?"
The aforementioned players tripped over a bound astradaemon, then led it on a panicked chase through the city, surviving by pushing undead in its path until circumstances allowed them to destroy it. The confusion was enough for an egress from town, but I feel there might have been a few missed opportunities for roleplay there.

![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

How would you run a protracted series of sessions in mechitar for a group? I ran a bit there but I'm not sure if I did it justice. I'm highly drawn to the "gauntlet of horrors" aspect, and I believe you would have appreciated the looks on my players' faces when they encountered their first chattel pen and realized there was nothing they could do to save all those people. But I don't know necessarily how the day to day life of the people (living and not) plays out. What's a good source or inspiration for a campaign that isn't purely "smash 'n grab?"
The aforementioned players tripped over a bound astradaemon, then led it on a panicked chase through the city, surviving by pushing undead in its path until circumstances allowed them to destroy it. The confusion was enough for an egress from town, but I feel there might have been a few missed opportunities for roleplay there.
I've actually not done a lot of thinking about Mechitar, honestly. I kind of think it works better for mid to high level players due to the large numbers of powerful foes there. I think if I were to start working on developing stuff here or anywhere in Geb, I'd end up looking a LOT to the Dark Souls series of games (along with Demons' Souls and Bloodborne) for inspiration; those games have a GREAT feel for immense gothic cities inhabited by the undead.

![]() |

1) Where are the Catfolks on Golarion mainly from?
2) Or are Catfolks on Golarion a cosmopolitan race?
3) How would people around the inner sea react to seeing a catfolk for the first time? (specifically around the Lastwall and the Hold of Belkzen region.)
Asking as a GM, as I have a player playing a catfolk in an upcoming game set near Lastwall and the Hold of Belkzen. I'm seeking advice on how to roleplay the npcs reactions to unusual races like the catfolk.

![]() |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |

1) Where are the Catfolks on Golarion mainly from?
2) Or are Catfolks on Golarion a cosmopolitan race?
3) How would people around the inner sea react to seeing a catfolk for the first time? (specifically around the Lastwall and the Hold of Belkzen region.)Asking as a GM, as I have a player playing a catfolk in an upcoming game set near Lastwall and the Hold of Belkzen. I'm seeking advice on how to roleplay the npcs reactions to unusual races like the catfolk.
1) Southern Garund
2) While some cities in Southern Garund feature a larger population of catfolk in a cosmopolitan setting, there are no such areas in the Inner Sea region.
3) They'd probably assume the catfolk was a lycanthrope or some sort of weird outsider. They would be unlikely to recognize a catfolk for a catfolk unless they'd spent time living in Garund or Absalom or had a few ranks in Knowledge (local) to know about them.
How you have locals react to unusual PCs like this is up to you. If you don't want it to disrupt the game, feel free to just assume that in your Golarion, catfolk are more widely known and thus won't cause a scene by walking down a street. If you allow a PC catfolk, then you pretty much SHOULD go with this version of Golarion unless you and the PC talked it over and agreed that playing a true "weirdo" would be fun. In which case, be prepared for many game sessions to take longer than you planned for as the catfolk has to deal with prejudice and fear and curiosity each and every time they go to the store or the tavern or walk down a street.