I did! I went to get lunch with Wes and then played videogames at his place for an hour, but otherwise spent the day being lazy. Was delightful!Happy Fourth of July, everyone!
Even if you're not a U.S. citizen, have an awesome day!
Do you have any awesome plans, James? :D
Sounds fantastic! :D
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What are the influences for the Star Towers (i just read about them on Mythic Realms)?
The myth of Leviathan/Tiamat has anything to do with the story of Serenrae and the gods against Rovagug?
The Star Towers were first introduced in Curse of the Crimson Throne. They don't really have a specific influence; they just seemed like an intresting way to build upon Rovagug's imprisonment.
Sarenrae and the gods against Rovagug is inspired in part by ALL the myths in the real world about the gods teaming up to defeat a big bad, be it the Leviathan/Tiamat one, or the titans, or whatever. No one myth in particular, but the basic idea of something SO BAD that the gods had to team up to deal with it.
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Are there plans to introduce more statted spawn of Rovagug in the future?
I actually found Festering Ulunat's block incredibly useful for a game where Potential Futures unfolded for the players, and the ones subjected to it actually enjoyed the scenario.
Most gamers are familiar with the tarrasque, but some of your others that have more insidious/horrific features are the ones I enjoy pulling on players. Especially since they hadn't read that stat block and didn't know what to expect from it.
Yes. We've been periodically putting spawn stats in producs ever since Legacy of Fire. We'll continue to do more now and then as it makes sense to do so.
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Have you ever seen The Gamers: Dorkness Rising (or any of The Gamers series)?
Do you ever wish some of those feats mentioned that joanna had were real feats?
I've seen the first two. I liked the first one best, but have only seen both once and don't recall details of feats mentioned.
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What would be a good way to reflavor magical footwear for a character who prefers to go barefoot?
Ummm... some times character choices like that are more meaningful if they actually sacrifice something. But if you must, I guess magic anklets is the best solution.
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If Lewis Carroll (Oxford mathematician and author of Alice in Wonderland) lived in Golarion, which country would he live in?
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Hi James, as always, thank you so much for the effort you put into this thread, and all the adventures and games you make for us.
So you've talked a bit how you've got a couple different campaigns going at any given time, and often (and naturally!) they're often Paizo APs. Is there a tendency in those games to hew very closely to the adventures as written, or do you use those games to play around with ideas you have for mini-games, side-quests, and the like that might then end up in later AP volumes down the road?
Thanks! :D
It varies, as for how close to the written word we stick in APs. Sometimes it's close. Others there are entire adventures inserted. For example, when I ran Serpent's Skull, I inserted "Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh" into the plot between parts 1 and 2 to give the PCs more time to hang out in town.
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Popcorn. Why is it so g!&~@$n delicious, and is it available on Golarion?Popcorn's not available, alas.
And if you want to cure yourself from liking popcorn, all you need to do is work at a movie theater for a year. Maybe only six months.
Noooooooo!
Excited for Horror Adventures?
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Popcorn. Why is it so g!&~@$n delicious, and is it available on Golarion?Popcorn's not available, alas.
And if you want to cure yourself from liking popcorn, all you need to do is work at a movie theater for a year. Maybe only six months.
Noooooooo!
Excited for Horror Adventures?
Nope. I've had a copy of it on my desk for a month or so now, after all... :P
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I walked right into that one, didn't I?
What'd a good weapon to simulate the zanbato these guys have? Falchion? Elven curve blade? I know they're not nodachi, they're the wrong shape...
And while we're on the subject of weapons, could a launching crossbow be reflavored as a kind of alchemical hand mortar? Or would I need to look at actual firearms for that? None of the firearms I've seen seem to be able to launch bombs or other splash weapons...
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Nope. I've had a copy of it on my desk for a month or so now, after all... :P
Excited for Horror Adventures?
I hate you for that :)
So, as a punishment, I'll ask you 2 questions, one for my personal amusement, and one because my gf would like an answer from developers.
1) When you'll come to Lucca Comics&Games? I need to made you sign a lot of books :D
2)If I use the bowstaff as quarterstaff, can I apply the feats I have for the archery combat? Like weapon focus, or deadly aim, or clustered shots, or the mighty composite properti of the bow. As I understand, bowstaff doesn't change the shape, so weapon focus and the like would work, but none of the ranged feats would work, I am right? (and as a bonus question, can I choose wether I use it as bow or as staff while spell is active?)
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I walked right into that one, didn't I?
What'd a good weapon to simulate the zanbato these guys have? Falchion? Elven curve blade? I know they're not nodachi, they're the wrong shape...
And while we're on the subject of weapons, could a launching crossbow be reflavored as a kind of alchemical hand mortar? Or would I need to look at actual firearms for that? None of the firearms I've seen seem to be able to launch bombs or other splash weapons...
Those look like falchions to me, I guess.
As for launching splash weapons... the only thing that comes to mind for me is the grenade launcher I put in the Tech Guide.
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1) When you'll come to Lucca Comics&Games? I need to made you sign a lot of books :D2)If I use the bowstaff as quarterstaff, can I apply the feats I have for the archery combat? Like weapon focus, or deadly aim, or clustered shots, or the mighty composite properti of the bow. As I understand, bowstaff doesn't change the shape, so weapon focus and the like would work, but none of the ranged feats would work, I am right? (and as a bonus question, can I choose wether I use it as bow or as staff while spell is active?)
1) I'm unlikely to ever go to Lucca, since that's an expensive trip to send folks to, since I'm generally not one of those folks who goes on those types of trips, and since I kinda like it that way because I don't like conventions.
2) As for this question... I can't really answer, since I'm not familiar with bowstaves. That said... if you use something as a bow, and it fires like a bow, and it uses stats like a bow... it's really pretty lame if your GM won't let you use bow feats and stunts with it. :P
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1) When you'll come to Lucca Comics&Games? I need to made you sign a lot of books :D2)If I use the bowstaff as quarterstaff, can I apply the feats I have for the archery combat? Like weapon focus, or deadly aim, or clustered shots, or the mighty composite properti of the bow. As I understand, bowstaff doesn't change the shape, so weapon focus and the like would work, but none of the ranged feats would work, I am right? (and as a bonus question, can I choose wether I use it as bow or as staff while spell is active?)
1) I'm unlikely to ever go to Lucca, since that's an expensive trip to send folks to, since I'm generally not one of those folks who goes on those types of trips, and since I kinda like it that way because I don't like conventions.
2) As for this question... I can't really answer, since I'm not familiar with bowstaves. That said... if you use something as a bow, and it fires like a bow, and it uses stats like a bow... it's really pretty lame if your GM won't let you use bow feats and stunts with it. :P
I know this is the place for JJ to answer questions but I'm pretty sure there's a feat chain to let you use your ranged feats when meleeing with a bow.
empty quiver styleempty quiver felxibility
So, should a level one spell replace a lengthy feat chain (five feats)?
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I know this is the place for JJ to answer questions but I'm pretty sure there's a feat chain to let you use your ranged feats when meleeing with a bow.
empty quiver style
empty quiver felxibility
So, should a level one spell replace a lengthy feat chain (five feats)?
A level one spell should not replace a lengthy feat chain in my opinion, but the game's big enough now that I'm not surprised to see that kind of thing happen now and then. When it does, if that sort of thing bothers you, my advice is to pick which version you prefer (feat chain or spell) and go with that and don't use the other in your game.
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A level one spell should not replace a lengthy feat chain in my opinion, but the game's big enough now that I'm not surprised to see that kind of thing happen now and then. When it does, if that sort of thing bothers you, my advice is to pick which version you prefer (feat chain or spell) and go with that and don't use the other in your game.I know this is the place for JJ to answer questions but I'm pretty sure there's a feat chain to let you use your ranged feats when meleeing with a bow.
empty quiver style
empty quiver felxibility
So, should a level one spell replace a lengthy feat chain (five feats)?
Sorry, I didn't specified: bowstaff is a spell, here the text:
"The bow that is touched takes on the rigidity and toughness of forged steel, allowing it to be used as a melee weapon. The spell allows a shortbow to be used as a club or a longbow to be used as a quarterstaff, although the bow retains its normal hit points and hardness. The bow’s enhancement bonus, if any, applies on melee attack and damage rolls. Additional weapon special weapon qualities also apply to melee attacks if such qualities can be added to a melee weapon."Anyway, I'd like to see you one time or another. Maybe as part of the honeymoon trip I'll come to the paizo central just to see people :P
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Oh wise Tyrannosaur:
1. Have you seen either "The Shallows" or "Purge: Election Year" yet? I have seen the former but not the latter, so curious on your thoughts?
2. On a horror related note, are there specific themes or topics that just really get under your skin and creep you out, even as someone I assume is a hardened horror reader? Personally I find the idea of losing control of your own actions (ala the puppeteering in Carrion Comfort or the basic premises of Neuropath) terrifying.
3. Somewhat similar question, are there certain things which completely turn you off/sour you on a horror movie/book? I don't mean like basic craftmanship type of things (bad writing/acting, cheesy effects, etc), but rather topics you would just prefer not reading or watching. Since my parents got a new small dog I find I don't really like watching anything where a pet cat or dog dies (Especially if its played for humor).
1) When you'll come to Lucca Comics&Games? I need to made you sign a lot of books :D2)If I use the bowstaff as quarterstaff, can I apply the feats I have for the archery combat? Like weapon focus, or deadly aim, or clustered shots, or the mighty composite properti of the bow. As I understand, bowstaff doesn't change the shape, so weapon focus and the like would work, but none of the ranged feats would work, I am right? (and as a bonus question, can I choose wether I use it as bow or as staff while spell is active?)
1) I'm unlikely to ever go to Lucca, since that's an expensive trip to send folks to, since I'm generally not one of those folks who goes on those types of trips, and since I kinda like it that way because I don't like conventions.
2) As for this question... I can't really answer, since I'm not familiar with bowstaves. That said... if you use something as a bow, and it fires like a bow, and it uses stats like a bow... it's really pretty lame if your GM won't let you use bow feats and stunts with it. :P
Perhaps the poster is asking about using bow feats when he's using the bowstave as a staff?
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Anyway, I'd like to see you one time or another. Maybe as part of the honeymoon trip I'll come to the paizo central just to see people :P
Your best bet would be to come to PaizoCon. Second best bet would be Gen Con, but I'm not always at Gen Con. Paizo doesn't do tours though, so simply "showing up to see people" will just give you a view of a plain and unremarkable building.
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Oh wise Tyrannosaur:
1. Have you seen either "The Shallows" or "Purge: Election Year" yet? I have seen the former but not the latter, so curious on your thoughts?
2. On a horror related note, are there specific themes or topics that just really get under your skin and creep you out, even as someone I assume is a hardened horror reader? Personally I find the idea of losing control of your own actions (ala the puppeteering in Carrion Comfort or the basic premises of Neuropath) terrifying.
3. Somewhat similar question, are there certain things which completely turn you off/sour you on a horror movie/book? I don't mean like basic craftmanship type of things (bad writing/acting, cheesy effects, etc), but rather topics you would just prefer not reading or watching. Since my parents got a new small dog I find I don't really like watching anything where a pet cat or dog dies (Especially if its played for humor).
1) Saw "The Shallows" and it was incredible. One of the best shark movies I've seen, one of the most intense PG 13 movies I've seen, and overall just a great movie. LOVED IT. Haven't seen the latest Purge movie yet... might do that today or tomorrow but I'm not sure.
2) Absolutely. Clowns are high up on that list.
3) Absolutely. Musicals sour me to horror. As does mixing it with disrespectful comedy. As does disrespecting the genre.
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How do you pronounce Spivey?
I keep mixing Spee-vay, Spy-V, and its driving me and the players a little mad :P
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Oh wise Tyrannosaur:
1. Have you seen either "The Shallows" or "Purge: Election Year" yet? I have seen the former but not the latter, so curious on your thoughts?
3. Somewhat similar question, are there certain things which completely turn you off/sour you on a horror movie/book? I don't mean like basic craftmanship type of things (bad writing/acting, cheesy effects, etc), but rather topics you would just prefer not reading or watching. Since my parents got a new small dog I find I don't really like watching anything where a pet cat or dog dies (Especially if its played for humor).
1) Saw "The Shallows" and it was incredible. One of the best shark movies I've seen, one of the most intense PG 13 movies I've seen, and overall just a great movie. LOVED IT. Haven't seen the latest Purge movie yet... might do that today or tomorrow but I'm not sure.
2) Absolutely. Clowns are high up on that list.
3) Absolutely. Musicals sour me to horror. As does mixing it with disrespectful comedy. As does disrespecting the genre.
Hah...I am glad someone else likes it! I was feeling like the only one! A really solid Shark movie, and absolutely needed given all the Syfy channel drek.
Although as a birder I mentally thinking that I really hope someone submits that go-pro footage of Steven sea gull, since it would be the first record of Silver Gull (an Australian species) from North America :)
As far as your response to "disrespectful", do you have specific examples? I mean I can definitely think of examples of the first two but kind of curious on the specifics of that third choice?
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Oh wise Tyrannosaur:
1. Have you seen either "The Shallows" or "Purge: Election Year" yet? I have seen the former but not the latter, so curious on your thoughts?
3. Somewhat similar question, are there certain things which completely turn you off/sour you on a horror movie/book? I don't mean like basic craftmanship type of things (bad writing/acting, cheesy effects, etc), but rather topics you would just prefer not reading or watching. Since my parents got a new small dog I find I don't really like watching anything where a pet cat or dog dies (Especially if its played for humor).
1) Saw "The Shallows" and it was incredible. One of the best shark movies I've seen, one of the most intense PG 13 movies I've seen, and overall just a great movie. LOVED IT. Haven't seen the latest Purge movie yet... might do that today or tomorrow but I'm not sure.
2) Absolutely. Clowns are high up on that list.
3) Absolutely. Musicals sour me to horror. As does mixing it with disrespectful comedy. As does disrespecting the genre.
Hah...I am glad someone else likes it! I was feeling like the only one! A really solid Shark movie, and absolutely needed given all the Syfy channel drek.
Although as a birder I mentally thinking that I really hope someone submits that go-pro footage of Steven sea gull, since it would be the first record of Silver Gull (an Australian species) from North America :)
As far as your response to "disrespectful", do you have specific examples? I mean I can definitely think of examples of the first two but kind of curious on the specifics of that third choice?
Oh you're hardly the only one who likes "The Shallows." It's getting a lot of good reviews and kinda smashed the box office expectations.
My response to disrespectful would be movies like the Scary Movie series, or movies that are made without craft or skill and are only trying to cash in on the latest genre craze. Two disrespectful movies in this category that come to mind immediately would be—the remake of Psycho and rape-revenge movies that spend most of their running time on the rape and relatively little on the revenge. (HINT: If your revenge movie doesn't start the revenge element until there's only 10 minutes left in your movie... its' not a revenge movie.) Oh! Add most bleak home invasion movies to the list too. Although I still go see them because every 100th one is awesome, like "You're Next."
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Mr. James Jacobs,
In your estimation would a daemon teifling using synthesist summoner applied to the Unchained Summoner with the Daemon eidolon be an acceptable way to represent a half-daemon character?
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Have you ever used the Evangelist/Exalted/Sentinel PrCs for an NPC in a product you wrote or developed, or any of the Demonic/Empyreal/Deific Obedience feats without the PrC? If not, why not, and could you see using them in the future?
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Anyway, I'd like to see you one time or another. Maybe as part of the honeymoon trip I'll come to the paizo central just to see people :PYour best bet would be to come to PaizoCon. Second best bet would be Gen Con, but I'm not always at Gen Con. Paizo doesn't do tours though, so simply "showing up to see people" will just give you a view of a plain and unremarkable building.
Maybe I should cast invisibility on myself and go inside to spy :)
I'd love to come to PaizoCon...
Oh, speaking about, do you like some specific italian food, if you like at all italian food? (curiosity time :D)
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What skill would you recommend a character use to be able to identify the remnants or useage of an alchemical item? Like if there was a bit left over that suggested a tanglefoot bag was used, or the remaining residue suggesting the fire was started by an alchemist's fire? Knowledge (arcana)? Appraise? Craft (alchemy)?
Craft (alchemy) or Spellcraft.
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Have you ever used the Evangelist/Exalted/Sentinel PrCs for an NPC in a product you wrote or developed, or any of the Demonic/Empyreal/Deific Obedience feats without the PrC? If not, why not, and could you see using them in the future?
I've used the various obedience feats without the prestige classes many times. In fact, Book of the Damned II, where I created the whole system, existed for several years before the prestige classes came around and I not only had an evil PC at one point with the feat, but have given the feat to quite a few NPCs.
I'm currently playing a fighter/sentinel in Mummy's Mask.
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Anyway, I'd like to see you one time or another. Maybe as part of the honeymoon trip I'll come to the paizo central just to see people :PYour best bet would be to come to PaizoCon. Second best bet would be Gen Con, but I'm not always at Gen Con. Paizo doesn't do tours though, so simply "showing up to see people" will just give you a view of a plain and unremarkable building.Maybe I should cast invisibility on myself and go inside to spy :)
I'd love to come to PaizoCon...
Oh, speaking about, do you like some specific italian food, if you like at all italian food? (curiosity time :D)
Creepy.
I do like Italian food quite a lot, although I don't eat it much these days since it's so good at loading up on the carbohydrates and fats at the same time.
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Nah.Mr. James Jacobs,
In your estimation would a daemon teifling using synthesist summoner applied to the Unchained Summoner with the Daemon eidolon be an acceptable way to represent a half-daemon character?
Other than the half-fiend template, how would you represent it?
Have you ever used the Evangelist/Exalted/Sentinel PrCs for an NPC in a product you wrote or developed, or any of the Demonic/Empyreal/Deific Obedience feats without the PrC? If not, why not, and could you see using them in the future?I've used the various obedience feats without the prestige classes many times. In fact, Book of the Damned II, where I created the whole system, existed for several years before the prestige classes came around and I not only had an evil PC at one point with the feat, but have given the feat to quite a few NPCs.
I'm currently playing a fighter/sentinel in Mummy's Mask.
Are there any published products products with NPCs who have the feats?
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Other than the half-fiend template, how would you represent it?Nah.Mr. James Jacobs,
In your estimation would a daemon teifling using synthesist summoner applied to the Unchained Summoner with the Daemon eidolon be an acceptable way to represent a half-daemon character?
By building a custom monster, perhaps in the same way I built the specialized half-demon templates for Demons Revisited.
It would not likely be a PC option, in any event.
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Are there any published products products with NPCs who have the feats?Have you ever used the Evangelist/Exalted/Sentinel PrCs for an NPC in a product you wrote or developed, or any of the Demonic/Empyreal/Deific Obedience feats without the PrC? If not, why not, and could you see using them in the future?I've used the various obedience feats without the prestige classes many times. In fact, Book of the Damned II, where I created the whole system, existed for several years before the prestige classes came around and I not only had an evil PC at one point with the feat, but have given the feat to quite a few NPCs.
I'm currently playing a fighter/sentinel in Mummy's Mask.
Yup. There's several in the Adventure Paths. Check Wrath of the Righteous for several examples just therein.
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In previous posts you've responded favorably to people asking if certain evil characters are redeemable. Are there any evil characters that you can not see being redeemed? What are some examples and what traits do they possess to be irredeemable?
I do. Some evils are more interesting by not being redeemable. Three immediate examples that come to mind would be Nyarlahtotep (all of the Lovecraft deities in fact), Rovagug, and Socothbenoth.
The traits they possess to become irredeemable is just that... they're irredeemable. There's no single one magic combination that makes it the case.
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Are there any gods whose philosophy is essentially "Life's crappy and we're all gonna die in the end, so let's smile and laugh! Always look on the bright side of life (and death)!"?
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Are there any gods whose philosophy is essentially "Life's crappy and we're all gonna die in the end, so let's smile and laugh! Always look on the bright side of life (and death)!"?
Somewhere? Yes. On Golarion? None immediately come to mind.