Creative Director
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Dear James,
Let's get right to it: Why does Ranginori, Good (if perhaps a bit narcissistic and parsimonious) Elemental Lord of Air and no doubt the most high-profile of all the Pathfinder Society's beneficiaries, take exactly the same form as...Yaldabaoth, the degenerate tyrant-god and Supreme Evil of Gnosticism?
Just what message are we being sent, here (to be clear, that is not a rhetorical question; if there's an actual answer, I'm profoundly curious to hear it)???
Coincidence. Turns out if you have a staff of hundreds of different developers and writers creating appearances for creatures they invent over the course of decades that sometimes, there will be similarities.
The message you are being sent is to not assume that everything means something, and to keep in mind that when we at Paizo take inspiration from real world mythology we generally do our best to be obvious about it.
AKA: If we wanted to include Yaldabaoth in the game, we would use that name. We wouldn't try to sneak that appearance in attached to a completely different flavor creature or deity. And increasingly, we try to make those "inspired by real world belief or mythology" be respectful of the source, so taking something and turning into a fantasy cloud god wouldn't be appropriate.
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Creative Director
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But what about the potential of something drifting away from the source becoming awesome?
For example, kobolds are the coolest ever and they have changed dramatically from the source mythology, not to mention early editions.
There's a big difference between a mythological monster and a religion. It also depends on where the inspiration and myth comes from. Some myths have been treated more poorly than others, and in cases where disrespect to the source has become the norm, we try to make changes.
It's a decision we need to make on every thing we include in the game. It's not something that has to be the same decision for every real-world inspired element.
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Creative Director
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What are the odds a mortal soul on Golarion is going to make it to being judged? Are daemons, hags, and everything else picking off more than 1% of souls or is it a fraction of a fraction?
Overall? The chance a mortal soul makes it to being judged is something around 99.99999999999999999% likely. There's a lot of dead, and the number whose souls get snatched up by predators is pretty tiny.
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Creative Director
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I'm taking a hiatus from this thread and the Paizo messagebords for the foreseeable future. Please be good to and patient with each other. I don't have the ability to lock threads, so if someone at Paizo sees this post, please lock this thread for the time being. I'll ask for it to be opened again when/if I want to come back to the thread.
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You will be missed.
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If you do not come back, thank you for the time that you spent on this thread -- it's been an informative journey that provided insight, enlightenment, and helped breathe more 'life' into the setting.
Be safe and careful out there!
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Take care man. Thanks for everything.
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Thanks for the generosity with your time James! I hope you find some peace and can recharge away from the messageboards.
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Creative Director
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Having started an Azata playthrough of WotR, my first question for you now that you're back:
** spoiler omitted **
Enough that when I got the chance later in the game to swap out my mythic path, as tempted as I was to go demon since it fit my playstyle better than Azata (and since the summoning spells at the time for Azatas were bugged)... I couldn't bear the idea of kicking Aivu out of my party. AKA: Aivu was the best part of that path.
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Creative Director
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Have you started a demon playthrough since? So far I've done Angel and Azata myself.
I've only done one playthrough of the game so far. I might do a second one once all the DLC is out, but at the moment I've got Dying Light 2 on hold until I finish Horizon Forbidden West which itself is on hold until I finish Elden Ring.
If I DO do another playthrough (which I might not) I'll go full evil demon mode though.
Aivu is definitely one of the best parts of Azata, and part of why I didn't go Gold Dragon...
But, to keep this to questions, how long did your playthrough of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous take you? My copy says I've been playing over 150 hours and I'm still not done... XD
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Creative Director
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Aivu is definitely one of the best parts of Azata, and part of why I didn't go Gold Dragon...
But, to keep this to questions, how long did your playthrough of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous take you? My copy says I've been playing over 150 hours and I'm still not done... XD
I think it was about 90 hours? Can't remember for sure but it was a significant amount of time. I have a habit of leaving games on pause, though for hours at a time while I go off to watch a movie or read or whatever though so my "time played" numbers are never really fully accurate. Except I guess for a game like Elden Ring where pausing isn't an option.
Hello James!
Ok i have a very simple and stupid question for you. Say for example your class gives you proficiency with simple and martial weapons, then it begins to list additional weapons like bastard sword or katana... now am i to assume that this class can only use these weapons martially (2 hands only) or can use them with special training (exotically and 1 handed)???
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Welcome back James!
Thank you for making my day brighter than it started!
*ahem*
Have you ever seen a story or concept and gone 'That's a neat idea, but the implementation was clunky and painful, I can do MUCH better than that' and then have people compliment you on the idea?
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Creative Director
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Hello James!
Ok i have a very simple and stupid question for you. Say for example your class gives you proficiency with simple and martial weapons, then it begins to list additional weapons like bastard sword or katana... now am i to assume that this class can only use these weapons martially (2 hands only) or can use them with special training (exotically and 1 handed)???
Unless it also says something like "You treat these weapons as martial weapons" then nope, you don't gain proficiency with them. The class lists your proficiencies specifically on the first page, so if they're not there, you don't get proficiency. There's feats and archetypes that can adjust this, as can your GM if they want.
But without a specific example of what class you're asking about I can't really reply, and even then it's best to post rules questions to the rulebook board or ask your GM. I'm not on the design team and shouldn't be regarded as an "official source" for rules clarifications UNLESS you're a player in my game. Being your GM overrules what the book or anyone at Paizo might say.
Hello James!
Ok i have a very simple and stupid question for you. Say for example your class gives you proficiency with simple and martial weapons, then it begins to list additional weapons like bastard sword or katana... now am i to assume that this class can only use these weapons martially (2 hands only) or can use them with special training (exotically and 1 handed)???Unless it also says something like "You treat these weapons as martial weapons" then nope, you don't gain proficiency with them. The class lists your proficiencies specifically on the first page, so if they're not there, you don't get proficiency. There's feats and archetypes that can adjust this, as can your GM if they want.
But without a specific example of what class you're asking about I can't really reply, and even then it's best to post rules questions to the rulebook board or ask your GM. I'm not on the design team and shouldn't be regarded as an "official source" for rules clarifications UNLESS you're a player in my game. Being your GM trumps what the book or anyone at Paizo might say.
The Samurai... I was wondering if the Samurai can use the katana 1 handed or 2 handed...
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Creative Director
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The Samurai... I was wondering if the Samurai can use the katana 1 handed or 2 handed...
Also, please indicate where classes like this come from. As far as I know we haven't published a samurai class yet. If you're homebrewing the class, take a look at how the rogue's proficiencies are listed for an example of how to potentially add these iconic weapons into a class that otherwise just grants simple or martial weapons.
That said, a samurai SHOULD be able to use it 1 handed, otherwise all those Kurosawa movies... and history... are lying.
I do note that my own attempt to create a samurai as a PC in a game I'm playing in was too complicated and annoying to make work so I went with an entirely different concept, which to me suggests there's absolutely room in the game for AT LEAST a samurai archetype.
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The Samurai... I was wondering if the Samurai can use the katana 1 handed or 2 handed...Also, please indicate where classes like this come from. As far as I know we haven't published a samurai class yet. If you're homebrewing the class, take a look at how the rogue's proficiencies are listed for an example of how to potentially add these iconic weapons into a class that otherwise just grants simple or martial weapons.
That said, a samurai SHOULD be able to use it 1 handed, otherwise all those Kurosawa moives... and history... are lying.
I am sooo sorry. I am looking at PF 1E and from Advanced Class Guide. I am so sorry for the confusion.
Samurai are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, plus the katana, naginata, and wakizashi. Samurai are proficient with all types of armor (heavy, light, and medium) and shields (except tower shields).
I know Katana are martial weapons and used 2 handed normally... does the wording above mean they can use katana 1 handed?
Again I am soo sorry for the confusion.
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Creative Director
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The Samurai... I was wondering if the Samurai can use the katana 1 handed or 2 handed...Also, please indicate where classes like this come from. As far as I know we haven't published a samurai class yet. If you're homebrewing the class, take a look at how the rogue's proficiencies are listed for an example of how to potentially add these iconic weapons into a class that otherwise just grants simple or martial weapons.
That said, a samurai SHOULD be able to use it 1 handed, otherwise all those Kurosawa moives... and history... are lying.
I am sooo sorry. I am looking at PF 1E and from Advanced Class Guide. I am so sorry for the confusion.
Samurai are proficient with all simple and martial weapons, plus the katana, naginata, and wakizashi. Samurai are proficient with all types of armor (heavy, light, and medium) and shields (except tower shields).
I know Katana are martial weapons and used 2 handed normally... does the wording above mean they can use katana 1 handed?
Again I am soo sorry for the confusion.
Oh. I haven't had my head in the 1st edition class rules in about half a decade. And frankly, even then, I wasn't the go-to guy for rules clarifications.
I go with my previous bit of feedback that there's plenty of examples in history and movies that show samurai doing that, so they should do it too when they're a player character.
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Creative Director
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James, welcome back, you were missed and the thread re-opening has made a good day even better.
I wish I remembered the question I had wanted to ask you about a month back but I don't. Do you psychically know what it was?
Yay! Glad opening this thread up has made some folks happy. Hopefully it can keep that energy going!
The answer to your question was "Likely dog." But only if it was, as I suspect, you asking me what the weird turtle-like creature was that you were looking at.
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Welcome back, James! Hope you’re healthy and well.
Kind of a niche one from me today: what would a priest/Cleric of Casandalee’s day-to-day actually look like? Looking more for what one in a community does, rather than an adventurer; I’m curious what place that faith actually has in a community or settlement.
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Welcome back!
Here's my question: What's your favorite villainous faction, and why?
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Creative Director
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Welcome back, James! Hope you’re healthy and well.
Kind of a niche one from me today: what would a priest/Cleric of Casandalee’s day-to-day actually look like? Looking more for what one in a community does, rather than an adventurer; I’m curious what place that faith actually has in a community or settlement.
They'd likely play the role of a scholar, or a teacher, keeping the religious element on the low down unless someone was curious. Her faith's VERY new in the region and still getting established, and it'd confuse a fair amount of folks, so yeah, overall as a tutor or teacher.
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Creative Director
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Welcome back!
Here's my question: What's your favorite villainous faction, and why?
I assume you're asking about Pathfinder and not EVERYTHING. That said, it's really hard to pick one, though, since I have different favorites for different plots. All things equal these days, the one I'm most interested in exploring more is the Dominion of the Black.
Does the Dominion of the Black create fleshwarps? I love the Ancestry in theory, but have struggled to find an origin story for one that’s resonated with me - “abducted by cruel aliens” sounds like a fun fix.
Dear James Jacobs, hope you're healthy and well.
We had a problem with the alchemist perfumer archetype, more specifically with his Effervescent Bombs (Su) and Healing Bomb* Discovery.
How should it work?
Effervescent Bombs seem to be more of a special case than a Discovery, and it looks like it should heal in a square +5 foot radius each round with reduced values, but it's not clear how much.
"Healing Bomb
Benefit: When the alchemist creates a bomb, he can choose to have it heal damage instead of dealing it. Creating a healing bomb requires the alchemist to expend an infused extract or potion containing a cure spell. A creature that takes a direct hit from a healing bomb is healed as if she had imbibed the infusion or potion used to create the bomb. Creatures in the splash radius are healed for the minimum amount of damage the cure spell is capable of healing. A healing bomb damages undead instead of healing them."
"Effervescent Bombs (Su)
Rather than deal direct damage, a perfumer’s bombs create an effervescent puddle in a 5-foot radius for a number of rounds equal to the alchemist’s intelligence bonus (minimum 1). Each creature within this area takes 1d4 points of fire damage immediately and again each round it remains within or enters the puddle.
A creature caught in the puddle when it is first created can attempt a Reflex save (DC = 10 + half the perfumer’s level + the perfumer’s Intelligence modifier) for half damage. The effervescent bombs’ damage increases by 1d4 at 3rd level and every odd level thereafter. Effervescent bombs otherwise functions as bombs, and discoveries that apply to bombs apply to effervescent bombs.
This alters bomb."
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Creative Director
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Does the Dominion of the Black create fleshwarps? I love the Ancestry in theory, but have struggled to find an origin story for one that’s resonated with me - “abducted by cruel aliens” sounds like a fun fix.
They don't really, no, but doesn't mean they can't in your game!
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Creative Director
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Loving it! So much fun! Playing it right now and posting here while I wait to get summoned in to fight a boss.Yay! Welcome back Directorsaur! *hugs*
How are you enjoying Elden Ring?
Yay! Me too ^w^
Any stand out moments so far for you?
A lot of them. The main thing being how the game keeps getting bigger though, in every way. The latest thing though? I got killed by a sommersaulting mystical elk demon spirit with glowing antlers. That sort of stuff happens all the time in this game and It Is Glorious.
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Creative Director
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Dear James Jacobs, hope you're healthy and well.
We had a problem with the alchemist perfumer archetype, more specifically with his Effervescent Bombs (Su) and Healing Bomb* Discovery.
How should it work?
Effervescent Bombs seem to be more of a special case than a Discovery, and it looks like it should heal in a square +5 foot radius each round with reduced values, but it's not clear how much."Healing Bomb
Benefit: When the alchemist creates a bomb, he can choose to have it heal damage instead of dealing it. Creating a healing bomb requires the alchemist to expend an infused extract or potion containing a cure spell. A creature that takes a direct hit from a healing bomb is healed as if she had imbibed the infusion or potion used to create the bomb. Creatures in the splash radius are healed for the minimum amount of damage the cure spell is capable of healing. A healing bomb damages undead instead of healing them.""Effervescent Bombs (Su)
Rather than deal direct damage, a perfumer’s bombs create an effervescent puddle in a 5-foot radius for a number of rounds equal to the alchemist’s intelligence bonus (minimum 1). Each creature within this area takes 1d4 points of fire damage immediately and again each round it remains within or enters the puddle.
A creature caught in the puddle when it is first created can attempt a Reflex save (DC = 10 + half the perfumer’s level + the perfumer’s Intelligence modifier) for half damage. The effervescent bombs’ damage increases by 1d4 at 3rd level and every odd level thereafter. Effervescent bombs otherwise functions as bombs, and discoveries that apply to bombs apply to effervescent bombs.
This alters bomb."
I don't answer complex rules questions here, sorry. Your GM will be able to give you the fastest and best answer for your game.
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A lot of them. The main thing being how the game keeps getting bigger though, in every way. The latest thing though? I got killed by a sommersaulting mystical elk demon spirit with glowing antlers. That sort of stuff happens all the time in this game and It Is Glorious.Loving it! So much fun! Playing it right now and posting here while I wait to get summoned in to fight a boss.Yay! Welcome back Directorsaur! *hugs*
How are you enjoying Elden Ring?
Yay! Me too ^w^
Any stand out moments so far for you?
Nice, and agreed.
What's your current build/character?
I notice you have to spend a lot of time on this thread telling/reminding people that you don't answer rules questions. Would it be possible/wise to have someone in Paizo tech support change the title of the thread?
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Creative Director
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A lot of them. The main thing being how the game keeps getting bigger though, in every way. The latest thing though? I got killed by a sommersaulting mystical elk demon spirit with glowing antlers. That sort of stuff happens all the time in this game and It Is Glorious.Loving it! So much fun! Playing it right now and posting here while I wait to get summoned in to fight a boss.Yay! Welcome back Directorsaur! *hugs*
How are you enjoying Elden Ring?
Yay! Me too ^w^
Any stand out moments so far for you?
Nice, and agreed.
What's your current build/character?
I'm currently, in theory, a faith focused quality build. Main weapons of choice are the horn bow, the winged scythe, and the hookclaws, with incantations focusing on scarlet rot and lightning for the most part. I'm really getting into the weapon + shield style of fighting in this too—the guard countering mechanic is a lot of fun. Still haven't figured out how to parry so that's nothing new.
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Creative Director
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I notice you have to spend a lot of time on this thread telling/reminding people that you don't answer rules questions. Would it be possible/wise to have someone in Paizo tech support change the title of the thread?
I suppose it's possible, but now and then I don't mind answering rules questions when I know I have the right answer. If I don't, saying "I don't answer rules here but you can ask here instead" is a legit answer and I'm happy to point those folks in the direction of the other threads, so it's no big deal here. And overall, the amount of time I spend on this thread with that sort of reply is really minimal, so it's no big deal to me.
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+1 to the chorus of people happy to see this thread back! Never posted, but reading this thread has been super fun through the years, so thanks for doing this- and for returning.
Now, onto questions. In the forward/introduction bit of Breaking the Bones of Hell (Hell's Rebels book 6), you wrote the following-
Of course... I do have plans for a particularly epic Adventure Path that has long been close to my heart, one that I’ve been eager to launch for nearly a decade now. It’ll be a few more years until it sees print, but if it works out, it’ll be worth the wait, and maybe—just maybe— it’ll take players to a higher level than ever before."
Did this AP ever end up getting published? And if so, which one was it?
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+1 to the chorus of people happy to see this thread back! Never posted, but reading this thread has been super fun through the years, so thanks for doing this- and for returning.
Now, onto questions. In the forward/introduction bit of Breaking the Bones of Hell (Hell's Rebels book 6), you wrote the following-
Of course... I do have plans for a particularly epic Adventure Path that has long been close to my heart, one that I’ve been eager to launch for nearly a decade now. It’ll be a few more years until it sees print, but if it works out, it’ll be worth the wait, and maybe—just maybe— it’ll take players to a higher level than ever before."Did this AP ever end up getting published? And if so, which one was it?
Yup. I was talking about Return of the Runelords. Had plans for that one from the start, pretty much, when I did Rise of the Runelords and knew that there were six more of them waiting to do their thing. It was also the first Pathfinder Adventure Path we published that actually brought the players from 1st all the way to 20th; had to do some stunts with the backmatter articles and the like to get that to happen though.