Sounds like you'd rather play an oracle.
Hmmm, yeah apparently so... i actually misremembered what the Oracle was statwise. As in i thought the Oracle was just like the sorcerer, but the only actual difference is the Charisma, Mysteries and Spotanious casting... so thats might be why i have been so opposed to go from a cleric that is semi-combat into a mage.
Regardless, thanks for clearing up on the whole divinity thing tho, regardless of my character set-up currently i just play this one out, but for deities i now know a little more on how they work for future games.
So again, thanks for your time.
And for you Archpaladin:
I guess most people would call them "ruins" "lair" "camp" "pyramid" "cave" "fort" etc. "dungeon" might be just a less used term or a term for a "actual" dungeon in a prison or a castle than a forgotten dungeon in game terms.
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Do people on Golarion actually refer to dungeons as "dungeons" or is that largely meta-nomenclature from the gaming culture?
That's largely metagame stuff. They'd call them "ruins" or something like that, and would save the word "dungeon" for actual basements under castles or the like.
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Because the cleric's powers only work if the cleric is devout. It doesn't matter if the deity cares or even knows about the cleric. If the cleric isn't devout, the cleric doesn't get to do cleric things. And one big way the game measures if you're devout in this case is by alignment. If you're not the same alignment as your cleric, you're simply NOT as devout as you could or should be. If you're within 1 step, you're on the edge and are in danger of straying from the religion you purport to be a worshiper of, but...I agree in most cases but this particular God has no real philosphy to speak of it seems. He is called the blind idiot god and may not even be aware of his own existence. That is the source of my confusion as to why the within a step of deities alignment rule would apply in this case. :)As for deities not caring... that's true for a couple of deities, mostly the Outer Gods like Azathoth and Yog-Sothoth, but the VAST MAJORITY of deities actually DO care about their worshipersSomething has been making me wonder for awhile now....Why do clerics of Outer Gods have to be within two steps of their deity? I imagine that mostly chaotic evil people would be inclined to worship them because why not go for a nicer god but I have trouble imagining why Azathoth for instance would deny a cleric spells if he shifted to neutral evil or whatever.If i have understood JJs philosophy on how clerics ( should in his opinion ) work in Golarion is that they are drawn to a deity due to philosophy, dogma, brain washing, promise of power etc. So for these outer gods to care enough to give you their powers you have to be more or less fully dedicated to their philosophy or they basically dont think you are worthy of their attention.
So a evil cleric dedicated to the progression of evil wouldnt "go to a nicer god" because "nice" in this sense would mean a weaker deity in this clerics opinion.
Thanks James! That actually clears up a lot for me about how it works! I always assumed it was the God saying NO! but this makes sense of several questions I have had.
What's your opinion of the "fan-ships" that pop up about the Iconics? Like the current Oloch/Amiri one in the 'Meet Oloch' blog post? Or the Valeros/Imrijka relationship that some artists favor?
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Hi James, got an adventure-writing question for you.
I have an idea for the general overarching plot for a campaign, but I'm not sure how to turn that into something playable. What's your process for going from "I know the backbone of what the campaign is about" to "This campaign is ready to be played"?
Thanks!
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Hi James, got an adventure-writing question for you.
I have an idea for the general overarching plot for a campaign, but I'm not sure how to turn that into something playable. What's your process for going from "I know the backbone of what the campaign is about" to "This campaign is ready to be played"?
Thanks!
The process doesn't ever end, actually. I try to focus on a small area, say, something the size of Sandpoint, and have a few maps and/or adventures ready along with the main storyline in mind, and then continue fleshing out the campaign as we go, trying to stay a few sessions ahead as time passes.
I know you've said in the past that you split APs with another Paizo employee (can't remember which), where you are in charge of the August AP and he's in charge of the February AP. As far as deciding which AP to do, is it "The August AP is mine so this is what I am doing" or is it more of a collaborative effort, say a few people pitch ideas to a group that then work to flesh out the idea and lay down a firmer backbone before sending it out to freelancers. Or maybe something in between? Just trying to get an idea of the creative process of coming up with the APs. Why does one idea get made while another falls to the wayside.
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I know you've said in the past that you split APs with another Paizo employee (can't remember which), where you are in charge of the August AP and he's in charge of the February AP. As far as deciding which AP to do, is it "The August AP is mine so this is what I am doing" or is it more of a collaborative effort, say a few people pitch ideas to a group that then work to flesh out the idea and lay down a firmer backbone before sending it out to freelancers. Or maybe something in between? Just trying to get an idea of the creative process of coming up with the APs. Why does one idea get made while another falls to the wayside.
Rob McCreary does the February Adventure Path. When we work out what one comes next, Rob's or my interest in the subject is a significant factor in determining what we do... perhaps the MOST significant factor, actually. It's pretty much he and I who come up with the ideas for our respective APs, and then we work together, using each other as sounding boards along with others like Adam, Erik, and Wes to work out what ideas are worth doing.
Ideas fall to the wayside usually because either Rob or I end up losing interest in the idea, often after spending a few weeks thinking through the idea, but also because sometimes the timing isn't right to do a particular AP.
Hi, James.
In Golarion, how are gay male drow treated in their society (Zirnakaynin specifically)? Would you expect there to be much societal prejudice or persecution against them from the matriarchs? Or would it be a non-issue? I was curious, as I'm considering creating such a character and wondering what, if anything, he might have to deal with in regards to that.
Thanks for any thoughts you may have on the subject!
James which of the following would you say is a best estimate for the next adventure path or module dealing with a runelord(in terms of one of the other 5 runelord's getting stats),
A. Within 2 years.
B. Within 4 years.
C. Within 6 years.
D. Within 8 years.
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Hi, James.
In Golarion, how are gay male drow treated in their society (Zirnakaynin specifically)? Would you expect there to be much societal prejudice or persecution against them from the matriarchs? Or would it be a non-issue? I was curious, as I'm considering creating such a character and wondering what, if anything, he might have to deal with in regards to that.
Thanks for any thoughts you may have on the subject!
Drow are actually pretty open-minded and progressive about sexuality. There's any more prejuduce or persecution against gay males in drow society than there is against straight males or asexual males or any other males. It's a non-issue.
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Have you ever been confused with the publisher of the Daily Bugle?James Jacobs is their any plan to have a awakened T-Rex with Gatling gun arms as a villain in any upcoming scenarios?
also is ok if we call you JJ?
No.
I suppose that's fine, but I prefer James.
Nope.
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James which of the following would you say is a best estimate for the next adventure path or module dealing with a runelord(in terms of one of the other 5 runelord's getting stats),
A. Within 2 years.
B. Within 4 years.
C. Within 6 years.
D. Within 8 years.
E. Not gonna say.
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James, why do people not like taking your rulings on things as well and good?
I mean, you're the Creative Director after all. You kinda know a thing or two about the game and the intent of the rules. While there is Mike and other 'Rules guy' members of the team, I prefer to think that if you answer a rules question, and the 'rules guys' don't overrule you, that we should take that as them accepting your judgement.
After all, I believe they have commented on a couple rulings you've made in the past and said 'this is how it SHOULD be'. I dunno. I'd rather trust the guy who's been around since development.
I suspect that most folks take the rulings well enough, but it doesn't take more than one person being a pill to kind of ruin things.
How do you think a bumblebear would fare in Pathfinder?
I know you've said in the past that you split APs with another Paizo employee (can't remember which), where you are in charge of the August AP and he's in charge of the February AP. As far as deciding which AP to do, is it "The August AP is mine so this is what I am doing" or is it more of a collaborative effort, say a few people pitch ideas to a group that then work to flesh out the idea and lay down a firmer backbone before sending it out to freelancers. Or maybe something in between? Just trying to get an idea of the creative process of coming up with the APs. Why does one idea get made while another falls to the wayside.Rob McCreary does the February Adventure Path. When we work out what one comes next, Rob's or my interest in the subject is a significant factor in determining what we do... perhaps the MOST significant factor, actually. It's pretty much he and I who come up with the ideas for our respective APs, and then we work together, using each other as sounding boards along with others like Adam, Erik, and Wes to work out what ideas are worth doing.
Ideas fall to the wayside usually because either Rob or I end up losing interest in the idea, often after spending a few weeks thinking through the idea, but also because sometimes the timing isn't right to do a particular AP.
Have there been other Paizo employees who have come to you or Rob with an idea for an AP that actually made it into print?
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How do you think a bumblebear would fare in Pathfinder?
Depends if Erik was running the game.
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How do humans learn enough about Apsu to worship him? Since he doesn't seem to have an organized church to standardize things, how does a paladin or cleric of Apsu learn how to be such?
Same way they learn about anything like that. Knowledge (religion) or exploring a temple or talking to another worshiper or whatever. Lots of ways.
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Have there been other Paizo employees who have come to you or Rob with an idea for an AP that actually made it into print?
A few other employees help with the details now and then, particularly Wes, but also Sutter and Erik, but the primary and initial brainstorming of the plot seeds are usually me or Rob.
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.
Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
How do you think a bumblebear would fare in Pathfinder?Depends if Erik was running the game.
How would it fare if Erik was running the game?
How would it fare if he weren't?
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Legacy of Fire?
Legacy of Fire?
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Council of Thieves??
--C.
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A few other employees help with the details now and then, particularly Wes, but also Sutter and Erik, but the primary and initial brainstorming of the plot seeds are usually me or Rob.
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.
Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Could you remind me what those last 3 are?
Other than the MMO, what kind of video game(genre)s would you like to see get made from Pathfinder?
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How do you think a bumblebear would fare in Pathfinder?Depends if Erik was running the game.How would it fare if Erik was running the game?
How would it fare if he weren't?
Erik's afraid of bears is all, and no one likes being stung!
Personally... I wouldn't use it in my game cause of the silly factor, so it wouldn't fare at all.
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Legacy of Fire?
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Ah; right. That was me.
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Creative Director
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Legacy of Fire?
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Council of Thieves??
--C.
Oh yeah! That was me with lots of Wes help.
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Could you remind me what those last 3 are?A few other employees help with the details now and then, particularly Wes, but also Sutter and Erik, but the primary and initial brainstorming of the plot seeds are usually me or Rob.
I outlined and started Runelords, Crimson Throne, Second Darkness, Kingmaker, Serpent's Skull, Jade Regent, Shattered Star, Wrath of the Righteous, and Iron Gods.
Rob did Skull & Shackles and Reign of Winter and Mummy's Mask.
Wes did Carrion Crown.
I feel like I'm forgetting one... maybe it's just the 3 that we haven't announced that we know what they are...
Already did... but I did it 2 years from now. Is your time machine not working?
I know you've said in the past that you split APs with another Paizo employee (can't remember which), where you are in charge of the August AP and he's in charge of the February AP. As far as deciding which AP to do, is it "The August AP is mine so this is what I am doing" or is it more of a collaborative effort, say a few people pitch ideas to a group that then work to flesh out the idea and lay down a firmer backbone before sending it out to freelancers. Or maybe something in between? Just trying to get an idea of the creative process of coming up with the APs. Why does one idea get made while another falls to the wayside.Rob McCreary does the February Adventure Path. When we work out what one comes next, Rob's or my interest in the subject is a significant factor in determining what we do... perhaps the MOST significant factor, actually. It's pretty much he and I who come up with the ideas for our respective APs, and then we work together, using each other as sounding boards along with others like Adam, Erik, and Wes to work out what ideas are worth doing.
Ideas fall to the wayside usually because either Rob or I end up losing interest in the idea, often after spending a few weeks thinking through the idea, but also because sometimes the timing isn't right to do a particular AP.
What if both you and Rob really like the idea. How do you guys decide who does it? Coin flip? Deathmatch?
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How do humans learn enough about Apsu to worship him? Since he doesn't seem to have an organized church to standardize things, how does a paladin or cleric of Apsu learn how to be such?Same way they learn about anything like that. Knowledge (religion) or exploring a temple or talking to another worshiper or whatever. Lots of ways.
Where ARE temples of Apsu, then? Inner Sea Gods doesn't include centers of worship for him like it does for Ghlaunder, Alseta or Naderi, to name a few. I'm wondering if people in Brevoy have heard of him.
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What if both you and Rob really like the idea. How do you guys decide who does it? Coin flip? Deathmatch?
We just work it out, pretty much. Our tastes are similar enough that this happens pretty often, but different enough that we can usually figure out which of us is better suited for an AP.
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James,
Question on Oracles Curses and Revelation abilities:
Two questions that are interrelated.
Would Erosion Touch work with Wrecker's melee attack ability for sundering objects?
Or is a melee touch attack different then a Melee attack?
Thank you for your help!
That's a good question for the rules boards. As a general rule, though, two different supernatural attacks don't really work together that way, since most of them require a standard action to use and thus can't combine. If one of those DOES just modify another attack, then try it out. If the GM thinks it's too good, the option to switch back always exists.
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Where ARE temples of Apsu, then? Inner Sea Gods doesn't include centers of worship for him like it does for Ghlaunder, Alseta or Naderi, to name a few. I'm wondering if people in Brevoy have heard of him.How do humans learn enough about Apsu to worship him? Since he doesn't seem to have an organized church to standardize things, how does a paladin or cleric of Apsu learn how to be such?Same way they learn about anything like that. Knowledge (religion) or exploring a temple or talking to another worshiper or whatever. Lots of ways.
Correct. He's pretty obscure and his temples are generally well-hidden in remote areas or in ruins or far from human eyes.
If you want to play a human/humanoid worshiper of Apsu, the best bet is to have that character learn of Apsu via old texts or legend, and then you can have "find a temple of Apsu" be part of that character's goals.
Some folks in Brevoy (and elsewhere) have heard of him... but generally only if they're religious scholars, smarties, or have a few ranks in Knowledge (religion), or have associations with good dragons.
AKA: There's a reason he's not a core 20 deity. He's obscure.
We just work it out, pretty much. Our tastes are similar enough that this happens pretty often, but different enough that we can usually figure out which of us is better suited for an AP.
What if both you and Rob really like the idea. How do you guys decide who does it? Coin flip? Deathmatch?
No dance fight? :(
Other than the MMO, what kind of video game(genre)s would you like to see get made from Pathfinder?Something like Baldur's Gate 2. Something like Skyrim/Fallout. Something like Assassin's Creed.
Single Player games, in other words.
Would you want the option for multiplayer campaigns? Adventure with your friends kind of thing? PvP would be possible, but the game wouldn't be balanced around it at all.
If you've ever played the Borderlands games, you'd understand kind of what I'm talking about.
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Other than the MMO, what kind of video game(genre)s would you like to see get made from Pathfinder?Something like Baldur's Gate 2. Something like Skyrim/Fallout. Something like Assassin's Creed.
Single Player games, in other words.
Would you want the option for multiplayer campaigns? Adventure with your friends kind of thing? PvP would be possible, but the game wouldn't be balanced around it at all.
If you've ever played the Borderlands games, you'd understand kind of what I'm talking about.
Nope. I much prefer pen-and-paper fro multiplayer RPGs. For video games, I MUCH prefer single player games, almost entirely. I've played both Borderlands games and got bored with them before hitting the halfway point both times.
What about a 2-D Metroidvania style?