James,
Are you into Magic: The Gathering any? If you are, do you keep up with the story? Would like to know what you feel about the end of Theros block/Godsend pt 2.
What are significant challenges, beyond language, that a true Azlanti might face in modern day Golarion? Say there was one locked in stasis or something similar and is now waking up to find the world.
James,
What's that coming over the hill?
Creative Director
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What places in the inner sea teach Aldori style sword fighting (other than brevoy and mivon)
Are there any places in the inner sea where life hasn't turned totally horrible because of everything
That's pretty much it for places that teach that style of sword fighting. Others likely exist, but they'd be lone teachers operating on their own agendas.
And yes... life hasn't turned horrible in many places in the Inner Sea. We just spend more time publishing things appropriate for PCs and the adventures they go on. If instead we focused on NPC commoners and experts, our book offerings would look a LOT different (and a lot more boring).
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Creative Director
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Is zon-kuthon redeemable??
What would happen if the midnight court was defeated?
Could a mythic hero defeat zon-kuthon?
Probably not, but with the right story we wanted to cover, maybe. But I doubt it. He's MUCH more interesting as a fallen good guy than a risen bad guy who was a fallen good guy. There's better targets for evil gods being redeemed that have both been set up AND won't disrupt our core 20 at all.
A balance of power would shift; that's something that a campaign would have to address. At this point, I'm not ready to barrel down that particular rabbit hole.
In a fight? No.
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I should have been more specific, I notice female specific in the source books more so than I do male specific. Why bother using either and not simply gender neutral in those source books, when not referring to a character or class at least.Why are all of the books written in female specific pronouns (she, her) and not just simply gender neutral ones?The books aren't written in female specific pronouns... I suspect you're only noticing those because you're used to seeing male pronouns.
When we write about a specific class, be it the class description or an archetype or whatever, we use the pronoun as set by that class's iconic. SO... when talking about fighters, we use male pronouns (because Valeros is male). When talking about sorcerers, we use female pronouns (because Seoni is female).
Anyway... the fact that it's unusual to use female pronouns is all the reason I need to keep using them, because that means there's some inequality going on. When the switch between male and female pronouns ceases to be surprising, that's where I feel that society needs to be.
Because gender neutral pronouns in English tend to be confusing and awkward, and because Paizo supports gender equality and that means equality in pronoun usage.
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James you have said that Fury's Fall and Weapon Finesse don't stack because you can't add a stat to an ability twice.
Does that mean Wisdom of the Flesh (Acrobatics) "Use Wisdom instead of Dexterity for Acrobatics" doesn't stack with Monkey Style "Add your Wisdom Modifiers to Acrobatics"?If no then I wish I had known before taking the feat.
Related question. The first line of Monkey Style is "You add your Wisdom bonus on Acrobatics checks." Then it talks about benefits you gain while using the style. Does that mean I get the bonus even when not activly using the style?
And related question #2. What are the rules for using a style out of combat?
Talk to your GM, frankly. If you were my player, I would have let you know when you asked to took the feat in the first place how that feat works in my game, and if at a later point you realized it wasn't the best choice, I'd just let you rebuild that feat choice for free. I'm pretty permissive when it comes to that kind of thing.
In any event, though, it doesn't sound like that's the situation you're in. Since I'm not your GM, I can't help you. You need to ask these questions in the rules forums and get them FAQed as a result.
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Creative Director
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James,
Are you into Magic: The Gathering any? If you are, do you keep up with the story? Would like to know what you feel about the end of Theros block/Godsend pt 2.
I was VERY big in to Magic back in college and a little beyond. I basically played from the tail end of Antiquities to the launch of Homeland. Had every red card up through that point, and played a LOT (I preferred red, red/green, and red/black decks, but also prefered playing HUGE decks with all sorts of cards... and red/white so I could Fork Shaharazad cards...). I played now and then intermittently while I worked at Wizards of the Coast from 1999 to 2003 or thereabouts, and sort of kept up on the story just because I'd hear snippets of it around work, but I've more or less stopped playing at all since coming to Paizo. I've NEVER read any of the novels. And I don't know what the Theros/Godsend stuff is at all.
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Creative Director
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What are significant challenges, beyond language, that a true Azlanti might face in modern day Golarion? Say there was one locked in stasis or something similar and is now waking up to find the world.
Culture shock in all its various ways, combined with the proliferation of non-human races in society, combined with the drastically different religious outlook, along with the realization that your homeland is 10,000 years gone and under the sea.
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What are significant challenges, beyond language, that a true Azlanti might face in modern day Golarion? Say there was one locked in stasis or something similar and is now waking up to find the world.Culture shock in all its various ways, combined with the proliferation of non-human races in society, combined with the drastically different religious outlook, along with the realization that your homeland is 10,000 years gone and under the sea.
Sooooo Philip J. Fry?
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The blog is wrong. She's from Irrisen, she has freezing blue skin, but she's a wizard, as evidenced by the novels she appeared in.Hmm but ** spoiler omitted **James, I just gotta know, what class is Zernibeth?She's a ... ** spoiler omitted **
Haven't read the novels (YET!) but since it was Tim saying it it just confused me, or is White Witch a title that can be gained without being a Witch/Winter Witch?
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Creative Director
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Haven't read the novels (YET!) but since it was Tim saying it it just confused me, or is White Witch a title that can be gained without being a Witch/Winter Witch?The blog is wrong. She's from Irrisen, she has freezing blue skin, but she's a wizard, as evidenced by the novels she appeared in.Hmm but ** spoiler omitted **James, I just gotta know, what class is Zernibeth?She's a ... ** spoiler omitted **
I suspect Tim's not 100% clear on the difference in idle talk between a white witch and a wizard. I do know that I decided on making her into a wizard based entirely on how she's presented and referred to in his novel—the novels tend to get a little bit more loose on game terminology.
She's not even really involved in Irrisen's politics at all, though, so him calling her a white witch is an error—I suspect he meant to just say she'd come from the land of white witches.
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Creative Director
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That's up to the GM to decide.Us players hate that answer. It fills us with fear. GMs, love that answer though. Gives them a reason to laugh at us while saying no. ESPECIALLY if it's a 50/50 split vote on various forums.
But yeah, going to bring it up.
Turn that fear of GMs into respect for GMs and you'll do much better. ;-)
Hello James,
What's your favourite type of fictional apocalypse or post-apocalyptic world?
Hi James,
I was looking through the 5e Monster Manual, and the system seems reminiscent of 2nd edition. As someone who (I think you had indicated) had played 1st and second edition, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of a monster rules system that is different from the players rules system for building characters? From a design and/or development perspective?
I can see some advantages for non-humanoid creatures, but it feels odd for the kind of creatures that, for lack of a better word, feel like they should advance by class.
To be clear, I'm not asking you to critique 5e's system, just asking in a broad sense. If this feels to close to asking you to critique another company, I understand why you wouldn't want to for professionalism reasons.
Thanks!
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Creative Director
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Hi James,
I was looking through the 5e Monster Manual, and the system seems reminiscent of 2nd edition. As someone who (I think you had indicated) had played 1st and second edition, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of a monster rules system that is different from the players rules system for building characters? From a design and/or development perspective?
I can see some advantages for non-humanoid creatures, but it feels odd for the kind of creatures that, for lack of a better word, feel like they should advance by class.
To be clear, I'm not asking you to critique 5e's system, just asking in a broad sense. If this feels to close to asking you to critique another company, I understand why you wouldn't want to for professionalism reasons.
Thanks!
I've played all editions of D&D except for 5th, and that's getting corrected this Saturday, I think.
The advantage for having separate rules for monsters is that it makes it less likely players will want to play monsters, and that you don't have to include a lot of clutter in stat blocks that most monsters will never use.
The advantage for having the same rules is that you have to learn half as many rules to become good at building things, and that anything you create for a PC option can be a monster option (or vice-versa).
I actually quite enjoy all of them. I love seeing how different types of apocalypses generate different types of post-apocalyptic worlds.Hello James,
What's your favourite type of fictional apocalypse or post-apocalyptic world?
What are some of your favourite post-apocalyptic works of fiction?
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Creative Director
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What are 10 reasons that a outsider might serve Erastil?
This sounds like the type of question that'll have me doing 10 reasons for every deity, and so I'm not gonna set a precedent for answering this question to this level of detail.
Instead... the reasons ANY outsider might serve ANY deity is because their beliefs coincide with that deity, or because that deity created them in the first place, or because they served that deity as a mortal and upon being judged by Pharasma were sent on to become petitioners in that deity's realm, or for any of the reasons a mortal might serve a deity.
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Creative Director
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What are some of your favourite post-apocalyptic works of fiction?I actually quite enjoy all of them. I love seeing how different types of apocalypses generate different types of post-apocalyptic worlds.Hello James,
What's your favourite type of fictional apocalypse or post-apocalyptic world?
The Stand
The Mad Max trilogyFallout
Wasteland
Gamma World
Dark Tower books
Zothique stories
The Passage/The Twelve
The Road
The Metro games
Lucifer's Hammer
The Walking Dead
I Am Legend
The Quiet Earth
On the Beach
Children of Men
The Terminator movies
Dawn of the Dead/Day of the Dead
Reign of Fire
Stake Land
The Divide
Day of the Triffids
Snowpiercer
The Matrix
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1) How does Iomedae, or more specifically the more orthodox members of her church, view her worshipers who use swords OTHER than longswords, especially those who aren't proficient with them, like monks, for example? And how do they treat people who don't use longswords for cultural reasons, like samurai who stick to their katanas or Vudrans with their temple swords and urumi?
2) On the flipside, how do the more orthodox branches of Sarenrae's church view those who DON'T adopt Keleshite cultural trappings and practices, preferring their home culture instead?
3) Are the elves of Kyonin in contact with the elves of Jinjin in Tian Xia? If so, how do they view each other, especially considering the Jinjin elves have imported a lot of culture and lawfulness from the humans of Minkai?
4) Would introducing Harrow-related stuff via PCs into APs that aren't built around Harrow symbolism (Curse of the Crimson Throne and Carrion Crown) crowd the symbolism and themes of those APs? I think it'd be interesting to have a Harrower PC in an AP like Jade Regent, Second Darkness or Shattered Star, but I'm worried that playing a character heavily into harrowing would basically hijack the stories those APs are trying to tell.
5) As a horror fan, what is your opinion of the creepypasta phenomenon? You think it's the next evolutionary step of horror writing as we know it? Or that it's just amateurish non-fan-fic that's in vogue right now? Are there any creepypasta you like?
6) What was Melek Taus, the now-vanished Peacock Angel, like?
7) Was Irori the FIRST monk (as in character class) or merely the GREATEST?
8) Irori's faithful seem to be the default one imagines when one imagines the monk class. How are monks of other faiths different? How might a monk of Sarenrae or Iomedae behave?
9) Do crescent-moon-shaped horns on a tiefling look dorky?
Have you met or communicated directly with Stephen King? Seems like the two of you might have an interesting conversation "talking shop".
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Creative Director
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1) How does Iomedae, or more specifically the more orthodox members of her church, view her worshipers who use swords OTHER than longswords, especially those who aren't proficient with them, like monks, for example? And how do they treat people who don't use longswords for cultural reasons, like samurai who stick to their katanas or Vudrans with their temple swords and urumi?
2) On the flipside, how do the more orthodox branches of Sarenrae's church view those who DON'T adopt Keleshite cultural trappings and practices, preferring their home culture instead?
3) Are the elves of Kyonin in contact with the elves of Jinjin in Tian Xia? If so, how do they view each other, especially considering the Jinjin elves have imported a lot of culture and lawfulness from the humans of Minkai?
4) Would introducing Harrow-related stuff via PCs into APs that aren't built around Harrow symbolism (Curse of the Crimson Throne and Carrion Crown) crowd the symbolism and themes of those APs? I think it'd be interesting to have a Harrower PC in an AP like Jade Regent, Second Darkness or Shattered Star, but I'm worried that playing a character heavily into harrowing would basically hijack the stories those APs are trying to tell.
5) As a horror fan, what is your opinion of the creepypasta phenomenon? You think it's the next evolutionary step of horror writing as we know it? Or that it's just amateurish non-fan-fic that's in vogue right now? Are there any creepypasta you like?
6) What was Melek Taus, the now-vanished Peacock Angel, like?
7) Was Irori the FIRST monk (as in character class) or merely the GREATEST?
8) Irori's faithful seem to be the default one imagines when one imagines the monk class. How are monks of other faiths different? How might a monk of Sarenrae or Iomedae behave?
9) Do crescent-moon-shaped horns on a tiefling look dorky?
1) Not using swords is not a big deal for Iomedae. She's not a goddess of swordplay. Those who choose to use the longsword to honor her favored weapon are the most common, but others who don't use longswords aren't "lesser" in the eyes of her or her church. What weapon someone uses isn't really a big deal to most churches, in fact.
2) Sarenrae's faith is widespread, and very very accepting of new worshipers. It's one of the more progressive religions of the core, in fact. She and her faith openly welcome any and everyone who wants to worship.
3) They are not in contact with each other on any significant scale worth mentioning.
4) I doubt it. It'd probably strengthen the symbolism to have PCs tied into it. Provided the player plays along with the themes and doesn't try to overwhelm things, but that's normal for any group.
5) As with any genre of horror... some of it is good, some is brilliant, a lot is mediocre, and some is bad. I'm particularly a fan of Slenderman stuff and the Marble Hornets videos.
6) Unrevealed as far as I know.
7) Neither.
8) Monks of different faiths are different in that their areas of worship are different. A monk of Sarenrae would dress in blue and gold colors and worship the sun and be very friendly and open. A monk of Iomedae would be very honorable and combat-focused and serious. Etc.
9) Depends entirely on the artist who illustrates them.
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Creative Director
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I actually quite enjoy all of them. I love seeing how different types of apocalypses generate different types of post-apocalyptic worlds.Hello James,
What's your favourite type of fictional apocalypse or post-apocalyptic world?
Did you see the book of eli?
If yes what did you think of it?
I did see it and I quite liked it, but it's got a few flaws that, unfortunately, keep it from being as good as it could have been. I probably should have included it on my list though.
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Have you met or communicated directly with Stephen King? Seems like the two of you might have an interesting conversation "talking shop".
I've met him. He did a reading at a Methodist church in Seattle several years ago to promote "Bag of Bones" when it was published. He read a then unpublished short story ("L.T.'s Theory of Pets," now available in "Everything's Eventual"), did a question/answer session for about a half hour or hour, and then signed books. The church was HUGE and it was packed. I got my copy of Bag of Bones signed and shook his hand and that was about it.
It was pretty awesome.
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Creative Director
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Is zon-kuthon redeemable or has he gone too far into the vilest acts of evil To come back
I generally resist saying "no" to things like this, because I'm not sure what sorts of stories I might want to tell in 10 years... assuming I'm still working at Paizo... but in this case I'm pretty confident in saying no. He plays too huge and important a role in our game to be someone who can be redeemed. Further, it lessens his story to be someone who fell from grace and was then redeemed, in my opinion.
There are other deities who are set up to be redeemed in the world who aren't as much of a "load-bearing" element... Nocticula, for example.
The core deities are pretty locked in.
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Creative Director
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Now that the technology guide is out, along with tech items from Iron Gods, how do you feel the first bits of Numerian tech published (such as Irovetti's gear from Kingmaker) hold up? Would you revise them, or are they fine as is?
They're fine as they are. If I were publishing Kingmaker today, I'd make them into brand new items, but they're also fine as they are.
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Creative Director
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What flaws?I did see it and I quite liked it, but it's got a few flaws that, unfortunately, keep it from being as good as it could have been. I probably should have included it on my list though.I actually quite enjoy all of them. I love seeing how different types of apocalypses generate different types of post-apocalyptic worlds.Hello James,
What's your favourite type of fictional apocalypse or post-apocalyptic world?
Did you see the book of eli?
If yes what did you think of it?
Mostly to do with...
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Creative Director
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Hi James,
Related to Noticula maybe being redeemed at some point, how likely is it that a good deity like Ragathiel falling? And if he did would he maintain his ideals of eliminating evil but be evil or neutral while doing it?
The fall of a good deity is as interesting as the redemption of an evil one. I think Ragathiel is kind of the obvious choice, which might mean he's not the best choice for such a storyline.
Why is commissioning art so delightfully fun?
Why is commissioning art so delightfully fun?Because it's exciting to anticipate how the words you've been working on will end up looking once they're illustrated.
What's your personal top-ten favorite pieces of art that you've had commissioned to go along with your words?
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What's your personal top-ten favorite pieces of art that you've had commissioned to go along with your words?Why is commissioning art so delightfully fun?Because it's exciting to anticipate how the words you've been working on will end up looking once they're illustrated.
I've commissioned hundreds, perhaps thousands of pieces of art over the past 11 years, so picking ten personal favorites is tough.
I'll try.
1) The cover to Dungeon #119 (My first cover order)
2) Merisiel
3) The goblins on the cover of Pathfinder 1
4) The cover to Dungeon #150
5) The cover to Book of the Damned II: Lords of Chaos
6) Ameiko from Jade Regent #1's cover
7) Ameiko from Jade Regent #6's cover
8) The cover to Dungeon #149
9) Queen Illeosa
10) Arueshalae from the cover of Wrath of the Righteous #4
What would happen to someone or some group if they succeeded at beginning to destroy the Star Towers in an attempt to free Rovagug from his prison? Would we see another alliance, even if it's a small one, of the Gods on their followers to try and stop them?
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Have you met or communicated directly with Stephen King? Seems like the two of you might have an interesting conversation "talking shop".I've met him. He did a reading at a Methodist church in Seattle several years ago to promote "Bag of Bones" when it was published. He read a then unpublished short story ("L.T.'s Theory of Pets," now available in "Everything's Eventual"), did a question/answer session for about a half hour or hour, and then signed books. The church was HUGE and it was packed. I got my copy of Bag of Bones signed and shook his hand and that was about it.
It was pretty awesome.
I know this isn't a question, but I thought I'd relay an interesting story. A close friend of mine was eating in a small diner when she saw Mr. King eating at another table. She introduced herself as a fan, then went back to her table so as not to bother him.
He actually moved to a table next to her and talked to her through the whole meal. She said he's a super nice person.
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Creative Director
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What would happen to someone or some group if they succeeded at beginning to destroy the Star Towers in an attempt to free Rovagug from his prison? Would we see another alliance, even if it's a small one, of the Gods on their followers to try and stop them?
It'd take a LOT more than that to free Rovagug. The Star Towers only real purpose was to prevent his faithful from receiving spells, and they've long since lost that ability. Today the Star Towers are spooky adventure sites and not much more. A plot to free Rovagug would certainly include those trying to free him seeking out Star Towers for hints and clues on how to do it, but the actual mechanic for freeing him would involve a LOT more than just wrecking these things.
That said...
It's not something really that we have plans to do, in any event... so feel free to handle it how you wish for your games if you want to go ahead with this plotline.
5) The cover to Book of the Damned II: Lords of Chaos
That's Noctilla (Succubus Queen that people are always asking about redeeming) on the cover, right? Or is it just a generic succubus?