Is the bird-like race the sabosans? I guess that's more bat-like.
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2) When using a Magic Weapon of any sort as an Improvised Weapon, does it retain its enhancement bonuses or special qualities? ( Thread ) (Clarification would be nice for: Ammunition as Improvised Weapons, Masterwork weapon bonus, Special Qualities dependent on weapon types)2) Nope. A magic weapon's enhancement bonuses and abilities only work when it's used as intended as a weapon.
Does that apply to lets say if you use Greater magic weapon on 50 arrows and then throw them with Telekinesis?
Bonus question, lets say you have a spell like Fiery Shuriken (Ultimate Combat) or Telekinesis and you're throwing out 15 or 8 attacks as a standard action, and you're an arcane trickster or a rogue. You're rolling attack rolls for all those attacks, but do they all get sneak attack damage? Or do you only apply sneak attack damage once for the entire spell?
I only ask because if you do get sneak attack damage for all of the, you're getting something like 56d6 a round in sneak attack alone, and that doesn't seem kosher to me. but I can't find anything that bans it.
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Actually irori's is listed as the ox in dragon empires but still I'm kind of waiting to see what James has to say on the issue.The blue text is a link to James' thoughts on the matter, actually. He no doubt has more thoughts on the matter, and perhaps even some updated thoughts on the matter, 'though, so when he finishes his 17 minutes of sleep a day and gets back online, that will be cool. :)
Handy!
Yah, some day I'd like to list all of the deity's sacred animals, favored colors, holy days, etc. in a big table. Need the right book to do that though.
Before I start answering these... where the heck is Wyroot from?
I'm not the OP, but wyroot is from the Advanced Race Guide (elf section), reprinted in Ultimate Equipment (p. 52).
Edit: the book with the table of holy stuff could be in a big hardback that expands religious options for PCs, details some demigods, and collects all the herald stat blocks. You can call it Advanced Deities and Demigods.
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Hi James, got a question for you:
Some folks were recently talking about the Pistolero archetype for the gunslinger. Seems they get a class feature that's called "Pistol Training", comes at the same level that the base gunslinger gets "Gun Training", has a similar effect, etc... Yet it doesn't say "This ability replaces Gun Training" or any such thing. Would you happen to know whether this was intentional, or merely an oversight? Apparently it's the deciding point on whether Pistolero stacks with another archetype, so we've got "doesn't say it replaces Gun Training" versus "obviously it's supposed to".Do you know what the intent was on this one? Thanks!
I don't know what the intent was on this one, but I do know that I prefer fewer archetype stacking scenarios than more, so my gut would prefer that pistol training should replace gun training. That would certainly make sense, since that'd mean the pistolero is more about pistols than any other gun...
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Thanks James! To be honest I've never really looked closely at the gunslinger or its archetypes (not quite my thing), but the combo I was hearing about had a pretty cool name, at least: "The Mysterious Pistolero" (combination of Pistolero and Mysterious Stranger). Dunno what it does, but it sounds cool!
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2) When using a Magic Weapon of any sort as an Improvised Weapon, does it retain its enhancement bonuses or special qualities? ( Thread ) (Clarification would be nice for: Ammunition as Improvised Weapons, Masterwork weapon bonus, Special Qualities dependent on weapon types)2) Nope. A magic weapon's enhancement bonuses and abilities only work when it's used as intended as a weapon.Does that apply to lets say if you use Greater magic weapon on 50 arrows and then throw them with Telekinesis?
Bonus question, lets say you have a spell like Fiery Shuriken (Ultimate Combat) or Telekinesis and you're throwing out 15 or 8 attacks as a standard action, and you're an arcane trickster or a rogue. You're rolling attack rolls for all those attacks, but do they all get sneak attack damage? Or do you only apply sneak attack damage once for the entire spell?
I only ask because if you do get sneak attack damage for all of the, you're getting something like 56d6 a round in sneak attack alone, and that doesn't seem kosher to me. but I can't find anything that bans it.
Technically, yes that would still apply if you telekinesis a storm of arrows.
Frankly, I'd love to errata telekinesis to prevent the whole storm of flaming projectiles thing. That's too much damage. It's not the intent that a 5th level spell should so vastly outdo a Maximized Empowered meteor storm.
Could deities physically visit Golarion, if they wanted?
Could they use their above-mythic powers to take a more active role in Golarion?
Or is there something that stops them from doing that?
2) When using a Magic Weapon of any sort as an Improvised Weapon, does it retain its enhancement bonuses or special qualities? ( Thread ) (Clarification would be nice for: Ammunition as Improvised Weapons, Masterwork weapon bonus, Special Qualities dependent on weapon types)2) Nope. A magic weapon's enhancement bonuses and abilities only work when it's used as intended as a weapon.Does that apply to lets say if you use Greater magic weapon on 50 arrows and then throw them with Telekinesis?
Bonus question, lets say you have a spell like Fiery Shuriken (Ultimate Combat) or Telekinesis and you're throwing out 15 or 8 attacks as a standard action, and you're an arcane trickster or a rogue. You're rolling attack rolls for all those attacks, but do they all get sneak attack damage? Or do you only apply sneak attack damage once for the entire spell?
I only ask because if you do get sneak attack damage for all of the, you're getting something like 56d6 a round in sneak attack alone, and that doesn't seem kosher to me. but I can't find anything that bans it.
Technically, yes that would still apply if you telekinesis a storm of arrows.
Frankly, I'd love to errata telekinesis to prevent the whole storm of flaming projectiles thing. That's too much damage. It's not the intent that a 5th level spell should so vastly outdo a Maximized Empowered meteor storm.
Well, consider the fact that each arrow requires an attack roll, and that each arrow is subject to DR. Not to be a party pooper, but Meteor Swarm is often considered to be a bad spell for what it does.
Besides, the best weapon to use with Telekinesis is the Greatsword since Telekinesis deals the weapons damage if a weapon is used. It falls within the weight limit, so you could potentially fling out 15 Greatswords each dealing 2d6 points of damage (total 30d6) against one target.
Again though, each Greatsword requires an attack roll and is subject to DR.
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Alexander Augunas:
I am aware of that also. While I am not the math guru that Magimaster is I can do that level of math (up to calculus 1 proficiently).
But why confuse people by explaining it to them when I can simply give them the numbers?
- Gauss
If you inspire system mastery, your players will never ask you questions; they'll just do it. If you just give away numbers, you will be asked for those same numbers again and again again again AND AGAIN every single time your player gains a level, loses their character sheet. rerolls their character following a brutal death, makes a cohort, goes to the bathroom, has their mind modified by yithians, so on and so forth.
Who is/was your favorite Pathfinder character and why?
Thanks for the earlier reply re:improvised weapons.
I agree with the concept of there being a trade-off with a reach weapon (ie someone gets in close then you have a problem) however with so many current workarounds on trend - Armour Spikes, Spiked Gauntlets, or even the (exotic) Dwarven Boulder Helmet (APG) there are a range of ways to mitigate this problem and deliver a proper weapon attack at no real penalty; so seeing as that perceieved weapon trade-off has pretty much faded, it was just nice to think there was another alternative in using the weapon itself as an improvised one, even though it's at a -4 and is a mechanically far weaker option than the three above.
Cheers!
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James, some questions about Wyroot (I hope you can help with that):
1) If I attack with a Wyroot Weapon and confirm a critical hit do I:
a) get to make normal weapon damage (including sneaks and stuff) and get my Ki/Arcane Pool point stored in the weapon
b) inflict critical weapon damage (including all other modifiers) and get my Ki/Arcane Pool point
c) inflict NO damage at all and only the Ki/Arcane Pool point
2) Do I get the Ki/Arcane Pool point when I Coup de Grace someone? I'm not really confirming a critical hit, I'm just dealing critical damage.
And if c) of Question 1 is right AND it works on CdG:
3) If I CdG someone, without dealing damage, must the victim do a Fort Save against DC 10+Damage (which would be 0 so DC 10) or die?
1) You inflict normal critical damage and the weapon absorbs 1 life point, that you can then absorb as a swift action to restore a ki point or arcane pool point. You don't have to take that swift action there and then. The weapon stores the life point until someone uses it.
2) Up to the GM. I'd say yes, though.
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Could deities physically visit Golarion, if they wanted?
Could they use their above-mythic powers to take a more active role in Golarion?
Or is there something that stops them from doing that?
Yes to all three.
The reason the gods DON'T do that is pretty much because of escalation. They all understand that if one of them starts meddling, all of them will, and that's a good way to have ALL the toys get broken.
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[Well, consider the fact that each arrow requires an attack roll, and that each arrow is subject to DR. Not to be a party pooper, but Meteor Swarm is often considered to be a bad spell for what it does.
Besides, the best weapon to use with Telekinesis is the Greatsword since Telekinesis deals the weapons damage if a weapon is used. It falls within the weight limit, so you could potentially fling out 15 Greatswords each dealing 2d6 points...
Frankly... making each arrow roll an attack roll in that case only FURTHER convinces me that the spell shouldn't work that way, because grinding the game to a halt while someone rolls 20 some attack rolls is not good for the flow of combat.
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Who is/was your favorite Pathfinder character and why?
That changes all the time as I work on new products, but currently it's probably Koriah Azmeren because she's got a really unusual fighting style—dual wielding an aklys and a bastard sword—combined with a cool backstory and supported by great art.
If you inspire system mastery, your players will never ask you questions; they'll just do it. If you just give away numbers, you will be asked for those same numbers again and again again again AND AGAIN every single time your player gains a level, loses their character sheet. rerolls their character following a brutal death, makes a cohort, goes to the bathroom, has their mind modified by yithians, so on and so forth.Alexander Augunas:
I am aware of that also. While I am not the math guru that Magimaster is I can do that level of math (up to calculus 1 proficiently).
But why confuse people by explaining it to them when I can simply give them the numbers?
- Gauss
Unfortunately a one size fits all solution does not work. Some people can handle the system mastery information. Others cannot handle it (or do not want to). Those who can and who want to know will ask for more details while those cannot or do not want to know will be confused or ignore the information. Thus: Provide the basic information first, let those who want to master the system ask for more details.
- Gauss
Mr. James Jacobs,
Can an summoner change the eidolon's base form at each level like he changes the evolutions?
No.
That'd be like picking a new race for your character each time you level up. That would drive me ABSOLUTELY NUTS as a player AND as a GM if someone in a group did that.
Thank you. That's what I though but for some reason I couldn't find the reference.
Of course now when i'm not looking for i'm going to find it and it's going to be in an "If it were a Snake" spot.
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It's needless complication that abuses the intent of the rules.
Thank you, James. I'm sure you feel that you say this a lot - I know I say it often enough as GM when teaching some new players.
Yah, some day I'd like to list all of the deity's sacred animals, favored colors, holy days, etc. in a big table. Need the right book to do that though.
So when will we get an expanded Gods & Magic for Pathfinder? ;)
Yah, some day I'd like to list all of the deity's sacred animals, favored colors, holy days, etc. in a big table. Need the right book to do that though.
Paizo should start making scrolls.
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The Eidolon's Large evolution says:
"The ability increase evolution costs twice as much (4 evolution points) when adding to the Strength or Constitution scores of a Large or Huge eidolon."
I want to know if this refers to Ability Increase evolutions taken after the eidolon get the Large evolution or also affects the Ability Increase evolutions taken before. If the second option is the right one, I like to know what happens with this previous Ability Increase evolutions you could have.
Thank you!
It's nice and confusing, isn't it?
The way I'd run it is to have getting large cost the normal cost for becoming Large, but I'd add on the extra costs for ability increase at that time as well.
AKA: If you have Ability increase, it costs more to become Large.
Each eidolon receives a number of evolution points that can be spent to give the eidolon new abilities, powers, and other upgrades. These abilities, called evolutions, can be changed whenever the summoner gains a new level, but they are otherwise set.
As I read it, the eidolon is "redone" from scratch every time the summoner get a new level, so he would have to apply the size increase first and then pay for the Strength and Constitution increases.
Evolution surge can create some problem here, but not the normal progression of the eidolon abilities.I am mistaken in my reading of the rule?
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Paizo should start making scrolls.
Of Explosive Runes?
On a Hopefully, less rule-centric bent.
So you've listed the Power of the runelords (with Alaznist, Sorshen and Xanderghul as Mythic above Karzoug, which is borne out in Inner Sea Magic with their 20+ rating) And you've said all the Runelords are specialists wizards... Are Krune, Zutha and Belimarius level 20 like Karzoug? or are they lower level?
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As I read it, the eidolon is "redone" from scratch every time the summoner get a new level, so he would have to apply the size increase first and then pay for the Strength and Constitution increases.
Evolution surge can create some problem here, but not the normal progression of the eidolon abilities.
I am mistaken in my reading of the rule?
Most GMs don't generally let you rebuild your character from scratch each time you level up (down to and including picking a new race that may or may not even be humanoid in shape, or may or may not have an established role in the campaign setting). I'm not sure letting eidolons do this is good for most games, particularly from a campaign continuity or "learning your co-adventurers' tactics" viewpoint.
On a different note Mr. James Jacobs,
Do you adhere to the Critical Path or Critical chain for projects?
Also, to shorten a schedule do you prefer Fast-Tracking or Crashing?
SKR dealt with the "change base form" of the eidolon question alread. The answer is no. Just FYI.
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So you've listed the Power of the runelords (with Alaznist, Sorshen and Xanderghul as Mythic above Karzoug, which is borne out in Inner Sea Magic with their 20+ rating) And you've said all the Runelords are specialists wizards... Are Krune, Zutha and Belimarius level 20 like Karzoug? or are they lower level?
Krune is the lowest level at 17th... maybe even lower. Belimarius is probably about 18th level. Zutha is probably 18th or 19th level but is also a lich.
All the above is, of course, subject to change.
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Could you please get David Noonan to write one of the Mendev AP books? Heroes of Battle and Last Stand at outpost three are fantadtic. War stuff by Noonan is like depraved stuff by Logue. Pure synergy.l
I've spoken with David several times about doing something for Pathfinder, and he's certainly seemed interested in doing something with us... but he's also really busy. The ball's in his court at this point if he wants to write something for us... but not an Adventure Path right out the gate. I need someone who I know can devote the time and resources to writing an Adventure Path to write an Adventure Path.
Is there any reason a non-magus/wizard couldn't read, write into, or copy a spellbook provided they had access to things like read magic, Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, and the appropriate scribing materials? Please note that I am NOT suggesting that non-wizards could cast spells from it or anything like that (that's the domain of class abilities).
I'm of the opinion that the spellbook is (by default) a mundane object, and is treated as such within the rules (at least, prior to adding magic traps and the like). Others, it seems, are of the opinion that it is magical and exclusive to magi and wizards. Which is it?
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Is there any reason a non-magus/wizard couldn't read, write into, or copy a spellbook provided they had access to things like read magic, Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, and the appropriate scribing materials? Please note that I am NOT suggesting that non-wizards could cast spells from it or anything like that (that's the domain of class abilities).
I'm of the opinion that the spellbook is (by default) a mundane object, and is treated as such within the rules (at least, prior to adding magic traps and the like). Others, it seems, are of the opinion that it is magical and exclusive to magi and wizards. Which is it?
I'm not James Jacobs, but I want to weigh in on this one. The fact that Alchemist formula books can't be used by wizards belies you train of thought. it's not the book itself. I Believe it's something inherent in the class' training. There's a fundamental gap of understanding because they can't cast the spell like a wizard.
I'm not James Jacobs, but I want to weigh in on this one. The fact that Alchemist formula books can't be used by wizards belies you train of thought. it's not the book itself. I Believe it's something inherent in the class' training. There's a fundamental gap of understanding because they can't cast the spell like a wizard.Is there any reason a non-magus/wizard couldn't read, write into, or copy a spellbook provided they had access to things like read magic, Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, and the appropriate scribing materials? Please note that I am NOT suggesting that non-wizards could cast spells from it or anything like that (that's the domain of class abilities).
I'm of the opinion that the spellbook is (by default) a mundane object, and is treated as such within the rules (at least, prior to adding magic traps and the like). Others, it seems, are of the opinion that it is magical and exclusive to magi and wizards. Which is it?
Except, of course, that an Alchemist is allowed to copy spells out of a Wizard's Spellbook if its on their spell list.
Its a very interesting question that Ravingdork has proposed; certainly one that wouldn't mind a little bit of James' insight. Personally, I would make the character make a Spellcraft check for each spell; if they successfully can identify the spell, they can copy it. Sort of like how you don't need to be an NFL foot ball player to read and understand the plays, but it doesn't mean you possess the skill or ability to use that information yourself.
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Is there any reason a non-magus/wizard couldn't read, write into, or copy a spellbook provided they had access to things like read magic, Knowledge (arcana), Spellcraft, and the appropriate scribing materials? Please note that I am NOT suggesting that non-wizards could cast spells from it or anything like that (that's the domain of class abilities).
I'm of the opinion that the spellbook is (by default) a mundane object, and is treated as such within the rules (at least, prior to adding magic traps and the like). Others, it seems, are of the opinion that it is magical and exclusive to magi and wizards. Which is it?
If you've got ranks in Spellcraft you can certainly find out what spells are in a spellbook. That would be akin to identifying/learning/preparing from a borrowed spellbook—DC 15 + spell level to be able to read the book and understand it.
Now, looking to the rules for adding spells to a spellbook... the actual rules mechanic for putting a spell into a spellbook is a Spellcraft check, so in theory, someone who's not a wizard or magus could do the same by making a Spellcraft check.
My preference is, though, that you need to be a wizard or a magus. First of all... these rules for putting spells in spellbooks aren't found in the general rules for Spellcraft at all—they're in the section of the magic chapter that talks specifically about wizards doing just that. Second of all... spellbooks are supposed to be fantastical... and just allowing anyone who puts a rank into Spellcraft the ability to scribe spells devalues and diminishes the mystique of being a wizard or magus.
(Or alchemist for formulae books.)
SO... the rules imply that you can't do this unless you're a wizard or magus, and my personal preference is to leave that to the wiards and magi. The fact that a spellbook is itself a nonmagical object is irrelevant to all of that in my opinion.
Thanks JJ!
1) Does a Vivisectionist's Sneak Attack class feature also include Prestige Classes, as "classes that grant sneak attack" ( Thread that discusses this in detail )1) Yes. Sneak attack dice pretty much always stack when you get them, regardless of what class or race grants the dice.
Thank you for answering the rest of my questions ^_^
...It's only this one that really troubles me. Because, by the rules as written, Allowing prestige classes to count for the Vivisectionist's sneak attack class feature seems to definitely Not be how it's intended to be <.<
Recommend looking into that thread, even though it's practically a wall of text.
Short summary is: *IF* you're counting Prestige Classes... Then that ability will never allow you to gain more than 10d6 by 20th level. It can Increase what you'd normally get to 10d6, because several prestige classes grant sneak attack at an inferior rate to the rogue's... And last but not least, Every single prestige class out there says that Their sneak attack stacks with every single other source. Meaning, they're granted a Second Time, in addition to the 10d6.
I hate to be a bother... But, are you Absolutely Sure?
It really seems to go against the RAI... ;_;
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2) When using a Magic Weapon of any sort as an Improvised Weapon, does it retain its enhancement bonuses or special qualities? ( Thread ) (Clarification would be nice for: Ammunition as Improvised Weapons, Masterwork weapon bonus, Special Qualities dependent on weapon types)2) Nope. A magic weapon's enhancement bonuses and abilities only work when it's used as intended as a weapon.Does that apply to lets say if you use Greater magic weapon on 50 arrows and then throw them with Telekinesis?
Bonus question, lets say you have a spell like Fiery Shuriken (Ultimate Combat) or Telekinesis and you're throwing out 15 or 8 attacks as a standard action, and you're an arcane trickster or a rogue. You're rolling attack rolls for all those attacks, but do they all get sneak attack damage? Or do you only apply sneak attack damage once for the entire spell?
I only ask because if you do get sneak attack damage for all of the, you're getting something like 56d6 a round in sneak attack alone, and that doesn't seem kosher to me. but I can't find anything that bans it.
Technically, yes that would still apply if you telekinesis a storm of arrows.
Frankly, I'd love to errata telekinesis to prevent the whole storm of flaming projectiles thing. That's too much damage. It's not the intent that a 5th level spell should so vastly outdo a Maximized Empowered meteor storm.
For the sneak attack damage, it isn't a single attack with multiple weapons like a manyshot attack, and so get to add sneak damage only once?
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So, this issue keeps coming up in my game and as a DM I can't seem to get a solid grounding for rules here.
My PCs are rather fond of Tree feather tokens, specifically, using them as impromptu improvised battering rams and weapons. How should I adjudicate this as a DM? On the one hand, I figure, "suddenly a 60 ft tree, everyone make a reflex save." but I've also tried it as a bull rush attack, and as an oversized improvised weapon the wielder (that is, teh person activating it) needs to make a reflex save to avoid being crushed by.
The issue isn't so much using the feather token as a weapon as it is figuring out how it would work as one in a consistent manner. So here's my question:
How much damage would a Tree feather token sprouting do? and how would it end up doing it? to an extent I suppose that I'm also wondering whether Tree feather tokens always sprout straight up or if they sprout in whichever direction you activate them.
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Most GMs don't generally let you rebuild your character from scratch each time you level up (down to and including picking a new race that may or may not even be humanoid in shape, or may or may not have an established role in the campaign setting). I'm not sure letting eidolons do this is good for most games, particularly from a campaign continuity or "learning your co-adventurers' tactics" viewpoint.As I read it, the eidolon is "redone" from scratch every time the summoner get a new level, so he would have to apply the size increase first and then pay for the Strength and Constitution increases.
Evolution surge can create some problem here, but not the normal progression of the eidolon abilities.
I am mistaken in my reading of the rule?
Having a summoner in my group, I can attest to that.
"Your eidolon can climb that tree like she did last level and kill that enemy" "She traded away her climb bonus, it is not useful at this level"
"Have your ediolon find him with scent" "She don't have it this level"
I think the eidolon will feel less powerful as it rise in level as the other players options will increase and the eidolon lower number of HD will start to be relevant, but so far (7th level) it is too powerful.
Combined with the spell list of the summoner, with all his spells with lowered levels the effect is negative. I think I will not allow it again in my campaigns.
The capabilities of the player are very important to maximize the eidolon efficacy, but having a "secondary character" taking centre stage so often is fastidious.
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...It's only this one that really troubles me. Because, by the rules as written, Allowing prestige classes to count for the Vivisectionist's sneak attack class feature seems to definitely Not be how it's intended to be <.<Recommend looking into that thread, even though it's practically a wall of text.
Short summary is: *IF* you're counting Prestige Classes... Then that ability will never allow you to gain more than 10d6 by 20th level. It can Increase what you'd normally get to 10d6, because several prestige classes grant sneak attack at an inferior rate to the rogue's... And last but not least, Every single prestige class out there says that Their sneak attack stacks with every single other source. Meaning, they're granted a Second Time, in addition to the 10d6.
I hate to be a bother... But, are you Absolutely Sure?
It really seems to go against the RAI... ;_;
So you're saying that my Vivisectionist couldn't be a master spy or a lion blade or an assassin? Really?
Are you using Gestalt rules or something?
Huh?On a different note Mr. James Jacobs,
Do you adhere to the Critical Path or Critical chain for projects?
Also, to shorten a schedule do you prefer Fast-Tracking or Crashing?
This is project management jargon.
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This is project management jargon.Huh?On a different note Mr. James Jacobs,
Do you adhere to the Critical Path or Critical chain for projects?
Also, to shorten a schedule do you prefer Fast-Tracking or Crashing?
Don't look him in the eye, stay calm, and promise amazing synergy between your leveraging your RoI potentiality and biscuits. This will calm the project manager enough to allow you to make your escape.
See Pathfinder #24 for some discussions about genies and wishes. What happens if you use a genie's wish to do ANYTHING is up to the GM. Could rebuild a city... could just rebuild a neighborhood.
I already looked at Pathfinder #24, what I want to know is if a Runelord could use a genie to fix up her city…or the sunken landmass of her empire.
They're probably dark gray or black, like most of the town's stonework.
So Xin-Eurythnia used black marble too? Interesting to know.
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Half of Bane Wraith problem is about taking multiple classes (prestige or not) that give sneak attack at first level so that the character will be capable to get a higher sneak attack damage than a rogue of the same level.
To me having a character that get 5d6 (or whatever) of sneak damage at level 7 mixing 1 level of rogue, one of vivisectionist, one of this and one of that and absolutely this one and that one and that other one seem a unwanted effect and strongly against the spirit of the rules.
So the question:
mixing multiple classes to get a more sneak attack damage dices than a rogue of the same level is an intended effect or not?
So I am GMing this weekend, for the very first time. I also haven't had much opportunity to play in awhile, compared to the people I am playing with (friends from my Masters; we are doing this using Roll20). Anyway, I will be running the Anniversary edition of Rise of the Runelords.
As a first time GM, could you give me a bit of advice:
1) What is the biggest problem you think a first time GM has to face?
2) For giving out/allowing the option to buy equipment, how do you estimate the level appropriateness of the equipment? I am concerned I will either give out something too powerful, which could unbalance the game. Or be too much of a miser and have to deal with players getting annoyed they don't have better "stuff"
3) We are using a 20 point buy, and at least two of the player are pretty experienced optimizers. I am considering throwing in more goblins in the opening attacks of the AP. How many do you think would be safe to throw in to keep the fight hard but not a TPK.
If it helps, we have a Kobold Paladin of Apsu, a Nagajji Druid with a small Deinonychus, a Changeling Witch, and a human cleric of Pharasma (who is simply a fill in character since one of the players can't make the first session)