I know Pathfinder did away with the 'Always', 'Usually', 'Often', and 'Sometimes' caveats on suggested alignments, but what does this mean for undead? For example, if a very strongly chaotic good woman were attacked by a vampire, how hard would it be for her to retain her chaotic good nature? Would she be able to, or would merely being a vampire make her immediately fall to evil no matter what?
Any thoughts on the recent Tome of Horrors stuff?
I know Pathfinder did away with the 'Always', 'Usually', 'Often', and 'Sometimes' caveats on suggested alignments, but what does this mean for undead? For example, if a very strongly chaotic good woman were attacked by a vampire, how hard would it be for her to retain her chaotic good nature? Would she be able to, or would merely being a vampire make her immediately fall to evil no matter what?
I think this was covered in Ashes at Dawn, more or less, but I'm interested in James' POV as well.
I know Pathfinder did away with the 'Always', 'Usually', 'Often', and 'Sometimes' caveats on suggested alignments, but what does this mean for undead? For example, if a very strongly chaotic good woman were attacked by a vampire, how hard would it be for her to retain her chaotic good nature? Would she be able to, or would merely being a vampire make her immediately fall to evil no matter what?I think this was covered in Ashes at Dawn, more or less, but I'm interested in James' POV as well.
Ooooh thanks I mean yeah I still want James' POV, but I am RUNNING Carrion Crown so I am fair game to read Ashes at Dawn at will mwhahaha. Thanks for the heads up.
EDIT:
So, james loves dinosaurs and loves demons, why there isn´t a dinosaur demon lord in path?
I'm just a player in
Please don't tell me if I'm right.
Not suprising, JJ's love of demons is about as subtle as his love for dinosaurs. How about a demon dinosaur?
A dinosaur and a demon, maybe a dinosaur demon lord XD?
in 3.5 there was a dinosaur (¿T rex?) demond lord that was ally of demogorgon, reredeading fiendix codex 1 i was unable of find it´s name.
So, james loves dinosaurs and loves demons, why there isn´t a dinosaur demon lord in path?
Like Treerazer you mean?
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Just wondering about two beings that have wound up becoming pretty important to my Jade Regent PC's religious beliefs:
Were there any particular ideas or themes behind Maahes the Guardian Beast or Ogma the Champion from the Azata Lords sidebar in the first Bestiary? Or were they always intended to be completely blank slates for GMs and players to build upon?
Had some ideas about what they were, but I was wondering if it contradicted anything that may come out down the line...
1)Are there any powerful good aligned beings(CR21+) in the first world?
2)Are Mites a type of gremlins? or at least used to be?
3)Are Mites the weakest Fey?
4)In Pathfinder are Dieties all Outsiders or Dragons like in 3.0/3.5?
5)How would you feel about Valkyries in Pathfinder? Would they be outsiders or something else?
6)Are there any good aligned creatures from the plane of shadows?
7)Any new Proteons, Qlippoths, types of giant crabs, Inevitables, Trolls, or dream creatures in the Beastairy 3?
8)Do you have any favorite old monster movies(other than Godzilla) from the 1930's-1960's?
9)Have you read the Narnia series? If so did you like them? did you have a favorite?
10)Have you actually played in campain with a 25 point buy character? Have you DM one?
5)How would you feel about Valkyries in Pathfinder? Would they be outsiders or something else?
They'd probably be classified as a type of Angel, to be honest. Valkyries really don't need their own subtype or anything; especially when they physically match the profile of angels so wonderfully.
7)Any new Proteons, Qlippoths, types of giant crabs, Inevitables, Trolls, or dream creatures in the Beastairy 3?
I don't know about all of these, but I think James had earlier said that there will be new types of Qipploths and Inevitables.
Here's one for Mr. Jacobs,
How do you pronounce "Qipploth" (assuming I'm spelling it correctly. If I'm not, the Chaotic Evil race of outsiders that precluded demons).
5)How would you feel about Valkyries in Pathfinder? Would they be outsiders or something else?They'd probably be classified as a type of Angel, to be honest. Valkyries really don't need their own subtype or anything; especially when they physically match the profile of angels so wonderfully.
7)Any new Proteons, Qlippoths, types of giant crabs, Inevitables, Trolls, or dream creatures in the Beastairy 3?I don't know about all of these, but I think James had earlier said that there will be new types of Qipploths and Inevitables.
Here's one for Mr. Jacobs,
How do you pronounce "Qipploth" (assuming I'm spelling it correctly. If I'm not, the Chaotic Evil race of outsiders that precluded demons).
Here's my tuppence.
Valkyries do not have wings in Norse iconography. The depictions of them as angel-formed appears to be a 19th century invention. Their link to the Norns also suggests an alignment closer to N than G. I'd make them psychopomps, personally. But who knows...
Qlippoth or קליפות (modern Hebrew transliteration is Qliphoth) is pronounced at this website. But perhaps Golarion has a different pronunciation?
James,
Do Holy Avengers in Golarian come in any form other than a long sword? A scimitar would be more appropriate for a paladin of Sarenrae. Once we get into the Asian like portions we are going to have paladins of Amatersu running around with katanas.
Doug
I don't know if this is a great place to post this or not, but I was finally getting around to reading The Brinewall Legacy, and wanted to say that I love the new chapter list page at the beginning that compiles all of the advancement and a story synopsis for each chapter all together in one place.
James,
Do Holy Avengers in Golarian come in any form other than a long sword? A scimitar would be more appropriate for a paladin of Sarenrae. Once we get into the Asian like portions we are going to have paladins of Amatersu running around with katanas.
Doug
Well, yeah. Good point. I am not James of course, but I've always liked to use existing magic items as EXAMPLES. Like once in a Forgotten Realms game I had a pixie paladin (yes, i know it was hilarious) of Sune (Order of the Ruby Rose, official exception to the rules on deities and Paladin alignments). She had a Holy Avenger that was also enchanted to be treated as smaller, something that was from IIRC the Sunblade, but it was added for her Holy Avenger due to her size. Also, when it comes to special weapons like the Holy Avenger, I don't like to just GIVE them to players or let them make one. I like to send the paladin on some quest (friends can help) that when it's over they bring back certain things, then their order creates/grants them the Holy Avenger (and other similar items for friends, if you/your party care about matching wealth), so the Sarenrae order would then make all their Holy Avengers with scimitars!. In my pixie's case she actually had a more arduous quest, as she had to find special materials to have them add the Sunblade-like size changing feature.
So, basically talk with your GM (or if you are the GM like me, even better) and switching the Holy Avenger to be a more "order" specific sword wouldn't really be a problem. Longsword and Scimitar are MOSTLY the same, and especially for a paladin of Sarenrae.
Valkyries do not have wings in Norse iconography. The depictions of them as angel-formed appears to be a 19th century invention. Their link to the Norns also suggests an alignment closer to N than G. I'd make them psychopomps, personally. But who knows...
Hmmm i would have made them angels without wings, but now that you mention it, they would be psychopomps!
Was the Order of the Palantine Eye based off of Freemasonry?
I read the article on the Order and I'm realizing some parts read word-for-word like the rumors surrounding Freemasonry and most of the rest reads like an inside joke among Master Masons trying to keep their 1st degree Brothers on their toes. Some parts don't even have the serial numbers scratched off, like the imagery, the emphasis on embracing death to live forever, and of course those fashionable aprons.
Not complaining, if this is true then I find this hilarious and most of the Masons I know would be laughing their asses off. If it's not then I have to wonder... Where did the Order come from?
Haha yeah... I just took the time to read up on the Order recently, and the similarities to Masonry can't be coincidence. I also agree many Masons would find it amusing.
Now, that also made me think of a question....What does Pharasma (and the Order of the Palatine Eye too) think of Immortality gained through non-evil means? Like I know Pharasma and they would be against a Lich, but what about a Wizard with the level 20 Immmortality Discovery? Most of all I'd want to know Pharasma's opinion, but the order's would be interesting if they would think you were breaking their philosophies by not eventually 'moving on'?
Another question as I was just looking at the Paladin entry... nowhere does it say a Paladin must follow the "one step" rule... Is this no longer a rule in Pathfinder (for them at least, clerics of course still must)? I realize a Paladin worshiping a evil deity would be crazy, but a neutral one might work, or even a chaotic one if it was similar to Sune in Forgotten Realms.
Hello James
Are the Rune Lords pure blood Azlanti?
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With the addition of "Immortality" as a level 20 Wizard Discovery... why would a wizard ever even consider being a Lich? Are they discoveries like ultra-secret until the player picks them, or what?
As for the Improved Familiar question, will it actually tell the requirements for that familiar, unlike most in the Bestiary 2? That I can think of only the Brownie actually tells the alignment and level to have it as a familiar, the rest just say "A spellcaster who meets the prerequisites may take this as an Improved Familiar at the appropriate level."
Because you can be come a lich at a lot lower level than 20th level, and because becoming a lich gives you a lot more than mere immortality.
The familiars in Bestairy 3 will have ll the info they need to serve as imporved familiars.
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Quick (maybe) Golarion lore question:
Are there names for the four major winds? If so, what are they and what aspects do each have? If not, would following the basic aspects of the Greek/Roman winds probably work out if I were going to do something involving it for Wayfinder?
Not in the Inner Sea.
And if I gave direct advice or aid in the construction of Wayfinder articles, they wouldn't be fan-made anymore, would they?
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1)How would you feel about "bloodline discoveries"(or maybe bloodline talents) for sorcerers that are similiar to arcane discoveries in what you give up to learn them but are use to add and/or enhance abilities related to your bloodline?
2)How many golems made into the beastairy 3?
3)How do you rate the classes in the Advanced players guide? Did you help design any of them? Are there any changes you would have made?
4)Beer, Wine, or other?
5)So will there be new racial traits for all the races in the Advanced races book?
6)I know it is early to ask this but for Ultimate equipment, how much of this book will be magic items, 1/3, 1/2, 2/3?
7)Do you snack when working? if so what do you get?
8)How do you feel about Oracle mysteries based on Art, Love, Light, Strength, Riches, Peace, Music, Dance, Creation, Luck, Karma, Monsters, Dragons, Balance, Sins, or Protection?
9)How about some more information on Witch's Patrons and Summoner's Eidolons?
10)Will there be plant creatures that humaniod or part humaniod in the Beastairy 3? Have you ever heard of the Alraune?
1) Annoyed; discoveries help wizards and sorcerers feel more different. Giving them to sorcerers undermines the whole point that discoveries are for wizards and NOT for sorcerers.
2) That question's answer remains classified.
3) I designed the initial build for the alchemist. My favorite in the APG is probably the witch. The biggest change I would have made is to the summoner—I would have replaced the "build it yourself" eidolon with pre-packaged outsiders that match up to existing outsiders akin to how we present animal companions for druids.
4) Other.
5) See #2 above.
6) See #5 above.
7) Yes, but I probably shouldn't. Chips are good snacks, but so are raspberries.
8) Some are good ideas, some are not.
9) AKA: Free content provided via this thread when I'm technically on vacation? Also AKA: Maybe in a book some day.
10) Yes and yes.
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[1] What is your favorite demon?
[2] What is your favorite demon lord?
[3] When are we going to see more information about Qlippoths?
[4] What is your favorite devil?
[5] What is your favorite arch-devil?
[6] Is there any particular lore reason why devils are such misogynists?
1) Succubus. Nabasu is a close second.
2) All of them! They're all so lovable!3) There's a tiny bit about them coming in "Dragon Empires Gazetteer." I'd love to do a big book about them too... but nothing concrete is in the works yet.
4) Ummm... hmmm. Probably pit fiends, I guess.
5) Geryon or maybe Mephistopheles.
6) Yup.
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Can a god create a minor spirit that would be sent to a summoner to be their eidolon? If so, would that god retain any sort of control over that spirit's form? Could this god alter the summoner's subconscious will into choosing evolutions similar to how a witch's patron guides its charges into specific talents represented through bonus spells?
Essentially, can a forgotten god use a summoner to grow a new planar ally even though the summoner has no idea what's going on?
Sure; in fact, that kind of reasoning for why an eidolon is so weird looking and unique is a great way to explain the whole concept of an eidolon in the first place. The deity would not retain control over it unless the GM wanted, of course.
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Any thoughts on the recent Tome of Horrors stuff?
I love the book. It's great!
As for folks complaining about the fact that it sold out before they could buy one... I'm sorry they missed out, but I'm stoked that Frog God put out a book that sold out in hours. That's an INCREDIBLY good sign of just how popular Pathfinder has become, and it's really exciting to think about how this might affect the future of Pathfinder compatible stuff.
If you were asking about my thoughts on people being cranky that it sold out before they could buy it... I just point out that the book going on sale and its pre-orders being public were never a secret. Sucks that some folks who wanted it missed out, but that happens when things are unexpectedly more popular than, say, several months of pre orders might imply.
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I know Pathfinder did away with the 'Always', 'Usually', 'Often', and 'Sometimes' caveats on suggested alignments, but what does this mean for undead? For example, if a very strongly chaotic good woman were attacked by a vampire, how hard would it be for her to retain her chaotic good nature? Would she be able to, or would merely being a vampire make her immediately fall to evil no matter what?
In Golarion, and in books I develop/design/edit, my preference is that undead are always evil, with the exception of some ghosts. Periodically, this exception might extend further to other undead, but only when the writer who wants to pull it off backs it up with good enough writing chops that he or she convinces us it's a good idea.
In anyone else's home game, it's up to them.
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Not suprising, JJ's love of demons is about as subtle as his love for dinosaurs. How about a demon dinosaur?
A dinosaur and a demon, maybe a dinosaur demon lord XD?
in 3.5 there was a dinosaur (¿T rex?) demond lord that was ally of demogorgon, reredeading fiendix codex 1 i was unable of find it´s name.
So, james loves dinosaurs and loves demons, why there isn´t a dinosaur demon lord in path?
Maybe because dinosaurs are the good guys?
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What is your opinion on this video?
eew
Raises my "anti-musical" hackles and annoys me. Didn't watch once I clicked around for a few seconds and figured out what was going on.
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Just wondering about two beings that have wound up becoming pretty important to my Jade Regent PC's religious beliefs:
Were there any particular ideas or themes behind Maahes the Guardian Beast or Ogma the Champion from the Azata Lords sidebar in the first Bestiary? Or were they always intended to be completely blank slates for GMs and players to build upon?
Had some ideas about what they were, but I was wondering if it contradicted anything that may come out down the line...
Nope; I believe Wes made up the names for those Azata lords, but I could be wrong. They're mostly blank slates as far as I know.
What be yer opinion on this, Talk Like a Pirate Day, Cap'n Jacobs? Yar.
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1)Are there any powerful good aligned beings(CR21+) in the first world?
2)Are Mites a type of gremlins? or at least used to be?
3)Are Mites the weakest Fey?
4)In Pathfinder are Dieties all Outsiders or Dragons like in 3.0/3.5?
5)How would you feel about Valkyries in Pathfinder? Would they be outsiders or something else?
6)Are there any good aligned creatures from the plane of shadows?
7)Any new Proteons, Qlippoths, types of giant crabs, Inevitables, Trolls, or dream creatures in the Beastairy 3?
8)Do you have any favorite old monster movies(other than Godzilla) from the 1930's-1960's?
9)Have you read the Narnia series? If so did you like them? did you have a favorite?
10)Have you actually played in campain with a 25 point buy character? Have you DM one?
1) Yes.
2) Mites are gremlins who've kind of "outgrown" gremlin-ness; they spent too long and too many generations on the material plane.
3) No, but they're pretty far down the list.
4) Nope. Since we don't yet have rules for statting up deities, we don't know what they are yet apart from being deities.
5) Ask me that again once Bestiary 3 is out, if there's still a need for me to answer.
6) Yes, but they're rare.
7) Yes and No.
8) Most of them. My top five favorites would be: Tarantula, King Kong, Valley of Gwangii, Angry Red Planet, and It the Terror From Beyond Space. I could probably go on for pages. I LOVE those old monster movies.
9) Meh. Talking animals usually annoy me. They did so particularly well in the first Narnia movie, and I never watched any of the others. Also, the religious undertones kind of annoyed me the way they are handled. Not to say religious themes in movies ALWAYS annoy me; often I like them. Not like in Narnia, though.
10) Yes and yes. They're fun!
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can you help me with this?
Heh... not while I'm on vacation. That's a long post! :P
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James,
Do Holy Avengers in Golarian come in any form other than a long sword? A scimitar would be more appropriate for a paladin of Sarenrae. Once we get into the Asian like portions we are going to have paladins of Amatersu running around with katanas.
Doug
Holy avengers can be in any shape the GM wants them to be. A scimitar would indeed be perfect for a paladin of Sarenrae.
Amatersu isn't specifically a deity in the Dragon Empires, although you'll see some shades of her here and there in Tian Xia.
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Was the Order of the Palantine Eye based off of Freemasonry?
I read the article on the Order and I'm realizing some parts read word-for-word like the rumors surrounding Freemasonry and most of the rest reads like an inside joke among Master Masons trying to keep their 1st degree Brothers on their toes. Some parts don't even have the serial numbers scratched off, like the imagery, the emphasis on embracing death to live forever, and of course those fashionable aprons.
Not complaining, if this is true then I find this hilarious and most of the Masons I know would be laughing their asses off. If it's not then I have to wonder... Where did the Order come from?
Palantine Eye questions are actually Wes questions; they were based off the idea of a secret society as much as they were off of things like Freemasonry, though.
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Haha yeah... I just took the time to read up on the Order recently, and the similarities to Masonry can't be coincidence. I also agree many Masons would find it amusing.
Now, that also made me think of a question....What does Pharasma (and the Order of the Palatine Eye too) think of Immortality gained through non-evil means? Like I know Pharasma and they would be against a Lich, but what about a Wizard with the level 20 Immmortality Discovery? Most of all I'd want to know Pharasma's opinion, but the order's would be interesting if they would think you were breaking their philosophies by not eventually 'moving on'?
Another question as I was just looking at the Paladin entry... nowhere does it say a Paladin must follow the "one step" rule... Is this no longer a rule in Pathfinder (for them at least, clerics of course still must)? I realize a Paladin worshiping a evil deity would be crazy, but a neutral one might work, or even a chaotic one if it was similar to Sune in Forgotten Realms.
Pharasma knows there's no such thing as immortality. Being eternally young or beating death via old age only increasingly ensures you'll die of something else eventually. Just might take longer. But Pharasma's more patient than anything else, so that's that.
It's not a "rule" per se, but it doesn't have to be because paladins have to be Lawful Good. If you worship a deity more than 1 step from Lawful Good... you're either not worshiping your deity appropriately (and thus being chaotic by being a blasphemer or heretic and thus losing your paladinhood) or you're worshiping so well that you're doing things that aren't lawful good, and thus not a paladin.
Paladins don't NEED the 1 step rule since they have to be Lawful Good.
So, how is your vacation going so far? Also, thanks for taking time out to catch up on your questions! :) I know I speak for everyone when I say we appreciate your time!
I didn't say give sorcerers arcane discoveries, I just want feats or something can used instead of feats or a spell known that gives abilities related to there bloodlines. examples:
1)grants class skills that fit there bloodline such as choosing 2-3 skills as class skills from a list(fey-acrobatics, diplomacy, handle animal, etc.)
2)grant abilities that fit there bloodlines such as darkvision, low-light vision, +1 natural armor, can change the color of there hair/eyes, scent, grow a tentacle or two, body can glow, body secretes slime, bonus on saves vs energy or afliction, bonuses to a skill, etc.
3)gain spell like powers similiar to the creature they share there blood with.
4)enhancing existing bloodline powers such as claws last minutes instead of rounds, increasing dice damage for there3+cha mod ray attacks, adding cha mod to the duration of min/level use ability, etc.
5)Adding a spell to there class list that is not a sorcerer/wizard spell such as Celestial(abjuration, good subtype, light subtype)Fey(illusion, enchantment, maybe transmutation)Verdint(plant spells)Draconic(any spell with there energy type)
This is what I meant I gues I should have been more clear.
1)Will there be a CR20 Fey stated up by the end of next year?
2)So then if it is not beer, or wine, then what "other" did you pick?
3)well what annoys you more talking colorful ponies or talking small colorful bears?
4)What are the names of Golarion's Oceans?
5)How would you feel about a small magical beast that could move as fast(if not faster) as a Quickling?
6)What is your prefered drink at work? favorite snack? favorite fruit?
7)What compain did you play with a 25 point buy? who/what was your character? How challenging was it?
8)But if you did change all eidolons into existing outsiders we wouldn't be able to make dragons, sea serpants, giant teddy bears, faeries, aberrant beast, etc. so why change it? game balance? personal preferance?
9)So what made the witch your favorite from Advanced players guide?
10)What did you think of my post just pryor? Is there any chance of such options one day?
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1)Will there be a CR20 Fey stated up by the end of next year?
2)So then if it is not beer, or wine, then what "other" did you pick?
3)well what annoys you more talking colorful ponies or talking small colorful bears?
4)What are the names of Golarion's Oceans?
5)How would you feel about a small magical beast that could move as fast(if not faster) as a Quickling?
6)What is your prefered drink at work? favorite snack? favorite fruit?
7)What compain did you play with a 25 point buy? who/what was your character? How challenging was it?
8)But if you did change all eidolons into existing outsiders we wouldn't be able to make dragons, sea serpants, giant teddy bears, faeries, aberrant beast, etc. so why change it? game balance? personal preferance?
9)So what made the witch your favorite from Advanced players guide?
10)What did you think of my post just pryor? Is there any chance of such options one day?
1) Maybe... hard to know exact details like that so far into the future.
2) Lambic, or maybe mojitos.
3) Talking small colorful bears.
4) An article in early Skull & Shackles will discuss the oceans and seas of Golarion.
5) Annoyed if the whole point came off across as "I made something faster than a quickling!." At that creature's speed, there's not much point to going faster.
6) Coffee. Not sure. Raspberries.
7) I believe Erik Mona's current "Kings of Absalom" game is a 25 point buy game. I'm playing Shensen, reborn into Golarion, as a Dawnflower Dervish bard. The campaign, so far, is QUITE challenging (we're only 2 sessions in, but already there's been a few close calls).
8) I'd change it precisely BECAUSE of the fact that it lets players create too wide a range of eidolons. I simply don't like the idea that eidolons are so unique and weird. It's much more interesting to me if summoners summon things that are at least recognizable. Similarly, it would be weird if druids could invent animals to become companions. Makes it hard to maintain world continuity.
9) The fact that the witch has been ALMOST part of the game forever. She kept showing up as a new class in various issues of Dragon and was used as an example of how to build a new class in early 3rd edition, and because the hex mechanic is really interesting, and because the types of spells the witch gets are neat.
10) Honestly... things like that feel a bit over the top. A lot of those powers are things that sorcerers should be able to gain simply by casting spells, after all. Spellcasting SHOULD be the primary focus of the class. Furthermore, like all full spellcasting classes, the actual options to swap out class abilities other than spellcasting are relatively rare and awkward to do so—that's why you see so few archetypes of many full spellcasting classes, save for classes like druid that have a lot of non-spellcasting abilities to adjust. Frankly, I'm pretty happy where the sorcerer is at, and I don't want to introduce more power creep to it than we already have.
Hi James!
There are few questions about the development of the PFRPG, specially the new core stuff. You may not know all the answers, so tell me what you think about.
1) Why the hell Megafauna exists? Have you already compared the arsinoitherium with rhinoceros? Are they all not just dire animals?
2) Why Ninja and Samurai are not archetypes, as are the kensai and geisha?
3) Did you already play with armor as DR and wounds and vigor variant rules in your games? What do you think about it?
4) Why in the Ultimate MAGIC, the single ranger archetype lose its spells?
5) There is some thought in progress to redesign the rules in a simpler way?
I guess some things could be simplified in order to avoid mention of examples in new books/materials.
For example: whenever any creature or ability has a percentage chance to avoid a critical, there is a need to mention that the ability functions like the armor ability fortification.
In my opinion, it should be: the creature has light fortification.
6) Which the quality control of Paizo upon the new created material? Many players are already apprehensive to see the new books lose quality over time, as has happened in earlier versions (aka 3e). So...?
7) There is some talk about the publication of any material related to Pathfinder in portuguese (especially in Brazil)?
See ya!
Hope the vacation's going well.
Gone fishing yet?