That video was amazing. How'd it come to be?What do you do when your roommates never do the dishes?I let them know how I feel by spittin' hard over sick beats.
I live in group housing--have ever since college--and one morning I was particularly sick of the dishes left in the sink and started rapping about it in the shower. I thought it was funny, recorded it, orchestrated a backing track using a program called Reason, then laid it all down one Saturday afternoon. My friends thought it was funny, and one of them insisted we make a music video for it... so we did!
As I've been led to beleive you are a fan of the Edgar Rice Burroughs books; did you watch the movie John Carter, if so how do you think it held up to original source?
I have a friend who has published existing game modules for a system not Pathfinder and has written atleast a couple of novels(still shopping them around). I think he is great writter and...and I keep telling him that he should try write stuff for Pazio.
How would you advise him or anyone for that matter to try get work from Pazio?
Hi James. I have read and own most of the pathfinder tale novels, and with the exception of your book and the winter witch, i hated all the main characters. I'm not a great fan of the "anti-heros". I understand that they are popular, but do you think we will get a couple of novels with more noble heros?
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: I think it really depends on what you mean by "noble." This is all a matter of personal taste, of course, but while we've certainly done some anti-heroes--Gad from the Worldwound Gambit, Rodrick and Hrym from Liar's Blade, Luma from Blood of the City--I feel like there are a few you're not giving enough credit. For instance, Radovan is still my favorite of our heroes, and I'd certainly call him a good guy at heart (if a little rough around the edges). Varian is likewise self-centered but ultimately trying to help. Elyana from Plague of Shadows is adventuring to cure an old friend of a horrible affliction, putting her life on the line for the good of others. Tim Pratt's Alaeron is similarly pulled into somebody else's problem--when he could have turned and walked away--and then does what he can to help her, risking his life in the process. Heck, Oparal from Queen of Thorns and King of Chaos is a *paladin*, and not some broken, fallen-from-grace-one.
I guess what it comes down to for me is that I don't believe in pure-as-driven-snow heroes. Even the best of us are real people, with real reasons for what we do. Nobody is so great that they don't have a flaw, and rather than seeing that as tarnishing them, it makes them more real and human(oid) in my eyes. I can identify with them more, and have an easier time seeing how--just maybe--I could follow in their footsteps. So with all the books we publish, I'm going to be asking authors for characters with depth--that means fears, and flaws, and decisions they wish they'd made differently. One of the reasons I was so excited about Isiem in Nightglass is that he's a character that should, by virtue of how he was raised, been evil--but he's choosing not to be, at great personal risk. It's not a perfect or instantaneous transition, but that makes it all the more real. People change slowly, they fumble their way toward who they want to be, for their own reasons. A character who never does wrong or has any regrets doesn't have much depth.
That said, I will admit that there's been a lot of gloom, theft, and vengeance in the line recently, and I'm working to bring in some more classically "good" protagonists, so stay tuned! They won't be perfect, but I'm hoping they'll be folks you can root for!
Who would win in a metaphorical fight between James Sutter and James Jacobs?
Awesome James! You just made my week! Just because I can, I'll start with your novel first!Mr. Sutter,
I have what is more of a technical question, perhaps you could help me. I have been wanting to read the fiction line for quite awhile because of the rave reviews my players have been giving it. I have a slight limitation though, and that is I’m blind.
I guess my question is: If I buy the novels in the PDF/Epub format, does it open with Adobe Reader, or do I need an Epub reader to use it. Thanks for any information you can give me, it will be greatly appreciated.
Hey Valantrix1! I'm glad your players are enjoying the novels. :)
If you buy an electronic version of any of the novels from us, you should get both a PDF (which should open in Adobe Reader) and an ePub which works with eReaders. If you have any problems with the files, just ping Customer Service and we'll either figure out a solution or refund your money. But they *should* work just fine! Thanks for giving the line a shot!
Yay! Thank you! :D
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I'm not sure I'm following the question entirely--Kaer Maga is a hard place to describe--but if you mean The Warren, then yeah, the break extends all the way through the ring of stone. It's not a smooth break by any means--partially demolished sections of the ring certainly jut out into the gap--but the shantytown covers and incorporate them. I imagine half-broken stone chambers and things form the foundations of the district, as well as acting as thieves' tunnels and lairs, etc. Does that help?Actually, I was thinking about Bis: from City of Strangers
In the southwesternmost district of the city, called Bis, the multi-floored structure found in other Ring districts long ago fell and gave way to a single cavernous space, so vast that huddled but freestanding buildings rise several stories into the gloomy, foggy air. Yet it is not the crowded streets or the shocking amount of airspace ithin the chamber that makes newcomers stop short, but rather the fact that the people of Kaer Maga have literally climbed the walls to create more room for themselves, building fresh or repairing outcropping ledges of old masonry to line the chamber with eight stories of towering cliff dwellings.So, I guess I am asking if the cliff-dwellings and balconies are right on the inner surface of the outer wall of the Ring, or if in some places, portions of the original corridors and/or rooms survive?
Many thanks, James.
AH! Now I understand. My impression is that the balconies are mostly on the inner surface of the outer wall, but that the surface is thick enough that there could still be chambers in there in some places, some of which might be "original" (though that's hard to determine in Kaer Maga). Hope that helps!
Hi James. I have read and own most of the pathfinder tale novels, and with the exception of your book and the winter witch, i hated all the main characters. I'm not a great fan of the "anti-heros". I understand that they are popular, but do you think we will get a couple of novels with more noble heros?Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer: I think it really depends on what you mean by "noble." This is all a matter of personal taste, of course, but while we've certainly done some anti-heroes--Gad from the Worldwound Gambit, Rodrick and Hrym from Liar's Blade, Luma from Blood of the City--I feel like there are a few you're not giving enough credit. For instance, Radovan is still my favorite of our heroes, and I'd certainly call him a good guy at heart (if a little rough around the edges). Varian is likewise self-centered but ultimately trying to help. Elyana from Plague of Shadows is adventuring to cure an old friend of a horrible affliction, putting her life on the line for the good of others. Tim Pratt's Alaeron is similarly pulled into somebody else's problem--when he could have turned and walked away--and then does what he can to help her, risking his life in the process. Heck, Oparal from Queen of Thorns and King of Chaos is a *paladin*, and not some broken, fallen-from-grace-one.
I guess what it comes down to for me is that I don't believe in pure-as-driven-snow heroes. Even the best of us are real people, with real reasons for what we do. Nobody is so great that they don't have a flaw, and rather than seeing that as tarnishing them, it makes them more real and human(oid) in my eyes. I can identify with them more, and have an easier time seeing how--just maybe--I could follow in their footsteps. So with all the books we publish, I'm going to be asking authors for characters with depth--that means fears, and flaws, and decisions they wish they'd made differently. One of the reasons I was so excited about Isiem in Nightglass is that he's a character that should, by virtue...
Speaking of Isiem, is there any chance we'll be reading more into his misadventures any time soon? I really enjoyed Nightglass!
Sweet Achewood hoody!
Re: Kaer Maga walls:
AH! Now I understand. My impression is that the balconies are mostly on the inner surface of the outer wall, but that the surface is thick enough that there could still be chambers in there in some places, some of which might be "original" (though that's hard to determine in Kaer Maga). Hope that helps!
Perfect. Many Thanks, James. This level of access and feedback from the Paizo staff is really exceptional - and appreciated.
2) I've noticed that trend as well, and I feel like it's a bad thing. Good editors help writers immensely, and I think that for the writer to decide that he or she is now "too big for editing" is a recipe for a sharp decrease in quality. Being on the receiving end of editing is hard, and it's certainly important to find an editor who's up to your standards, but an editor that never pushes an author is one who isn't really earning his or her keep, in my opinion.
.
Oh lordy yes, the most recent Song of Fire & Ice novel desperately needed a firm editors hand.
PS, James, I am a book reviewer of some note, so if you need a review...
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Hey everyone! Sorry I've slowed down on the question-answering--lots of crunch time around Paizo--but I hope to pick up the pace soon. For now, I wanted to let any of you in the Seattle area know that there'll be a LIVE version of Ask Sutter Anything tonight from 6:00-10:00pm at the Games & Gizmos in Redmond! If you're wondering what to do tonight, come stop by and hang out with me and Shadowrun authors Jenn Brozek and Jak Koke! It'll be super chill and intimate (in the sense of friendly, not, you know, intimate).
Speaking of Mengkare...
About when do children born on Hermea first meet him, if ever?
I suspect they see him at certain official functions, and maybe if they're singled out for a particular honor, but otherwise they don't really have a reason to. After all, how old were you the first time you met the president? (I'm still waiting for my chance...)
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Speaking of Mengkare, is he in league with the aboleth?
( ಥ◡ಥ) Hmmmmmm?
Of course not! He's a good dragon!*
*And I wouldn't tell you if he was. :)
Who's a good dragon? Yes, who's a good dragon? You're a good dragon, Mengkare. Here, have a really nasty shark to crunch on. What's that? Want me to scratch you behind the ear?
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1)What are your top 5 favorite fantasy movies?
2)What are your top 5 favorite sci-fi movies?
3)Do the Lashunta(or any other humaniod) on Castrovel have any "organic tech" or do the Brethedans have that market cornered?
4)Have the Brethedans ever been to Galarion, Akiton, or Castrovel?
5)Was there any reason that the red skinned "humans" of Akiton didn't get a name in Distantant Worlds?
6)How do the Lashunta women treat there men? Do the men mind? Do the men listen out of respect or fear?
7)What was the scariest movie you have ever seen?
8)Do you have any favorite artist(comics, old paintings, manga, cartoons/anime, etc.)?
9)Who are your top 5 favorite writers?
10)What is the weidest thing you have ever eaten?
Wow! Lots of questions. I'll answer as quickly as I can...
1) Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Movie(s), one of the better Harry Potter films, the two best Indiana Jones films (as if I need to name them), The Prestige, Ink.
2) Original Star Wars trilogy, Minority Report, The 5th Element.. the list goes on and on...
3) Probably! With magic, all things are possible.
4) Probably, but rocky worlds don't have a lot to offer them.
5) Nope, just didn't get mentioned... yet. :)
6) I think that Lashunta society is actually very respectful with regard to gender. The men and women are evolutionarily specialized, and thus gravitate toward particular positions, but it's specialization rather than marginalization. After all, it's hard for prejudice to get a solid foothold when a bunch of your people are telepathic and can *literally* see the other person's point of view or feel their pain.
7) Wes Schneider showed me the first 10 minutes of The Ring, and then I made him turn it off. That was enough for me. Forever.
8) I have a bunch of artists I love--Michael Whelan, Stephan Martiniere, Wayne Barlowe--but a few are also personal friends, so I'd have to go with Wayne Reynolds and Raven Mimura. Both incredibly talented dudes, and endlessly sweet in their gothy artist ways. Seriously, if you ever see them at a con, go talk to them--they're super friendly!
9) Gah! Too many, so I'll just name a few: Dan Simmons, China Mieville, Joel Rosenberg, Nick Harkaway, Patricia C. Wrede...
10) The weirdest thing about my eating is that I'm extremely picky, so most of the things normal people consider delicious I consider bizarre. So I really have no idea how to answer!
As I've been led to beleive you are a fan of the Edgar Rice Burroughs books; did you watch the movie John Carter, if so how do you think it held up to original source?
I actually haven't seen it yet--I tend to be woefully behind the times for movies--but Chris Carey and Erik Mona both said it was cool, and their knowledge of pulp far outshines mine, so it's on my list!
I have a friend who has published existing game modules for a system not Pathfinder and has written atleast a couple of novels(still shopping them around). I think he is great writter and...and I keep telling him that he should try write stuff for Pazio.
How would you advise him or anyone for that matter to try get work from Pazio?
The best way for new writers to get into working on the RPG line, adventures, or our various sourcebook lines is to enter RPG Superstar or try for one of the Pathfinder Society's open calls. If writers have some experience with other game companies, they're welcome to email Editor-in-Chief Wes Schneider at wes@paizo.com and he'll check out their stuff and/or forward them along to whoever's ordering books he thinks they might be good for.
For fiction, we're currently only commissioning books and stories from authors with professionally paid fiction publications--I'd love to do a full open call, but we just don't have enough staff to handle it at this point. If an author has sold some stories elsewhere, or published a novel with a professional publisher, he or she is welcome to email me at james.sutter@paizo.com with a few sample stories or chapters from a novel (not a Pathfinder one--their original work), and I'll check it out. If I think they'd be a good match for the line, I'll bring them in and work with them to figure out what they should write for us. I'm always looking for more writers, but fair warning: I only have so many slots, and the competition is fierce!
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Who would win in a metaphorical fight between James Sutter and James Jacobs?
It's unclear, but it wouldn't matter--the world would be obliterated by the force and beauty of our metaphors.
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Speaking of Isiem, is there any chance we'll be reading more into his misadventures any time soon? I really enjoyed Nightglass!
It depends on your definition of "soon," but Liane is already hard at work. :D
Sweet Achewood hoody!
Thanks, dawg! :D
Do you have a favorite...
-80's movie(s)
-Alfred hitchcock movie(s)
-Animated Movie(s)
-Comedy(s)
-Humphry Bogart movie(s)
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PS, James, I am a book reviewer of some note, so if you need a review...
When *doesn't* an author need a review? Ping me at james.sutter@paizo.com and let's talk! :)
I went to my local library to quench my Pathfinder thirst, and unfortunately they only had one PF book. Fortunately it was Death's Heretic, and no question, but I wanted to tell you that I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far.
Hurray! Thanks, Cori! Hopefully we'll get more library saturation in the years to come, but I'm glad you were able to find one, and that you're enjoying it.
So the female Lashunta is in charge because of evolution instead of psychological needs like male humans tend too.
1)There were "beastmen" mentioned as well living on Castrovel are they a new species or just a term for any animal like humaniods or savage humaniod races?
2)Does Castrovel have strong ties to ether the first world or positive energy plane?
3)I remember Mr Jacobs said there are Catfolk on Castrovel, are there any races from Golarion(other then elves) you think would be a good fit there as well? Would you want catfolk there?
4)What is your favorite core race? Other then Grippli what are your 5 favorite non-core races?
5)What is your favorite Dragon from each of the major types(metalic, chromatic, primal, imperial)?
What subjects/material would you particularly like to be asked questions about?
Speaking of Isiem, is there any chance we'll be reading more into his misadventures any time soon? I really enjoyed Nightglass!It depends on your definition of "soon," but Liane is already hard at work. :D
Thanks James! I can be patient if need be, besides I'm sure it'll be worth the wait for more of Liane's work.
which Harry Potter film is your favorite?
What subjects/material would you particularly like to be asked questions about?
Whatever people want to know, I suppose! At cons and things, folks usually want to know about fiction writing, the publishing industry, the creation of Golarion, and things like that, but really, I'm happy to answer questions about whatever! I'm a fairly open guy.
I guess if I have a preference, it would be for questions you actually want to know the answer to, as my need for completeness may lead me to answer even facetious questions and clutter the thread. :)
One thing I've already mentioned that I *don't* want to be asked about: I think introducing new content and canon on the messageboards is bad for the business and the community (as it means only a few people are seeing new information, and it makes conflicts with future print products more likely). So while I'm happy to answer opinion-based questions about the setting (such as "What do you think Mengkare thinks about Aroden?") and love process-based questions ("How did you come up with X? Which staffer is best at Y?"), I'm generally not going to introduce new content. If a race is unnamed in Distant Worlds, for instance, it's going to stay unnamed until we can introduce the name in print somewhere. And I *definitely* won't be answering intentionally established secrets, so this won't be the thread where you learn how Aroden died. :D
so Jacobs is the demon lore specialist and Wes is devils, which outsider do you specialized in?
Since I created all but one of the Eldest, who are sort of the First World's equivalent to demon lords and archdevils, I guess that would make the fey of the First World "my" outsider race. That said, though, I've got a lot of planar races I'm a fan of, particularly the residents of Axis and the Maelstrom (as you can see from Death's Heretic). I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooks, and have been enamored with them ever since. But really, I like all the under-represented outsider races... I'm currently doing some work that touches heavily on angels, psychopomps, and aeons...
Wait a minute.
Do you know how Aroden died?
Obviously you can't tell, but-- that's a pretty cool merit badge to have.
I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooks
Wait what? Which book? This I have to see. Proteans are awesome. (Or someone can just quote it, if they have it on hand, that'd be cool too.)
I still want to one day run a big storyline thing of the chaos planes in my world "evolving" from churning out Slaadi to churning out Proteans.
Also which one was the Eldest you didn't make?
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"Operation Dragon Hitler"
I don't think I'll be able to look at Hermea the same way ever again. D:
Out of curiosity, how likely is it that we'll see a module or maybe even an adventure path on Hermea at some point?
I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooksWait what? Which book? This I have to see. Proteans are awesome. (Or someone can just quote it, if they have it on hand, that'd be cool too.)
I still want to one day run a big storyline thing of the chaos planes in my world "evolving" from churning out Slaadi to churning out Proteans.
Also which one was the Eldest you didn't make?
GameMastery Guide (Chapter 6)
Sing the songs with us, oh bastard prince!” The keketar’s voice was high, euphoric. Several of the words formed shapes in the air, one turning to a centipede that writhed as it drifted away.“Join us in the dance and we will remake you/make you so beautiful. We will sing the stars from the sky/sea.”
“I’ll pass,” Seltyiel grunted. Beneath them, the islet was already crumbling. It wouldn’t last another minute under the keketar’s influence. The hell with it. He’d only get one shot anyway. Summoning the last of his magic, Seltyiel leapt backward, out into empty space...
I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooksWait what? Which book? This I have to see. Proteans are awesome. (Or someone can just quote it, if they have it on hand, that'd be cool too.)
I still want to one day run a big storyline thing of the chaos planes in my world "evolving" from churning out Slaadi to churning out Proteans.
Also which one was the Eldest you didn't make?
GameMastery Guide (Chapter 6)
Sing the songs with us, oh bastard prince!” The keketar’s voice was high, euphoric. Several of the words formed shapes in the air, one turning to a centipede that writhed as it drifted away.
“Join us in the dance and we will remake you/make you so beautiful. We will sing the stars from the sky/sea.”
“I’ll pass,” Seltyiel grunted. Beneath them, the islet was already crumbling. It wouldn’t last another minute under the keketar’s influence. The hell with it. He’d only get one shot anyway. Summoning the last of his magic, Seltyiel leapt backward, out into empty space...
That's delightfully bizarre. Well played.
How much thought do you put into making the stories of PF Tales match the mechanics of the game? I'm thinking predominantly with regard to magic, I guess:
Personally, I think it's a non-issue and that the needs of the story should trump considerations as to "whether there's a pathfinder spell/item which does that". I'm just curious about the extent to which you worry about it.
Yup. I actually play a lot of music, and used to gig frequently with various bands. That's my only foray into hip-hop, though!Is... is that actually you?What do you do when your roommates never do the dishes?I let them know how I feel by spittin' hard over sick beats.
Cool.
1) What kind of music do/did you play?2) What kind of music do you like??
3) Top 5 bands / artists?
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.........?
1)Do you have a favorite type of Fey?
2)How well do Lashunta and elves get along? what do they think of each other?
3)Will we ever find out what that unnamed continent is called on Castrovel?
Dear James,
I asked Other James this and he referred me to you.
"Other than the ISWG, where could an interested party find more information on Hermea? Also, are there/can we expect any adventures set or related to Hermea?"
Barring more information, what did you find or use as inspiration for Hermea? The reason is that I want to roll up a character from Hermea and would like to keep it as close to potential canon as possible.
Thanks!
Wait a minute.
Do you know how Aroden died?
Obviously you can't tell, but-- that's a pretty cool merit badge to have.
Of course. The perks of being on the inside. :D
I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooksWait what? Which book? This I have to see. Proteans are awesome. (Or someone can just quote it, if they have it on hand, that'd be cool too.)
I still want to one day run a big storyline thing of the chaos planes in my world "evolving" from churning out Slaadi to churning out Proteans.
Also which one was the Eldest you didn't make?
Count Ranalc. That's all Erik.
"Operation Dragon Hitler"I don't think I'll be able to look at Hermea the same way ever again. D:
Out of curiosity, how likely is it that we'll see a module or maybe even an adventure path on Hermea at some point?
Simultaneously very likely in the long run, and unlikely in the short run. It's one of those projects where we'd be paranoid about making sure we did it *right*, which means that it'll tend to get pushed off until the mythical future in which we're not constantly running to catch up with our schedule. :)
That's delightfully bizarre. Well played.I accidentally created the weird sing-song riddle-speech of the proteans, back in the chapter-opener fiction of one of the rulebooksWait what? Which book? This I have to see. Proteans are awesome. (Or someone can just quote it, if they have it on hand, that'd be cool too.)
I still want to one day run a big storyline thing of the chaos planes in my world "evolving" from churning out Slaadi to churning out Proteans.
Also which one was the Eldest you didn't make?
GameMastery Guide (Chapter 6)
Sing the songs with us, oh bastard prince!” The keketar’s voice was high, euphoric. Several of the words formed shapes in the air, one turning to a centipede that writhed as it drifted away.
“Join us in the dance and we will remake you/make you so beautiful. We will sing the stars from the sky/sea.”
“I’ll pass,” Seltyiel grunted. Beneath them, the islet was already crumbling. It wouldn’t last another minute under the keketar’s influence. The hell with it. He’d only get one shot anyway. Summoning the last of his magic, Seltyiel leapt backward, out into empty space...
That snippet is why there's a protean in Death's Heretic. I couldn't resist trying out one of those guys in a longer scene. :)
Many moons ago, Paul Kemp was listed as doing a Pathfinder novel. Is that still in the works?
Any chance for a print or ebook, that collects various web stories?
How much thought do you put into making the stories of PF Tales match the mechanics of the game? I'm thinking predominantly with regard to magic, I guess:
** spoiler omitted **
Personally, I think it's a non-issue and that the needs of the story should trump considerations as to "whether there's a pathfinder spell/item which does that". I'm just curious about the extent to which you worry about it.
We actually think that it's really important that the laws of magic in the books match the rules (which are, after all, an attempt to represent and simulate Golarion's natural laws of magic--fudging them would be like fudging the law of gravity in the real world). While it's not always obvious to the reader *how* things function, I make sure that any magical effect in a book is reproducible under the rules system. Occasionally this will involve a spell effect that hasn't been printed in a rulebook, but in these instances I basically make up a spell and take it to the rules team to find out if it is (or how it could be) balanced within the rules. (And if the design team likes it, such a spell often end up in a rulebook down the road--we really try to have the creative process go both way.)
While I always point authors toward existing spells if what they want is close to an existing effect, my assumption about the world is that there are clearly more spells in existence than we've printed--after all, we keep printing more--but the overall rules of how magic works remain the same. So as long as a spell in a novel *could* exist in the RPG without breaking a game, I'm satisfied.
Of course, that's all really talking about direct spellcasting. Magic items, artifacts, and the intervention of gods or other powerful entities allow a lot more flex.
I unfortunately don't remember exactly how I solved the issue you mention in Song of the Serpent, but I do remember working on it and finding a way to make it happen legally. I'd have to read back through that section again to refresh my memory, but I'm confident it's feasible. :)