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I talk a lot of trash on these boards. Like many of us, I probably need to show a little more restraint in that regard, but for now I figured the least I could do was take a minute to give my opinion about season five and all of the (for me at least) very welcome changes Mike and company have been making.
1: Treasure
Thank you, thank you, for fixing the out of tier treasure awards. People were getting way too fat from playing up all the time. The new way still rewards you for challenging yourself, but not so much that it gets out of hand.
2: Rebuilding
I love the rebuild rules. Personally I'd like them to be even a bit more permissive, but I acknowledge that I'm on the extreme end of that spectrum. I think the new prestige based system is a great and balanced way to allow rebuilding to be part of the game for those of us who want it.
3: Difficulty
The mods do seem to be getting a bit tougher, overall. Still not nearly hard enough for my taste, but better. I still think the most important change you could make would be the inclusion of some kind of "hard mode" for all mods like we saw in the season four finale (I played it on hard and it was awesome- maybe the best time I've had playing PFS). Then you could ease up a bit on the "regular" mode, since I do understand that some people are finding it a bit much since season four.
4: Roleplaying
I can see that you're making a concerted effort to include more RP-heavy stuff in the mods, and make that stuff more central to the missions as well. I know a lot of people requested it, and I thank you for listening and responding to those requests. If I can criticize for a moment, I think there's perhaps almost too much RP now, and some of the specific scenarios have seemed a bit clunky or forced. But still, overall I'd have to stay it's a definite step in the right direction. My main suggestion would be to consider breaking out a bit more, in these RP-focused mods, from the strict encounter design model that's typical of the usual adventures. RP-based stories need more freedom to be able to play out in different ways. Otherwise the encounters feel contrived. My GM for 5-03 was forced to say to us a few times "Look, the bottom line is that you just can't do that because the mod doesn't account for it." That's awkward, and detracts from the experience for everyone. Furthermore, please consider that RP takes a long time. Therefore, even if you are going to have set encounters, there need to be fewer of them, which means those few encounters have to be more difficult. Otherwise the mod will be either too long or way too easy.
5: Faction Missions
There were way too many. They took up time and largely seemed like a distraction. The new way is much better, even if perhaps the new missions, such as they are, are a bit obtuse at times.
So, that's it for now. Just wanted to say great work and that I, for one, am very happy with the direction you're taking things.
Here here!
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Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010
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Yep, played all of the Season 5's that are out and I've loved the range of styles of scenario I've played. I've really enjoyed the freedom of making player choices count toward the scenario ending you reach. The secondary missions have been challenging to achieve but certainly fair and reward behaving as a true Pathfinder should.
Well done, looking forward to playing more of the season.
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1: Treasure
Thank you, thank you, for fixing the out of tier treasure awards. People were getting way too fat from playing up all the time. The new way still rewards you for challenging yourself, but not so much that it gets out of hand.
I like to think of my Bloatmage as blood endowed or big boned. He is as I keep saying Not fat at all. Its just that others are too thin.
I concur, I have enjoyed all the season 5 scenarios already release esp the most recent trip into the Worldwound.
RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32
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As of right now, I have played all but one of the Season 5 scenarios. I have to say, I've been blown away by the quality compared to the average PFS scenario. It's been quite exciting, and The Elven Entanglement really put my cleric to the test. We luckily survived with no deaths due to some smart play. That's the best kind of win.
I find it interesting that each of the Season 5 scenarios fits my ideal of what a scenario should be. They all have fascinating roleplay opportunities, with some excellent combat encounters. Even the scenarios which have been somewhat easier have been very interesting, with some unique monsters and abilities. I also like how so many fights can be bypassed through good diplomacy - that was always something that bothered me about Seasons 0-2.
I think that this season, more than any season before, rewards creative solutions and gives part of the glory to people who don't do damage. The bards and clerics that normally feel relegated to simple support and rarely get praised for their decisive actions are seeing some time in the limelight. It's also not surprising that the people who normally deal damage are upset that the limelight is being shared.
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301? I believe the design notes for that one involves a gladiatorial pit.Traveling through time gathering Most Excellent GMs through History to teach GM-301 at PaizoCon.John has long hair and Mike has short hair.Mike & John's Excellent Adventures
That would make Mike and John MasterBlaster.
"Two gm enter! One gm leave!"
