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Hello Pathfinder players! After just over a year of dedicated work, we have completed the Pathfinder version of our Kickstarter project, Mystical: Kingdom of Monsters.
In Mystical, you can play as a Monster Trainer or one of 6 archetypes for that class. Utilizing your unique talents, you and your party will travel through a realm known only as The Kingdom in search of monsters to capture and raise. Along the way, you'll find upwards of 154 monsters; some new and some Pathfinder favorites.
By capturing monsters, you gain access to new spells that you can use to either battle other trainers in the arenas that exist throughout the Kingdom or combat evils in your own or another campaign world. As you master the spells those monsters grant you, you can capture even stronger monsters and learn different spells on your journey to become one of the greatest trainers there is.
In addition, there are several new feats for the dedicated Monster Trainer as well as those that will help you to incorporate a little bit of monster training into other classes such as the Druid, the Summoner, or even the Wizard. Any class that gains a companion in some form or another can learn something from monster training.
New spells and magic items accompany would-be trainers on their quests, and a brief description of several locations throughout the Kingdom (including where to capture certain monsters) can be found as well!
Mystical: Kingdom of Monsters is currently available at DrivethruRPG under Northwinter Press. I also hope to soon add it to other locations as well, such as d20pfsrd. If you want a peak at some of the monsters inside, you can check out our facebook page.
Thank you, and enjoy!
Design Manager
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Is there a print version of this book available, or .pdf only?
Also, is this as much like adult Pokemon as the description makes it sound?
**EDIT** I just reviewed the preview of this document on DrivethruRPG and it made me smile. I think I'll be getting this as soon as I know whether there are any plans for a hardcopy.
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It looks very much like Pokemon. But why isn't it available here on Paizo?
I'm working on adding it to this and other locations right now. I just already had a feed through DrivethruRPG :)
As to Ssalarn - Yes, I have the print copy already set up and going to Lightning Source today/tomorrow for approval.
Dot for interest. Likewise hoping for a Paizo sale link =)
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Design Manager
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It looks very much like Pokemon. But why isn't it available here on Paizo?I'm working on adding it to this and other locations right now. I just already had a feed through DrivethruRPG :)
As to Ssalarn - Yes, I have the print copy already set up and going to Lightning Source today/tomorrow for approval.
Sweet! Please post when the print copy is available as I believe that is what I'll be purchasing. The art is actually fun enough, and I think I've got a group that's going to dig the idea enough, that I want a copy I can pass around at the table.
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Dot for interest. Likewise hoping for a Paizo sale link =)
Understandable. I want to get this one through several venues, Paizo included. As soon as I hear back from Consignments on what to do, you can be sure I'll let you know.
Ssalarn - Agreed, I'm actually a big fan of passing the book around as well. It will hopefully be approved for sale quickly enough and I'll be sure to post with the link then as well.
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Design Manager
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Dot for interest. Likewise hoping for a Paizo sale link =)Understandable. I want to get this one through several venues, Paizo included. As soon as I hear back from Consignments on what to do, you can be sure I'll let you know.
Ssalarn - Agreed, I'm actually a big fan of passing the book around as well. It will hopefully be approved for sale quickly enough and I'll be sure to post with the link then as well.
Any chance of a .pdf/print bundle?
Any chance of a .pdf/print bundle?
Most likely, but in trying not to scare off sales while others wait for it, I will likely also reach out to anybody who's bought the PDF and offer them a coupon for the print copy so that the total cost ends up equal to anybody buying the combo at the time. Think of it like a preorder of sorts.
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Design Manager
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Most likely, but in trying not to scare off sales while others wait for it, I will likely also reach out to anybody who's bought the PDF and offer them a coupon for the print copy so that the total cost ends up equal to anybody buying the combo at the time. Think of it like a preorder of sorts.
Any chance of a .pdf/print bundle?
Well, if that's the case I might just get an early start with the .pdf...
Well, if that's the case I might just get an early start with the .pdf...
Great to hear. I'll look forward to hearing what you think once you've had a chance to read through and put some stuff together in preparation for your live game with the book :)
I'm looking at this book and I love the concept and material here. But the one thing I don't see is any clarification for the Monster Growth class ability in Chapter 3 to explain the process.
Re-download it. I had to fix that part on in Chapter 3. It's basically this:
As a trainer, you will find sometimes that your monsters aren’t
as strong as they could be against an opponent. This is where
monster growth comes in. When he gains a level, monster
growth allows a trainer to choose another monster with a similar
heritage to the monster he captured previously and begin using
that monster instead. This change is generally permanent, so
think carefully before making such a decision.
In this guide, monsters share a heritage if they have similar
names (lightning cat or water dog, for example) or if they
are specifically said to be related (all elementals). If you’re
using other sources, just stick to these basics and you
should be fine helping your own monsters grow.
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This sounds like something that could make very good use of Green Ronin's Advanced Bestiary (templates). What better way to advance your monster than by 'upgrading' it with an AB template?
EDIT: I probably should have included a link to the preorder and a link to the Kickstarter.
I agree, it would be a wonderful option to use, especially as a breeder!
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As a backer of this project I am exceedingly happy to see it release.
So... Black Handed Mage found one instance of something that slipped by the editors; is this still in the 'please help us find the oopsies' phase? I ask, because before I commit for a print version I'd like to have one without the need for an errata sheet tucked in the back. Thanks!
Nope; just a minor glitch that even 3-4 passes can miss occasionally. It happens to everybody (even, gasp, Paizo) on occasion ;). As posted, I had the text, just had to actually put it there. I am very confident that it is fine as is at this point.
Oceanshieldwolf - Your support both then and now are very much appreciated. :D
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Design Manager
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As a backer of this project I am exceedingly happy to see it release.
Lucky dog (errr... wolf). I always seem to miss the good Kickstarters. I wouldn't have caught Collective Influence if it weren't for Cheapy.
Still, looks I'll still be able to grab a print copy of this, so all is not lost! Anyone had a chance to play with the new mechanics yet? My fiancee is interested but also concerned that it's going to be fairly complicated.
Anyone had a chance to play with the new mechanics yet? My fiancee is interested but also concerned that it's going to be fairly complicated.One hint I offer in the introduction that I want to reiterate here: It should be as easy as opening to the page where the monster is that you're using for that battle and reading its stats/casting its spells. Beyond that, the only book-keeping a trainer needs is the usual class stuff (HP, Attack, CMB, etc) and any spells they master through Spell Familiarity. Unless you're playing a monstorin, you can safely ignore that piece of the given monster's information. I would love to know if anybody outside of my four walls feels that isn't the case after they've tried it out for a session or two.
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I also posted this at RPG Geek, but I thought it would be fun to add here as well.
Some of the more technical aspects of the book include.
* 178 pages (170 pages of content + 8 pages of other)
* Full Color, but can be changed to text only using layers. Some headers remain.
* Full Layers for easy reading/printing if you so desire with Adobe 7x and higher.
* Links throughout the PDF will bring you to the pages you're looking for. If there's a reference to a specific monster or archetype, the link will jump you to it if you want.
And some more aesthetic/design-oriented things.
* Each monster (all 154) was playtested at its level and up to 5 levels above/below. This is the main reason it took me over a year to finish. I wanted to make sure the primary function of the book met expectations.
* Each aspect of the trainer class was compared to several other classes and playtested in a group of non-trainers (I loved my goblin Monster Trainer named Needs Friends. Cannot wait to play as him again). This is also how I tested the idea of growth (from an earth elemental to a magma elemental).
* The art was originally more in the pokemon style (see some of my earliest posts on Facebook and DeviantArt). After listening to feedback here and on the Paizo boards, we opted to ask the amazing Raynaldo Perez to go over everything with more detail and make it its own. Similarly, Jeff Porter, who did the cover art, did a truly wonderful job with capturing the feel of the world. I am very, very happy with the finished product.
* The game went through several stages, starting as 4e only. When I launched the Kickstarter initially, I was bombarded with questions of why I wasn't doing it for Pathfinder. Eventually, there was enough demand that I agreed; got some extra personal funding to do it and rebooted the project of my own volition (hence why I technically have 2 Kickstarters with the same name). It was thanks to everybody's feedback that this product exists, and I couldn't be more excited for that.
* Speaking of Stages, when I first drew up my concept for Mystical, it was a lot more pokemon-esque, complete with type charts and advantages/disadvantages related to those types. A few good friends pointed out that it felt a little too close to the concept to safely move forward and I agreed. With the help of one Cody Martin, we took another pass at the Monster Trainer; snagged some newer concepts and drew it away from that area. The new trainer was his own thing, more akin to a spirit binder than a pokemon trainer, and that was okay. He still trained monsters, but his way of achieving that was a much more story-guided way and fit better with the concept of the Kingdom.
* In 4e, monsters naturally progress over time on their own without need for character input (other than control in battle for XP). They could grow (our version of evolving) into stronger versions of themselves. In Pathfinder, each monster is its own creature. Trainers can manipulate their auras to change the essence of the monster into something stronger, but it must maintain its own heritage. Water dogs remain water dogs, and elementals remain elementals, but beyond that, you can change your Earth Elemental into a magma elemental (or just a stronger earth elemental)( when you level without having to go out and capture a new one. You would, however, have to capture 2 earth elementals if you still wanted access to those spells.
* Magic items had as large a role as powers in 4e, helping to craft the perfect monster as you gained levels by granting them inherent abilities (called talents) over time. In Pathfinder, this becomes entirely optional, requiring you to sacrifice the magic of one of your item slots to empower your monster with your Aura. For the most part, a trainer can either focus on himself and use his monster as a mere conduit for his abilities, or he can focus on the monster and hang back, only defending himself if it becomes necessary.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading this far. If I can think of more, I'll add it as it comes to me.
I've never really been a Pokémon fan, but the picture of the witch girl with the rust monster has me sold. I'm in as soon as print is available!
Thank you Malcolm N for the praise and writing me into the book.
I would love to hear what people think about the Trainer that Malcolm and I worked on.
It was an amazing project, and I appreciate everybody's contributions to it.
Ken - That makes me very happy to know. She happens to be my personal favorite as well. :) Right after her is the Reeve with the Levimur, but that's mostly because I've got a story I started with her.
@Malcolm - was there a recent KS Update with a link to the final PF PDF? I think I may have missed it (i.e. got the email, but didn't follow the links...)
I hadn't posted the KS update yet as I've been busy getting everything in order. The emails went out for downloads, though. I'll double check and get everything organized with KS today :)
How does one get this download? Or is it a hard copy book? Sounds pretty cool, but I have only what I have read here to go on.
EDIT: Never mind, just scrolled up, and realize that the link from Facebook I followed doesn't start you at the top, but half way down. Weird...
How does one get this download? Or is it a hard copy book? Sounds pretty cool, but I have only what I have read here to go on.
EDIT: Never mind, just scrolled up, and realize that the link from Facebook I followed doesn't start you at the top, but half way down. Weird...
Hmm, that is curious. I'll see if I can fix that.
Answering questions and posing ideas over on Facebook. For example, if you wanted to be a hunter (ACG) who takes advantage of Kingdom of Monsters...
Alright, my permissions came through for the Paizo store... I uploaded the file and set all the parameters... and... They're closed in observance of Labor Day.
So, Tuesday; it should be up on Paizo by Tuesday. Sorry guys and gals.
I am going to have to get this, methinks. I like the Summoner, Druid, and Hunter because of the companions, and this seems like an interesting take on the "pet" idea.
Come Tuesday, Mystical: Kingdom of Monsters will be available on the Paizo Store as well, but in the meantime, we have hit #46 on Drivethru RPGs Hottest Small Press! Let everybody know that we're climbing the list quickly with this amazing Pathfinder Product!
Anybody here enjoy Mythic Adventures? How about capturing some mythic monsters?
1) As arcane spellcasters, monster trainers can take advantage of the Archmage mythic path. I would probably allow a trainer to use mage strike through his companion. His Coupled Arcana would apply to his spell familiarity. He can also take advantage of the Greater Familiar Link if he has the Trainer's Familiar perk. Finally, Mythic Trainer would act as a universal path ability that allows him to capture monsters with a mythic rating equal to his own mythic rank. They still would need to be an appropriate CR, but the trainer would be allowed to add 1/2 his rank to his level to determine which CR he could capture.
2) Monster Scouts would make great Champions or Guardians, what with their penchant for relying more on melee combat. To help keep their companion's relevant, I would allow any of the Champion's strike abilities he picks (particularly fleet charge and sudden attack) to be used through his monster companion. Mythic Smite would still apply to the scout's ability as well.
3) As a Marshal, a Monster Breeder can become an exceptional ally in combat. Many of the Marshal's abilities fit well into the skillset of the breeder; or really any monster trainer looking to help his companions.
4) Monster Aurors, Gamblers, and Performers make great Tricksters, relying on monsters with a little more stealth and trickery to outwit their enemies.
Is this a teaser for a My:KoM expansion product?
Could be... I have a few different ideas in mind for a few expansions on Kingdom of Monsters, including Mythic (if the draw is there). :)
Also, with the (what I deem) amazing success of this in just the first week, I'm already well under way on creating the next wave of monsters. If anybody here has some ideas for Pathfinder (OGL) favorites they want included, let me know and I'll prioritize them.
I am currently refreshing the Northwinter Press page here on Paizo every couple minutes in anticipation of Mystical: Kingdom of Monsters being approved for download. Will post an update when it goes live.
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@Malcolm - on my PDF, the trainer perks Mettle and Side by Side (page 7) have their text scrambled… I've sent you an email with a screenshot of the affected areas...
Apart from that, there are no other issues I have found. This is a beautiful work. I really appreciate the art approach.
Thank you Ocean; please check my response as I could not replicate this issue with either my files (either INDD or PDF) or the download I received from Paizo except when I turned on the Plain Text layer. That layer is defaulted off but can be swapped for the Stylized Sidebars layer to make a print-friendly version of the document (along with turning off various backgrounds, pictures, etc).
Of course, I can still re-upload if that might help; I just want to make sure that it's something another upload will resolve. :)
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Cheers all, and thank you for your patience. We are now open and ready for purchase on the Paizo store!
Now that it's available here and several of you have had a chance to pick it up, what do you think? I would love to hear back from you so I can make any changes or improvements (or even just know to stay the course) to the next book we publish for this world. :)
I've started adding some new (yet familiar) faces to the monsters you can capture over on my facebook page for anybody interested in some more traditional monster training options. :) I will be continuing to add such monsters as time permits.
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Design Manager
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Now that it's available here and several of you have had a chance to pick it up, what do you think? I would love to hear back from you so I can make any changes or improvements (or even just know to stay the course) to the next book we publish for this world. :)
I am freaking in love with this thing. Finally got around to picking it up and reading through the materials. Any word on when this will be available in a hardcopy format? Because I'm already being asked when we'll be starting the M:KoM campaign :P
I love the companion monsters and want like 25 more to choose from. This book is just begging for a Bestiary supplement with new monsters and new advanced (or early) forms for some of the existing ones. Haven't made it over to the Facebook page yet, but I can only imagine the new stuff it sounds like you're pumping out over there only reinforces that idea.
A campaign setting or adventure path line also wouldn't go amiss with these materials. It felt like the information on the Kingdom was really scarce (basically just a micro ecology guide on where you should find the monsters) so a bigger view of the core campaign world they're meant to inhabit, or even just a module taking a team of monster trainers from level 1-5 would be good. I suspect that a lot of less experienced GM's are going to have a harder time taking the great materials presented here and actually weaving them into a cohesive and immersive experience, so it'd be great to have a fun adventure kind of walk them through the process, showing how to introduce the new monsters and adjudicate the experience along the way.
I absolutely agree, Ssalarn. I have each of those things in the pipeline in some form or another. Once I clear some more of my current projects out over the next week or so, I'll start putting up some previews for them on Facebook and share a handful here to help keep the hype up.
Re: Print Copy. I'm just waiting to hear back on my proof so I can order it
Thank you much for the suggestions.
Yep, I'd like to see a print copy too - given that I can't see some of the info due to my Mac's PDF reading program (Preview) being unable to read the PDF on a few of the most important pages...
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On the wishlist, money is a bit tight for now (post-moving expenses) but might be able to pick it up in a month or two.
Yep, I'd like to see a print copy too - given that I can't see some of the info due to my Mac's PDF reading program (Preview) being unable to read the PDF on a few of the most important pages...
Yeah, sorry about the Mac issues, Ocean. I wish I had an answer for it. For reference, the file is Acrobat 7.0 and up compatible, having been created in InDesign CC and formatted on a Window's system.
Orthos, it makes me glad to see that you are looking to pick it up, whenever you may get that opportunity.
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@Malcolm_n: No problems! I haven't gotten around to seeing if the text is fine on my PC laptop, so there is always that! And again, it's only a few paragraphs, but oh so important ones! Thanks for sending me the requisite info when you did.
(Note all - I have received absolutely stellar and rapid support throughout from Northwinter Press. A fantastic Kickstarter, and fantastic customer support…)
I'm planning on getting a hardcopy version in time for x-mas... What are the odds all will be ready by then? :)
I'm thinking it'll look great under the Yule Tree...
I just need them to approve it for my Proof order and it'll be ready; I'm hoping to order on Wednesday.
And I have one important request; that you take a picture of said Yule tree/log with the book and post it to Facebook for us please! That would be awesome.