Adventure Card Game Developments, and a Goblin Scalawag

Ranzak WRITES?! Get rope... and torches. LOTS of torches! Some for Ranzak, but some just for fun.

Hehe, so that's what he looks like. Can't wait to get him for my game; if he's anything like in the playtest, he'll be very fun/frustrating to play with :)

An entire character for a promo? And a goblin at that? Awesome!

EDIT: And then I saw the date on my calendar...

That parrot is almost as big as he is. Does it say anything other than Ranzak? What is the magic bird's name? Inquiring minds want to know; we must hear more.

This is pretty exciting. I think... Announcements on April 1st have always concerned me a little, but this one seems pretty legit...

Okay, let's assume that this is legit. This is awesome! I want a Goblin Raider, yes please. I want to see his stats though, before I get too excited. Anyways, does this character feel bad about wearing the Birdcruncher Crown? He seems to like his parrot...

If this is fake, then good one guys. Also, that drawing at the bottom probably took forever.

Okay, let's assume that this is legit. This is awesome! I want a Goblin Raider, yes please. I want to see his stats though, before I get too excited.

Get too excited.

Erixian wrote:

Okay, let's assume that this is legit. This is awesome! I want a Goblin Raider, yes please. I want to see his stats though, before I get too excited.

Get too excited.

Could that be more frustratingly ambiguous? That could mean that we're getting this guy AND spoilers.

Or it could mean that this is a joke.

D:

Mike Selinker wrote:

Erixian wrote:

Okay, let's assume that this is legit. This is awesome! I want a Goblin Raider, yes please. I want to see his stats though, before I get too excited.

Get too excited.

Could that be more frustratingly ambiguous? That could mean that we're getting this guy AND spoilers.

Or it could mean that this is a joke.

D:

Its real. I know Mike asks people not to talk about the Skull and Shackles playtest, but since he's been announced, I assume its ok to say that Ranzak was playstested with the S&S playtest. So he's legit. Plus Brian and Tanis are real people too, in case anyone was unsure of that.

Alright!

I have no idea what he does but I still look forward to playing him. The promo cards are always entertaining, and usually quite good too, a pleasant bonus.

Plus Brian and Tanis are real people too, in case anyone was unsure of that.

Ranzak is also a real person, in that Ranzak is Tanis.

So this is real? OK, back to thinking this is awesome! It's cool enough to get a promo character, and even cooler that I can play a goblin. I was planning on running S&S as the Gunslinger but... Goblin.

Plus Brian and Tanis are real people too, in case anyone was unsure of that.

Really? Well that changes things, I got the "vicious killer" vibe from Tanis' writing... sneaky sneaky

Mike, is this going to be the promo card for the base set? Or is it going to be like when Hook Mountain Massacre (I think that was the one) came with it's own promo, plus a second one that game in a magazine previously?

Ranzak is also a real person, in that Ranzak is Tanis.

Hey! Spoilers!

Ranzak is really a promo card for PACG in general, since he's intended to be usable in all sets. But he's themed for Skull & Shackles.

There will be other S&S promo cards, but we're not announcing details yet. Except for this: One of them has my favorite name of any card in the game, which will remain a secret for now. (That means you, playtesters.)

Mike, thank you for the response. I am in the process of getting excited. I am still waiting for those stats. Hehe. This is still fairly exciting that a character is a promo. Now I have to think a little harder on my first character to take sailing.

Also, there will be more promos going out with S&S, huh? That will be pretty great. I missed some of the beginning ones, but I think that I will have all the promos that come out, because I like the interesting effects that they bring to the game. Hoping this character is just as interesting.

There will be other S&S promo cards, but we're not announcing details yet. Except for this: One of them has my favorite name of any card in the game, which will remain a secret for now. (That means you, playtesters.)

Except that you already posted your favorite card name to a different audience at one point ;)

Mike Selinker wrote:

There will be other S&S promo cards, but we're not announcing details yet. Except for this: One of them has my favorite name of any card in the game, which will remain a secret for now. (That means you, playtesters.)

Except that you already posted your favorite card name to a different audience at one point ;)

And?..

Except that you already posted your favorite card name to a different audience at one point ;)

Only the S&S playtesters, to my knowledge.

Deekow wrote:

Except that you already posted your favorite card name to a different audience at one point ;)

Only the S&S playtesters, to my knowledge.

Well, I was somewhat certain that it was also on Facespace somewhere; but, I'm not ready to come to terms with the level of stalking that would be required to find it (I may have thoroughly looked and failed, but I won't admit it), and really... the goblin deserves all the attention, anyway.

Mike Selinker wrote:

Deekow wrote:

Except that you already posted your favorite card name to a different audience at one point ;)

Only the S&S playtesters, to my knowledge.

Well, I was somewhat certain that it was also on Facespace somewhere; but, I'm not ready to come to terms with the level of stalking that would be required to find it (I may have thoroughly looked and failed, but I won't admit it), and really... the goblin deserves all the attention, anyway.

I don't really condone stalking, so I am fine with not knowing for now. Also, I don't think that Mike wants us to know right now, anyways, because it really builds up the suspense...

On another topic, should we be expecting more announcements like this in the near future?

I don't really condone stalking...

Ok...

*Gets down from peeking through Erixian's window and shambles off*

Seems like if you get all the promos you'd eventually be able to put together an entire goblin AP. ^_^

Mike Selinker wrote:

Ranzak is also a real person, in that Ranzak is Tanis.

Hey! Spoilers!

I can confirm that I am not Ranzak.

During today's playtest, Gaby redubbed the Tanis/Ranzak combo "Tanzak."

Oh man, any chance of seeing a skills card? Really interested in this character's powers. I like the flavor of a pirate goblin with a spell casting parrot.

will he have a suggested deck list? big fan of suggested deck lists...

will he have a suggested deck list? big fan of suggested deck lists...

Really? This game really does have all types. I couldn't care less about the suggested deck lists, the customization is important to me.

Not that I mean for that to come off negative, or anything. I just think it's interesting...

The_Napier wrote:

will he have a suggested deck list? big fan of suggested deck lists...

Really? This game really does have all types. I couldn't care less about the suggested deck lists, the customization is important to me.

Not that I mean for that to come off negative, or anything. I just think it's interesting...

I am not big on suggested decklists anymore, but since this is a new AP, and new players might subscribe and start playing, I think that he should have a suggested deck. I think that one of my friends is testing the waters on this game and if he likes it, will subscribe just before S&S rolls out. I can understand people like that wanting the suggestions.

In my groups, we have used the suggested decklists for new players. The suggested lists are decent and get players familiar with different types of cards. Also, it is important to have some bad cards to start with, so that you have a comparison when you actually get good cards.

saves time in starting the game, provides a good balance of cards, fits the characters, respects the work put into creating them by the game-makers, gets customised rapidly anyway as cards are turned up during scenarios. sure I had more...

I don't think Ranzak will have a suggested deck list in the S&S rulebook, since he isn't guaranteed to be owned by the person playing S&S. Perhaps the Paizo staff can post a suggested deck list for him for both S&S and RotR for those who want to use it. In fact, posting his suggested deck list a couple of weeks before S&S releases, thus giving a glimpse at the name of 15 cards, would be a great teaser.

And for those who just want to choose basic cards, they are always free to do so.

Oh, I totally get why they exist.

I'm just... surprised isn't the word... intrigued that there are veteran players/fans of this game that prefer to use suggested deck lists.

Again, I'm all about the customization. I won't play with borrowed decks in TCG's, it bugs me when RPG video games lack certain customization traits (like looks), and I like that I can convert models in my tabletop miniatures game (Warmachine).

The limitation to basics is plenty for me to get balance and the feel of a starting character.

Nice to 'meet' you both, Brian and Tanis!

Brian, are you the same Brian Campbell responsible for that wonderful Ratkin book in days of old?

http://www.amazon.com/Ratkin-Werewolf-Apocalypse-Brian-Campbell/dp/15650434 21

:)

Perhaps the Paizo staff can post a suggested deck list for him for both S&S and RotR for those who want to use it

Not sure he'd need RotR, as he's S&S themed, but one would be cool

In fact, posting his suggested deck list a couple of weeks before S&S releases, thus giving a glimpse at the name of 15 cards, would be a great teaser.

yes. this is a fun idea. I like this one.

And for those who just want to choose basic cards, they are always free to do so.

exactly!

Question from overseas... (which is just the location for a piraty goblin)

If I cancel my subscription to avoid the huge shipping costs for the base game and then resubscribe for the character add-on, will I get the August promo's? That worked for RotRL, so I guess it will work for S&S, but better safe then sorry.

I imagine that it would, but you also don't need to cancel it. If you contact customer service I think they could probably set yours up to only ship the character add-on.

Oh man, any chance of seeing a skills card? Really interested in this character's powers. I like the flavor of a pirate goblin with a spell casting parrot.

Well, it says magic parrot, not magic-user parrot. I'm not sure the parrot casts spells - he might just be enchanted. Not sure what it means when it says the little bird "squawks true." Could mean anything!

I definitely want to know more about that parrot...but I'm not at all sure that the parrot will be reflected in Ranzak's skills / powers / card feats, as such. Maybe...who knows? It would be cool to know if one power is the "squawk true" power, or whatever.

Ranzak's rules card* says this:

"Ranzak is a scavenger, so when you build new decks, build the other characters first, then use leftover cards with the Basic trait to fill out his Cards List."

*He has a rules card because one of his two roles previews a new feature of Skull & Shackles that needs 'splainin.

New feature? YEA

Patito wrote:

Oh man, any chance of seeing a skills card? Really interested in this character's powers. I like the flavor of a pirate goblin with a spell casting parrot.

Well, it says magic parrot, not magic-user parrot. I'm not sure the parrot casts spells - he might just be enchanted. Not sure what it means when it says the little bird "squawks true." Could mean anything!

I definitely want to know more about that parrot...but I'm not at all sure that the parrot will be reflected in Ranzak's skills / powers / card feats, as such. Maybe...who knows? It would be cool to know if one power is the "squawk true" power, or whatever.

The parrot power could be something like: for all your divine or arcane checks, first roll a d4, on a 1 roll a d6 for the check, on a 2 roll a d8, on a 3 roll a d10 and on a 4 roll a d12. Fun, and frustrating... maybe the parrot helps out a lot, maybe the parrot helps out a little.

The parrot doesn't have a specific game effect, any more than the peg leg or arm hook does.

Tanis?
Is that your real name, and if so were you named after the Dragonlance character?

Ranzak's rules card* says this:

"Ranzak is a scavenger, so when you build new decks, build the other characters first, then use leftover cards with the Basic trait to fill out his Cards List."

*He has a rules card because one of his two roles previews a new feature of Skull & Shackles that needs 'splainin.

Interesting concept. Both parts, actually. I like the fact that you get the last pick of the cards that you need to build your decks. I feel like it is not that big of a deal, though, since most of the time, everyone will be talking about their builds and the cards that they need anyways. I guess it is a little harder if you have a group that is cut-throat, though.

Also, I am curious about the role card that will need some explaining. When you build your character, you do not have a role, so I am assuming that Ranzak being a scavenger is not the only thing on the rules card. I am interested in how the role affects play. I can only assume that it will affect rebuilding characters between Scenarios, or maybe a benefit for taking less desired cards. I am interested.

Also, Vic, are you just going to be teasing us with a little more information everyday? First we get a card picture with a name, and then a little excerpt from the rules card, and then?..

The parrot doesn't have a specific game effect, any more than the peg leg or arm hook does.

Which does not rule out parrots, peg legs, and arm hooks that do have specific game effects.

Vic Wertz wrote:

The parrot doesn't have a specific game effect, any more than the peg leg or arm hook does.

Which does not rule out parrots, peg legs, and arm hooks that do have specific game effects.

This is true. Now I am intrigued. I am hoping that Peg Leg is an item that decreases your Dexterity checks, and Hook Arm is a weapon, and obviously Parrot is an ally. All will have specific in game effects. Big spoiler right there...

The hook arm summons a crocodile monster that, if undefeated, causes you to banish the hook arm and a clock from your hand.

Mike Selinker wrote:

Ranzak is also a real person, in that Ranzak is Tanis.

Hey! Spoilers!

What, you're not a figment of Mike's imagination?

:O

Nice to 'meet' you both, Brian and Tanis!

Brian, are you the same Brian Campbell responsible for that wonderful Ratkin book in days of old?

http://www.amazon.com/Ratkin-Werewolf-Apocalypse-Brian-Campbell/dp/15650434 21

:)

Yep! That's one of mine.

I've written for more White Wolf books than I can remember: dozens and dozens of them. I've also got some writing in the 20th Anniversary Editions of Werewolf: The Apocalypse and Mage: The Ascension. Oh, and when I first moved out to Seattle, I was the editor for Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.

Nice to meet you, too!

I've written for more White Wolf books than I can remember: dozens and dozens of them. I've also got some writing in the 20th Anniversary Editions of Werewolf: The Apocalypse and Mage: The Ascension. Oh, and when I first moved out to Seattle, I was the editor for Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.

Not to mention one of my esteemed collaborators on the game Betrayal at House on the Hill.

Brian Campbell wrote:

I've written for more White Wolf books than I can remember: dozens and dozens of them. I've also got some writing in the 20th Anniversary Editions of Werewolf: The Apocalypse and Mage: The Ascension. Oh, and when I first moved out to Seattle, I was the editor for Vampire: The Eternal Struggle.

Not to mention one of my esteemed collaborators on the game Betrayal at House on the Hill.

Thanks!

It's still one of my favorite games for Board Game Night. \m/

Tanis?

Is that your real name, and if so were you named after the Dragonlance character?

Yes, it is, and no, I'm older than that bearded wonder. I'm also female, so that would have been a really cruel move by my parents.

Nor was I founded in the late Twentieth Dynasty as a parallel religious center to Thebes.

It's a corruption of the Irish Gaelic word for firstborn, since I'm the oldest.

(Why yes, I have been asked this question before.)