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Optionsmas is Neigh: Chasing the Setting Sun Edition

We are approaching the end of 1e’s print-run, and I realize I’m going to miss chasing new Additional Resources updates for a while. Oh, I understand 2e will have them too! I just don’t expect much from July until at least December in terms of new content…of course, analyzing everything we have going for us in 2e is going to be its own brand of exciting! Talking about exciting, Heroes of Golarion is one of the best Player Companions ever published, and gives us lots of new exciting character options I can’t wait to explore!

Adventure Paths: Tyrant’s Grasp*

• Pathfinder Adventure Path #139: The Dead Roads: The character options in this book are legal for play except the blasphemous chalice.… Read the rest

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Build of the Week: Branch Pounce

You must begin Charging with Branch Pounce resting above your enemy. No Dragoons Allowed.

Hope I didn’t leave anyone hanging the last couple of weeks. Leaping from one coast to the next is no simple feat. And neither is Branch Pounce. Go ahead and pounce on that link now. I’ll hang out here. Don’t worry about me: I have a nice view and plenty of tea.

Ready? Let’s fly. 

I’ve been wanting to sink my teeth into this feat for a while. I’ve been fortunate enough to play with it successfully up to mid-tier. And now that I find myself flying over Chicago without wifi, this feels like the perfect opportunity to take the plunge. And if you think my puns will get any better, I hate to say it’s all downhill from here

Analyzing the Feat

The feat can be something of a trap, so make sure you understand all the pitfalls.… Read the rest

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Handy Haversack: Identifying Player Profiles

I love Gamer Lingo. Recently Ryan Costello wrote a fascinating article discussing the difference between the three primary psychographic profiles of Magic: The Gathering players, and how it applies to Pathfinder. His article is great, but it left me thinking about how we can use these profiles in our games. Specifically, how does one identify each type of player and use that profile to mitigate potential negative play experience.

First you have to remember these player profiles are research & development tools. In the real world, no player fits only one of these profiles. And yet, there are definitely game elements that are intended to appeal to one of these players. When a problem arises in one of your games, it’s important to know what player profile drew that player to that element.… Read the rest

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Optionsmas is Neigh: Seattle Edition!

I’m finally moved into my new condo with a wonderful view of the greater Seattle Metro area and wouldn’t you know it: we have ourselves an Additional Resources update! Thanks for the house warming gift, Paizo! I’m going to try a different format evaluating the two primary updates this time around, since we only have two (amazing) books this time around.

Martial Artist’s Handbook:

  • Archetypes: The archetypes in the book are legal for play. Equipment: The equipment and magic items in this book are legal for play except handwraps, infested bandages, and split-blade sword. Feats: The feats in this book are legal for play except Change of Heart, Octopus Focus, Octopus Style, and Octopus Thrash. Misc.: The advanced ninja tricks, ki powers, kineticist infusions, ninja tricks, slayer talents, style strikes, and weapon tricks in this book are legal for play except prognostication, throat crush, and true prognostication.
… Read the rest

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PFS Multitable Prep Guide

Multitable scenarios are a unique and thrilling experience. But unless you’ve done then, it can be hard to even imagine what it’s like to play alongside dozens or even hundreds other players. Sometime last year I found people thanking me for their advice when it comes to approaching these, both as players and gamemasters. And after a dozen or so experiences on both sides of the table, I’ve learned some invaluable lessons that can help turn a grindy slog into the most memorable experience of any convention.

Like Multitables, Solstice Car s are designed for speed & drifting!

What Are Multitables?

A multi-table scenario is one in which every table is working cooperatively toward the same goal. You still play at a table of 4-7 players with 1 GM, but whenever you complete a goal your GM will report the results to the Overseer or Head GM, who is tracking everyone’s progress.… Read the rest

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Handy Haversack: 7 Tips for Every PFS GM

1. Show up Before Anyone Else

Want to learn some Time Magic? Assume your players will all be an hour early, and have to start an hour early.

This should be obvious, and yet I feel the need to put it first for a reason! Especially when there are multiple tables, many players won’t start unpacking or choosing their character until they’ve confirmed their GM hasn’t bailed. If you have to use the bathroom or eat, check your table first to see if someone isn’t there. I always bring an extra sign-in sheet and leave it at the table with a pen so players know the game is going to happen!

2. Don’t Stress Player Rules

You do not need to know what your players are capable of to GM.… Read the rest

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Optionsmas is Neigh: Cast Haste on the Webteam Edition!

Can you believe we get two AR updates in two weeks? Those handsome folks in the Additional Resources team clearly deserve a round of applause. In all seriousness, everyone should take the opportunity to thank our Organized Play Coordinator(s) and/or the Paizo web team for all these new toys we get to unwrap early. So let’s take a minute to shake the boxes under the trees and ready our adamantine scissors incase the boxes fight back…and take a minute to moan the loss of one particularly hyped archetype.

Adventure Paths:

    • The scant material in the first five books of Return of the Runelords are all legal now. There is a Familiar, some Ashava information, an Oozeclot unguent and an item called the Shadow Stylus.
… Read the rest

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Optionsmas is Neigh: Fluffy Tail Edition

First and foremost I want to thank our Paizo Overlords for such a timely release! There are lots of cool books this time around, and I’m here to help you sort out the most interesting and flavorful options for your next character. And whether your making Edward Eldric from Full-Metal Alchemist, a Kitsune Rogue who steals with her tails, or a Magus who hoverboards with their Floating Disk, these books have something for you! So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Adventure Paths:

    • City in the Lion’s Eye: The bardic pretender and sneak training talents are legal for play.
    • Reaper’s Right Hand: Equipment: The band of triumph and seeking lens are legal for play. Spells: The halfling vengeance, mass halfling vengeance, and word of beckoning spells are legal for play but are accessible only to worshippers of Thamir Gixx.
… Read the rest

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