| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| SirUrza |
Posted - 15 Aug 2008 : 05:56:13
I can't say enough about how good it is... it's good! :)
If your FLGS carries it, I suggest giving it a good 20 minutes of your time.
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| 19 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 22:22:35
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Not to step on Elaine's toes here, but yes, for some years publishers found that reprints of the "classic" authors didn't sell all that well. Usually due to bad covers or packaging (because the low royalties publishers pay to the estates of dead, sometimes long-dead, authors means that a larger profit margin can be made than with new fantasy fiction). As it happens, every pulp fantasy author surname you mention is scheduled to come back into print in a Paizo collection already announced and scheduled. I know Ed Greenwood has been suggesting long lists of possible books to Erik Mona for some time now.
love,
THO
What she said.
I think bringing these writers' work back into print is a worthwhile endeavor even if they're not huge sellers. Here's hoping Paizo will find it economically feasible to continue this program until they run out of "new" old stuff to print!
Thanks for the explanation, and I hope they can go on for several years with the 'new' old material as well. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 04:28:48
-Ed Greenwood writing Pathfinder/Golarion Fiction is pure win. 
-I would like to see one of those lists Ed has givin to Eric Mona.
BRIMSTONE |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 04:26:13
quote:
Originally posted by The Hooded One
Not to step on Elaine's toes here, but yes, for some years publishers found that reprints of the "classic" authors didn't sell all that well. Usually due to bad covers or packaging (because the low royalties publishers pay to the estates of dead, sometimes long-dead, authors means that a larger profit margin can be made than with new fantasy fiction). As it happens, every pulp fantasy author surname you mention is scheduled to come back into print in a Paizo collection already announced and scheduled. I know Ed Greenwood has been suggesting long lists of possible books to Erik Mona for some time now.
love,
THO
What she said.
I think bringing these writers' work back into print is a worthwhile endeavor even if they're not huge sellers. Here's hoping Paizo will find it economically feasible to continue this program until they run out of "new" old stuff to print! |
| The Hooded One |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 01:48:08
Not to step on Elaine's toes here, but yes, for some years publishers found that reprints of the "classic" authors didn't sell all that well. Usually due to bad covers or packaging (because the low royalties publishers pay to the estates of dead, sometimes long-dead, authors means that a larger profit margin can be made than with new fantasy fiction). As it happens, every pulp fantasy author surname you mention is scheduled to come back into print in a Paizo collection already announced and scheduled. I know Ed Greenwood has been suggesting long lists of possible books to Erik Mona for some time now.
love,
THO |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 18 Feb 2009 : 00:22:34
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
OT but it was the Planet Stories reprints that brought me into the Paizo fold. It's about time someone brought Leigh Brackett an dC.L. Moore back into the public's eye.
Yep. Both were HUGH influences on sword & sorcery, and out of print for far too long.
Maybe you can answer this, since you're a professional writer: why is it that, aside from tried-and-true names like Bob Howard and H.P. Lovecraft, fantasy and SF readers never see collections of works from other authors of the pulp fantasy days, like Moore, Brackett, Kuttner, Wellman, or any of the others? Is it just taken for granted that they won't sell? |
| Purple Dragon Knight |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 09:04:47
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
[snip]The timing was incredible; I was thinking about doing some serial fiction and an opportunity arose to work in a setting I like run by people who are fun to work with. [snip]
I'm glad to hear that from you! so far I had only been assuming they were good folks, but now we have firsthand accounting by you. Cool!
PS: sorry if I have vented about WotC while answering your posts... perhaps once or twice...   I'll try to refrain from doing so. For me, the gamer-consumer entity's point of view, the timing was incredible as well: I was pissed off at WotC, who was killing my Realms, and here came the shiny Sir Mona on his famous destrier, Paizo. I couldn't resist!  |
| Ashe Ravenheart |
Posted - 12 Feb 2009 : 04:38:08
Here's a podcast from Atomic Array on Pathfinder in general and Legacy of Fire in particular.
Pathfinder Atomic Array |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 20:43:10
quote:
Originally posted by Ardashir
OT but it was the Planet Stories reprints that brought me into the Paizo fold. It's about time someone brought Leigh Brackett an dC.L. Moore back into the public's eye.
Yep. Both were HUGH influences on sword & sorcery, and out of print for far too long. |
| Ardashir |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 18:53:27
quote:
Originally posted by ElaineCunningham
It really DOES have an "old school" feel to it. The folks at Paizo have a great deal of regard for the roots of sword and sorcery. This is evident in the setting and reinforced by their Planet Stories novels line, which is bringing back into print some of the early S&S novels. I can't say enough good things about the work these guys (and gals) are doing.
OT but it was the Planet Stories reprints that brought me into the Paizo fold. It's about time someone brought Leigh Brackett and C.L. Moore back into the public's eye. |
| Brimstone |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 18:26:06
-Thank you Elaine.
BRIMSTONE |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 18:20:35
I probably ought to clarify something about my involvement with the Pathfinder setting. To me, it isn't about Wizards of the Coast. At all. The timing was incredible; I was thinking about doing some serial fiction and an opportunity arose to work in a setting I like run by people who are fun to work with. It's not an either/or situation, much less a Redsox/Yankees rivalry.
When it comes to fantasy settings, I'm exceedingly promiscuous. In addition to the Realms, I've done Star Wars, EverQuest, and Ravenloft. And it doesn't stop with fantasy settings. I've written urban fantasy, paranormal romance, Arthurian fantasy, and fantasy in a historical setting. I have near completion a proposal for a young adult fantasy. And wait, there's more--I'm working on a couple of things that aren't fantasy AT ALL.
So just for the record, please don't assume that my enthusiasm for the Pathfinder setting holds veiled insults aimed at WotC or anyone else. Because I just don't work that way. I'm interested in . . . well, damn near everything. As one of my WotC editors once observed, I'm like a cat who chases every shiny moving thing.
So please, don't invoke my name in any Paizo/WotC rivalry, because I don't play that.
Anyone who has read much adolescent psychology knows that pre-teen girls tend to bond by excluding or insulting a third party. I never went through that stage. I was too busy reading. These days, I'm too busy writing.
Just saying. |
| Markustay |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 17:52:47
Yup, they are truly "keeping the RPG dream alive".
So far, I've yet to see any of their published material have that bland, corporate, uninspired, generic feel.
Not that I'm pointing ay fingers here... <smirk>
*Add a Smirk Smiley to that list for Candlekeep II, Sage. |
| ElaineCunningham |
Posted - 11 Feb 2009 : 15:28:10
It really DOES have an "old school" feel to it. The folks at Paizo have a great deal of regard for the roots of sword and sorcery. This is evident in the setting and reinforced by their Planet Stories novels line, which is bringing back into print some of the early S&S novels. I can't say enough good things about the work these guys (and gals) are doing. |
| Purple Dragon Knight |
Posted - 10 Feb 2009 : 20:44:34
I love both the Pathfinder Setting (world of Golarion) AND the PRPG Beta rules!!!
I have completely gone to the dark side, and could very well end my Realms campaign soon, to transition them to Golarion (same PCs, different world... either via planehopping or stepping through a portal) |
| Ayunken-vanzan |
Posted - 08 Feb 2009 : 07:38:01
quote:
Originally posted by Wrigs13
It looks good, i haven't had chance to use it in a full campaign but it does address many issues i have come across in 3rd ed. It does seem to be the natural next step for 3rd ed players who like power gaming.
You seem to confuse the Pathfinder Campaign setting with the Pathfinder (Beta) Rules. This scroll is about the former. |
| Wrigs13 |
Posted - 07 Feb 2009 : 23:31:57
It looks good, i haven't had chance to use it in a full campaign but it does address many issues i have come across in 3rd ed. It does seem to be the natural next step for 3rd ed players who like power gaming. |
| danbuter |
Posted - 07 Feb 2009 : 15:21:02
Very old school feeling. Great production values. And it just seems to gel for me. |
| MerrikCale |
Posted - 18 Aug 2008 : 16:24:57
why is it good? |
| Quale |
Posted - 15 Aug 2008 : 14:59:45
It's very well done
I gave a shot at including it our campaign world
Absalom, City at the Center of the World
The island is between Var and the Utter East. A place where few mortals ascended after passing the test of the Starstone.
In our alternate history it happened to Gilgeam.
Don't like the name Absalom, too biblical, I'll change to Harmophel.
Alkenstar, Magic-Dead Scientific Microstate
Smokepowder, alchemy. Adding a portal to Lantan. The land between Thay and Mulhorand (cause alchemy started in Egypt), in the mountains, scarred dead-magic realm from the numerous arcane wars of Imaskar, Mulhorand, Raumathar, Thay etc.
Andoran, Birthplace of freedom
Placed it in Arnaden, never liked the local nomads. Loggers and merchants, I like their attitude towards freedom and democracy (not like in the real world, less hypocritical).
Belkzen, Savage Humanoid Homeland
It could be placed anywhere where are orcs in the Realms, even as Obould's kingdom. Maybe west of Earthspur mountains or in/near Narfell.
Brevoy, Power Stuggle Between Feuding Noble Houses
They're similar too Damarans. But the place is a breadbasket, so in the south.
Cheliax, Diabolical empire in decline
Place where hierarchies of Baator are considered as ideal models for the society. Once it covered the lands from Innarlith, Peleveran to Border Kingdoms and Lapaliiya. Today only Lushpool and Ormpur.
Gargauth fits nicely behind their decadence and servitude to Baator and Asmodeus.
Kalistocracy of Druma, Merchant’s Religious Paradise
A group of Waukeenar priests in Amn gathered around a heretical book called the Prophecies of Kalistrade that says that the position of an individual in the celestial order will solely be determined by his wealth. They form the Kalistocracy of Druma, intended to become the real government of Amn, behind the existing one. The Kalistocracy is behind the many, everchanging snobbish trends in Amnian high society, while their members practise specific personal routine of luxurious prohibitions, even dietary and sexual.
Galt, Eternal Revolution
This country is suitable for Border Kingdoms, where coups happen all the time. Cheliax in the Lake of Steam area as their enemies fits nicely. I'm toning down a bit the French revolution feel, guillotine and all.
I already have the Revolutionary Council in Unther (homebrew), so that would be redundant.
Geb, Domain of the Dead
Geb was exiled Osiriani (like Mulhorand) immortal necromancer-king. Perfect for the border-land of southern Thay. Geb was one of the first Red Wizards, tough his proto-tharch was more independent.
Hermea, the Grand Experiment
Utopian-dream jungle-island in the middle of the ocean. Doesn't need adjustments. Ruled by a gold dragon who established a meritocratic and society of humans.
Irrisen, witch-queen enclave
Winter kingdom ruled by Baba Yaga's daughter(s), she comes every century. Maybe north of Rashemen, durthans.
Isger, thrall of Cheliax
North and south of Cheliax, north of the Bandit Wastes (goblin threat). I like the hamatulatsu fighting stlye, lol @ the Devil Nuns.
Jalmeray, Kingdom of the Impossible
Vudran island (like Eastern Indians). Maharaja Khiben-Sald (from western Malatra) decided to move his court to the isle of Jalmeray in the Great Sea. His suite consisted of 101 ship. Today, these people are merchants, sages, into elemental arcana (genies) and perfection of the body and mind. Those willing to brave a race against a djinn, wrestle a dao, and outwit an efreet are accepted into the monastic orders of wondrous Jalmeray to learn the secret arts. Wizard-king Nex was Keleshite/Calishite.
Katapesh, Bazaar of the Bizarre
Everything sells here, only law is ''do as you will'', Pactmasters of Katapesh are faceless, like Lords of Waterdeep. Western Calimshan seems most appropriate, would be independent like Suldophor.
Kyonin, Kingdom of Elves
Another story of elven return, involves demon Cyth-V’gug, Lord of Filth and Pollution, kinda alike to Moander.
Update: Elves of Golarion made this realm more interesting. I'll place it in Rawlinswood.
Lastwall, Watchful Border Kingdom
Crusaders dedicated against hordes of orcs and the return of lich witch-king. Looks ideal for a duchy of Damara, bordering Vaasa.
Lands of the Linnorm Kings, Frigid Viking Homeland
Dope realm, north of the Spine of the World, Ulfen are cousins of Illuskans, they conquered Tharsult, there develops an unique culture of mixed Calishite and Ulfen tradition, a bit similar to medieval Sicily.
Realm of the Mammoth Lords, Lost Land of the Distant North
Wonderful design. They are a mesolithic culture of animists and giant ''worshippers'', their warriors raid giant settlements, killing all and taking a single youth into adoption. The giant will grow to rely upon a tribe and protect it like family. Barbarians know how to tame all sorts of antediluvian animals, from mammoths and mastodons to smilodons. East of Yal Tengri, where I also have Droaam from Eberron who are their enemies.
Mediogalti Island, Lair of the Red Mantis
Malatra, jungle island, elite assassin cult following a mantis immortal.
Mendev, Crusader theocracy
Demon hunters, part of Impiltur.
Molthune, Territorial Expansionists
Military oligarchy, maybe replacing the Blade Kingdoms.
Mwangi Expanse, Unexplored Jungle Wilderness
In Katashaka. Really like this land. Has a civilized city, like Mezro, the half-fiend silverback king was fatal for the missionaries of Helm.
Nex, Monument to a Lost Wizard-King
Threskel, Nex was the archenemy of Geb, travelled planes, created demiplanes, Imaskari tradition.
Nidal, Shadowy Servitor State
Actually I moved this realm to the Shadowfel of Andoran/Arnaden, but the planar borders there are thin.
Nirmathas, War-Torn Wilderness
Near Molthune, bordering Chessenta, part of Chondalwood.
Numeria, Savage Land of Super-Science
Nicely designed, starship crashed in this land, but it doesn't fit anywhere in Faerun. I have a dumping ground in Anchorome, maybe there.
Osirion, land of the Pharaohes
Update: After a sourcebook about it, like the place even more.
Integrated into Mulhorand (homebrew, quite different than canon). No Keleshites, it's not a Celestial monarchy, but Concordant, lots of rilmani planetouched.
Qadira, Desert Frontier Kingdom
Adds more complexity and diversity to Calimshan. The Cult of the Dawnflower (Calishite goddess of redemption, sun, Sarenrae).
Rahadoum, the Kingdom of Man
South of Mulhorand, they have one primary law “Let no man be beholden to a god.'' which can be tied to ancient imaskari beliefs. Even the name sounds imaskari, Rahadoum-Roushoum.
Razmiran, Theocracy of the Living God
Realm of a tyrant who claims to be god, has a fake clergy and all. Border Kingdoms.
The River Kingdoms, Independent Realms of Low Character
Don't like the geography, too symmetrical. I'm making this an aquatic realm, in the shallows of the Easting Reach, above the shalarin and locathah. Inhabitated with a bit more civilized, still bandit-like koalinth who dwell near the river deltas. Anarchic realm of loosely-affiliated city states connected by the Outlaw Council.
Sargava, Colony on the Verge
Part of Maztica, used to be a colony of Cheliax. They have a marathon-like competition through the mountains and jungles. On the brink of collapse, under attacks from pirates and Mwangi tribes of Katashaka.
The Shackles, Treacherous pirate isles
Realm near the Eye of Abendego, a permanent hurricane, Katashaka. Interesting pirate fleets.
The Sodden Lands, Hurricane Ravaged Wasteland
Lopango. Ages ago, here was Lirugri, a human nation, often hailed as the land of fortune, ruled by a class of astrological philosophers who consulted the stars in all things. It was brought to ruin by a large hurricane from the southwest. To this day, the hurricane still rages in the Western Ocean.
In the future. The lands near the hurricane are unhospitable, but they're one of the rare pockets in Katashaka that are free from any reptilian influence. People of the Sodden Lands accepted the stoic philosophy that life is a series of unforgiving trials, and you persevere though sheer force of will. Some of them worshipped Gozreh (dark, dualistic aspect of Old Silvanus) and wore enchanted masks that enabled them to navigate the harsh, flood lands unimpeded. Today, many of their distinctive masks remain, now worn by humanoid chieftains and Kuboto witch-doctors. The masks are often defaced, with the original appearance twisted into a monstrous or demonic visage.
Taldor, Decadent, Falling Empire
Remnants of Taldor are incorporated into Cimbar, Jhaamdathan descendants. My version of Chessenta is more wild, swamps with merrow/ogre magi, changelings and siv (both batrachi descendants) and a few goblin realms (blue). Cimbar and few other cities are beacons of civilization there.
Thunia, Desert Land of Eternal Youth
They sell the Elixir of Life, not using it, city of desert druids, maybe in Eastern Shaar.
The Immortal Principality of Ustalav, Fog-Shrouded Land of Gothic Horror
Pass, don't like ''goth''. It could fit into Vaasa/Damara. Imprisoned lich-king, vampires, opera, beautiful countess primadona, not married.
Varisia, Wild Frontier Region
Awesome region, tough it seems more western I placed it in the Utter East. Made the runelords adityas (giants) and emperor Xin and his realm of seven virtues, later sins (rakshasas), was in Tabot.
The Worldwound, Ever-shifting demonic warland
This is a nice addition to our xaOS/Abyssal rift in the Cold Lands. It's a canyon that starts in the far north, from the pole, to Sunrise mountains, through the Great Glacier, all the way to the northern borders of Narfell.
The planes
Abaddon
In Grey Waste, some parts, like Charon is in Blood Rift (River of Blodd)
The Abyss
The same. Tough I have Limbo, Pandemonium and Abyss merged.
Axis
A huge city in Mechanus, rivaling Regulus, breaching into other planes trying to establish the Law. Axiomites, cool creatures.
Boneyard
This is kinda like the Fugue. Boneyard could be the outskirts of the City of Judgement. Pharasma, the goddess, is better than Kelemvor, tough I like his story, so he isn't replaced. Also there is a god that mysteriously observes, waiting the end like Jergal.
Elysium
Similar to Arborea, I like the lillendi and azatas/eladrin description, don't like the name.
Heaven
This is like Celestia. Tough the topmost part is more interesting than Chronias.
Hell
Rearranged Baator. For now it isn't better. Caina.
Maelstrom
Much better name than Limbo. It's similar to our xaOs, but with few new interesting ideas. Like proteans.
Nirvana
Not Clockwork Mechanus. NG, dual nature of good concept. Can't wait to see how this develops.
empyreal and daemon lords are worth pointing out
Edit: changes over the year
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