The Dawn of a New Era: Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play, Version 4.1

Monday, January 30, 2012


Illustration by Kevin Yan

When I arrived back in late September as the new Pathfinder Society Campaign Coordinator, I had hundreds of people requesting hundreds of changes to the way Pathfinder Society Organized Play was run. It was definitely enough to make my head swim with all the different requests and it took me a few weeks to get a grip on the way change should be handled. Pathfinder Society has some very good things going for it, but there were some rulings and fundamental practices that needed to be looked at to see if we could make organized play better.

The first step was to talk with Developer Mark Moreland. He was the current institutional knowledge on all things Pathfinder Society. I rolled of out my list proposed alterations and requests and we talked for the first few weeks about what could be changed, what should be changed, and what should remain the same. After quite a few hours-long meetings, we finally knew what improvements we wanted to focus on. I also want to take a quick second to thank Mark for all of his help, not just on the guide but with everything, in helping me to transition into this position. Without his help, thoughts, insight, and advice, this job would be a tenfold more difficult than it has been. Mark was the caretaker for a long while for Pathfinder Society and I appreciate everything he did to bring it up to the level it is today. He has more love and has poured more heart and soul into the campaign than anyone else I know and I thank him for that.

After my list of goals and changes was completed, I approached the Venture-Captains and Venture-Lieutenants for their input. I felt it was important to get more ideas and different perspectives from the leaders of Pathfinder Society. There was much debate and discussion. Changes and tweaks were made to refine the direction I wanted to take Pathfinder Society. After a week or so, we finally decided that most changes were in good working order. However, we felt, as a group, that it was important to hear what the fanbase had to say about such sweeping changes to organized play. We knew that there would be people who were outright opposed to some of the changes while others would wholeheartedly agree with them. Whatever the outcome, we still felt it important to allow folks to have their input heard. So, I listed a series of proposed changes on the Pathfinder Society General Discussion messageboard.

After a week or so of listening to input from players, GMs, coordinators, and store owners, we brought all the discussions back to the Venture-Captain messageboard. We held firm to some of the changes we believed in, but altered other proposed rules changes where all of you made very good points. Once we had all the rulings in place for after a final review, I wrote them into the new Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play, Version 4.1.

I will post a complete list of changes, additions, and deletions that vary from version 4.0 to version 4.1 on the Pathfinder Society General Discussion messageboard. However, I did want to list some of the bigger changes here.

  1. We added all current Paizo shirts as available for a reroll.
  2. We have changed the way pregenerated characters work. Gone are the days when playing a pregenerated character in a scenario for the first time left the player empty-handed. Now, if the player is playing a non-1st-level pregenerated character, he or she may choose instead to apply the Chronicle sheet to a newly created 1st-level character.
  3. We added a new chapter titled, Chapter 6: Sanctioned Modules. There are big changes to sanctioned module play. Gone are the artificial leveling up or down of a character. Now, the sanctioned modules must be played by a character within one level of the module’s starting level. I know this is not a popular decision for some. However, campaign leadership feels this change is what is best for the campaign. Death and use of consumables now have consequences. New Chronicle sheets have been completed for all 15 sanctioned modules that adjust the wealth received to be in line with wealth received when playing the equivalent number of scenarios. These Chronicle sheets are available for download on their respective product pages.
  4. We have opened up play beyond 12th level. While there are no 13th-level or higher scenarios on the schedule, a retired Pathfinder Society character may play and continue to advance in levels utilizing the sanctioned modules. To facilitate the higher-level advancement, the Fame and Item Purchases chart has been expanded to an upper limit of 99 points of Fame and 800,000 GP. Guidelines for purchasing scrolls of levels 7, 8 and 9 have also been included.
  5. A section on alignment infractions has been added.

There are a few more changes and those will be detailed in the post on the Pathfinder Society General Discussion messageboard. I want to thank Mark, the Venture-Officers, and the fanbase for input into the new guide. I think the changes are what is best for the campaign, will help to strengthen the campaign for the future, and make the overall organized play experience a better one for new and veteran players alike.

On a side note, the guide’s numbering system is off due to the first season of Pathfinder Society Organized Play being labeled Season 0. At Gen Con this year, we plan to align the guide’s version number with the current season. Instead of listing the Season 4 guide as version 5.0, it will be titled Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play, Version 4.2. Once Season 5 is upon us at Gen Con 2013, the guide will then be titled as version 5.0 and we will move forward from there.

Mike Brock
Pathfinder Society Campaign Coordinator

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Lantern Lodge 1/5

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber
Mark Moreland wrote:
Alexander_Damocles wrote:
15 sessions seems a bit high. If one assumes 4 sessions a day, for 3 days, you only get 12 sessions. And most areas can only do 3 sessions a day. This rather crushes the chances of smaller conventions of ever getting special boons, which might help PFS grow in that area.
If they're only running 1 or 2 tables a slot, sure. But to get 15 sessions over a two-day convention (let's assume 5 total slots for the show), you only need to run 3 tables each slot.

I really, really have to agree with Alexander on this one. Smaller cons shouldn't be punished for not getting their numbers up. A two-day con with limited time might only have four slots - if you run 3 tables per slot, you have 12 tables, and even adding another table to two slots (and coordinating additional GMs - especially worse if you're in a less-populated area), you're not gonna make it. Those aren't unrealistic numbers at a small con where someone is just trying to break PFS onto the scene with minimal resources. I've been there - I coordinated only two RPGA tables and the general gaming room events at BabelCon in Baton Rouge, 2008. I could totally see trying to push those boundaries and failing miserably, all because of local numbers - plus, then you look and feel like a loser for not getting the better convention treatment, and it passively looks bad on the convention (more so if people are gossipy and judgmental in the area - and more common among gamers).

On an unrelated note, will there ever be a level of popularity in the general game products where other adventuring resources could be offered for a non-Society, non-Golarion, or other homebrew adventure? And before anyone goes flaming on how difficult it would be for chronicling, I mean that any characters/chronicles/rewards/other details would be completely separate from the Society-style in-setting gaming. IE, I have my characters that do Society adventures, and then for my PF-Homebrew segment I have my other characters, neither of which can transition to the other segment (just like different characters can't use your other chars' chronicle rewards, and players can't play each other's characters, etc, etc). The beauty being the GM's final-word in PFS characters transitioning over into homebrew (like a post-retirement, or parallel-universe session), with no crossing back into PFS-Golarion.

My rationalization is this: when I was in RPGA for D&D3.5, you had the option of playing/hosting official setting sessions from Living Forgotten Realms, Living Kingdoms of Kalamar, etc. - but you always had the option of running a Home campaign for the same kind of credit, with the same support from the site calendar, etc., but of course, at the discretion of the GM (like I believe most GMs and experienced players would prefer, and new players wouldn't even notice much). While it would mean that someone might earn one, a hundred, or even way too much credit while playing a hybrid-PF/OGL-Modern/Traveller, someone could just as easily earn credit doing Kingmaker, individual modules, or even a campaign arc custom created around the Sargava companion (seen it, and it out-competed official PFS game tables in local interest), or a post-retirement arc for PFS players who liked their characters enough to keep going on their own, even after 12th-level modules. In any case, a chronicle would most likely only count at the same GM's tables, and if another GM were to choose to allow someone else's table chronicle - well, the GM's discretion would allow it! It would still allow for the marketing ties to Pathfinder products (even those that are not already directly-pertinent to PFS players, such as very popular APs), and even allow for us third-party publishers to make a bit of a showing. The wall between PFS-Golarion and PFS-Homebrew could be absolute and unchanging - sort of like the lawful and chaotic extremes of "organized gaming". PS: I hate that term. All gaming had to be organized in one way or another. PFS is setting-specific, no-house-rules gaming. Homebrew gaming with products or setting elements outside the current PFS scope are no less organized.

There's so many PF products that can't be used, or are limited in some way - plus, the fact that all the books say, "the GM has the final say" isn't really true in this case. For a first-time player trying to understand the basics, this can be really confusing and frustrating - not to mention, when you say, "Oh yeah, and you have to choose a Faction". A what? Is that in the core rulebook? Worse still if you have to recite some semi-memorized blurb about each of them because you don't own the PFS sourcebook or have it on hand. Also, is the Beginner Box adventure sanctioned? If not, it's just another example.

Is there some critical state of popularity in PFS or the PF game in general where this will ever become a possibility?


So while the update to Convention Support is being finalized, just what is currently available as convention support? I am helping run a convention Feb 24-26 and we are really hoping to have 12-18 tables of PFS over the weekend, though I am not sure how it will all work out, as our local V-C will not be available that weekend and I do not know if any of the V-L's in Virginia have contacted our gaming staff.

1/5

xidoraven wrote:
Mark Moreland wrote:
Alexander_Damocles wrote:
15 sessions seems a bit high. If one assumes 4 sessions a day, for 3 days, you only get 12 sessions. And most areas can only do 3 sessions a day. This rather crushes the chances of smaller conventions of ever getting special boons, which might help PFS grow in that area.
If they're only running 1 or 2 tables a slot, sure. But to get 15 sessions over a two-day convention (let's assume 5 total slots for the show), you only need to run 3 tables each slot.

I really, really have to agree with Alexander on this one.

stuff:
Smaller cons shouldn't be punished for not getting their numbers up. A two-day con with limited time might only have four slots - if you run 3 tables per slot, you have 12 tables, and even adding another table to two slots (and coordinating additional GMs - especially worse if you're in a less-populated area), you're not gonna make it. Those aren't unrealistic numbers at a small con where someone is just trying to break PFS onto the scene with minimal resources. I've been there - I coordinated only two RPGA tables and the general gaming room events at BabelCon in Baton Rouge, 2008. I could totally see trying to push those boundaries and failing miserably, all because of local numbers - plus, then you look and feel like a loser for not getting the better convention treatment, and it passively looks bad on the convention (more so if people are gossipy and judgmental in the area - and more common among gamers).

On an unrelated note, will there ever be a level of popularity in the general game products where other adventuring resources could be offered for a non-Society, non-Golarion, or other homebrew adventure? And before anyone goes flaming on how difficult it would be for chronicling, I mean that any characters/chronicles/rewards/other details would be completely separate from the Society-style in-setting gaming. IE, I have my characters that do Society adventures, and then for my PF-Homebrew segment I have my other...

I think this topic and all those PFSers who want to jabber about it should move to another thread...PLEASE. You've wholly derailed this thread about the new guide to PFS, which I was quite enjoying.

Dataphiles 5/5 5/55/5 Venture-Agent, Virginia—Hampton Roads

Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
So while the update to Convention Support is being finalized, just what is currently available as convention support? I am helping run a convention Feb 24-26 and we are really hoping to have 12-18 tables of PFS over the weekend, though I am not sure how it will all work out, as our local V-C will not be available that weekend and I do not know if any of the V-L's in Virginia have contacted our gaming staff.

Wow took 4 tries to write this post. Post Monster is hungry....

Enevhar if send me the schedule your posting for Mysticon and I can get some special stuff sent you way.


Paul Rees wrote:
Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
So while the update to Convention Support is being finalized, just what is currently available as convention support? I am helping run a convention Feb 24-26 and we are really hoping to have 12-18 tables of PFS over the weekend, though I am not sure how it will all work out, as our local V-C will not be available that weekend and I do not know if any of the V-L's in Virginia have contacted our gaming staff.

Wow took 4 tries to write this post. Post Monster is hungry....

Enevhar if send me the schedule your posting for Mysticon and I can get some special stuff sent you way.

That is cool, Paul. I was not sure if you had anything already on hand or if things would have to come from Mike and Mark.

Liberty's Edge 1/5

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

1/5 **

"Now, the sanctioned modules must be played by a character within one level of the module’s starting level. I know this is not a popular decision for some. However, campaign leadership feels this change is what is best for the campaign. Death and use of consumables now have consequences."

THANK YOU. Sanctioned modules just went from "why bother" to a vibrant, exciting part of the campaign.

5/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Mark Moreland wrote:
you only need to run 3 tables each slot.

Thea could run three tables each slot and still have time left over to run a module! :D


Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

The standard is that the new rules go into effect as soon as the new version of the Guide is released. Which means today all the changes are official and in effect. Pathfinder Society does not work the way Magic: the Gathering works, which gives a one month warning/grace period before changes go into effect.

Shadow Lodge 2/5

Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

I was going to ask the same thing, we're three sessions into a four to five session module (short sessions). At some time Mike had said there was going to be a grace period if you had started the scenario before hand.

Liberty's Edge 4/5 5/55/5 **

Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

The standard is that the new rules go into effect as soon as the new version of the Guide is released. Which means today all the changes are official and in effect. Pathfinder Society does not work the way Magic: the Gathering works, which gives a one month warning/grace period before changes go into effect.

Despite what Enevhar just said, I am sure there will be no issue of using the old rules since you started before the change.

I doubt they would want you to waste 4 sessions.

Grand Lodge 4/5

Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

The standard is that the new rules go into effect as soon as the new version of the Guide is released. Which means today all the changes are official and in effect. Pathfinder Society does not work the way Magic: the Gathering works, which gives a one month warning/grace period before changes go into effect.

There was originally some discussion about grandfathering modules in process prior to the new guide coming out. I believe that there was mention about contacting your venture-captain. What, if any, guidelines are there for modles in progress?

The Exchange 5/5 RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16

Enevhar, that hasn't always been the case.

Each time a batch of Season Zero scenarios was to be removed from Pathfinder Society play, we were given some lead time to play out any planned sessions.

I was expecting something like this decision, but I was also expecting the same kind of warning period. My PC from Razmiran has just tonight passed out of the legal range for "Masks of the Living God", and I regret not playing this level at slow progression.

I'm currently pouty, but I will shake the chip off my shoulder.

Liberty's Edge 1/5

Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

The standard is that the new rules go into effect as soon as the new version of the Guide is released. Which means today all the changes are official and in effect. Pathfinder Society does not work the way Magic: the Gathering works, which gives a one month warning/grace period before changes go into effect.

So do they still get the scenario sheet and can they apply it to a character they level up eventually, or not?

It does feel a bit unfair, that some of the players get a benefit and noone else does. I really wish we had known in advance.

Shadow Lodge 2/5

Zahariel wrote:

So do they still get the scenario sheet and can they apply it to a character they level up eventually, or not?

It does feel a bit unfair, that some of the players get a benefit and noone else does. I really wish we had known in advance.

#1 I'd wait and see if Mark or Mike has some comment on the whole in progress thing before complaining (too much).

#2 We were notified in advance, there was a blog entry about it.

5/5 5/55/55/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Enevhar Aldarion wrote:
Zahariel wrote:

How long until this goes into effect?

I ask because I've been running Academy of Secrets as a sanctioned module for four sessions now, but three of the players don't have PFS characters remotely near the appropiate level. We're scheduled to finish the module this Saturday (it's taken a while, for several reasons), will they still be able to apply the sheet to their PFS characters?

The standard is that the new rules go into effect as soon as the new version of the Guide is released. Which means today all the changes are official and in effect. Pathfinder Society does not work the way Magic: the Gathering works, which gives a one month warning/grace period before changes go into effect.

So that cure moderate wounds drinking contest they got into before the rules announcement was a bad idea?

Scarab Sages

ALRIGHT!! GREAT !
My Osirion Fighter/Living Monolith can now (at least in theory) become a 12' tall immortal statue standing in the desert sands watching over the tombs of ancient ancestors! Frankly, they could strip every other benefit from the Prestige Class, and I would still play it, just to get to 15th level and a Master Ka Stone. Boom!

Now, my question: I realize that high level adventures are going to be scarce ... mostly at cons and things. Are there sanctioned modules that can grant those last two levels? [Edit: or rather, can Academy of Secrets, and Tomb of the Iron Medusa be used to get to 15th level (since they're for 13th and 14th level characters)?
And also, will there be one of those high-level tables at PaizoCon this year?

Immortality, for the WIN!!! Boom! (Unless you take his head - there can be only one!)


Thanks for posting the change notes, Mike!!

Marcus

Dark Archive 3/5 **

Michael Brock wrote:
tl;dr

Awesome. Thank you (and Mark!) for the swift clarifications and for all your hard work!

Grand Lodge 4/5

If you have started a module, especially via PbP, you may finish that module to conclusion under the old rules. If you are in an extended PbP that lasts months, you have until GenCon to finish. Venture-Captain Diego Winterborg is overseeing the admin of this. Please contact him if you are in the midst of an ongoing module.

Liberty's Edge 4/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.
bugleyman wrote:

"Now, the sanctioned modules must be played by a character within one level of the module’s starting level. I know this is not a popular decision for some. However, campaign leadership feels this change is what is best for the campaign. Death and use of consumables now have consequences."

THANK YOU. Sanctioned modules just went from "why bother" to a vibrant, exciting part of the campaign.

And, oddly enough, given the dynamics, at present, of the local area, it feels just the opposite to me.

Indeed, of the general crop of local players, I think I am one of the few who has a character in the right level range to play the capstone module for Season 3. Indeed, I think I may have the highest level character in my local area.

And, now, I have to rethink on which f my PCs is going to get credit for the module I am running this coming Saturday, since it is no longer legal to credit to the PC I wanted to give the credit to.

Maybe, someday, I will be able to run something besides Tier 1 and subtier 1-2 scenarios & modules....

Scarab Sages

W. Kristoph Nolen wrote:
W. Kristoph Nolen wrote:

... can Academy of Secrets, and Tomb of the Iron Medusa [sanctioned modules] be used to get to 15th level (since they're for 13th and 14th level characters)?

And also, will there be one of those high-level tables at PaizoCon this year?
Well, I just answered part of the question for myself: I finally found the sentence I was looking for in the new Guide to OP...
Quote:
Upon reaching 13th level, a character may no longer play Tier 12 adventures, but may play any number of Tier 13 and higher events, scenarios, or sanctioned Pathfinder Modules, advancing 1 level every 3 XP as normal.

That's fantastic!

But, I'm still curious whether this year's events (since they are likely already well-planned, I should think) will have the high-level games in them, or not.

Liberty's Edge 4/5 5/55/5 **

Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
W. Kristoph Nolen wrote:
But, I'm still curious whether this year's events (since they are likely already well-planned, I should think) will have the high-level games in them, or not.

For the near and some what far future they have said they have no plans to support higher level 12 play beyond the Modules.

I would expect years before we see anything but Modules.

Dark Archive 3/5 **

Also, it just occurred to me: Can a level 12 PC use Tournament of the Ruby Phoenix (which under these rules allows PCs levels 10-12) as a means of "retirement"? I remember discussion on this system back when it was proposed stating that modules within the right range would act as another means to get to level 13 besides Eyes of the Twelve/Future Equivalent Scenario Arcs.

Liberty's Edge 4/5 5/55/5 **

Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber; Pathfinder Maps, Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber
bdk86 wrote:
Also, it just occurred to me: Can a level 12 PC use Tournament of the Ruby Phoenix (which under these rules allows PCs levels 10-12) as a means of "retirement"? I remember discussion on this system back when it was proposed stating that modules within the right range would act as another means to get to level 13 besides Eyes of the Twelve/Future Equivalent Scenario Arcs.

Here you go

PFS Guide Pg 21 wrote:
If a character reaches level 12 by playing a sanctioned module, any XP beyond 33 points are lost prior to starting the Tier 12 scenarios/events.

So No..

Once you reach level 12, you have to play the Tier 12 scenario to move any further.

Once you finish those you can start playing the high level Modules.

Dark Archive

I think that this is awesome. I'm a lot more excited to play or run PFS at Vegas Game Day and possibly make my next Pathfinder home game be a PFS game, whereas previous to this the only times I have played PFS have been at NEONCON.

Many kudos, sirs! Will be reporting for duty at the Grand Lodge ASAP!

Grand Lodge 4/5

Am I correct in reading that as a 1-2 module, "We Be Goblins!" is now legal for replay?

Reta, Poog, Chuffy and Mogmurch will be pleased.


Kelly Youngblood wrote:

Am I correct in reading that as a 1-2 module, "We Be Goblins!" is now legal for replay?

Reta, Poog, Chuffy and Mogmurch will be pleased.

If it is, then this new rule from the changelog thread would apply:

"All Tier 1 scenarios and Tier 1-2 sanctioned modules are available for unlimited replay with a 1st level character for credit. The sanctioned modules can also be played with a 2nd level character once for credit. You may continue to replay the sanctioned modules with 1st level characters after playing through them with a 2nd level character. GMs can receive character credit (a chronicle) each time they run one of the Tier 1 scenarios or Tier 1-2 sanctioned modules. No character can ever have two of the same Chronicle."

Grand Lodge 1/5

I notice more Traits per faction... Thank you.

4/5

Dragnmoon wrote:
bdk86 wrote:
Also, it just occurred to me: Can a level 12 PC use Tournament of the Ruby Phoenix (which under these rules allows PCs levels 10-12) as a means of "retirement"? I remember discussion on this system back when it was proposed stating that modules within the right range would act as another means to get to level 13 besides Eyes of the Twelve/Future Equivalent Scenario Arcs.

Here you go

PFS Guide Pg 21 wrote:
If a character reaches level 12 by playing a sanctioned module, any XP beyond 33 points are lost prior to starting the Tier 12 scenarios/events.

So No..

Once you reach level 12, you have to play the Tier 12 scenario to move any further.

Once you finish those you can start playing the high level Modules.

I'm confused here.

It doesnt specificallly say you must play the lvl 12 scenario arc but I believe its implied. Otherwise why would your xp reset to 33 at 12th lvl.

pg21. Once a character reaches 12th level, she may no longer play in tiered scenarios of levels 1–11, but can play special Tier 12 scenarios and events.<---Do these 'EVENTS' include sanctioned mods?

pg22.Upon reaching 13th level, a character may no longer play Tier 12 adventures, but may play any number of Tier 13 and higher events, scenarios, or sanctioned Pathfinder Modules, advancing 1 level every 3 XP as normal.

So lets Say I just play the Mods in this order:

Crypt of the Everflame 1-2
The Godsmouth Heresy 1-2
Feast of Ravenmoor 2-4
Masks of the Living God 2-4
City of Golden Death 4-6
Carrion Hill 4-6
From Shore to Sea 5-7
Realm of the Fellnight Queen 6-8
Cult of the Ebon Destroyers 7-9
The Harrowing 8-10
Curse of the Riven Sky 9-11
Academy of Secrets 12-14
Tomb of the Iron Medusa 13-15

Does it mean I have to stop at Curse of the Riven Sky and play Eyes of Ten to get 13th lvl Then play Academy of Secrets? Or could I just play straight through to Iron Medusa to get lvl 14?

Grand Lodge 1/5

Thanks for the update and I appreciate the time and effort that went into this.
I had hoped that wizards bonded item would be in guide. I feel this is a major mechanical area that needs to be addressed.
Can we expect 4.1.1 soon or and updated FAQ?

Grand Lodge 1/5

Masika wrote:

Thanks for the update and I appreciate the time and effort that went into this.

I had hoped that wizards bonded item would be in guide. I feel this is a major mechanical area that needs to be addressed.
Can we expect 4.1.1 soon or and updated FAQ?

+1

Grand Lodge 5/5 ****

Thanks a lot for the update. I was only able to quickly browse through but like everything I have seen so far.

I know it sometimes isn't easy (impossible) to please us all.

I especially like how you solved:
The 7 character table issue (Thanks to Mike and the Crew for listening and not outruling it completely).
The playing modules with Pre-gens (a very elegant solution)
The 5th star (a very good compromise and you need participation to keep your fifth star up)

Grand Lodge 4/5

I just started the first steps scenario with a group. 5 of the players started the very first scenario with zero XP. One of the group had attended a PFS organized play with me once before, meaning he started first steps with 1 XP.

Meaning that after the second part of First Steps he will be level 2.

My question is this, can he get credit for playing part First Steps part 3 with a second level character? I really would hate to make him roll a new PC just for one scenario.

Grand Lodge 4/5 *

First Steps is only for first level characters, alas... they're meant to be done as the first three scenarios of a player's life.

But having to make a second PC isn't just for one scenario - he'll need a backup eventually, as this sort of level imbalance will happen from time to time. And sometimes bad things happen to your prime character... look at it as a way to test-drive another class. Who knows, he may decide to switch to the new character!

Silver Crusade 4/5

Helaman wrote:
I notice more Traits per faction... Thank you.

??? That wasn't a change with this version of the guide. I've only been playing PFS for a few months, but the last version of the guide had 5 traits per faction, too.


Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber

Thank you for the update. I am especially glad that module-play has been brought more in line with typical play.

1/5

Question on the XP's for the short FreeRPGDay Modules:

Looks like We Be Goblins had its "How to run" page removed from the PFS DL packet and the chronicle was changed from pre-printed +1 XP to blank in that section (though the Master of the Fallen Fortress chronicle was not) I'm assuming that the short modules (including the forthcoming Dawn of the Scarlet Sun) are still just 1 XP, but that should be clarified either on the chronicles or in the guide or both...

5/5

VICTORY!

Amused!

The Exchange 4/5

Kyle Baird wrote:

VICTORY!

Amused!

LOL how long have you been saving this one for, Baird?

/Well I don't understand what you're referring to, I don't have any 13th level characters in PFS.
//They are both 14th level.

2/5

This may have been answered above, but do we have an official "street date" for the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play for Season 4? We are trying to start a PFS chapter in Salem, OR, but some of our players want to know/see if more content from the ARG (rather than just the 7 core races in the beginning) will be available without having to have a chronicle sheet. Right now we are scheduled to start on Aug. 10th. So, if it were to be available sometime during the week before that, it would be great.

Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

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August 6

2/5

Mark Moreland wrote:
August 6

Cool. Thank you!

Shadow Lodge 4/5 *** Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant

Mark Moreland wrote:
August 6

But nothing will actually go into affect (or is it effect) until August 16th, correct Mark? So while everyone will learn what the three new races are, they won't actually be able to play them until the 16th, right?

Liberty's Edge 4/5 *

Eric Clingenpeel wrote:
But nothing will actually go into affect (or is it effect)

Yes, yes it is. Thank you for asking. :)

Paizo Employee Director of Brand Strategy

Eric Clingenpeel wrote:
Mark Moreland wrote:
August 6
But nothing will actually go into affect (or is it effect) until August 16th, correct Mark? So while everyone will learn what the three new races are, they won't actually be able to play them until the 16th, right?

Correct. We're providing a 10-day window for players and GMs to familiarize themselves with all the changes, both large and small, that will appear in the document. This also allows us to answer questions before things go live at Gen Con to cut down on confusion when people actually have to play by the new rules.

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