OPC Log—9 Desnus 4716

Monday, May 2, 2016

Last Friday, the Gen Con event listings launched! With all the offerings available, searching the catalog can be daunting. So the team put together some highlights to aid in planning. From 8:00 AM on Thursday until 2:00 PM on Sunday, the Sagamore Ballroom will ring with the sounds of dice, combat, and Venture-Captain briefs.

Roleplaying Guild Scenarios

Every scenario from #7-09: The Blackros Connection through #8-03: Captives of Toil is available, as well as the evergreens #5-08: The Confirmation, #6-10: The Wounded Wisp and #7-10: The Consortium Compact. The multipart "Faithless and Forgotten" series will run in consecutive slots, so it will be possible to play the three parts (#7-14: Let Bygones Be, #7-16: Lost Colony of Taldor, and #8-18: The Infernal Inheritance) in order. For each scenario, the Gen Con website shows a short descriptive blurb that appears in the program book and a longer blurb available online. The longer blurbs for the Season 8 adventures weren't available at the time of event submission, so I've included them here to give everyone a taste of Season 8 flavor.

Pathfinder Society Scenario #8-01: Portent's Peril

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 1-5.

Even in an age where prophecy rarely comes true, many in Varisia hold the mysterious Harrow cards and their predictions in high esteem. The Pathfinder Society's ally Zeeva Foxglove recently received a Harrow reading as repayment for her generosity, but a rare card appeared and portended imminent doom. Now that these terrible predictions are coming true, Zeeva realizes she cannot weather this storm alone. It's up to the PCs to save this friend and philanthropist—perhaps by changing fate entirely.

Pathfinder Society Scenario #8-02: Ward Asunder

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 3-7.

The legendary sorceress Hao Jin transferred many abandoned historical sites to her museum demi plane, though even her magic had limits, forcing her to transport only part of an architectural treasure. The half of a temple she left behind in the jungles of Dtang Ma has developed a haunted reputation in the centuries since. Now an unlikely ally has approached the Society with tales of unspoiled historical secrets and hidden treasure left within the shattered sanctuary of Yamatsumi, the mountain god.

Pathfinder Society Scenario #8-03: Captives of Toil

A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for levels 5-9.

Two years ago, the Pathfinder Society concluded its extended campaign to find, reclaim, and explore the lost sky citadel Jormurdun. After ousting the vile demons and duergar within, the Society turned over control to their dwarven allies, who have defended the ancient fortress ever since. A recent raid by duergar slavers has captured some of Jormurdun's dwarves, who have disappeared into the Darklands and bound for the cruel capitol of Hagegraf. Only the Pathfinder Society is equipped and able to launch a daring rescue into the lightless depths, intercept the slaver convoy, and save these dwarves from a grisly fate.

Content in "Captives of Toil" also contributes directly to the ongoing storyline of the Liberty's Edge faction.

After much deliberation and because they have the potential to run long, we scheduled the new Seeker Arc, "All for Immortality" across the morning slots. We are offering Part 1 (#7-20: First Taste of Eternity) on both Thursday and Friday, Part 2 (#7-26: All the Gods Beyond) on Friday and Saturday, and Part 3 (#7-29: Serpents Fall) on Saturday and Sunday. This gives players the best chance to finish the arc at the event. The GMs for these tables are among the best, familiar with running in a convention setting and adjudicating high-level combat. While they have the potential to run long, we felt the opportunity to play through the arc with friends from other areas provided a benefit that couldn't be passed up. So prepare your team and come see if your character is worthy of the title "seeker".

Adventure Card Guild Scenarios

Adventure Card Game Designer Tanis O'Connor asked me to save them for her to preview. So I will leave you with an... tic... pa... tion for tomorrow's blog.

Pregenerated Character Specials

The popularity of #6-98: Serpents Rise and #6-99: True Dragons of Absalom led us to plan two more scenarios with pregenerated characters. Thursday afternoon, we reprise some tables of Serpents Rise for those attendees who haven't experienced it yet. Thursday evening sees the Sagamore engaged in #7-98: Serpents' Ire, a continuation of the Aspis Consortium storyline. On Saturday, we delve into Season 8 with #7-99: Through Maelstrom Rift. Sunday morning sees repeats of both pregen specials, as well as For those Gen Con attendees unable to make Thursday or Saturday night, Sunday morning sees repeats of both new specials. True Dragons of Absalom is on offer several times throughout the convention.

Interactive Special

This years special, titled #8-00: The Cosmic Captive and authored by Matt Duval, starts at 8:00 PM on Friday night. In past years, we ran 160 Roleplaying Guild tables, spanning levels 1 through 11. This year, we are keeping 160 Roleplaying Guild tables and adding 20 Adventure Card Guild tables. All 180 tables will work together to achieve common goals, and the actions of one effect the outcomes of others.

Pathfinder Society Scenario #8-00: The Cosmic Captive

Astronomers have marveled as the famous comet Aucturn's Tear once more soars through the solar system, yet this cycle, strange portals have begun opening on each planet the comet passes, and a powerful entity trapped on the other side of these gateways desperately calls for help. To the Pathfinder Society, this is a once-in-a-human-lifetime opportunity to discover what lies through these portals—and either free the captive trapped within or ensure that it remains sealed forever.

Based on feedback concerning the number of tables available to players of each level, this year you may purchase tickets for a particular sub-tier. While this aids us in allocating GMs to the proper sub-tier, it presents a challenge to the player to ensure their character remains at the correct level. Be sure you purchase tickets for the level your character will be at the convention!

Pathfinder Society Academy (PSA)

Pathfinder Society Academy incorporates the Kid's Track adventures of previous years, as well as youth friendly tables of The Confirmation, The Wounded Wisp and The Consortium Compact. It provides a place for our younger GMs to hone their skills under the leadership of adult mentors. This year, we added Kid's Track Transitions, a new series of lessons and quests aimed at bridging the gap between the original Kid's Track lessons and full Roleplaying Guild play. When completed, the player receives a chronicle with enough experience, prestige, and gold to make a second level Pathfinder Society character.

Demonstrations

There will be quite a few demos going on! In the Exhibition Hall, Adventure Card Game demos of the upcoming Mummy's Mask Base Set will be held next to the Paizo Booth. In the Sagamore Ballroom, scheduled demos include Pathfinder Society Quest: Honor's Echo for the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Rise of the Runelords Base Set for the Adventure Card Game.

Seminars

We've planned a full complement of seminars, starting Thursday at 11:00 AM and continuing through Sunday at 2:00 PM. Some old favorites, like "Aunt Lisa's Story Hour", Mark Moreland's "Become a Pathfinder Sage", and the ever popular "Ask the Paizo GMs" are back, as well as new offerings. Join Ben Loomes to chat about using sound, especially Syrinscape, as mood enhancement at the table. Or see what's in store for the Pathfinder Comics line with "Pathfinder Comics: Hollow Mountain and Beyond". If you're interested in running a convention, visit us on Thursday at 6:00 PM to learn some of the tips of the trade. With a wide range of offerings, attendees are sure to find something to pique your interest.

All of these games utilize volunteers as GMs, as well as a full complement behind the scenes making things happen. To those that signed up, thank you. It wouldn't be possible to hold Gen Con without you! For those still thinking about it, I have a handful of Tier 1 GM positions available. For more information, check out the Gen Con 2016 Call for Volunteers blog and follow the registration instructions found there.

Last, but not least, let me introduce to the Lead Volunteers for 2016! These individuals do it all—scheduling, volunteer organization, setup, tear down, and everything in between. This year brings back the Terrific Trio of Jon Cary, Bob Jonquet, and Todd Morgan. Tune in on Saturday to learn more about our stalwart leaders!

Tonya Woldridge
Organized Play Coordinator

More Paizo Blog.
Tags: Community Conventions Gen Con Pathfinder Society
Gaming Coordinator - Alien Worlds

Good thing I've set aside so much of my GenCon schedule for Paizo events.

Liberty's Edge 2/5

1 person marked this as a favorite.

I assume we'll be getting our GM schedules before Event Reg comes online on Sunday?

(Edit: I know you guys have been good about this in the past, just wondering if there was a day we could expect it specifically?)

Grand Lodge 2/5 *

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Is knowing blub for 8-00 going to allow us to take a punt at Year 8's Year of...?

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 *** Venture-Agent, Nebraska—Omaha

My vote for Season 8 is the Year of Aviation.

Silver Crusade 5/5

I'm curious about the extra cost of tickets for the seeker arc scenarios vs. other non-special scenarios.

Sovereign Court 1/5

Can't wait to see what I'll get to run!

3/5

UndeadMitch wrote:
I'm curious about the extra cost of tickets for the seeker arc scenarios vs. other non-special scenarios.

Also, the two pregen special scenarios are $8 each, vs. $6 for a standard scenario and $10 for the interactive where you get a GenCon promo miniature.

I'm also curious. Are we getting something else that's not advertised yet?

1/5

Good luck to those who wish to participate.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

At this time, we are in need of more GMs for GenCon. If you already volunteered and would like to add more slots to your schedule, please email me directly and I can upgrade your status. If you are not a current volunteer, but would like to join the fun, please head over the Gen Con 2016 Call for Volunteers and follow the instructions. There is an online form to complete.

We do have a few more hotel spots available if you upgrade to a tier 1/2.

Any GM willing to take on more slots than what they originally volunteered for is much appreciated. Our intention was not to schedule GMs for more than 8 slots, but if you really want to run the entire show, please let me know.

pfs.illinois@gmail.com

4/5

I am curious how the card game and the role playing guild game will interact.

Scarab Sages 5/5 5/5 *** Venture-Captain, Netherlands

*reads blurb*

Squeeeeeeeeee, more harrow goodness! :D :D :D

Grand Lodge 3/5

Please, why are the Seeker arcs only available during the 800am slots?

Makes it very difficult for people to play the special the night before (which will end around 1) and get up and play the 800am game. Yes, it's a bit whiny, but it would seem that such a symbolic set of scenarios would be more accessible.

5/5 5/55/55/5

3 people marked this as a favorite.
nogoodscallywag wrote:

Please, why are the Seeker arcs only available during the 800am slots?

They're given out by drendle drang apparently.

Horizon Hunters 4/5 5/5 *** Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis

nogoodscallywag wrote:

Please, why are the Seeker arcs only available during the 800am slots?

Makes it very difficult for people to play the special the night before (which will end around 1) and get up and play the 800am game. Yes, it's a bit whiny, but it would seem that such a symbolic set of scenarios would be more accessible.

The blog post already answered your question:

"After much deliberation and because they have the potential to run long, we scheduled the new Seeker Arc, "All for Immortality" across the morning slots."

Emphasis mine.

3/5 5/5 ** Venture-Agent, Maryland— Baltimore

Very stoked about the idea of mixing the RPG and the card game in the interactive special. I checked the Gen Con event catalog and came across two listings for the "PFS Interactive Special - Adventure Card Guid - The Cosmic Captive." One is on Thursday at 1:00pm, and the other is Friday at 8:00pm. I was under the impression that the interactive special was only being run on Friday night. Is this a mistake in the catalog? Also, both listings only allow a maximum of 12 players. Will there be more players added later?

Sovereign Court 1/5

You get 5 hours of sleep during GenCon? Be sure to stock extra potions of lesser restoration i.e. Energy Drinks to remove that nasty fatigued condition!

--Alarm Vrock

4/5

I was looking at the seminar listings and noticed that there is a seminar for "Intro to Ultimate Intrigue", which will be kind of old news by then, but no seminar for Ultimate Horror, which would should be the hot new thing.

4/5 Designer

Eric Ives wrote:
I was looking at the seminar listings and noticed that there is a seminar for "Intro to Ultimate Intrigue", which will be kind of old news by then, but no seminar for Ultimate Horror, which would should be the hot new thing.

This is because the upcoming book is Horror Adventures, rather than Ultimate Horror.

4/5

Mark Seifter wrote:
Eric Ives wrote:
I was looking at the seminar listings and noticed that there is a seminar for "Intro to Ultimate Intrigue", which will be kind of old news by then, but no seminar for Ultimate Horror, which would should be the hot new thing.
This is because the upcoming book is Horror Adventures, rather than Ultimate Horror.

Ok, I admit I got the title wrong, but that still doesn't explain why the new book isn't getting a seminar, when I think in past years the "Gen Con release" usually has. If I'm going to volunteer to record these things again, it would be nice if they had some fresh material. :)

4/5 Designer

Eric Ives wrote:
Mark Seifter wrote:
Eric Ives wrote:
I was looking at the seminar listings and noticed that there is a seminar for "Intro to Ultimate Intrigue", which will be kind of old news by then, but no seminar for Ultimate Horror, which would should be the hot new thing.
This is because the upcoming book is Horror Adventures, rather than Ultimate Horror.
Ok, I admit I got the title wrong, but that still doesn't explain why the new book isn't getting a seminar, when I think in past years the "Gen Con release" usually has. If I'm going to volunteer to record these things again, I want them to have some fresh material. :)

link

4/5

OK, thanks Mark. I'm not finding it on the Gen Con site, but I've heard there are a number of things that are not showing up properly in their event finder right now.

4/5 Designer

Eric Ives wrote:
OK, thanks Mark. I'm not finding it on the Gen Con site, but I've heard there are a number of things that are not showing up properly in their event finder right now.

Technically I guess that's the Paizocon version, but I see no reason it wouldn't be there for Gencon. Weird.

Grand Lodge 3/5

Mark Stratton wrote:
nogoodscallywag wrote:

Please, why are the Seeker arcs only available during the 800am slots?

Makes it very difficult for people to play the special the night before (which will end around 1) and get up and play the 800am game. Yes, it's a bit whiny, but it would seem that such a symbolic set of scenarios would be more accessible.

The blog post already answered your question:

"After much deliberation and because they have the potential to run long, we scheduled the new Seeker Arc, "All for Immortality" across the morning slots."

Emphasis mine.

Emphasis does not explain why a 2pm start time is not possible.

Sovereign Court 4/5 5/5 ***

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

It's easier to work around a table that runs long in the morning than it is in the afternoon, when the entire hall has to get emptied and only gms for specials are let in.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

nogoodscallywag wrote:
Emphasis does not explain why a 2pm start time is not possible.

To be completely honest, I'm not sure offering the Seeker arc at GenCon is a good idea. They are highly advanced events with intimidating encounters both for the players and for the GM to prep. The sheer volume of material the GM has to manage and probably look up during the session is high. We all know that high level combats can take a lot of time. There is also often a lot of role-playing material either interactive between players and NPCs or just simply the GM providing a lot of background and related material. All this leads to a high probability that the slot will run long. We have to juggle giving as much time to run with having to maintain the integrity of the slots.

The normal expectation will be that the GM will be completely cleared from their table in 5 hours, leaving amply time to take care of between slot activities (restroom, food, etc) and for the next GM to set up. that being said, because its only a few tables, we can supervise their progress and let them run longer into the break times if absolutely nescessary and perhaps provide some HQ support to help them clean up and get away from the table. We have more time to do that between slots 1 and 2. Slot 3 has a special each day that requires more set up and may require the clearing of the room. Thus the break time is more active for us in the evening than the earlier one is.

Course this is just some of the reasons why the Seeker is not being offered in the afternoon slot. I hope we can focus on the fact that we do have Seeker tables at GenCon, which is something we did not do for the past few years.

Dark Archive 5/5 *

Good points by Bob and James. Gm will need some time in the beginning to review what craziness the pcs do, go over any rules ambiguity on what pcs do as good chance pc has not been played over a yr and there has been a lot of errata done in meantime.
Player prep will be critical as well.

Liberty's Edge 5/5 5/5 *** Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Martinsville

jhallum wrote:

I assume we'll be getting our GM schedules before Event Reg comes online on Sunday?

Wondering the same thing.

Liberty's Edge 4/5

Bob Jonquet wrote:
and for the next GM to set up.

Hopefully, this will rarely be the case for someone running back-to-back slots.

Liberty's Edge 3/5 5/5 **** Venture-Captain, Nebraska—Omaha

Hillis Mallory III wrote:
jhallum wrote:

I assume we'll be getting our GM schedules before Event Reg comes online on Sunday?

Wondering the same thing.

Bob is working hard. Appears they are short a few DMs. Maybe more people are stepping up to help make his job a little easier.

Horizon Hunters 4/5 5/5 *** Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis

Hillis Mallory III wrote:
jhallum wrote:

I assume we'll be getting our GM schedules before Event Reg comes online on Sunday?

Wondering the same thing.

If you have read some of the posts, you will have noted that they hope to get them out before then.

3/5

Mark Stratton wrote:
Hillis Mallory III wrote:
jhallum wrote:

I assume we'll be getting our GM schedules before Event Reg comes online on Sunday?

Wondering the same thing.
If you have read some of the posts, you will have noted that they hope to get them out before then.

Has anyone gotten their GenCon GM Badge from Paizo/GenCon yet?

4/5 *

Not yet, but Tonya's Facebook thread said they were working on it starting yesterday.

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