I'm getting ready to build my Pathfinder Society PC for Cons.

Now, I've got a Character concept I like and it's pretty solid for play, but it is geared a little more towards Flavor rather than pure Crunch.

Of course, this is fine -- so long as the atmosphere at gamining tables more casual. If, on the other hand, it's more like a tournament atmosphere, my PC is gonna be a bit weak.

So, for those of you Paizonians who have played at Cons: What's the atmosphere like as far as "style of play"?

Thanks.

I think if you play with random strangers you're always going to get someone who says: "What!? Your wizard memorized Ventriloquism and Shield instead of Color Spray and Sleep?"

(Sadly, sometimes it's me that's saying something like that, although I try to keep my big mouth shut...)

I was impressed with the casual atmosphere of Pathfinder Society play at GenCon. That atmosphere has continued to local game days as well.

At PaizoCon UK we tried to create a relaxed atmosphere that promoted enjoyable play rather than a sense of competition - after all, we're all Pathfinders - and in my experience of UK cons that is what Pathfinder Society games are like. And listening to people talk afterwards, it's all about the adventure and what the characters/party achieved.

I can't speak directly for CON games - but I was at two preperation games - and it was a great relaxed atmosphere.

What I really liked:
a) We had 7 players at the table but everyone actually listened when the GM was giving flavour text
b) We had a mixed bunch with some characters already having a few games and some completely fresh (like myself) but it never felt that I was useless
c) The group tried to help each other - we had no cleric and therefore some healing potions just 'appeared' from players who already had been allowed to buy them - no questions asked

I played a Wizard - partly optimized - but also with some flavour. I do have strengths 7 and charisma 12 - not vice versa. And at no stage of the two games did I feel useless - despite having gone not exclusivly for attack spells.

Off course - one or two bad players can ruin a table if the GM and the other players don't steer against them.

Therefore good luck and I hope you enjoy your first game with the Society as much as I did.

Thod aka Theodum