Bob Jonquet aka TwilightKnight(Venture-Captain, Illinois—Central/Southern)
So to a noob, how would you describe the Pathfinder Society?
"A semi-private, mostly neutral organization, similar to a cross between the Free Masons and the Secret Service, who's primary goals are the accumulation of knowledge and the location/recovery of valuable artifacts usually of historical importance. While technically not a political organization, the society often uses its considerable wealth and resources to influence local government officials. Its general membership (agents) are part Indiana Jones, part James Bond."
The Pathfinders are but a very minor scouting arm/branch of the much larger and far more competent Corps de Infiltration and Retrival that in turn answers to the Imperial Infernal Military High Command of the Eternal Empire of Cheliax.
They make for good *cheap* scribes, functionary 'yes' men and lesser heralds.
The PathfinderWiki has a pretty thorough rundown of the organization. At least, as thorough as it can be at this stage in the game. It'll represent a mere fraction of the material available once Seekers of Secrets comes out.