Dave the Barbarian's page

A 5 hour slot will give you enough breathing room so you don't have to rush. But even if the scenario looks like it might run long and you only have a 4 hour slot, you can do a lot of prep work to cut down on any wasted time.

Our typical conventions only have 4 hour slots and the game days are 4 hours as well. To make sure I can stay within 4 hours, I prep as much as I can ahead of time, pre-draw all the maps (outside of flip mats or map packs), check the players characters as they arrive before the session starts, and keep the combats moving quickly. It requires a little more prep by the GM, but you can still make a 4 hour slot work fine.

No. I am running three different sessions in a row on the same day for a convention next month, so it does not matter. The only difficulty is if a player level's up, he or she may want some time inbetween scenario's to complete the process.

On our game days we typically run two back to back sessions. Game away.

Outside of combat, Yes. I know this was a debate on a different forum already so no use in rehashing the details here. But simply put, no distractions, only a 30' drop, and a 7' gap. Take 10 and move on.

I am good for this project as well. I am willing to buy a book. When is the ETA for this project?

Done. I sent you an e-mail with all of the addresses. Thanks!

Join the RMPathfinder group on Yahoo. It is for the Rocky Mountain Pathfinder players on the front range. We have a few members from North of Denver and hopefully we can get a regular game running up there. I am willing to make the drive to run a few games up in that area once we get a few more players.

They do not. I will e-mail you the addresses of all three. Thanks Josh!

We have roughly 30 players now on our RMPathfinder yahoo group and close to 40 players who turn out for the games. We expect to double this number by April.

Dave

Very good - I believe 7 at the first game and 6 at the second game. We also had 13 players for the Monday night slot at Enchanted Grounds. We are getting a great outpouring of support. Someone was running a few games North of Denver too.

Here are your currect options on the Front Range of Colorado that I am aware of:
2nd Monday of every month: Enchanted Grounds, Highlands Ranch. We run two tables for the 6-10PM time frame. Coordinator - Dave
2nd Saturday at Gamers Haven: Two slots - noon to 4 and 5 to 9PM. As many tables as needed will be run. Coordinator - JP
4th Saturday at Castle Games and Gifts - Two slots. Coordinator - Dustin.

Don't forget that Genghis Con is right around the corner - February 11th to the 14th. There are 5 different scenario's scheduled, three tables per slot and they are filling fast! Not to mention that Sean K. Reynolds is the guest of honor! He may even run the game that you sign up for! There is also a time scheduled where he will be discussing the Pathfinder products and answer any weird questions you may have.

I would imagine that you can turn away any player for "disruptive" play. I would stay away from labeling anyone with a mental illness, true or not. I also don't know that you can "ban" anyone. All players must not be disruptive, end of story. I assume you already tried your level best to work it out with the individual.

My thoughts -

The players should develop an intersting character, know how to play them, research their spells and abilities, allow other players to shine, and have fun.

The DM should come prepared, be consistant and fair, know the rules to the best of his/her abilitiy, and create an enjoyable game environment so everyone will have fun.

That is just a partial list.

The DM is the story teller. They take/create a challenging storyline and give the players the opportunity to be a part of it and influence the outcome. True enough, each game the creatures the DM runs are expected to lose. As a DM, you have to get over that. Make it challenging, exciting, and then lose in the end. A DM is NOT a diety, cannot wave a hand and kill you, and should try not to take things personally. I never take control of a players character, even when they are being controlled by something or someone else. I give them a note or instructions on what they believe they must do (i.e. defend the bad guy from attacks) and then that player can fight his own buddies and I am removed somewhat from the bad feelings.

The players have to consider the incredible time investment that the DM puts into the adventure and try not to spend every game trying to derail the storyline, break the rules, or dominate the table.

As a DM, I don't like to have PC's die. Sometimes it just can't be avoided as a the barbarian with 3 hp streaks back into battle for a cherry pick kill, misses, and then is crit by a large great axe. I roll the attack dice in front of my players so they know I do not influence them. I roll behind the screen only for things that they would not have knowledge of and usually are not deadly. I would rather have the adventure conclude in a climatic battle where near the brink of destruction a player drops the big bad guy and the group cheers in excitement because they won. As a DM, that is cool.

I got chills when I saw them too. Turns out that it was just the swine flu, but once I got better, I still really like these mini's. I bought the older version of Seoni but I must buy this one too. The Dragon is incredible and I will buy a couple of them. Excellent work!

I would hope that if you ran a Tier 1-5, at 1-2, and your own PC was 5th, then you could collect the 4-5 chronicle sheet, otherwise a 1-2 just ruins you even more. The 1/2 gold deal is pretty tough after a handful of levels, getting half of a lower level sheet is even worse.

Hopefully we can make that clearer in the 2.2 version. I think that the GM should be able to collect a sheet for the level that his PC qualifies for. For the wierd inbetween levels, you should be able to round up. 1/2 gold still keeps you average.

That is good news golem. Thanks!

I will answer your first question - Yes, you are correct. You still get one PA for a scenario that only offers one.

I am not sure about the second question - I would suspect that he could burn 2 PA to remove the condition.

I liked the undercrypt stuff, but I am not sure that I would buy any more. It would really depend on what parts of the adventure it is for, how hard it is to build, and if I could use it again for something else.

I don't blame Mr. Goodman for going with 4e. He had to make a decision for his company and I am sure it was not an easy one. As a result of this decision, I don't purchase anything from them because I don't play 4e. That really bums me out because I really love the products that he put out. The DCC adventures were awesome. I don't hold any ill will towards Goodman Games.

I would never waste money on a generic adventure that required downloaded stats. But if Goodman made a Pathfinder specific adventure line, I would definately buy it.

If you do allow replays, I agree with:

It has to be a different character. The same character can never replay any scenario.

Start with Season 0 when Season 2 kicks off. Every year when you kick off the new season, allow the season from two years ago to be replayed. A season three years earlier can be retired.

The GM's will obviously need to get credit for it as well. So they could get their usual 1/2 credit deal.

The GM must mention that if a replay character is acting on game knowledge from playing it before, he or she will not get credit for the scenario.

Another option to make a table legal by adding a player who has already played it - The replay player must use a new character and only gets half credit like the GM.

A possibility: Give the GM's who "eat" the slot 0 adventure full credit. Give a GM who already played it, but then GM's it, half credit (for a different character) for running it the first time. Maybe this would encourage others to try running a game too.

Overall, replays are not a big issue in our area yet, but that may change once we start burning through all of the available options.

You could let the dead PC create a new character (One of the mercenaries hired by Almah), seem trustworthy, and join the group. Maybe Almah gives them a couple of single use items to help - scroll, bead of force, potions, etc. Then after they spend a night licking their wounds, Kardswann comes knocking with the remainder of his forces at the Monastery.

I really enjoyed Goodman Games Dungeon Crawl Classics for 3.5. I bought almost 40 of them and a handful of other goodies. I would NOT buy anything 4e related that I could download Pathfinder updates for. Either it IS made for Pathfinder, or it is NOT made for Pathfinder. There is way too much good stuff available from Paizo for adventures to deal with a 4e conversion product. Why wouldn't I just convert the other 40 adventures I already own to Pathfinder then?

If they made Pathfinder exclusive material. I would buy it without a doubt. I am a sucker for a good adventure.

Next games at Enchanted Grounds in Highlands Ranch will be on Monday, January 11th. We already have two tables almost filled but always welcome new players. Just join the yahoo group and you can learn about all of the games being run on the front range. There will also be two scenario's run on Saturday, January 9th in Colorado Springs.

I agree with Doug Doug that you may want to get someone to help with the leadership role so you can have a little break and maybe get in more players. When others share this role, they can help bring in new players so you don't have to do it all. We have 3-4 people who do this for our group.

We just started running PFS games in September of 2009 and we are now filling two tables per event. We tend to have at least one or two new players each time. We run different scenario's at each table so now that we are in our 5th month, one table will be a higher tier (3-4) and the other table will be for tier 1-2.

I think the key to getting more players is outreach - So any flyers that you can post in the game shops, post the game on a few websites, and we even use a Yahoo group - RMPathfinder for the entire Front Range of Colorado to keep players and GM's connected so they know where the games are and are aware of opportunities to GM.

Last but not least, we always have a great time, so the other folks in the game shop can see what they are missing and a handful of people of joined in because of this. We also keep plenty of Pre-Gen characters and loaner dice on hand for a last minute addition.

I have always stayed away from the living games for the past 20 years but I am really enjoying PFS.

Russell - You are doing good work! Don't get discouraged! The network of PFS folks are always happy to help you out when you need it!

I just bought two more rolls from my local gaming shop. I really like it. For an additional $2.98 you can buy 2 20" x 30" foam boards from Wal-Mart. Then spray some 3M glue to the foam board, have a friend help you apply the game paper to both sides (Do one side at a time so you don't glue it to your table. I have been making my maps for Pathfinder Society Scenarios this way (At least the ones that are not flip maps or tiles). Then I can use them over and over again.

For a simple map, I will continue to use my battle mat and just erase it when I am done, but when I need a detailed map or it will take a while to draw, I do it ahead of time with this product.

I wish they would make rolls in light green and light grey too!

I did not use direct contact, but more feelings, strange knowledge and dreams from the past. The Moldspeaker knows some information that he or she cannot explain. The Moldspeaker will also make the other templars very uncomfortable.

I guess depending on how the group approaches the scenario, it could be called "Negotiations in the Kingdom of the Impossible" but I chose to focus a little on the word "assault", which worked well for the group of blood thirsty Pathfinders that ran through the adventure. Between the twisted gnome sorcerer from Cheliax and the oddly aggresive druid from Andoran, they met every challenge with force. The adventure took almost 3.5 hours and was quite enjoyable.

Our group has 6 players. 5 were level 4 and one was level 3. They were all level 3 when they invaded the battle market, and they did fine. The crypt was a challenge for them all thanks to some bad save rolls. They were still successful. They may be able to survive if they are able to spend some cash before they enter the crypt, otherwise maybe a side mission may get them closer.

I am going to buy three of them. Just in case I mess the first two up while painting them. It really does look awesome!

Gigglestick, Take a look at Paizo's blog and go back to Mid-November. There are some pictures of the battle market I built for this adventure. I loved the idea of the battle, but it really needed a 3D flare. It was rather easy to build. You may be able to see where I changed the stairway access to the third level.

I am guessing that if you cannot purchase it in the core book or another approved source, it cannot be bought. In my home game, my players are very creative on specialty magic items, but I don't think that is allowed for PFS.

I appreciate the backwards compatability for 3.5 stuff, but I am tired of the Goliath fighters and other typical stuff we used to see. I am sticking to Pathfinder RPG products from Paizo only. If any of my players want to use 3rd party stuff, that is fine too, but I am not buying any of the material yet. For Pathfinder Scoiety, the choices are simple. For Pathfinder Home games, it is up to the GM and the players to decide what races and classes will be allowed. Having more options are always good, but makes the game harder to keep track of and risks broken rules.

I could care less about the ads and I appreciate Josh's honesty on why they will stay in. Then how about this - A one page ad summary of new products that may appeal to the Pathfinder Society players that is maybe updated once per quarter on the scenarios. Then I can give this away to the players and maybe they will be tempted to buy more product. They could see a few upcoming items and a few key items that may be of interest - Maybe not the rule book, but Seeker of Secrets and some of the Chronicles and other cool products. Maybe swipe a page or two from your catalog and copy it to thye scenario's? Just a thought.

The stairs are hard to find and if you draw out the map, it will be easy to find. I moved the stairway to follow the perimeter just like the level below and added a hallway in the back to get you to Kardswann's perch.

We ran two tables at the event on the 14th and we will most likely have enough people on the 28th to run two more. Don't forget Genghis Con in February! I will be running a couple more Pathfinder Society adventures there.

I would like to see more Bestiary books. There are still tons of monsters to be utilized in Pathfinder. Even though you can convert them from elsewhere, I don't want to. I would rather have the new stats and better artwork.

I would love to see some psionics in Pathfinder. A core rule book with classes, races, and powers would be awesome.

Additional race and class options are always a cool thing for the players too. I would like to see a few books, large or small, that the players would actually buy. Obviously this has to be done slowly so you don't crush the game with too many options.

A spell compendium that adds in all the spells from the different books in a Pathfinder friendly way. Maybe even a softcover that includes ALL of the traits and feats.

6:00 PM my adventuring brother! We will be running both #23 Tide of Morning (most likely Tier 1-2) and also #4 Frozen Fingers of Midnight (most likely Tier 1-2). We have 10 players signed up so we have plenty of room for more!

Darkeyes, As far as an Adventure Path is concerned, that is completely up to you and I think you have the right approach.

This concern is for the Pathfinder Society games which operate under a tighter set of rules. In this case, I would not let a player re-play a scenario just because they lost the sheet OR if they walked away from the table.

This type of game allows a player to enjoy a scenario run by a variety of GM's so consistancy is a little more important. Cheating seems to be a big concern, even though I don't think it happens often.

I guess I can see that too. I agree that a re-do because you lost the sheet should not occur. I don't think that re-playing it because you croaked is a big deal. Some may think it is cheating, but is it really that big of a deal? It is not like there is a big cash prize for the winner of the Pathfinder Society.

This is the first time I have tried this type of "Living" campaign so I will trust your judgement and not allow it in the games I GM. In most cases we are running so many different scenario's, a person can try a new scenario instead.

I would let him play it again. Technically he did not finish it, so therefore he did not get credit for it. Unless they walk away with the piece of paper from the adventure, I would say that he didn't play it.

My favorites are: 1 - Legacy of Fire, 2 - Rise of the Runelords, 3 - Curse of the Crimson Throne, 4 - Second Darkness. I cannot evaluate Council of Thieves until it is all out. I have very high hopes for the next two adventure paths.

I agree that the specialized settings may be less popular, but for those who crave something a little further away from the norm, then these are perfect. The feel of Legacy of Fire is much different than your typical adventure and that is why we have been enjoying it so much.

Here is my real problem - It will take us roughly 14-16 months to play the entire Adventure Path. By then, we will have a dozen other AP adventures out. We cannot play them fast enough, so we have to push a few off to the side and realize that we will never play them. It breaks my heart, but that's the reality.

I see what you are saying now. I assume if something specific is not mentioned in a future adventure, then it may be up to you to determine how that plays out.

Attention Pathfinder Society Adventurer's who reside on the front range of Colorado! Please join the Rocky Mountain Pathfinder Yahoo group for current updates on where you can find Pathfinder Society Games on the front range. Just search for RMPathfinder on the Yahoo Groups and join. Games are being run in Denver, South of Denver (Enchanted Grounds in Highlands Ranch) and Colorado Springs. The next games on the schedule include Colorado Springs on December 5th and Enchanted Grounds on December 14th. Join the Pathfinder Society Yahoo group and take advantage of all the opportunities to play on the front range!

I think that is up to you. Whatever it is, she should end up in Kelmarane prior to the start of the second adventure. If any PC's are low on XP, then maybe give them some for the year's worth of stuff they did along with a little coin. Some PC's will help rebuild the town or Church and others will venture out and then return. What they do and what they get for it is mostly your call and can add to the story line.

We went with some music from the middle east region. Such as Yousson N'Dour (Egypt), Banco de Gaia - Igizeh, Sahara Desert Blues (2 disks), and Mahmoun Ahmed - Ethiopiques V.7 Ere Mela Mela. These CD's really have the feel of the Katapesh Region and add to the experience.

I think the rewards system is fair. It provides enough incentive to give it a try. I wouldn't mind a couple extra GP for running the same scenario again and again, but odds are I will never actually play my character anyway. But I get to build him, which teaches me about the game some.

I purchased the scenario's on my own (24 so far). It is not a big expense. I also buy the maps, mini's and provide props, which cost way more than the $4.00.

I enjoy running the games and I enjoy watching the players get into the story, solve the mystery, and sweat the climatic battle. I do this on my dime for our home campaign, but I think the GM rewards incent us to take the game to the streets and intoduce many more people to it. I have run only 5 sessions so far, but they all have been a kick.

Actually, we have an excellent group of players, so I consider myself the lucky one. I don't go that nuts on a standard quick combat map.

I already purchased the World Works Game Terrain for this adventure and plan on using it too. It is an awesome product and I am looking forward to more to come.

That is quite a compliment saying that it looks like the PDF map blown up! Thank you. I actually copied a game map (11x17" sheets), used 3M spray glue and matched the grid up on the board. After that, I hand drew the map with pencil and colored it in with markers or paint for the outer walls.

The entire structure sits on a 3' by 3' by 3/4" piece of plywood. Level's 2 and 3 I cut out of a sheet of 1/4" fiberboard. The columns are oak stair nosings with "L" brackets to hold up the floors. The floors are not connected, they just rest on the brackets. The column with the crows nest actually comes out so I can slide the floors out to transport it, and eventually modify it for future use.

It cost me roughly $30 in material. I already have all the wood working tools, so that helped. It took about 11-12 hours to complete it.

This battle had to be shown in 3D, so this structure added to the game experience. A few buddies are planning on running this same adventure in the coming year, so I am sure it will get loaned out time and time again.

Sure. I used a box that you buy a 24 pack of water bottles in. Granted it is not like the map, but cut a few doors into one side, glue a little cardboard in the center to make the floor level and then glue down a map (office Max 1" grid paper sprayed with 3M glue from Home depot). Draw your map, add to the walls if you wish. Then buy three 2' sticks (3/4" by 1/2") from Michaels or hobby lobby. I cut a notch into the cardboard box at both far ends of the building, one over the alter, one over the doors. This main rafter must sit level with the top of the box. Then glue the other rafters on in the other direction. Only glue the rafters to each other, not the box. This way you can take them all off in the beginning of the battle. Overlap these rafters on the box too. I added some scrap 2" wide by 8" long sections to the sides to give the Pugwampi somewhere to hang out and then another small platform over the alter for the King. You can draw 1" marks on the rafters for movement. I provided a couple of ladders for access and then used acrobatic checks (DC8, 10, and 12 depending on the condition of the rafter to safely navigate them. They wouldn't break, you could only fall off, which is unlucky.

Some of my other handi-work is on the Paizo Blog right now. That took a little more effort.

I would say that most of the Modules I ran have taken 11-15 hours of play time each. Usually three sessions. Some took two.

The Adventure Paths really depend on the side material that is used. We will finish the first adventure from the Legacy of Fire Adventure Path in 8 sessions - roughly 32-34 hours of game time. All of it was awesome and I can tell everyone is enjoying it.

The scenario's are made for a 4 hour time slot. Some take a little longer, some a little less. Really depends on the group.

Here is my 2 coppers worth for you. I would use a scrap piece of wood for the base. It is heavier and will not warp as easy. Go with fiberboard or something cheap. Usually you can get scrap lumber from Home Depot for dirt cheap, just go to the back of the lumber department by the saws and they have a bin. Ask them to cut it for you 20" by 24". You want a little room around the outside of the building for mini's to walk around. Don't buy a warped board, it has to sit flat. Next you will need some 1" graph paper, available at Office Max and if you can swing $10 for a can of 3M Spray Glue (Home Depot with the paint) it has a low water content so the paper will not warp as bad as a glue stick. Glue your paper to the board and draw the walls with a pencil. Then complete all the detailed work - the benches, tables, desks in color. I would also draw the doors like they would appear on a 2D map (Just like the map on the module). Now I would add the walls using the styro board. Stick to a low wall so you can access the mini's, maybe 2" high to represent a 10' wall. Sometimes you can buy the styro board in strips, otherwise buy a large poster board size and measure and cut from it. You will need a sharp hobby knife (Be careful, cut away from the body, watch your hand placement, safety first). Cut a long length of wall and you can score one side - the exterior side - cut almost all the way through but don't damage the paper on the other side, then snap the wall and you will have a 90 degree corner that won't fall down easy. Glue the walls to the map AFTER you have cut them all and fit them together and AFTER you have drawn on them, if you wish. You can make the tower taller than 2", maybe 4, but just leave on side open so you can access it. Add some hobby sand and grass as desired, maybe paint the water on the map. It will cost you $20-30 all in I am guessing. Good luck and post some pic's!

If they have not cleared out the Monastary, then proceed as planned. Most of the Pugwampi's will be running around on the rafters and unless the sorcerer wants to climb up there to fight them, it won't matter. Rather than have the risk of breaking a rafter, I gave the rafters DC's for agility checks. Either DC 8, 10, or 12. Nothing two hard, but when you are rolling 2 20's, you run the risk of an unlucky fall!