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What scenarios would you choose for a new GM and why?
First steps are not an option.
I think I'm looking for at scenario that:
- Has faction missions with low chance of derailing the scenario.
- Is not relying too much on GM interpretation (like frostfur captives).
- Is subtier 1-2.
- Doesn't have too many tactics or stange rules to remember.
At a local con I plan to do a small GM intro course, where I start by running the new GMs through the scenario, then have a talk about being GM. After that they're handed out the scenario and are given time to read it. This is followed by a new talk about running this particular scenario. The day after, they're are running a table each.
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Mists of Mwangi is pretty straightforward for gms, with a simple map and villains who are easy to figure out.
Assault on Kingom of the Impossible is also a good one along with Infernal Vault.
None of these reference documents other than CRB and Bestiary and the npc tactics dont require lots of study. Linear plotlines without a lot of complication.
Never underestimate the pcs ability to derail anything, but I dont remember any wacky faction missions.
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Goblinblood Dead I think is a good game to give to a player with PFS experience that wants to try being a GM. but not for some one new to PFS.
If you have never tried PFS then starting as a player is what I would tend to suggest. If that is not an option & someone needs to start as GM to introduce a new group of players to Pathfinder Society I would say:
-Mists of Mwangi I would not go with right off the start because Mists needs to be converted from 3.5 and that could confuse a new GM.
-First Steps is a good idea, very helpful for GM's & players to build a foundation in PFS.
-Citadel of Flame has a wacky map but would be a good choice as far as prep for mobs is fairly simple & fun.
-We Be Goblins......best scenario ever is a super fun way to teach players the pathfinder rules of combat & skill checks.
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Thank you for the suggestions!
They will be new to GMing completely, but will have experience playing PFS. It is at a local con, so I am sure I can build a mood of "let's welcome the new GMs and give them a good time."
We won't have any time constraints and there will be people to help them.
The reason I dislike First steps and We Be Goblins is because they don't have faction missions. I'd rather have my new GMs try handling faction missions in a relatively safe environment than not knowing what they get next.
(Hmm, everything in Denmark is probably considered "local" in comparison to other countries.)
Venture-Captain, Texas—Waco
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Sorry, Erik, but I have to disagree with your methodology. New GMs already have so much to worry about I'd rather they ran scenarios that lacked the added complication of faction missions until they are a little more comfortable running the basics (combat, skill checks, role-playing NPCs, etc). Then you work them up to regular scenarios that add in the extra complication of faction missions.
Crawl, Walk, then Run. Don't jump straight to jogging if you don't have to!
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I can see your points about the faction missions, but I'm still in doubt. I think it depends on how experienced the new GMs are as PFS players.
One of my concerns about running First Steps is that I need to get enough players to play at the new GMs' tables. I don't know how willing people are to replay First Steps. What are yoour experiences about people being willing to replay First Steps?
I will, of course, ask the players attending the con when I start taking signups, but I like to be prepared.
I have a test subject running Silent Tide this sunday. I'll evaluate with him and hear if he would have avoided the Faction Missions.
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What are yoour experiences about people being willing to replay First Steps?
You should point out to these experienced players that there are only so many Tier 1-2 scenarios. And if they want to continue to play as often they need to utilize the replay options they have.
If not they need to become experienced GMs instead.
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What are yoour experiences about people being willing to replay First Steps?You should point out to these experienced players that there are only so many Tier 1-2 scenarios. And if they want to continue to play as often they need to utilize the replay options they have.
If not they need to become experienced GMs instead.
Ideally, both. It's their opportunity (perhaps even duty) to give back to the PFS community.
Venture-Captain, California—San Francisco Bay Area South & West
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Sorry, Erik, but I have to disagree with your methodology. New GMs already have so much to worry about I'd rather they ran scenarios that lacked the added complication of faction missions until they are a little more comfortable running the basics (combat, skill checks, role-playing NPCs, etc). Then you work them up to regular scenarios that add in the extra complication of faction missions.
Crawl, Walk, then Run. Don't jump straight to jogging if you don't have to!
I have to agree with Daniel, as a very new GM (not new to RPG in general) I was very happy to start with no faction missions to distract me. Also I would not want to start GMimg at a con, I would much prefer to do it at my FLGS (which is what I did) with people I already have some experieince with. At this point with 5 GM sessions under my belt ( 2 We Be Goblins and 2 First Steps and the first adventure from the beginner's box) the last 2 of which were at our local con, I feel confident enough to try a Tier 1-5 scenario with Faction Missions (my husband the experienced GM in the family is taking the 4-5 sub-tier leaving me the low level)
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As someone who started GMing with First Steps, I can say that it was not only great to not have the distraction of faction missions at first, but also to only have one subtier, so I wouldn't get mixed up with multiple versions of encounters.
And now I'm prepping Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment and laughing maniacally.