RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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Hi, Matt. I'm the fellow who volunteered to run Thornkeep. (Although, as Bob noted, if there's particularly keen interest in it, he might find somebody else to run in tandem.)
Thornkeep is a five-level dungeon with a small shire near-by. The first level, the Accursed Hills, runs about twice as long as a normal PFS scenario, and so takes up two slots. I haven't run the other two offerings yet, but I suspect they run about as long.
You don't have to play "The Accursed Halls" to play the other two levels, although there is a mechanism that gives you a small advantage if you do.
I'm not expecting anybody to play all six slots. I'm imagining that one or two people might, but that different people will show up at the table for different levels. This is a convention, after all, and there's lot of shiny opportunities.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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I have to ask, Matt: who has been telling you that the character won't have the levels necessary to advance during the three levels we're running at Winter War? 'Cause they're wrong.
The Accursed Halls are for PCs level 1-2. I wouldn't necessarily bring in a brand new, 150-gp-and-no-fame PC, but a 1st level character with an adventure or two behind him should do fine. The Forgotten Laboratory is for characters level 2-4. The Enigma Vaults are for characters level 3-5.
For the most part, a 2nd-level character is likely to find the Accursed Halls less of a challenge. (Sort of like running a 2nd-level character through "First Steps".) Also, you'll find the rewards to be on the light side for a 2nd-level PC. But, whatever level you are, completing each level of Thornkeep's dungeon will earn your PC one full level (3 XP) and 4 Fame.
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RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16
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I like the fact that you're checking on things, and I look forward to having your character at my table.
Oh, and I amend the "First Steps" reference. A friend dropped my a private note suggesting that "Master of the Fallen Fortress" as a better analogue -- several fights, one or two of which are tough -- and she's right.
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They were a bit concerned as the mod leveled a character after 2 slots of play while it normally takes 3 sessions to level.
It was suggested I find out for sure.
To clarify, there is no direct correlation between the length of play and XP for modules. As a general approach, most modules are expected to run long, anywhere from two to three (or more) traditional slots in length. The campaign leadership has attempted to maintain general rules regarding modules and decided that a module is roughly the equivalent of three scenarios. However, the exact amount of time it takes to play through a module does not impact the rewards. Some groups will zip through in less than 8 hours, while others may take much longer. Regardless, the rewards are the same. So, in the case of Thornkeep (or any other module), you will receive three XP, four fame/prestige, and listed gold assuming you complete the entire module. Note that Thornkeep actually exists as multiple modules within a module. Each level counts as its own module with respect to rewards and reporting and each level is expected to take 2-3 traditional slots (4 hours each) to complete. We have allocated two slots for each level at Winter War (one level per day) and you are assumed to play through both "halves" of each level. However, you are not expected or required to play through all three levels. While related, they are three independent events. For additional rules concerning modules consult the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play chapter 6, or send me an email if you have questions.
Explore! Report! Cooperate!
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All the GM slots are filled except for the First Steps series on Saturday. Now all we need are PLAYERS! Some events are filling up nicely, others are waiting for YOU! If you haven't yet, get on the Winter War website and register. This is shaping up to be the biggest PFS event ever in our region!
Explore! Report! Cooperate!
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I have reviewed the status and all scheduled GM slots are filled. Also, nearly every event has at least enough players to run, but there are still some seats available. If you plan to attend, I suggest you review the Winter War website soon, before everything is sold out. The first level of Thornkeep is sold out, but there are still a few seats for levels two and three. We only have three players signed up for Eyes of the Ten (level 12). If you have a qualifying character, consider joining this event. The entire arc is being offered and the GM is none other than Kyle "Care" Baird. I am confident you will have a memorable experience :-)
If you plan to attend and need to reserve a hotel room, be sure to call the hotel directly. They have a huge block of rooms reserved for the convention, but they are not available online or through their national reservation number.
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Do events around here always fill up this far in advance? Unfortunately, with moving half way across the country and starting a new job, I just wasn't sure about scheduling, and I consider myself lucky that I know this far in advance that I can go. As is, I'll probably have to skip a couple of the other upcoming conventions while I build up some vacation time at work.
Anyway, if you need a spare GM, let me know. I refuse to run any adventure I haven't had time to read thoroughly, because I just don't think I can provide an acceptable quality experience for the players that way. But I've run First Steps parts 1 and 3 often enough to do them on a moment's notice, and I'll bring a couple of other scenarios I'm very familiar with, too, just in case.
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Fromper, we still have a lot of events that have open seats. Most have filled to the point of a legal table, but still have openings. Don't be discouraged from registering. There are still plenty of opportunities to play.
I am also hoping to have some standby GM's that will be available to run impromptu tables for walk-up players. Of course, that is dependent on available play space. The tables I have allocated are the only ones I can officially use, however, there was an over-flow room last year that could hold 5-6 more tables depending on availability. There are also small tables in the convention's breakfast room and/or most will have hotel rooms that could suffice for a game in a pinch. I'm sure there will be some events based on nitch games that won't run which may open up additional place space.
If anyone is interested in being a standby GM, just check in with me at HQ when you arrive as I will be maintaining a roster just in case. I plan to bring my files with a copy of every legal scenario (with chronicles & faction mission sheets) so all a standby GM needs is accessories (blank map, mini's, etc.). If you want to be familiar with the scenario, then just let me know what you are willing to run.
This really is a player-focused convention, but I will do everything in my power to make things as easy as possible on the GM's, not easy, but easy as possible. :-)
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Recently, I have received a number of requests to GM at Winter War, but the schedule is currently filled. I have the following scenarios assigned to myself, but am willing to let someone else run some/all of them if you need the qualify for the badge discount, are working towards your next GM star, or just really like to judge. If you are interested in GM'ing any of these events, let me know. Otherwise, see ya at the convention.
Saturday 9am...2-15 Shades of Ice I: Written in Blood (1-5)
Saturday 3pm...2-17 Shades of Ice II: Exiles in Winter (1-5)
Saturday 8pm...2-19 Shades of Ice III: Keep of the Huscarl King (1-5)
Sunday 9am...3-24 The Golden Serpent (5-9)
Sunday 2pm...4-06 The Green Market (5-9)
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You can check out the schedule either on the Winter War website or Warhorn.
To signup for any games, use the official convention site. Seat availability is not listed in the descriptions, but when you try to register, it will display events with available seats. Good luck and see ya there.
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I'd be willing to sit in as a fourth, but:
A) I've already signed up to GM and I dont want to leave Bob hanging.
B) I dont think my wife would be very happy with me playing it without her, which has it's own set of problems, being: 1) She is also GMing that weekend, and 2) her character isnt level 12 yet.
If you have someone else who wants to cover my Saturday and Sunday slots, Bob, and if Kristen doesnt get mad at me for playing, then I would love to be the fourth. :P
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Seth, I just checked Warhorn, and it looks like you're scheduled to run one scenario (4-11: The Disappeared) twice on Saturday and Sunday. I'm actually going to be playing that one next week here in Chicago, and it would only be one scenario to prep for both sessions, so if you want, I can GM those two sessions for you. Just let me know within the next week, so I'll have plenty of time to read the scenario, draw maps, etc.
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Definitely.
Change of topic: With Game of Thrones popularity probably being at an all time high right now cause of the tv show, how is it that we've gone this far into a thread about a con with Winter in the name without making any 'Winter War is coming' type reference?
Hurry, change the title of the thread. :P
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Unfortunately, one of my GM volunteers had to adjust his schedule due to real-life so a couple of tables are in need of a GM. If you are interested in those, please email me at pfs.illinois@gmail.com
Sunday 9am-1pm...#48 The Devil We Know part IV: Rules of the Swift (tier 1-7)
Sunday 2pm-6pm...#3-01 The Frostfur Captives (tier 1-5)
We could really use your help. And remember, GM one slot get a discounted badge, GM 2+ slots and get your badge for FREE!
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Unfortunately, one of my GM volunteers had to adjust his schedule due to real-life so a couple of tables are in need of a GM. If you are interested in those, please email me at pfs.illinois@gmail.comSunday 9am-1pm...#48 The Devil We Know part IV: Rules of the Swift (tier 1-7)
Sunday 2pm-6pm...#3-01 The Frostfur Captives (tier 1-5)We could really use your help. And remember, GM one slot get a discounted badge, GM 2+ slots and get your badge for FREE!
Email sent. I've actually GMed both of these before, so I can do them again with minimal prep time.
In fact, I just did Frostfur Captives last week, so it's still fresh in my mind, and I have everything printed and easily accessible. It's also among my favorite scenarios, so I'll enjoy running it again.
I'll need to refresh my memory about Rules of the Swift, since I ran it probably 6 or 7 months ago and don't remember the details.
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Email sent. I've actually GMed both of these before, so I can do them again with minimal prep time.In fact, I just did Frostfur Captives last week, so it's still fresh in my mind, and I have everything printed and easily accessible. It's also among my favorite scenarios, so I'll enjoy running it again.
I'll need to refresh my memory about Rules of the Swift, since I ran it probably 6 or 7 months ago and don't remember the details.
My wife and I appreciate you stepping up to GM DWK4, since that is one we are signed up to play. ;)
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I hope you're doing all four parts of Devil We Know. The conclusion just doesn't have the same impact if you haven't already done the first three parts. At least one of the recurring characters in this series can be highly entertaining.
Do you know what level PCs you plan to run through this? Having three subtiers on 1-7 scenarios makes it a little tougher to prepare, so some advance warning can help me narrow my focus when reviewing it.
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I hope you're doing all four parts of Devil We Know. The conclusion just doesn't have the same impact if you haven't already done the first three parts. At least one of the recurring characters in this series can be highly entertaining.
Do you know what level PCs you plan to run through this? Having three subtiers on 1-7 scenarios makes it a little tougher to prepare, so some advance warning can help me narrow my focus when reviewing it.
She has played parts 1-3 before, though this wont be on the same character, Im sure.
I've played parts 1 and 2 and GMed all four of them before. So mostly I will be sitting around watching the other players and being amused at their expressions when stuff happens. :P
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Done...I will bring candy to the con and have it available at HQ. So, now there is nothing preventing everyone from registering. Well, what are you waiting for? Get on it :-)
BTW, I just rec'd the prize support shipment and boy is it juicy. I could take a picture and post it here, but I think I'll just keep it a surprise. Just know that it is the biggest/best prize package we have ever rec'd. My excitement has reached 11
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Only five more days!
If anyone has any last minute questions, please drop me an email
pfs.illinois@gmail.com
