Entirely new to PF and would like to dive right in by GM'ing a PFS module - how do I get started?

[Sean D.]

Hi,

I've recently acquired a copy of the PF Core Rules and Bestiary and,reading through the rulebook have found the rules to be fairly straight forward (and quite comparable to DND 4E). So, I reckon the easiest way for me to get into this system will be to dive right in and GM a game, for which I've also purchased a hardbacked copy of the Crypt of the Everflame module.

How do I therefore go about registering as a PFS GM and set up a new game to invite players to and ultimately award XP? If it's of any consequence, I intend to run this module over Roll20.

[Paz]

If you're determined to make your debut GMing a PFS game, reading the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organised Play is a great place to start.

[Ulfen Death Squad]

If there is pfs already in your area, I would suggest playing a few encounters first just to get a feel for them. I would also talk to the normal pfs GMs. The pfs guide and message boards are good tools as well.

Be prepared to have to get the other books or have to look stuff up online because the pfs encounters are not limited to the crb and b1.

I do not want to scare you. Places can always use more GMs, especially good ones. If you look to gm, you will need access to the stats online if not able to buy the books. If you have not done so already, invest in a map with the inch squares and the erasable markers.

I would recommend looking at the season 0 to early season 2 encounters to run. Those are less likely to have stuff outside the books u have. There is also a website that has the stats and info for free. I just do not remember it.

[Marie]

Welcome to PFS! Be sure to read the Guide to Organized Play, as Paz said, because that PDF has all of the rules specific to PFS. Also, near the end of that PDF is a list of all of the Venture Captains and Venture Lieutenants (regional and local PFS coordinators). Your local venture officers can help you with any questions you have as you get started, and help you connect with other players and GMs in your area.

Ulfen Death Squad wrote:

There is also a website that has the stats and info for free. I just do not remember it.

That website is the PRD.

I second starting with an early scenario, but I would suggest season 1, since season 0 was written in 3.5 and so there is sometimes a bit of conversion work to be done. Nothing major, and the Guide to Organized Play explains how to do the conversion, but why give yourself extra work during your first game?

Registering to GM PFS is the same as registering to play PFS. You just need to get a PFS number and register that number under your account. Go to Pathfinder society under "My account" to register. I will send you a private message with a PFS number and the confirmation code to register the number. Your players will need numbers too, if they don't already have them. Once you are registered with PFS, getting a batch of numbers is easy. When you click on PFS under "My account", you'll see a tab called "GM/Event Coordinator". There are button on that page to reserve and download a set of 10 PFS numbers.

The only other step is reporting the game. To do that, go back to the "GM/Event Coordinator" tab, and hit the "Create Your Event" button. Once you create the event, you can hit "report" next to the event name to enter the Pathfinder society numbers, factions, and earned prestige for your players.

Some other good resources to help with preparing games:
*This section of the messageboard. There is usually at least one thread about each scenario.
*The GM shared prep folder linked in this thread

[Avatar-1]

You might lose that link to the PRD - remember it's in the left hand sidebar. Rules Archive (PRD). Easy to remember without bookmarking.

[kinevon]

Since you are planning on running using Roll20, you won't need the maps or init tracker, other than pulling out or creating the maps for your scenario or module to use on Roll20.

Crypt of the Everflame is probably a good starting point into PF, as it contains a lot of sidebars on the changes from 3.5. While you are coming from 4E, the sidebars still will cover a bunch of the rules needed for the module in quick format.

Remember that the module was written for 4 PCs using a 15 point buy, so it can be a bit easy for 4-6 PCs using a 20 point buy. Then again, the late section will still be hard, since it was written for those 4 PCs after they have leveled up to 2, which won't be possible in PFS play.

Some other advice: If you are running for others at remote locations, not all of you using a PC in the same house/room, consider making sure everyone has headsets with microphones, and use a Google Hangout for voice chat.

See if you can find a game or two to play in at the Pathfinder Society Online Collective before you run yourself, just to experience the game.

[Sean D.]

Thanks for the input everyone. Appreciate all the help and I'll definitely have a close look at the guide before getting started.