RPG Superstar 2014 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2013 Top 16
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Welcome to Pathfinder Society!
If you don't have a character already, you'll be starting out a level 1, so look for scenarios in the 1-5 tier (or possibly 1-7). If possible, try to sign up for The Confirmation or The Wounded Wisp (both tier 1-2), because those are especially designed to introduce you to the Society.
All the GMs should be able to give you a pregenerated character to get you started, and you can put that credit you earn onto a new character, and start a bit ahead of the game when you make your own.
The scenarios are designed to be modular, so you can play them in any order, but some may be series, such as Destiny of the Sands. It looks like they are also offering some levels of Thornkeep, which is a mega-dungeon that's all connected, but I don't think there's much plot to it, so I don't think you're missing out if you only play some parts of it.
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Hi, welcome to Pathfinder Society!
Some of the following advice assumes you do not have a character and have never participated in PFS, but that you are familiar with the rules of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (If you are unfamiliar with the rules of the roleplaying game, follow the link to the Core Rulebook and peruse these. The only rules a beginner really needs to know initially are those that pertain to their own character and the Combat chapter.)
Step 1.
Go to This page in a separate tab or window. Most of everything that follows can be found on that page.
Step 2.
Download and read the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play (GtPFSOP). Make a note of anything you don't understand. You can ask for clarifications here or at the event.
Step 3. (Optional)
Download and peruse the Pregenerated Characters. Using a "Pregen" for your first few games is not a bad idea. You are allowed to change your character from scenario to scenario as long as it is still level 1. This gives you an opportunity to try a couple different classes.
Step 4.
Download a Character Sheet and an Inventory Tracking Sheet (ITS). Build your own character using the rules outlined in the GtPFSOP.
Step 5.
Go to the website for the event you are interested in. Sign up for games where the Tier of the scenario matches the level of your character.
For level 1 characters the best scenarios are Master of the Fallen Fortress, The Confirmation, and The Wounded Wisp. Probably try to steer clear of any scenarios that are "Part 1" (or worse, "Part 2" or "Part 3") of a series unless you can sign up for all the parts in the series, in order (I have found that series are best if played with the same GM and the same group of players). If you have a chance to sign up for We Be Goblins, do so. Do not sign up for We Be Goblins, Too unless you have played (or will play) the original first, otherwise do so.
Step 6.
Show up to the event a bit early. Find the organizer and introduce yourself. Find your table GM and introduce yourself. These two individuals will be able to answer any last minute questions you have, or at least direct you to someone who can. Ask them if they can look over your character sheet and ITS.
Step 7.
Have fun!
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Now to answer some of your specific questions.
I'm looking to sign up for pathfinder events for the Milwaukee Midwinter Gaming Convention this weekend and I need some help picking events. Is there some kind of basic guide to this?
There isn't a basic guide to picking events. The advice I gave above should get you started.
I have a few things from my previous experience with pathfinder at GenCon, but I mostly just showed up to events there.
If you have chronicle sheets from GenCon (they say "Pathfinder Society" at the top and list the scenario played; they also have XP, gp, Fame, and Prestige listed on them), bring those. You will need them. The chronicle sheet is explained in the GtPFSOP.
I'm not sure what the levels mean or if some of these are ongoing campaigns or what.
Some of these questions are answered in the Core Rulebook. You should bring one of these (either dead-tree form or PDF) to the game with you. In the short run you can get by with the PRD. The only rules that you really need to know as a beginner are those that pertain to your particular character and the chapter on Combat.
Pathfinder Society is an ongoing campaign, set in the world of Golarion. It has overarching story lines (called the Meta-plot) that last one year (called a Season).
However, the scenarios are also episodic, meaning you can play them in any order. (You will get the most out of the 2-part, 3-part, or 4-part series scenarios if you play them in order with the same character.)
Think of the Indiana Jones movies. There are some overarching themes that you will miss if you watch them out of order, but for the most part they stand independent of one another and can be viewed in any order you want.
Also, I haven't been able to find a set time or date for people to come in and get basic instructions on the game. Will there be someone at the event who can help with that?
The event organizer and the table GMs will be able to help. :)
Venture-Captain, Germany—Bavaria
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Welcome to the society, the previous posters have already given you great advice, the only things I would add:
1. If you are unsure about your character, asking in the Advice part of this forum is generally a good idea. Just mention, that the character is for PFS. And until you are level 2 you can completely remake your character between sessions.
2. Get a PFS number: Go to your profile page, there should be a PFS section. This allows you to create characters (you get a PFS number and all your characters will be listed under that number.) To be honest the people at your event will be able to explain this to you, so this step is not mandatory.
3. Ask for advice and read some of the more useful guides on this part of the board. Alternatively ask other players at or after your first game on the purchases they would recommend. At least one person at the table should be able to give you great suggestions.
Venture-Captain, Washington—Spokane
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Hi kimisgreat and Welcome to PFS!
Your situation is one of the reasons why I believe online reporting is so important and hate when I lose track of a reporting sheet. I had a player who had his supplies stolen from his vehicle. Using the online reporting information, I was able to reissue all (at the time) 25 chronicles.
As was stated by The Fox, work with your Venture-Officers locally and they should be able to help. Good luck and may you confirm all your criticals.