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Looking at the unreleased PFS scenarios, there are four specials on the Season 6 / Season 7 boundary:
06-97, Siege of Serpents, a multi-table tier 1-11 special.
06-98, Serpents Rise, a scenario for pregenerated Aspis Consortium level 7 characters, and the "other side" of "Siege of Serpents", it appears.
06-99, True Dragons of Absalom, for pregenerated 4th level Kobold characters. Playing as Kobolds sounds like a lot of fun!
07-00, The Sky Key Solution, a multitable tier 1-11 special that looks to be the traditional "Season 7 kickoff" scenario.
Are 6-98 and 6-99 multitable scenarios, or single-table scenarios?
Which of these will be appearing at PaizoCon, and which at GenCon?
Will any of them be generally available after the cons, or will they be restricted (e.g. to VOs, to 4-star GMs, etc.)?
Global Organized Play Coordinator
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6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
6-97 and 6-98 are debuting at PaizoCon. The other two are debuting at Gen Con.
6-97 and 7-00 can be run at any large game day or convention that can hosts the required minimum number of concurrent tables.
Regional Venture-Coordinator, Central Europe
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I have a few questions in regard to the specials. I am not sure if the answer to them are already set and you can tell us, but i can try.
In what order are they intended to play?
Is 7-00 supposed to happen after or before 6-97?
Are you playing the bad guys of 6-97 in 6-98, and is it better to play 6-98 before or after 6-97?
Is 6-99's story connected to 6-97, and if yes what is the intended play-order?
And finally, 6-98 and 6-99 are 4/5-star exclusives. Does that mean 4/5-star or VO like the former exclusives or are non-4/5-star VOs disqualified from running them?
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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6-97 and 6-98 essentially give you both sides of the same story. So, playing them in either order is fine. They work in conjunction to help close out Season 6.
6-99 is essentially a stand alone story.
7-00 kicks off the new season.
I haven't made a final decision as to whether non-4/5 star VOs will be able to run the exclusives.
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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Why?Well, I was excited until I saw that.6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
Speaking for myself, I was sad to see the five star special. Being between jobs, and not knowing if I'll be able to do Origins, let alone Gen Con this year, I was looking forward to being able to run more than just bonekeep for working towards my 5th star. Now knowing I'll have two, rather than 3 scenarios to count as specials (I don't know if we're going to try to run any of the multitable events in Ohio outside of cons) limits my flexibility in running specials for the community. Bonekeep (and maybe bonekeep II) and another special may double the number of events I can run, I'd rather have them trippled.
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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Speaking for myself, I was sad to see the five star special. Being between jobs, and not knowing if I'll be able to do Origins, let alone Gen Con this year, I was looking forward to being able to run more than just bonekeep for working towards my 5th star. Now knowing I'll have two, rather than 3 scenarios to count as specials (I don't know if we're going to try to run any of the multitable events in Ohio outside of cons) limits my flexibility in running specials for the community. Bonekeep (and maybe bonekeep II) and another special may double the number of events I can run, I'd rather have them trippled.Why?Well, I was excited until I saw that.6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
So are you suggesting we don't give 5 star Gms something exclusive for all of their hard work? Don't five star GMs also deserve something special? If that is not your suggestion, then what do you propose we do for 5 star GMs?
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32, 2010 Top 8
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So are you suggesting we don't give 5 star Gms something exclusive for all of their hard work? Don't five star GMs also deserve something special? If that is not your suggestion, then what do you propose we do for 5 star GMs?
Oh no, not at all.
You asked Fomsie why he was sad. I was telling you why I was. And it's "Darn, one less special I can throw into the mix" not, "Those dang 5 stars get something I don't."
Please don't assume the worst possible interpretation of what is written in a reply.
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Mike,
I would like to go on record to say that I am extremely excited to have the chance to run 6-98: Serpents Rise as a four-star exclusive!
With Bonekeep being the only current exclusive, it looked difficult for me to get enough tables to qualify for a fifth star any time soon, but now I have a chance to make it happen! (I still need to find a table to run Bonekeep at, which might be tough given how much play it has seen locally -- though it is currently not on my available now list in the store - is this something you have to manually change, Mike?)
Thank you.
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Why?Well, I was excited until I saw that.6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
Why? Because not everyone can attend conventions, not everyone can get together with groups that have a 4 or 5 star GM, and even when they do, that might not be what's on the docket. I am certain this is less of a concern in areas with a very active PFS participation, but not all areas... and thus not all players... have that luxury.
I get specials like Bonekeep, designed as special challenge to your player characters, but these are two scenarios using specific pregens to allow players to play something outside of the normal allowances for PFS, and now the access to them will become gated. I am sorry but I do not agree with using something as a reward to your 4/5 star GMs, when that reward comes at the expense of limiting the access to other players.
These adventures seem to me to be something more of the player base would be interested in experiencing, but now it will put a limit on that, and I just don't see the point. You should never design a reward for some, that makes other people beholden to them to be able to experience game content.
Just my take, obviously you may feel otherwise.
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So are you suggesting we don't give 5 star Gms something exclusive for all of their hard work? Don't five star GMs also deserve something special? If that is not your suggestion, then what do you propose we do for 5 star GMs?Speaking for myself, I was sad to see the five star special. Being between jobs, and not knowing if I'll be able to do Origins, let alone Gen Con this year, I was looking forward to being able to run more than just bonekeep for working towards my 5th star. Now knowing I'll have two, rather than 3 scenarios to count as specials (I don't know if we're going to try to run any of the multitable events in Ohio outside of cons) limits my flexibility in running specials for the community. Bonekeep (and maybe bonekeep II) and another special may double the number of events I can run, I'd rather have them trippled.Why?Well, I was excited until I saw that.6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
Speaking as a guy who operates in an area with an abundance of 4+ star GMs, I wouldn't mind not having a 5 star exclusive. With two new EX scenarios running the 10 specials required to reach 5 star status would be easy enough that I, as a 5 star GM, wouldn't feel awkward running both scenarios. If only one was available to 4 star GMs, I'd feel like a jerk for running it. So really, by making both scenarios 4 star exclusives, you are only increasing the benefits of being a 5 star GM.
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Why? Because not everyone can attend conventions, not everyone can get together with groups that have a 4 or 5 star GM, and even when they do, that might not be what's on the docket. I am certain this is less of a concern in areas with a very active PFS participation, but not all areas... and thus not all players... have that luxury.
Agreed. As one of the very few active 4+ star GMs in my local area, I can definitely think of a couple GMs in my area that would love to run these types of things. They just don't have the star power nor the time to quickly grind out the PFS rep required to get access to these things.
That reminds me, is PaizoCon still accepting volunteer GMs? I need 5-star work. XD
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Why?Well, I was excited until I saw that.6-98 and 6-99 are single table, pregenerated character scenarios. One will convert to a 4 star GM exclusive and the other to a 5 star GM exclusive after Gen Con.
Why? Because not everyone can attend conventions, not everyone can get together with groups that have a 4 or 5 star GM, and even when they do, that might not be what's on the docket. I am certain this is less of a concern in areas with a very active PFS participation, but not all areas... and thus not all players... have that luxury.
I get specials like Bonekeep, designed as special challenge to your player characters, but these are two scenarios using specific pregens to allow players to play something outside of the normal allowances for PFS, and now the access to them will become gated. I am sorry but I do not agree with using something as a reward to your 4/5 star GMs, when that reward comes at the expense of limiting the access to other players.
These adventures seem to me to be something more of the player base would be interested in experiencing, but now it will put a limit on that, and I just don't see the point. You should never design a reward for some, that makes other people beholden to them to be able to experience game content.
Just my take, obviously you may feel otherwise.
I see this complaint a lot still and I do not really see it as a valid one anymore. There is a very strong online community with 4 and 5 star gms and online conventions for both VTT and PbP, they even give out boons. The games are there you just need to look a little harder. Try reaching out to one of the Online VOs (yes there are specific VOs just for online play) who would love to show you how to get started.
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I see this complaint a lot still and I do not really see it as a valid one anymore. There is a very strong online community with 4 and 5 star gms and online conventions for both VTT and PbP, they even give out boons. The games are there you just need to look a little harder. Try reaching out to one of the Online VOs (yes there are specific VOs just for online play) who would love to show you how to get started.
That's a fair statement to make. However, not every online convention gets Paizo support. To further complicate matters, those conventions are still held to a standard that's expected for RL conventions in order to qualify being able to run special events. Speaking from experience, that's rather extraordinary for it to occur.
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I see this complaint a lot still and I do not really see it as a valid one anymore. There is a very strong online community with 4 and 5 star gms and online conventions for both VTT and PbP, they even give out boons. The games are there you just need to look a little harder. Try reaching out to one of the Online VOs (yes there are specific VOs just for online play) who would love to show you how to get started.That's a fair statement to make. However, not every online convention gets Paizo support. To further complicate matters, those conventions are still held to a standard that's expected for RL conventions in order to qualify being able to run special events. Speaking from experience, that's rather extraordinary for it to occur.
as a member of the online community allow me to state that what you have said ... that couldnt be farther from the truth
Joe Cabau(sp?) and now Jesse Davis, Along with Arthur Perkins and Brandon Cecil have done an AMAZING job with the online community -
there was only 1 convention online that did NOT have con support - and it was a cluster from the word go, Reporting was a mess, Organization was abysmal, it was simply NOT handled well- it was also NOT organized by the PFS online VO's and truthfully had very little to do with them (not for a lack of trying)
that said I personally have attended and GM'ed at 5 online conventions (IIRC)and in them I have played
Year of the Shadow Lodge
Bonekeep 1
Bonekeep 2
Bonekeep 3
and I have GM'd
Bonekeep 1
Bonekeep 2
Bonekeep 3
Blood Under Absalom
Race for the Runecarved Key
Siege of the Diamond City
Legacy of the Stonelords
and have recieved boons from each and every convention I have GM'd at .. and won some for playing - aside from the one mentioned above
Each Special had over 50 players signed up to play it and the total convention table count was 60+ IIRC
maybe you were a participant in the 1 con I mentioned above - and ATM I cant even remember what it was called - but if that was your only experience then I would urge you to come try again on one that the VO's put together as it is a uch different experience
edited for context and punctuation
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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I see this complaint a lot still and I do not really see it as a valid one anymore. There is a very strong online community with 4 and 5 star gms and online conventions for both VTT and PbP, they even give out boons. The games are there you just need to look a little harder. Try reaching out to one of the Online VOs (yes there are specific VOs just for online play) who would love to show you how to get started.That's a fair statement to make. However, not every online convention gets Paizo support. To further complicate matters, those conventions are still held to a standard that's expected for RL conventions in order to qualify being able to run special events. Speaking from experience, that's rather extraordinary for it to occur.
That is false. every online convention that the online VOs have submitted a request for has received support, including PDFs for GMs and prize suppor in the form of product PDFs and boons.
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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Mike,
Is there a plan for the 4 and 5 star exclusives from this year to move out of Exclusive status next year like other exclusives have?
I haven't made that decision yet. I like the idea of having a library of 4 and 5 star exclusives because it gives some value to earning stars.
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RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32
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Personally, I like the fact that we have these 4 and 5 star exclusives. The Aspis scenario in particular is going to require a certain level of finesse in order to pull off, and I am concerned about new GMs getting tasked with running it. I also appreciate the addition of new paths to the 5th star, as the Specials requirement is one of the more difficult parts of that equation.
To those concerned about not getting to play the 4 and 5 star scenarios, I can promise that one of my VLs will likely end up running it at least 3-4 times online in his efforts to get his star. I'll probably commit to running the 5th star one at least once or twice.
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I am happy with the idea of certain exclusives remaining available to only 4 and 5 star GMs. One, it does insure they are run by experienced GMs, as some of them are more complex than your typical scenario. Also, it not only rewards GMs for their efforts, giving them something special that only they can run, but it also motivates other GMs to follow the path to becoming a 4 or 5 star GM.
Very excited about these new scenarios, they all look to be very promising!
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As someone who has been closing in on his fourth star for awhile, I'm very excited at specials that aren't Bonekeep that I will hopefully get to run for my players. Not that Bonekeep isn't exciting, but for some reason they get a bit skittish at the idea. :P So I suppose this is a bit biased but I will say as someone who's been working hard to get towards that fourth star I am very excited at unlocking new privileges that I can share with my players, and am not necessarily brokenhearted if this stays an exclusive thing. I do think that it would be nice if non-4/5 VO's could run it though, particularly for the areas in which 4/5 stars are less often seen.
Thanks for popping into the thread Mike. I'm super excited for all the specials this year.
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Regional Venture-Coordinator, Baltic
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I could be wrong, but I think the 4-5 star exclusives can always be ran by a VO for just this reason. However, Mike would need to confirm that one.
I haven't made a final decision as to whether non-4/5 star VOs will be able to run the exclusives.
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I could be wrong, but I think the 4-5 star exclusives can always be ran by a VO for just this reason. However, Mike would need to confirm that one.I haven't made a final decision as to whether non-4/5 star VOs will be able to run the exclusives.
Hah, thanks Auke for pointing that out. I glossed over that part of his reply. :)
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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As far as rewarding 4 & 5 star GMs, they get a +4 or +5 respectively to their reroll in every game and they get to replay 4 or 5 scenarios (per recharge, which may be a seasonal thing), right? That said, I understand that some scenarios are complicated enough that they should probably only be run by experienced GMs and the star system helps build confidence in the experience of said GMs. Scenarios that fit that bill should probably be limited to 4/5 star GMs just to ensure they are run correctly each and every time (although there will probably still be a few cases where there are errors made).
How often do you think 4 and 5 star GMs play compared to the time they spend GMing? Do you think the bonus to one reroll a game and replay is sufficient reward for someone who has dedicated more than 500 volunteer hours to PFS to give at least 400-600 people entertainment? Or should we strive for providing additional rewards for those folks?
In my experience, most 4 and 5 star GMs run games because they take great pride and pleasure in doing so, often more than they like playing. Shouldn't we provide rewards that fuel into that passion?
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As far as rewarding 4 & 5 star GMs, they get a +4 or +5 respectively to their reroll in every game and they get to replay 4 or 5 scenarios (per recharge, which may be a seasonal thing), right? That said, I understand that some scenarios are complicated enough that they should probably only be run by experienced GMs and the star system helps build confidence in the experience of said GMs. Scenarios that fit that bill should probably be limited to 4/5 star GMs just to ensure they are run correctly each and every time (although there will probably still be a few cases where there are errors made).How often do you think 4 and 5 star GMs play compared to the time they spend GMing? Do you think the bonus to one reroll a game and replay is sufficient reward for someone who has dedicated more than 500 volunteer hours to PFS to give at least 400-600 people entertainment? Or should we strive for providing additional rewards for those folks?
In my experience, most 4 and 5 star GMs run games because they take great pride and pleasure in doing so, often more than they like playing. Shouldn't we provide rewards that fuel into that passion?
I'll add to Mike's comment with some real numbers to help support the point he makes.
In 2014 I GMed 43 tables of PFS, which includes specials. (And thats probably low compared to a lot of GMs. I have a less active area. I was also out of the country for three weeks.)
In 2014 I ran 19 tables of Pathfinder Adventure Card Game Organized Play
In 2014 I played in 3 PFS games
In 2014 I never used a GM star bonus to a reroll
Mike is 100% correct. Most dedicated GMs play very little PFS because we are usually busy running games. While I am very appreciative of the boons and bonus to rolls that GMing can earn, most in-play benefits usually matter little to the majority of full-time GMs.
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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As far as rewarding 4 & 5 star GMs, they get a +4 or +5 respectively to their reroll in every game and they get to replay 4 or 5 scenarios (per recharge, which may be a seasonal thing), right? That said, I understand that some scenarios are complicated enough that they should probably only be run by experienced GMs and the star system helps build confidence in the experience of said GMs. Scenarios that fit that bill should probably be limited to 4/5 star GMs just to ensure they are run correctly each and every time (although there will probably still be a few cases where there are errors made).How often do you think 4 and 5 star GMs play compared to the time they spend GMing? Do you think the bonus to one reroll a game and replay is sufficient reward for someone who has dedicated more than 500 volunteer hours to PFS to give at least 400-600 people entertainment? Or should we strive for providing additional rewards for those folks?I don't know. I'm not in that position, so it's difficult for me speak with any real insight into the situation of 4/5 GMs. It's a great question to pose to the 4/5 star GMs though. :)
I've always been of the mind that exclusion tends to breed contempt. In this case, I don't particularly care one way or another. I do know that the higher star GMs I play with make liberal use of their bonus to rerolls. As a player that doesn't have that bonus, it looks like a pretty nice reward when I see it used.
Edit: That last part wasn't in there when I replied. If it's the case that 4/5 star GMs want something more, I guess any reward will be exclusionary by nature. I certainly wouldn't want to drive away those that have assisted in building PFS into what it is by not recognizing the efforts they have put in.
And it is a question I have posed to more than 250 four and five star GMs. From feedback I've received, and as a five star GM myself, GM rewards are generally preferred more than player rewards because they are used more.
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Why? Because not everyone can attend conventions, not everyone can get together with groups that have a 4 or 5 star GM, and even when they do, that might not be what's on the docket. I am certain this is less of a concern in areas with a very active PFS participation, but not all areas... and thus not all players... have that luxury.
I should probably read the rest of the thread before posting this, as somebody might already have said it, but, well, I'm going to behave badly.
If you haven't tried it, you might give online play a try. I know it's not for everybody, so if you have tried it and didn't like it, I apologize. But, there are some 4- and 5-star GMs that GM online, and what's more it's a great way to find a group of people to play with who can be gathered from all over the world.
Edit: why, yes, it was discussed extensively, and my reply was redundant. Naughty Rob. Still, allow me to join the echo chorus.
-Rob
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As an almost exclusive online player and GM, I'll concur with rknop on that and also say that this is going to motivate me to get the few extra games GM'ed that I'll need beyond my weekly GM'ing to hit the 4th star around GenCon and give my regulars (who have limited PFS beyond what I give them) Aspis and Bonekeep.
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Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
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Back when I was a 2 star VL, I was more than happy to go all over the state to run the exclusives for groups. I reached out to most of them, but I did have some contact me and I was happy to go and run for them. All it takes is seeing if there's a 4-5 star(or VO if Mike allows for them to run them) within an hour or two and ask if they'd be willing to run for you. I know if anyone in my area asked me to run either of the specials I'd be glad to go run for them if I can get my schedule worked out.
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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I'm only a 1 star GM, which makes me sort of a rarity among the VOs - I guess that most VOs have far more stars than I do.
If non 4 or 5 star VOs can't run the exclusives, I'm okay with that - I understand Mike's rationale. There has to be some reward, beyond in-game related ones, for that class of GM.
I'm happy to run them, of course, but would certainly understand if not. 4 and 5 star GMs should most certainly be rewarded in a way that no one else would be. I think that's entirely appropriate.
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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...And it is a question I have posed to more than 250 four and five star GMs. From feedback I've received, and as a five star GM myself, GM rewards areAs far as rewarding 4 & 5 star GMs, they get a +4 or +5 respectively to their reroll in every game and they get to replay 4 or 5 scenarios (per recharge, which may be a seasonal thing), right? That said, I understand that some scenarios are complicated enough that they should probably only be run by experienced GMs and the star system helps build confidence in the experience of said GMs. Scenarios that fit that bill should probably be limited to 4/5 star GMs just to ensure they are run correctly each and every time (although there will probably still be a few cases where there are errors made).How often do you think 4 and 5 star GMs play compared to the time they spend GMing? Do you think the bonus to one reroll a game and replay is sufficient reward for someone who has dedicated more than 500 volunteer hours to PFS to give at least 400-600 people entertainment? Or should we strive for providing additional rewards for those folks?I don't know. I'm not in that position, so it's difficult for me speak with any real insight into the situation of 4/5 GMs. It's a great question to pose to the 4/5 star GMs though. :)
I've always been of the mind that exclusion tends to breed contempt. In this case, I don't particularly care one way or another. I do know that the higher star GMs I play with make liberal use of their bonus to rerolls. As a player that doesn't have that bonus, it looks like a pretty nice reward when I see it used.
Edit: That last part wasn't in there when I replied. If it's the case that 4/5 star GMs want something more, I guess any reward will be exclusionary by nature. I certainly wouldn't want to drive away those that have assisted in building PFS into what it is by not recognizing the efforts they have put in.
Can you advise a region that does not have a four or five star GM geographically close by? There are very, very few left that don't have access to a four and/or five star GM. I believe Latvia, Russia, and Israel are three. I checked Singapore, Croatia, and several other small and remote regions and they all have access to four and five star GMs. If you throw in on line play, there is no one who will be excluded.
Additionally, this provides for regional conventions to consider inviting a four and/or five star GM to their convention as a guest to run the exclusives, thus creating an even greater reward for that four or five star GM.
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Global Organized Play Coordinator
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My only issue with making a game 5 star only is that it means the only chance I'll have to play it will be online (no local 5 star GMs and no local VOs). I suspect there are quite a few areas that fall into that category
And I imagine the competition to get into the online games will be fierce :-).
Are you aware of the 5 star GM and the 4 star GM that now live in Ontario and would probably be willing to work with you to schedule each of the specials? There is also the current 4 star GM and soon to be 5th star GM that lives right in the Toronto area.
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I don't know. I'm not in that position, so it's difficult for me speak with any real insight into the situation of 4/5 GMs. It's a great question to pose to the 4/5 star GMs though. :)
Happy to oblige! :)
2008 Play Sessions: 1
2012 Play Sessions: 11
2012 GM Sessions: 28
2013 Play Sessions: 51
2013 GM Sessions: 68
2014 Play Sessions: 89
2014 GM Sessions: 96
2015 Play Sessions: 13
2015 GM Sessions: 18
Well, it's good to see me keeping my numbers about right. ;)