Flaxseed Lodge (PFS1)

Game Master Redelia

Hello and welcome to wild, wonderful world of PbP GMing! I will absolutely second all of GM Hmm and GM Numbat's suggestions on how to prepare for PbP GMing as well as suggest some extra resources:

GM Shared Prep - This is a great resource and place for GMs to find and share scenario prep with each other. The level of prep tends to vary for each scenario but I've seen everything from enemy stat blocks to point trackers (for scenarios with additional mechanics or subsystems) to optional flavor text for NPCs.

GM Discussion - A subsection of the Paizo forums devoted to GM discussion about scenarios and other sanctioned content. This is a good place to check if you run into something in a scenario that seems odd (because sometimes mistakes slip through the editing process) or if you want to see how other GMs handled a particular section.

Another good idea is to check out other people's Gameplay threads of the scenario you want to run to see how different GMs approached the scenario. I do this often, especially when I come upon something that I'm uncertain of how to properly/adequately translate into the PbP format.

For the scenarios that you've already been loaned by your local GM/Venture Officer, you may use them to run a PbP provided they do not mind extending the loan. Otherwise, you will need to purchase the materials yourself or, if you choose to GM for one of our conventions, request scenario support - in which case the scenario will be gifted to your account.

Regarding GMing for no credit - oh my, yes! The GM getting credit and the players getting credit are not linked; you may GM the same scenario multiple times for different players and all of those players will get credit. The only limitation as a GM is that you may (barring a handful of exceptions) only assign a particular GM chronicle to any one of your own characters once. For example:

I GM #9-14 Down the Verdant Path for the first time for a table. I choose to assign the chronicle I get for GMing to my druid. Now that I've done so, I don't ever get to assign another GM chronicle for #9-14 to a character of mine, no how matter how many times I might happen to GM it in the future.

Hopefully all of that makes sense! If not, please feel free to keep asking questions here in Discussion. We have a lot of great GMs here at Flaxseed and at our other lodges and people are always happy to answer questions and help out. Alternatively, feel free to send GM Numbat or myself a PM if you're more comfortable talking privately :)

Regarding GMing for no credit - oh my, yes! The GM getting credit and the players getting credit are not linked; you may GM the same scenario multiple times for different players and all of those players will get credit. The only limitation as a GM is that you may (barring a handful of exceptions) only assign a particular GM chronicle to any one of your own characters once. For example:

I GM #9-14 Down the Verdant Path for the first time for a table. I choose to assign the chronicle I get for GMing to my druid. Now that I've done so, I don't ever get to assign another GM chronicle for #9-14 to a character of mine, no how matter how many times I might happen to GM it in the future.

So, for evergreens like The Confirmation and the like, are those the handful of exceptions? Or are the rules a little different than that?

Evergreens allow GM credit each time you run, just like you accrue Player credit each time you play. You may only assign one chronicle of any game to a single character so you may not assign both player and GM chronicles to the same character for the same game.

Another good resource is PFS Guild Guide available for free download (on the page linked). There is a similar guide for SFS if you ever decide to play or run Starfinder.

Everyone should have a copy and have read the Guild Guide at least once so you know what is in it and where to find specific information.

GM Ladile wrote:

Regarding GMing for no credit - oh my, yes! The GM getting credit and the players getting credit are not linked; you may GM the same scenario multiple times for different players and all of those players will get credit. The only limitation as a GM is that you may (barring a handful of exceptions) only assign a particular GM chronicle to any one of your own characters once. For example:

I GM #9-14 Down the Verdant Path for the first time for a table. I choose to assign the chronicle I get for GMing to my druid. Now that I've done so, I don't ever get to assign another GM chronicle for #9-14 to a character of mine, no how matter how many times I might happen to GM it in the future.

So, for evergreens like The Confirmation and the like, are those the handful of exceptions? Or are the rules a little different than that?

Yes. You will acrue more Confirmation credit than you know what to do with. I have no idea where to assign the game we're playing. I'll figure it out... even though I liked being having a round 50 characters (between systems). :)

If it's any encouragement, you've taken to PbP very naturally. I have no doubt you can be a great GM if you put your mind to it (and don't over exend, which is very important to avoid burnout).

You will acrue more Confirmation credit than you know what to do with.

Hi, I'm a Pirate an I have a problem.

For The Confirmation I have 12 player and 5 GM credits, and 4 Core Player credits and 2 Core GM Credit.

Hi, I'm a Pirate an I have a problem.

For The Confirmation I have 12 player and 5 GM credits, and 4 Core Player credits and 2 Core GM Credit.

/joins the club

I thought it was a great idea to offer Wounded Wisp, The Confirmation, Emerald Spire 1 a bunch of times as an intro series for new players, to learn how to start both with Society play and with VTTs, also to help them get to 2nd level in a quick and hopefully fun way... then I realised I had a dozen level 2 character blobs staring at me sadly, waiting the spark of life >.<

Emerald Spire 1 is a bit harsh for new players I would think.

Just make them all play Dwarves.

*bows to Pirate Rob*
I thought I was bad with the Confirmation with 9+5 classic and 3+1 core runs under my belt.

Gallows of Madness 1 is a great option for evergreen GMing.

Cassius awkwardly chuckles and rubs the back of his head as he listens to the Pathfinder Captains, markedly aware that he's currently waiting to take his Confirmation.

Emerald Spire 1 is a bit harsh for new players I would think.

It's really not bad at all tbh, it gives a nice example of an unusual complication that needs to be dealt with (and of the 15 races available only 2 don't come with an inbuilt option to partly or fully ignore it) and it offers numerous ways to deal with that using clever thinking and creative ideas, plus the enemies aren't terribly threatening and can give some fantastic roleplay with a little effort. I've never had anyone die and I think only one character even drop below zero in a dozen runs of it, but everyone has certainly seemed to have a good time. Importantly, it also gives the 'dungeoneering' experience that a lot of people who are new may associate with 'D&D' (which I find a lot of new player still think of all rpg's as in my experience).

Richard, I think you may be giving PCs a break on ES1 that isn't supported by the rules.

"The power of the snows allowed me to aid my allies in victory over the spire of emerald!"

Hansel and Gretel also have a very appropriate response to it...

I have yet to play a module or anything similar.

The majority of my nervousness comes from my newness. I've only been playing Pathfinder for a few months, and I consider this my first tabletop. I feel I've taken to it like a fish to water, but I've still been tinged with fear that my newness will catch up to me.

For reference, my only TTRPG experience can be counted by the four PbP games I have played/am playing in, plus the 5XP my -1 character that I play in my local PFS group, 2XP being GM credits..

All that said! I haven't even played a module, and all this talk of Emerald Spire... I'd love to run it as a player before anything. Anyone have plans of running it in the near future?

I plan to GM 9-14 once two of my four PbPs I'm playing in are finished, in the spirit of avoiding burnout. So if anyone wants to volunteer in advance to be my first victims (read volunteers), I'd appreciate it. ^.^

Roxxie613, I love your enthusiasm and willingness to jump in. I'd love to be one of your first PbP players, unfortunately, I have already played that one so will have to wait for a future game.

I plan to GM 9-14 once two of my four PbPs I'm playing in are finished, in the spirit of avoiding burnout. So if anyone wants to volunteer in advance to be my first victims (read volunteers), I'd appreciate it. ^.^

I can be a victim! Haven't played that one.

I'm in a similar boat as Numbat. I love your enthusiasm and I'd love to play but alas, I've already played it. That said, I don't think you'll have any problems finding eager players :)

Count me in for 9-14. Time to bring this guy out of retirement. He is mostly useless when there is nothing to fight. But he played in the "sequel" to 9-14. Feels fitting.

I have a little leshy who'd be perfect for 9-14 :)

(If it goes low-tier).

I have not played 9-14 in Standard or Core format and I have several 1-3L Standard and 1 3L Core available. I would be willing to make a 1L Core if needed.

Speaking of Core, you might want to consider running in that format. With you being relatively new, as well as the built-in restrictions of Core, you may find it easier than having to read through all the options from all the books right away.

No offense meant towards Boom Sticks of course! (Surprised you didn't make him an Alchemist with that name...LOL).

The "boom sticks" will be firearms :o

Boomyyyy :D

I think #9-14 is a fine scenario for a vine leshy :)

@Roxxie613, I have a few games winding down so if you like, I'm good to give 9-14 a go. Feel free to ask any questions about GMing. Not that I'm terribly experienced, but I pretty much exclusive play PFS and SFS on PBP so I might be able if necessary.

The support and love from this community is amazing! Worst case it'll be a month or so before I can start recruiting. Either way, be on the lookout in the recruitment in this lodge and in the general recruitment forum. And no one be afraid to throw curveballs at me. The Archives of Nethys are my best friend. =D

@Boom Sticks: Vine Leshy would be amazing for this one! Along with any anthropomorphic race really ;D

Hi folks, I've been away from the boards for quite a while. Reading about Pathfinder 2 rekindled my interest in PFS online, and I'm ready to hop back in. I'll keep my eye on the boards for any GM's that are starting up a scenario. :)

Hi folks, I've been away from the boards for quite a while. Reading about Pathfinder 2 rekindled my interest in PFS online, and I'm ready to hop back in. I'll keep my eye on the boards for any GM's that are starting up a scenario. :)

Keep an eye on the Cottonseed recruitment page for PFS(2) games. I expect recruitment will start appearing possibly as early as late July in readiness to start early August. Release of PF2 is 01 August though GMs may want a few days to read the rules, familiarise themselves with scenarios, or return from GenCon before they start a new game.

PFS(2) will definitely be present in the upcoming PbP convention Gameday VIII (begins 26 August) so watch for those announcements too, both in the PbP lodges and the Events page.

Welcome back.

Good to have you back! I know this is the wrong Lodge. But if you're still interested in some playtest before 2E proper comes out, I'm recruiting at the bottom of the page Numbat's helpful link goes to. I can guarantee you a spot if you want it!

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be sure to keep an eye out for PFS2 tables recruiting later this summer.

For now, I've considered doing the playtest scenario that Crunch is running. However, it's been a while since I dug into the playtest rules and I think I just might set myself up for confusion later, if I learn them now so close to the launch of PF2. I'm rather looking for a PFS(1) scenario. I've got a sizable binder of characters, so should be able to hop in to almost anything I haven't played yet.

Yeah, I think that Paizo missed the boat when they chose to release We Be Goblin Heroes under Playtest rules rather than 2e. We needed a bit of excitement that a PF2 quickstart adventure would have provided.

I anticipate that we will see a few runs of We Be Goblin Heroes as Playtest, and then again under PF2 rules once August starts up!

Yes, yes, wrong lodge.

I now return you all to your PF1 programming.

Hmm

PS Yay, Roxxie!

Thank you all for the fantastic support! Those of you interested, I just opened the recruitment here and am hoping to start Monday!

Good luck, Roxxie! If you need anything, Ladile and Numbat or any of the other VOs here would be happy to help!

Hmm

PS Nice slideshow!

^ Yes indeed-o! And always remember to not push yourself to take on more than you feel comfortable taking on. So if you don't feel comfortable running higher-tier just yet, don't. If you don't feel comfortable taking on more than one table, don't. There's no shame in knowing your limits and you'll be able to GM a better game if you stick to them :)

Best of luck Roxxie! You seem to have got a great attitude, I'm sure your players will have a phenomenal time.

As others have said, welcome to the fold Roxie and best of luck!

Don't hesitate to reach out with questions. This community is phenomenal and always willing to help. :-)

How much would a +1 Returning Chakram cost?

I can't seem to find where it says how much it costs to enchant ammunition/throwing weapons.

How much would a +1 Returning Chakram cost?

I can't seem to find where it says how much it costs to enchant ammunition/throwing weapons.

8,301 gold

The Chakram isn't considered ammunition. The Chakram is a martial weapon with the thrown category.

Chakram 1 GP
+1 Weapon enchantment 2000 gp
Returning enchantment 6000 gp

How much would a +1 Returning Chakram cost?

I can't seem to find where it says how much it costs to enchant ammunition/throwing weapons.

May the Goddess Martel smile upon your journey of world regeneration!

Is there a plan yet for when we'll be able to run Siege of Gallowspire on these boards? I'm trying to get a Seeker character ready for the carnage, and knowing how much time I have, even roughly, would be useful.

To add my 2cp to the conversation about starting up as a GM for GM Roxxie, I started up maybe a year and a half ago doing just one at a time, then ramped up to doing two tables of the same scenario (one in CORE one in Standard), then started mixing it up more and moving toward GMing higher tier stuff. I'm still nowhere near the top of the range, but I think my next venture will be attempting a module or a volume on an AP so I can get experience doing a longer term game.

Ultimately, it's whatever works best for you, and as long as you're having fun and providing fun for your players, you can't go wrong!

Is there a plan yet for when we'll be able to run Siege of Gallowspire on these boards? I'm trying to get a Seeker character ready for the carnage, and knowing how much time I have, even roughly, would be useful.

The dates are not set yet but As Of Right Now we are planning to offer #10-98 Siege of Gallowspire for OutPost early next year. There'll be more information on this when the formal announcement for PbP Gameday VIII goes out, which will be Soon :)

8,301 gold

The Chakram isn't considered ammunition. The Chakram is a martial weapon with the thrown category.

What about a dart or javelin, then? I believe darts, at least, are classified as ammunition.

What about a dart or javelin, then? I believe darts, at least, are classified as ammunition.

You can't buy individual pieces of enchanted ammunition unless they're from a boon or on a Chronicle. If I remember correctly, instead you buy 50 for the price of a weapon of the same enchanting. So 8300 gold, plus the cost of the 50 ammunition. And ammo is destroyed on a successful hit. Not sure which way darts go.

The dates are not set yet but As Of Right Now we are planning to offer #10-98 Siege of Gallowspire for OutPost early next year. There'll be more information on this when the formal announcement for PbP Gameday VIII goes out, which will be Soon :)

Not sure if that was a very polite "shut up and wait for more info," but I'll risk it :) Any chance there'll be Core? I had a great time somehow not dying at a Champion Seeker table and would gladly burn a Replay, but I'm curious. I could see why not, it might ease the bloodbath just a little.

Tyranius wrote:

8,301 gold

The Chakram isn't considered ammunition. The Chakram is a martial weapon with the thrown category.

What about a dart or javelin, then? I believe darts, at least, are classified as ammunition.

Everything on this list is ammo and enchanted as such.

There are a select few thrown weapons that are treated like ammo for enchantment purposes, though only shuriken come to mind off hand. Regardless, the item will specifically state when to treat it as ammo if it is not in the ammo section of weapons.