Gameday XI - PFS2 3-98 Expedition Into Pallid Peril - GM Thread (Inactive)

Game Master numbat1

Welcome! Use this thread for all discussion, questions, etc.

It is my goal that this should be a pleasant and as stress-free experience as possible. It is our task to ensure the players have an enjoyable game without major issues. Multi-table specials can be challenging but they can also produce some of the best moments in gaming.

While I don't know all of you, I do know this is a wonderful and supportive community that has demonstrated the ability to work well together. Please, if you have any needs, concerns, or questions, speak up.

Let's make this a fun adventure for all, including us!

Hallo
Thank you for having me. Looking forward to GM this Special ^^

Hello, everyone! Thank you for having me.

Heyah! I am super excited to be here. Best of luck!

Hi Fi!

Eye'm happy to be here!

Hi all! Excited to be here!

Heck yea, Let's do this!

Woot! As usual, I'll be sharing my prep assets after I get the scenario. Excited to run this one!

Heyo, checking in.

Hello all! Should be interesting.

I have a PbP Sign in Template if anyone here needs something to get going.

Also PbP macro sheets if anyone feels they could use it. (v2 supports both Paizo and Discord, v3 is a bit more info-rich but only has Paizo support at this time)

I plan on having a complete tier 1-4 deck to share shortly after we get our drop (which should be after gencon).

I won't be doing high tier this time as I am playing it and want to avoid spoilers! I'll be adding extras of tokens where possible in case others can use them.

Low tier slide deck with handouts, art, and numbered tokens.

It may be some of the tokens (like the Aspis) or maps (bridge) can be used at high tier too.

I did my prep for Roll20 for this today (subtier 5-6). I upscaled and trimmed the maps and (mostly) fixed the aspect ratio problem-- but not entirely, because Roll20 can just snap to grid. I made tokens for the non-Bestiary creatures.

Let me know if any of you want files, or even a full R20 copy game.

Also, the left column on p7 (Location Successes) says, "Once the House
reports a number of successes equal to the number of tables, that location is considered fully explored." However, each of the three instructions to the GM refers to "successes equal to two-thirds the number of tables".

For planning and expectations, which of these is correct?

I will need to investigate the answer to that, but I am also waiting to going to check with Alex if anything is under review and changes being considered after the Gen Con play through.

Also, I had planned to be delivering much more prep to everyone this week. Unfortunately, I have been called for family duty.

I have much of the boxed text for GMs ready in two formats, BBC for the forums and Markdown for Discord. I will share ASAP.

(I have all of the House GMs text ready in both formats.)

I hope to spend some time this weekend providing links and making sure we are ready to go.

Oh the maps are all the same, so tier 5-6 GMs probably only need some different tokens if they want to use my slide deck. I will probably have tweaks for it running up to the event too.

The subitier structure of this special is confusing a player at my table. I don't have a good answer for them. Why does the special claim to have two tiers (1-4 & 3-6), but actually has 3 sub tiers as (1-2, 3-4, 5-6), with 3-4 repeated across each PDF?

Also there are no replays at each tier, unlike 3-99, correct?

I do not see any discussion about that (I just looked in my 3-99 PDF and cannot find anything about replays or a replay tag — nor is there anything on the product page for 3-99 except for a quote in the discussion from Gen Con… so I'm not even sure where one would find this information).

It is on the product page, the last paragraph, under the description.

This adventure can be replayed for credit once in each of two level ranges: 1-4 and 3-6, each time with a different PC. Likewise, a GM can apply credit for running this adventure up to two times to a different PC in each of those level ranges.

Though that wording is slightly different than what the discussion was in the VO chat.

Edit: Alex is going to update it on Monday. The verbage for replays on this and and the new SFS Special should state:

It's a level 1-6 adventure, broken into 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6. It can be played or GMed for credit twice at any tier.

Thanks. Not sure how I missed that!

Now the million dollar question: how do I know what level range I am playing if I am in a tier 3-4 game? Is it 1-4, or 3-6? This will definitely be asked at my table.

I asked that same question a couple of weeks ago and was told it was the chronicle of whichever set the GM was using. 1-4 or 3-6. Either one shouldn't have an impact on any equipment, gold, fame, or anything at 3-4.

The reason they do it as 1-4 and 3-6 is so that you don’t have a 2nd level and 6th level character in the 3-4 table — limit what levels an out of tier character can be.

Just to update everyone - I've had a lot of life to deal with for the last couple of weeks. I'm slowly regaining balance and should be back with prep and answering questions shortly.

Progress has been made.

There are links at the top for the reporting form and for the backup calendar. Other links will be added in the near future.

I suggest Backup GMs block out any dates they are not available as soon as possible. Each GM is nominated as covering either Discord lodges (D) or Paizo Forums (P) though it is up to the individual if they are comfortable extending their coverage should it be needed.

Table GMs, please ask for Backup coverage as early as you can. We all know things can happen in life without us planning and we will try to cover your tables in a manner that keeps games running as smoothly as possible. If you know you have a period where you may become unavailable, please request a backup GM keep an eye on your game so they can provide coverage if needed. Requests should be made here, in the GM thread.

Feel free to play with the reporting form during this week to ensure that it is working for you. This will also give me data to work with as I try to format a suitable display of successes. I will clear all responses before gameday.

As of now, all tables are full. I will be watching for players waitlisting to see if we need to add another table.

If you have not received your PDF for this game, let me know immediately!

Looking at my calendar, I do foresee two places I'll need to ask for it... Woah wedding season is busy for me this year.

25-26 Sept
21-24 October

And thanks Numbat!

Looking at my calendar, I do foresee two places I'll need to ask for it... Woah wedding season is busy for me this year.

25-26 Sept
21-24 October

And thanks Numbat!

I am fine covering for you on those dates @Dungeon Master S.

Not that long time after, Chris and Numbat notices something odd..

>>(Chris&Numbat) Hey Farol, aren't you playing at Chris'es special table?

--(Farol) Yep, what's the problem?

>>(Chris&Numbat) Well ... you sign up to be his backup when he is out.

--(Farol) So? Are you implying that I can't be a GM and a player at the same table?

>>(Chris&Numbat) Eeee, no! This is not what we are saying. But in the RPG history, we don't have great history with GM's having their PCs on the tables

--(Farol) Yeah I know. But I will do it better. During first absence Makai will find artifacts from Torag, that would bring her to lvl 10 and give her a divine mission! But it will be totally not disruptive to the game, and other team members will be amazed by the fact that they can experience that

>>(Chris) .... ((Numbat we should pick the other backup))

--(Farol) And during the second absence, Makai will be designated as Torags right hand, straight to lvl 20, she would be carrying artifacts of Torag, making her invincible! At that point I expect to report successes all across the board

>>(Chris&Numbat) Ok Farol, I see you got this covered. You know there is also another backup GM so we will ask them.

I marked myself down for needing a backup GM on. Sept 30-Oct 01. I will be at SkalCon in Minnesota. I will have my laptop and should be able to post in between games but want to play it safe.

I have added a column for GMs requesting coverage. I still ask you post here but also add to the calendar and include a link to your game on the first date. Then one of the backup GMs can "claim" your coverage.

I have added links for the Progress Viewer (data and progress will be cleared before game day).

I have also added the boxed text in both BBC for our Forum GMs and Markdown for our Discord GMs. These are marked as view only but I believe you can make a copy for yourself to use how you wish. If you spot any errors, please let me know so I can make corrections.

I will link some slides in the near future and need to put together an accessible list of tables with links.

My goal is to facilitate an enjoyable experience for both players and GMs. If there is anything else you can think of that may help, please let me know.

Ok, I assigned Tyranius sept 30-Oct 01 period to myself as a backup

@FrozenFrost could you take Dungeon Master S's request as I am playing at that table? And now one wants to see my PC ascending on that session ;) I tentatively assigned you those dates to your slots, but I want you to acknowledge it ;)

Sure, Farol. I will take note of that.

Updates and clarifications to PFS2 3-98

Page 7 - Exploration Progress - updated to be consistent with success equal to two-thirds (⅔) the number of tables. That is once the house reports a number of successes equal to two-thirds (⅔) the number of tables, that location is considered fully explored.
Handout #3 is also updated to 2 x # of Tables to move to Act 2.

Act 2 - GMs are not instructed at any point to report a Temple success. This should happen during the reporting from E3.

Level 3-6 PDF correction p13 “This damage is more severe in levels 3–4; increase the DCs of all checks in the following paragraph by 2 to reflect the loss of identifying details.” - correct to be more severe for levels 5–6.

Fully exploring an area is exploring the labeled sections. PCs do not need to explore unlabeled areas. Creative hand-waving is encouraged when appropriate.

Especially for newer players and/or low-level PCs - before venturing into an area that may involve underwater combat, GMs are encouraged to prompt the players to consider the additional challenges involved and make appropriate purchases.

Alex and Linda will be reviewing the success criteria and some may be reduced. Once any changes are announced, I will adjust for this game if appropriate and notify you in this thread.

If anyone has any other questions or concerns regarding the scenario, please post them for discussion.

Has anyone run subtier 5-6 before with high CP? Some of the encounters look like they're just too crowded for the space. For example, one encounter starts with four ochre jellies, and there isn't enough space for PCs to engage all of them-- they're spilling out into adjacent passages. Those ochre jellies are decently likely to split and spawn more... which also can't be engaged. The combat just looks like a long slog of fighting one or two jellies at a time.

Four giant moray eels in the sunken chamber is a little tight, but at least it's a 3D space. Two empress bore worms take up 30% of the space in their chamber, so combat will be pretty static. Any thoughts?

I was a player in a lv 5-6 table, VTT. And indeed that first encounter you mentioned was very much a slog just like what you wrote and took like 70% of our time in that Act. That took the energy from every person on the table. So best of luck and hope the party is better equipped.

I don't think I meet the second one so can't comment on that this time :D

Has anyone run subtier 5-6 before with high CP? Some of the encounters look like they're just too crowded for the space. For example, one encounter starts with four ochre jellies, and there isn't enough space for PCs to engage all of them-- they're spilling out into adjacent passages. Those ochre jellies are decently likely to split and spawn more... which also can't be engaged. The combat just looks like a long slog of fighting one or two jellies at a time.

Four giant moray eels in the sunken chamber is a little tight, but at least it's a 3D space. Two empress bore worms take up 30% of the space in their chamber, so combat will be pretty static. Any thoughts?

I have seen comments regarding the ochre jellies discussing that they have a climb speed so can be up on the walls and also squeezing in places. The PCs can potentially take advantage of this.

More updates to the scenario!
Alex kindly shared in advance of publication of updated PDFs the expected changes. Some I have addressed previously. Here is the list:

Act 1:

• -Locations successes overflow to other bars (already in place)
  
• -Time decreased to 130 minutes
  
• -Fortification meter thresholds changed to 2/3x, 1x, 1 1/3x tables (this means that Aspis 2 and Fortification 2 trigger at the same time)
  
• -Aspis Events - events 2 and 3 are swapping places. Event 2 is now Countermeasures and Event 3 is now Aspis Incursion.
  

Act 2

• -Success thresholds changed to 2/3x tables (including Aspis successes)
  
• -Act 2 now 120 minutes total, final combat after 60 minutes
  

Other

• -This adventure can be played for credit twice, each time with a different PC, regardless of level range. Likewise, a GM can apply credit for running this adventure up to two times to a different PC in a level range of their choice. Product page has been updated, this also applies to SFS 4-99.
  
• -Fixing some minor errors (missing instructions to report Temple success in Act 2, copy/paste error on page 13) (Both of these were previously mentioned here.)
  

I have updated the schedule in the GM thread, please adjust your calendars appropriately. The Progress Display has been adjusted for the new thresholds.
When announcing the Aspis events, I will try to remind GMs of the change in order.

As always, if you spot any errors in this information or my calculations, please let me know.

Also - doomsday preparation - GMs please make sure you and your players are prepared to check-in on the Org Play Online Discord server (pfschat.com) should the Paizo site go down. If needed, we will set up channels to update everyone there and in a worse case scenario, if it looks like it will be down for a while, we will set up tables to continue the forum play.

And yes, I do take an umbrella with me to ward off rain.

Our wonderful standby GM, Quentin Coldwater, has agreed to add a level 1-2 table to allow our wait-listed players to enjoy the game.

Backup GMs - Quentin, who will be running on the forums, will need coverage for the last days of the game. He will be unavailable from 24 October. I have placed him on the Backup Calendar.

Everyone
With less than a week until game time, please make sure you have all players mustered and characters sorted, ready for play.

Let me know if you need any assistance.

*Backup GM drops in.*

I have a surgery on the 24th of October, and I'll probably be unavailable for a week or so during my recovery. I hope to be available sooner, but a week is what I'm aiming for at the most. That should cover the final few days of Act 2 and the wrap-up. If anyone could fill in for me, that'd be awesome.

Link to my game.

Also, I currently only have three players on my table (roles unknown, I got conscripted two hours ago). If one or two players from your table would be willing to jump over, that'd save us from playing with a pregen and having a more exciting table. We'll manage as is, but I appreciate any effort you make asking if anyone is willing to switch tables. :)

Edit: Ah, I've been ninja'd. Thanks, Numbat! :D

*Backup GM drops in.*

I have a surgery on the 24th of October, and I'll probably be unavailable for a week or so during my recovery. I hope to be available sooner, but a week is what I'm aiming for at the most. That should cover the final few days of Act 2 and the wrap-up. If anyone could fill in for me, that'd be awesome.

Link to my game.

Heya Quentin, I got your back Jack!

Should be no problem covering your absence. I will stay in touch.

Question for my fellow GM's

I have a person on the sign in sheet I have not been able to contact. They listed what appears to be a Discord handle in the Paizo/Discord ID field on the sign in, but I have not been able to find that Discord ID on any of the Discord servers where I am a member (Paizo Events, Org Play Online, plus a bunch.) There is one similar Paizo alias but it doesn't match exactly and the only character shown is a Starfinder Character.

The other five players have dotted in and seem ready to go next week.

If this person does not appear, how long do I wait?

Send me a name or org play # or Discord ID. Will see if I can help locate the player for you.

Thanks Tyranius.

@GM Computerpro82 - The game starts when I post the House GM official start blurb. We don't wait for players. You are doing your best to contact them and have reached out for help. This is great.

Going only by memory of the scenario, I'd say any player that shows and actively participates before the first return to base would receive full credit. After that I'd need to take a closer look and see how far through we are. Given there are definite time limits to this scenario, it in some ways makes it easier to calculate.

Low tier slide deck with handouts, art, and numbered tokens.

It may be some of the tokens (like the Aspis) or maps (bridge) can be used at high tier too.

At some point I was chatting with Numbat, and as a result of that conversation he asked me to get a stab at high tier version of the above:

High tier slide deck - without much troubles you can find which tokens are Doug's and which are mines but hey ;) If they come in handy go and enjoy.

All tokens (that were specific for high tier) were done in google docs, so you can ungroup them and change text to whatever you wish.

Thanks to both Doug and Farol for their work on these slides and their willingness to share.

Links have been added to the list at the top of the page.

Yes, slide deck is *super* helpful. Very much appreciated.

Warming the keyboard, almost ready for the start of the Special.......

Table links added to the list at the top.

Random question: should we be handing out Hero Points ourselves (there's a time estimation in the special, so I can go off of that), or will someone be announcing when it's Hero Point time? Just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious.

Random question: should we be handing out Hero Points ourselves (there's a time estimation in the special, so I can go off of that), or will someone be announcing when it's Hero Point time? Just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious.

In past specials I've done it's been up to the GM. I try to follow the schedule as well and keep up with 1/hour.