[PFS2] Dark Archives Case Files 3-9 (GM Watery Soup)

Game Master Watery Soup

Open Recruitment for the Dark Archives Case Files 3-9 (Levels 6-13).

This is open recruitment for 4-6 PCs for a set of seven 2-XP Adventures (14 XP total) found in the Dark Archives sourcebook. Each case file is a self-contained Adventure, but PCs will be required to run the same PC, leveled up, through all seven Adventures.

DA3: A Song of Making and Unmaking (Level 6)
DA4: Lady of the Harvest (Level 7)
DA5: The Verdure of Iblydos (Level 8)
DA6: Wishes in Krasnoprudny (Level 9)
DA7: Tomorrow's Feast (Level 10)
DA8: The Last Dream (Level 12)
DA9: In Darkness (Level 13)

Priority will be given to active PFS GMs who have run games in a lower level range (1-4, 3-6, 5-8), but are hesitant to run higher (5-8, 7-10, 9-12) games because they don't have a lot of experience playing PCs in that range. One seat is reserved for cmlobue, who has expressed exactly this reluctance.

SIDEBAR: What about The Beast of Birchfrost (Level 3) and Shaking the Helping Hand (Level 5)? Well, for starters, I think the target audience for this is going to be well-versed at Levels 3-5. There are PFS pregens for playing at those levels, so playing those levels in this context is not really necessary. In addition, there's a practical reason - I've already run those for my kids. Besides, a 14-XP series is long enough without making it 18 XP. If anyone else wants to run those, I'd be happy to play them as a PC.

I'll be issuing PFS Chronicles for each Adventure as it finishes. They can go onto any character, although those with weakness OCD should note that the number of XP assigned is not a multiple of 4. XD

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In order to apply, please post a build for a character in any level between 6-13 using either the Lump Sum or Items Plus Currency methods in Treasure for New Characters. You will not be committing to this build, but it's just a quick check of where you're at, experience-wise. Between each Adventure, you will have the opportunity to give feedback for each others' builds, and have a limited rebuild for your character (being able to walk back the feats from the previous level). Please use PFS character creation rules (Common options plus a few exceptions).

I'm also going to ask you to post your GM history, no matter where you've GMed (F2F, VTT, PbD, PbP). Levels of things that you've run is what I'm looking for - the goal is to help active PFS GMs get more comfortable at running higher level scenarios. If you've GMed a game on the Paizo forums, pointing me towards that game would be really helpful to show that you're part of the target audience for this. If you've never GMed a game, I encourage you to just GM a Level 1 Bounty or a Level 1-2 scenario instead of applying here.

Additionally, please explicitly acknowledge you understand the scope of this commitment - it's 14 XP in total, which is longer than a standalone Adventure. I can't commit to posting every day (I'd say 4-5 times per week), and even then, it can be variable depending on how busy work/life is. I'm projecting this will take a year to complete. This is not a quick fix for anything, more of a long-term investment in higher-level GMs.

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Because the selection process for this campaign is complex, I'm opening recruitment for at least 5 days - until Sunday evening Pacific Time. Then, depending on the complexity of the applications, I might need another few days to make a decision. Then, the accepted members can talk character creation.

I anticipate a late January start date.

Very Interested in this. I've GMed one 7-10, some 5-8's but nothing higher. It does get super complex, and I am always afraid that I'm missing stuff (which I do, as those who've played at my tables can attest to.)

{edited} My GM resume/list sorted by tier. I didn't indicate which are PBP/PBP/F2F, though, as I have a fair bit of each type (unlike a certain Tiger we all know below). Wait, TPK? What? I'm in that game!

Replays: I played Lady of the Harvest 3 years ago and don't remember a thing from it. I'll gladly burn the replay to join this table if you're okay with that.

And yeah, a full year of mostly daily posting. I can do that. I was in a long term PBP/PFS scenario run that finally fell apart after 5 years, and it would be cool to get that kind of party continuity again.

And since I've also played Beast of Birchfrost, I'd be happy to take a turn GMing that one for the party, though not sure how that would fit into the sequence since it's level 3. Maybe at the end, after we're all done? Or mid-stream when Soup needs a GM brain-break? Like as a flashback episode from the the same characters' earlier days, maybe.

any limits on the build? I'd be interested in something like this (actually been looking to play this before I consider running it).

GM History - haven't done VTT but I've done everything else (though I'm only dipping my toes into f2F recently). Do I have to point you to the game I'm currently running? (the one where I'm hoping not to get a TPK)? :)

Hiya Nomadical!

So, how does this work? You build a character but assign chronicles to existing characters in the level range (or lesser level)?

I have GMed an AP up to 12th level characters in Legacy of Fire and am comfortable with running that so I am not solidly in your target audience. Then again there is a big difference between GMing a character up to 12th level, and GMing an unknown character at 12rth level. I have GMed one high level stand-alone game, Wardens of Sulfur Gulch, in an on-line con and it was hard.

But mostly I have GMed lower level games like The Twisted Circle, Voice in the Void, two of the goblin scenarios in real life, Fangwood Keep, School of Spirits, Solstice Scar D, and The Shattered Shield. All PFS1 games. Not at all comfortable enough to GM PRS2.

I am good at committing to completing a game or series of games. In fact, I do not think I have EVER bailed on a game as a player or GM. Well, does it count when you submit a character for a game and realize after the initial narrative that you played that character in it already? That was embarrassing.

So, how does this work? You build a character but assign chronicles to existing characters in the level range (or lesser level)?

You can actually apply the credits to any character of any level. The way they phrase it is: "Players who play through each Dark Archive Case File, as well as GMs who run the adventure, can apply the adventure’s Chronicle Sheet to any of their Pathfinder Society Organized Play characters." There's no requirement that it be a character of that level or tier as there was in 1st Edition.

As to making a test-run PC now, I have plenty of characters already built to show that I can. Here's Callaverthorna a level 9 rogue. But if you still want a theoretical PC built from scratch, I'll do so tomorrow. I'm feeling like an Investigator or a Thaumaturge would certainly fit the theme.

Looking to bring a rogue. I've done multiclass rogues but not a pure mainstream one (I've seen the perks that others have and want to try one).

I have experience in playing at higher levels, but certainly not GM'ing it.

I'm certainly good with posting every day and the year estimate sounds reasonable to me. I prefer tables that stick together longer.

I will post a build soon too, but it's already late tonight :sweats:

Aside from a new build (which I'll certainly enjoy making), I have these characters at or above level 6: Arfsnarf Ah'sneeze sorcerer 9, Elsha Ustosh alchemist 7, Voron Keyphyra wizard 6

An orc and a bear poke around "Has anyone seen Lawric? Short fellow, stilted speech, spreads the good gospel of Pharasma.He wandered off"

Hi there. I've got some experience under my belt for lower level adventures and APs but little to none on high level.

I've GMed 25 tables worth of PF2e (1 glyph) mostly on Kayden's Keg using Foundry, and the only thing I've played on PF2 of high levels is the Prey for Death AP.

So, nothing to write home about on the GMing side, but I'm always interested in learning more about high level games as they are so far in between.

The class I enjoy the most on PF2 is the thaumaturge, so might as well post one.

Assik Level 6
Assik Level 8

I've GMed D&D 3, 3.5, PF1e, and PF2e. Damn! Does that make me old?

I've GMed FTF and PbP (here on these boards). I've done scenarios, Quests, Bounties, Adventure Paths, and homebrews.

Most of my GMing has been levels 1 through 8. It gets significantly more difficult to keep track of everything after that.

Although, I have GMed a couple of Adventure paths to conclusion -- I never felt comfortable at the high levels, which made it easier on the players since I probably didn't use high-level synergies to confront them.

I'm currently GMing Wrath of the Righteous (updated to 2e and with, IMHO, a better Mythic system than Paizo's). Link here. They are currently in the second book.

I'm also GMing a combat-heavy homebrew campaign, where the characters are 1st and 2nd level. Link here.

kuak is a Rogue with the Scout dedication who is a bounty hunter who used to hunt down escaped slaves, but, now that that is out of favor, is looking to make his way in the world.

I acknowledge I understand the scope of this commitment. I'm excited to do longer-term play. I will occasionally be away for a couple of days, unable to post, but I will warn the group, and provide BOTing instructions. I am always unavailable on Saturday.

One year, lol!

I have hella PFS experience in the 1-6 range, and run a couple 5-8, but never anything greater. I attempted the Ruby Pheonix AP (L11+) a couple years back on these very forums, but failed spectacularly. High level is hard. But real talk?: I got overwhelmed with how little effort my players (except chadius) put into their posts, and got buried doing all the "footwork" for them, which absolutely compounded the "high level" woes. So, I pulled the plug.

If picked, I am in for the long haul (Also, um, so sorry about malevolence... a learning experience of pbp bail shame...). I will take the next few days to put together a FULL 6th level PC complete with Itemized Wealth, as well as a plan for 7th-13th.

Side Bar: I have run both Birch and Hand irl, but none of the others (although I had intended to once upon a time), so would be coming in fresh and unspoiled (I did not read them).

=)

Growing up with a fondness of opera and classical music, which, in this doctor's opinion, is a superior form of theatre - in which multiple instruments can have audio narratives simultaneously, the whole of which possessing a harmony that is not possible with ordinary speech - our studious hero double majors in Performing Arts and Medical Sciences, graduating from the University of Lepidstadt earning high marks in both of his fields of study, demonstrating, if little else, the proclivity for waking up early as well as staying up late.

rainzax's character submission: "Q" is an Enigma Bard / Lepidstadt Surgeon, who can perform as the party healer as well as status buffer, and versed in nearly all INT / WIS / CHA skills (prioritizing Medicine and Occultism, and notably Bardic Lore). Like Doctor Frankenstein, (but more amiably I suppose), he is also the creator of a Contruct Companion, which can serve as a battlefield presence of some muscle, fully repairable between fights.

Replays: I played Lady of the Harvest 3 years ago and don't remember a thing from it. I'll gladly burn the replay to join this table if you're okay with that.

It won't affect your application, but I believe Replays are limited to 4 XP PFS Mode scenarios only. If selected, you'd be playing that one without PFS credit, is that okay?

any limits on the build?

Regular PFS rules. The point is to let people see stuff they might see in PFS.

I've GMed D&D 3, 3.5, PF1e, and PF2e. Damn! Does that make me old?

Let's just say that my first D&D character's class was "halfling" and my first GMing experience was with the Red Box, and agree to tread lightly with the use of the word "old".

I have experience in playing at higher levels, but certainly not GM'ing it.

Alright, so, in November, a question came up about taking over a 9-12 game, and you posted that you hadn't run higher than 7-10. I was planning this Dark Archives run, and jotted your name down in my notes.

Except, I didn't jot your name down in my notes. I wrote down cmlobue, for whatever reason.

A very confused cmlobue has agreed there are better people than them to have seats. The reserved seat in this game should be, and will be, for you.

I’m interested in joining this set of adventures. I’ve always wanted to run these, but I’d really like to experience them as a player first. I’ll post the character I plan to play in a separate follow-up post.

As a GM, I mostly run games in the Level 1–6 range, and a few Level 5-8 games, here on the forums, with a few live sessions for bounties/quests and the Beginner Box. I did once run a Level 7–10 PbP game, but at the time it felt a bit too complex, likely due to inexperience at that level. I’ve played a few characters in that same level range in PbP, but I find that GMing at higher levels is a very different experience. Here are some of the games I’ve run at various level ranges: S03-08 Foundation’s Price (Tier 3-4), S03-13 Guardian’s Covenant (Tier 5-6), S04-07 A Most Wondrous Exchange! (Tier 7-8), S05-11 Equal Exchanges – The Hidden Current (Tier 9-10)

I haven’t played or run longer-format games such as full APs. However, I did finish running a series of PFS scenarios that leveled brand-new characters from Level 1 to 5, which I feel is comparable in terms of continuity and commitment. I’m also fully on board with your posting expectations and share the same understanding when it comes to work–life busyness.

I will write here something, as I never pass on WaterySoup games ... I would love to play ... but.

> Priority will be given to active PFS GMs who have run games in a lower level range (1-4, 3-6, 5-8), but are hesitant to run higher (5-8, 7-10, 9-12)

I am hardly active GM ;) I run 1 AP that you are part of and it is 14 lvl + ;) I run high level games bot played EC till 20 and GM'ed my AP being the hihest level

> games because they don't have a lot of experience playing PCs in that range.

A lot not, but I think I have enough

> One seat is reserved for cmlobue, who has expressed exactly this reluctance.

I can do hell-of impressions of both cmlobue and PaleDim ;)

All in all, THis sound great, but I don't want to create moral issue for Watery, so I will pass. If for whatever reason you will be short one person, just light a bat sign on the sky ;)

GM PaleDim wrote:

I have experience in playing at higher levels, but certainly not GM'ing it.

Alright, so, in November, a question came up about taking over a 9-12 game, and you posted that you hadn't run higher than 7-10. I was planning this Dark Archives run, and jotted your name down in my notes.

Except, I didn't jot your name down in my notes. I wrote down cmlobue, for whatever reason.

A very confused cmlobue has agreed there are better people than them to have seats. The reserved seat in this game should be, and will be, for you.

Ahh! It originated from that. Yes I remember considering to run that scenario. While I was considering it, someone more experienced stepped in and took it over (probably for the better at the time).

Thank you.

Submitting Khun Pei Qata (Khun is an honorific) as my entry. She's an elf changeling from Tian Xia. Originally a detective who was recruited later in her long life by the Esoteric Order of the Palatine Eye to track down cultists and the supernatural beyond what mere normal "adventurers" encounter.

Obviously the build needs more work, but I've got to go get on a flight now.

I've GMed D&D 3, 3.5, PF1e, and PF2e. Damn! Does that make me old?

Likewise, my first stint at GM'ing was with the red box for a very limited time. Used to GM AD&D 1st and 2nd Ed though -- along with another very ancient TSR classic "Top Secret" (the original one, not the rebooted Top Secret: SI).

Given that the scenarios are Dark Archive, I'm tempted to make a character on that theme: a psychic practitioner of Ranatagi. If I don't post the character tonight, it will certainly be tomorrow.

Tucked into the Mythspinner Market of the prosperous city of Sihadrimon, in the Western Ghats region of Vudra, is an unassuming bookstore. In fact it doesn't even have a proper sign or shingle indicating a name. It certainly doesn't attract as many eyes as the varied other wonders available in the Market.

Those curious enough to poke their heads in find a Kiresh huddled over a desk, and surrounded by shelves and shelves, and piles and piles of books. An assortment of trinkets can also be found amongst the shelves. In fact it's more his personal repository than a shop as he doesn't actually like to part with many of them. He does sell a few. He acquires many more than he sells, not all of them legitimately.

His mentor, Murgesh, who works at the Sihadrimon library tends to admonish Kiresh for his adventurous heists to acquire particularly rare books.

All this time pouring over books has also given him access to the very esoteric languages that he's learned. Imagine what Pathfinder Society missions will give him access to...

Ranatagi did not come from so many books. That he proudly inherited from his ancestors and ratfolk community. Where other practitioners seek rifts in reality seeking passage to other planes, Kiresh seeks them to draw out their energies for his psychic practices.

Paledim's submission is an Oscillating Wave Psychic. He's a rogue'ish Occult Librarian who seems to be a font of eclectic knowledge. He's an effective ranged blaster with some battlefield control. His broad and deep magical knowledge are honed for identification. Finally he comes with a side of rogue skills.

Kiresh is not the mage you asked for in the party. He's just the one fate delivered.

Progression Plan: Feats and Skills through level 13

Recruitment is closed.

Ed, Frozen Frost, Nomadical, PaleDim, rainzax, and Shifty: please check into Gameplay.

Farol, Ira Kroll, miteke, Tiger: Sorry. But, I'll PM you guys the next time I run a high-ish level PFS scenario.

No problem. With outpost coming up, I'll have no trouble finding a game, or two, or three.