Introducing the Core Campaign

Monday, January 26, 2015


Illustration by Grafit Studio

As the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign and the Pathfinder RPG itself has developed over the last several years, players have expressed increasing concerns about the availability of replay, new players being overwhelmed or overshadowed by over-optimized characters, Chronicle sheet rewards not having much meaning, and other concerns related to the sheer amount of information and options available to PFS players. With the help of our dedicated venture-captains, the team here at Paizo has developed a solution designed to solve all of these problems—and more. We call this solution the Core Campaign, a new mode of PFS play that utilizes all of the campaign's current scenarios and resources—only with a significantly lower barrier to entry. Here are some of the highlights:

  • The current Pathfinder Society campaign remains unchanged with use of all of Additional Resources. It is still named Pathfinder Society Organized Play. The new option will be titled Pathfinder Society Core Campaign. Both campaign "modes" use the same scenarios, modules, and other sanctioned adventure resources.
  • Every new and veteran player may participate in both the current and Core Campaign at the same time.
  • For players participating in the Core Campaign, only the Core Rulebook, Character Traits Web Enhancement, and Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play may be utilized for character creation.
  • At no time may any trait, feat, equipment, magic item, skill, animal companion, familiar, or any other character option come from a source beyond these three resources unless it appears on a Chronicle sheet. Race boons found on Chronicle sheets may not be used in the Core Campaign.
  • If an item appears on a Chronicle sheet, a PC may purchase and use it regardless of the book it comes from, with the exception of a boon that opens up a different character race.
  • Just like in the current campaign, a player may receive credit once for playing and once for GMing a scenario in the Core Campaign; this credit is independent of player and GM credit in the Pathfinder Society Organized Play campaign. This means a player can play once in each of the two campaigns and GM for credit once in each of the campaigns (four credits total, two per campaign), not including any limited replay opportunities established in the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play.
  • At any point a player wants to transition their character from the Core Campaign to the existing campaign, they may do so. However, they may not bring that character back to the Core Campaign. As set forth in the current rules, a character may not have two of the same Chronicle sheet assigned to him, regardless of whether it was earned in the Core or existing campaign.

  • Illustration by
    Jason Rainville
  • GMs may utilize whatever books a scenario, module, quest, Adventure Path, or other sanctioned adventure utilizes.
  • The Core Campaign offers limited replay opportunities for players who have already experienced an adventure in the standard campaign. There have been comments that veteran players have limited opportunities to play with new players and "show them the ropes." Opening up every adventure for replay an additional time allows for veteran players to play a scenario with a new player and still receive credit.
  • This initative allows for an immediate influx of four new play opportunities every month—two new senarios playable in the existing campaign and the same two scenarios avalable for play in the Core Campaign.
  • Game mechanics outside of the Core Rulebook, such as reposition and dirty trick, are not allowed unless a Chronicle sheet specifically opens it as a character option.
  • Retraining may be utilized as the rules currently allow, but only when a PC retrains to take an option from one of the allowed Core Campaign resources.
  • GMs will receive star credit for GMing a game, regardless of whether it was an existing campaign or Core Campaign game.
  • If a Core Rulebook option advises that something found in the Core Rulebook is clarified in the Bestiary 1, then the player uses that specific option out of the Bestiary 1 to meet the requirement set forth in the Core Rulebook. That would include, but is not limited to, animal companions, special abilities, summon spells, etc... Only the Bestiary 1 is available for these extra options outside of the Core Rulebook.

The next question I think people will ask is: when we will be able to start playing games in the Core Campaign? We're planning to have this system publicly available and ready for you to use later this week! When creating a new event, the new system will allow you to select if a scenario is being run in the existing campaign, Core Campaign, or both (for multiple tables of the same adventure). Likewise, when reporting data from completed sessions, the system allows the person entering data to choose to report which campaign the session was run in.

We hope that this new initiative, along with the new faction journal cards highlighted in last week's blog, will bring an exciting new energy to the campaign on a global scale. I look forward to reading thoughts about the new Core Campaign and how it will help your local Pathfinder Society community.

Mike Brock
Global Organized Play Coordinator

More Paizo Blog.
Tags: Grafit Studio Jason Rainville Pathfinder Society
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Dark Archive 2/5

3 people marked this as a favorite.

I’m glad that people are happy about this new campaign twist. I'm not sure if i like it yet or not. I can see where it would even help cater to newer players by reducing the amount of reading required to play in PFS. Additionally I can also see it catering to people who can’t play anymore because they have played so many modules. So then so far so good.

Negative impact should be less people buying the books that come out at a quicker pace. Why buy books you don’t need any more. Additional confusion on game day because there are several options presented. I can see being forced to play core or non-core because you can’t build a table.

So as this is going to be announced later this week I imagine it will have a pretty large impact on the upcoming Paizocon. I’m guessing that will be where this concept will be stress tested. I’m not sure your into any Advice or not, But I would avoid creating separate certs for core and non-core. That’s one of the quickest ways to create a wedge that I can think of. Thank you for trying to keep the active game play fresh. I appreciate it.

Scarab Sages

I'll have to see how my local PFS chapter schedules games for Core-only vs everything allowed. If it's a majority of core-only games going forward, I'll likely be canceling my subscriptions.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

2 people marked this as a favorite.
Matthew Hudson wrote:

I didn't see it as a bulleted item but a thought...

If I run a game and everybody is Core Campaign except for one new player that wants to play PFS Campaign, that one-off player can't play. I'm guessing unless they opt to play a pregen to use towards a new Core character. Question:

Are the Core Pregens going to be the only ones allowed for those playing them in Core Campaign scenarios? The obvious answer would seem, "Yes, duh" but it would seem beneficial to spell these things out too :)

Yes

1/5

Pathfinder Lost Omens, Rulebook Subscriber
Michael Brock wrote:
Danbala wrote:
Jeff Merola wrote:
Danbala wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
David Neilson wrote:
One question is will you need to have a group all playing in one mode or the other?
They all have to play either Core or existing mode.
If you have a "core compliant" character and you play it in a non core game, can you later use the character in a core game if it only progresses from Core sources?
That's been answered already: No, you can't.
What is the reasoning for this assuming that the character remains Core compliant following the non core game? It seems like an unnecessary barrier to play.
I've answered earlier but I will answer again. The reporting system is not set up to allow reporting of mixed tables. It also creates unnecessary confusion with characters flip flopping back and forth. I would rather avoid that confusion and have the "unnecessary barrier to play" than vice versa.

I apologize if I am causing you to repeat yourself. I read your blog to mean that tables must remain homogeneous. I didn't understand that taking a non-core chronicle sheet meant that you could never again take a core chronicle sheet. I take it then that the software won't permit a character to have both core and non core chronicle results.


So I see the Pathfinder Society Field Guide is, strangely, not listed as a valid source for the Core Campaign.

I guess that means that all the vanities and faction goodies listed within it are also not available for acquisition?

Liberty's Edge 4/5

Thanks for this Mike. I'm hoping it will get some friends back into PFS that were concerned about the power creep.

Mike

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Mr.Nightray wrote:

I’m glad that people are happy about this new campaign twist. I'm not sure if i like it yet or not. I can see where it would even help cater to newer players by reducing the amount of reading required to play in PFS. Additionally I can also see it catering to people who can’t play anymore because they have played so many modules. So then so far so good.

Negative impact should be less people buying the books that come out at a quicker pace. Why buy books you don’t need any more. Additional confusion on game day because there are several options presented. I can see being forced to play core or non-core because you can’t build a table.

So as this is going to be announced later this week I imagine it will have a pretty large impact on the upcoming Paizocon. I’m guessing that will be where this concept will be stress tested. I’m not sure your into any Advice or not, But I would avoid creating separate certs for core and non-core. That’s one of the quickest ways to create a wedge that I can think of. Thank you for trying to keep the active game play fresh. I appreciate it.

There currently is no plan to have separate chronicles. Another benefit of the Core mode is that it opens up items that would not otherwise be available for purchase, thus giving Chronicle sheets more of an impact.

As for PaizoCon, we will be running both Core and existing mode games side by side with plenty of options for all attendees.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Imbicatus wrote:
I'll have to see how my local PFS chapter schedules games for Core-only vs everything allowed. If it's a majority of core-only games going forward, I'll likely be canceling my subscriptions.

Talk with your local VO. I have for the past several months on this initiative, and across the board, Vos are ameniable to do what is best for their individual regions.

1/5 **

2 people marked this as a favorite.

Clearly there are some practical details to be ironed out, but we'll get there. I think this is a tremendous development for players who aren't necessarily interested in exploring tons of mechanic options.

Liberty's Edge 4/5

Curse YOU! I was going to offer this in March locally. Nothing would be reported, but the sheets would still be given out to the players. Now you've gone and made it LEGAL. It is getting harder and harder to subvert authority these days.

Although almost verbatim to my "house" rules, there are two points you should consider.

Wayfinders are not included in those resources IIRC, but could still be available as slotless light sources and masterwork compasses. They are Symbols of the Society after all.

Faction boons/vanities provide no mechanical advantage in game, but still apply to day jobs where applicable. The same for scavenger hunt rewards, but I haven't looked at the new factions, so this is just off the cuff.

Also think about Cons. There is a big one coming up in Guelph in February, it is THE Pathfinder Con in this area. Core-Only in a Con environment may offer some unique challenges and benefits.

BTW I was going to allow non-core characters, but anything non-core would become inert/forgotten. And it would not be for credit since it would not be reported...

I'll gauge interest and see if it brings any one back to the table.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

Danbala wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
Danbala wrote:
Jeff Merola wrote:
Danbala wrote:
Michael Brock wrote:
David Neilson wrote:
One question is will you need to have a group all playing in one mode or the other?
They all have to play either Core or existing mode.
If you have a "core compliant" character and you play it in a non core game, can you later use the character in a core game if it only progresses from Core sources?
That's been answered already: No, you can't.
What is the reasoning for this assuming that the character remains Core compliant following the non core game? It seems like an unnecessary barrier to play.
I've answered earlier but I will answer again. The reporting system is not set up to allow reporting of mixed tables. It also creates unnecessary confusion with characters flip flopping back and forth. I would rather avoid that confusion and have the "unnecessary barrier to play" than vice versa.
I apologize if I am causing you to repeat yourself. I read your blog to mean that tables must remain homogeneous. I didn't understand that taking a non-core chronicle sheet meant that you could never again take a core chronicle sheet. I take it then that the software won't permit a character to have both core and non core chronicle results.

Yes, it will permit a character to have both. However, it's a one way system. Once they take an existing mode Chronicle, the system will no longer recognize that character as a Core character and only as an existing mode character for the rest of that character's career.

Grand Lodge 4/5

EricMcG wrote:

Curse YOU! I was going to offer this in March locally. Nothing would be reported, but the sheets would still be given out to the players. Now you've gone and made it LEGAL. It is getting harder and harder to subvert authority these days.

Although almost verbatim to my "house" rules, there are two points you should consider.

Wayfinders are not included in those resources IIRC, but could still be available as slotless light sources and masterwork compasses. They are Symbols of the Society after all.

Faction boons/vanities provide no mechanical advantage in game, but still apply to day jobs where applicable. The same for scavenger hunt rewards, but I haven't looked at the new factions, so this is just off the cuff.

Also think about Cons. There is a big one coming up in Guelph in February, it is THE Pathfinder Con in this area. Core-Only in a Con environment may offer some unique challenges and benefits.

BTW I was going to allow non-core characters, but anything non-core would become inert/forgotten. And it would not be for credit since it would not be reported...

I'll gauge interest and see if it brings any one back to the table.

Wayfinders are included in the Guide, so they're legal.

3/5

Seth Gipson wrote:

A friend just pointed out to me that as per the post above, there cant be any animal companions/familiars/mounts in the Core Campaign, as it doesnt say anything about the Bestiarys...

Similarly, that would work the same for Wild Shape/ the 'Form' spells.

I assume this likely means stuff from Bestiary 1 is legal for those purposes?

I don't have my Core Rulebook handy, but don't Rangers and Druids have a list of animal companions that they can choose from in the CRB? Wildshape will have to open up the bestiary though.

EDIT: Whoops a whole page started before I answered this.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
OverlordXenu wrote:

So I see the Pathfinder Society Field Guide is, strangely, not listed as a valid source for the Core Campaign.

I guess that means that all the vanities and faction goodies listed within it are also not available for acquisition?

Not unless they appear on a Chronicle sheet.

Grand Lodge 4/5

Thank you, Paizo. Thank you.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
EricMcG wrote:

Curse YOU! I was going to offer this in March locally. Nothing would be reported, but the sheets would still be given out to the players. Now you've gone and made it LEGAL. It is getting harder and harder to subvert authority these days.

Although almost verbatim to my "house" rules, there are two points you should consider.

Wayfinders are not included in those resources IIRC, but could still be available as slotless light sources and masterwork compasses. They are Symbols of the Society after all.

Faction boons/vanities provide no mechanical advantage in game, but still apply to day jobs where applicable. The same for scavenger hunt rewards, but I haven't looked at the new factions, so this is just off the cuff.

Also think about Cons. There is a big one coming up in Guelph in February, it is THE Pathfinder Con in this area. Core-Only in a Con environment may offer some unique challenges and benefits.

BTW I was going to allow non-core characters, but anything non-core would become inert/forgotten. And it would not be for credit since it would not be reported...

I'll gauge interest and see if it brings any one back to the table.

Way finders are in the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play. They are still available as slot less light sources and masterwork compasses.

We already have some faction boons and vanities that appear on Chronicle sheets, and I suspect you will see more of it in the future.

Scarab Sages 5/5

3 people marked this as a favorite.
Michael Brock wrote:
OverlordXenu wrote:

So I see the Pathfinder Society Field Guide is, strangely, not listed as a valid source for the Core Campaign.

I guess that means that all the vanities and faction goodies listed within it are also not available for acquisition?

Not unless they appear on a Chronicle sheet.

I see a Core Emerald Spire in my future

3/5

xebeche wrote:
Thank you, Paizo. Thank you.

*Matt high-fives Xebeche*

Liberty's Edge 5/5 *** Venture-Captain, Missouri—Cape Girardeau

Michael Brock wrote:

Yes, and what we are planning for at Gen Con. As long as the table is all core or all existing mode, every table can participate in the same special.

For instance, my initial plan at Gen Con is to have 150 tables of existing mode and 40-50 tables of Core mode for the Season 7 special.

Sign me up to run THOSE tables! I'm IN!

Grand Lodge 5/5

Jodokai wrote:
Seth Gipson wrote:

A friend just pointed out to me that as per the post above, there cant be any animal companions/familiars/mounts in the Core Campaign, as it doesnt say anything about the Bestiarys...

Similarly, that would work the same for Wild Shape/ the 'Form' spells.

I assume this likely means stuff from Bestiary 1 is legal for those purposes?

I don't have my Core Rulebook handy, but don't Rangers and Druids have a list of animal companions that they can choose from in the CRB? Wildshape will have to open up the bestiary though.

EDIT: Whoops a whole page started before I answered this.

Yea, I had apparently forgotten the lists were included in the CRB itself. Been a long time since I built either of those classes apparently. :P


So if I Core group decides to play an older 7-11 that utilized 5+ non core books what happens? It sounds like the GM still needs to have access to those books to run but the players are SOL.

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Bigguyinblack wrote:
So if I Core group decides to play an older 7-11 that utilized 5+ non core books what happens? It sounds like the GM still needs to have access to those books to run but the players are SOL.

Yes, the GM still utilizes those options. But he doesn't have o the books. he can utilize print out from the PRD. And yes, the characters have a bigger challenge than they would normally have in the existing campaign mode.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/5

Pathfinder Adventure, Adventure Path, Maps Subscriber; Starfinder Charter Superscriber

I like this a lot. Could be a big boon for helping expand PFS to newer players as well as encourage new GMs to give it a try. I imagine this will see a lot of use for the tier 1-5 and 3-7 area but after that point most people will likely have, or want, other books to give their characters fancy options. Course I'm sure some experienced players might enjoy the challenge of replaying scenarios with only the core book.

The only major problem will be the logistics of setting up core and non core events/tables for conventions and game days. Cause we all know not everyone can get along all the time....

I do have a question about faction vanity's on a chronicle sheet. There was a faction boon that reduced the fame requirement of Trade Price to 0, would that allow you to purchase the vanity as a core character or not?

The actual text of the vanity:

Spoiler:
Trade Prince Aaqir al’Hakam recognizes in you the same ambition and skill that earned him the title of trade prince, and he both endorses you for promotion and contributes gold to help you start your own business. You treat the Trade Prince vanity (Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide 19) as though it had no Fame requirement. In addition, you treat the Prestige Point cost of business vanities (Pathfinder Society Field Guide 60, Pathfinder Player Companion: Pathfinder Society Primer 29) as though they were 1 less (minimum cost 2).

I would guess that the last part doesn't open up business vanities for core but I was wondering about the Trade Price one just as an example of what would be considered opening up something for core?

Scarab Sages 4/5

Bigguyinblack wrote:
So if I Core group decides to play an older 7-11 that utilized 5+ non core books what happens? It sounds like the GM still needs to have access to those books to run but the players are SOL.

I don't know about SOL but it will be a challenge. :)

Grand Lodge 5/5 * Venture-Captain, New Zealand—Dunedin

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Michael Tracey wrote:
Yes, Yes, a 1000 times, Yes. Now, who's up for playing Bonekeep with me with only Core characters?

AHHHHHH!

This is so very exciting. I am excited to the very CORE of my being!

(Get it?)

-Dink

1/5 **

Bigguyinblack wrote:
So if I Core group decides to play an older 7-11 that utilized 5+ non core books what happens? It sounds like the GM still needs to have access to those books to run but the players are SOL.

I'm sorry, but in what sense are they "SOL?" As a Core group, surely they'll know what they signed up for?

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Kadasbrass Loreweaver wrote:

I like this a lot. Could be a big boon for helping expand PFS to newer players as well as encourage new GMs to give it a try. I imagine this will see a lot of use for the tier 1-5 and 3-7 area but after that point most people will likely have, or want, other books to give their characters fancy options. Course I'm sure some experienced players might enjoy the challenge of replaying scenarios with only the core book.

The only major problem will be the logistics of setting up core and non core events/tables for conventions and game days. Cause we all know not everyone can get along all the time....

I do have a question about faction vanity's on a chronicle sheet. There was a faction boon that reduced the fame requirement of Trade Price to 0, would that allow you to purchase the vanity as a core character or not?

The actual text of the vanity:
** spoiler omitted **

I would guess that the last part doesn't open up business vanities for core but I was wondering about the Trade Price one just as an example of what would be considered opening up something for core?

That is one example of how a trait is opened up on a Chronicle sheet that would otherwise be unavailable.

Silver Crusade 5/5 5/5 **

First, let me join the chorus that thinks this is great.

One question. There are places where new supplements have introduced new rules that limited core only characters. For example, Animal Archive introduced the flank trick which, in turn, meant that animal companions could no longer flank without the trick(at least not without pushing). In the Core campaign does the GM enforce the extended rules or just the Core rules (so, in the flank example, it would be up to the GM if the animal could flank)

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

3 people marked this as a favorite.
pauljathome wrote:

First, let me join the chorus that thinks this is great.

One question. There are places where new supplements have introduced new rules that limited core only characters. For example, Animal Archive introduced the flank trick which, in turn, meant that animal companions could no longer flank without the trick(at least not without pushing). In the Core campaign does the GM enforce the extended rules or just the Core rules (so, in the flank example, it would be up to the GM if the animal could flank)

Just the Core rules.

Silver Crusade 3/5

5 people marked this as a favorite.
Thurston Hillman wrote:
The Fourth Horseman wrote:

TBH, I'm concerned about this.

How many players and GMs are going to walk away from regular PFS to play and run in Core Campaign?

We don't know what the overall effect will be, but I am concerned about Paizo possibly splitting the player and GM base. I guess we'll see.

Likely as intangible a number as the number of people who stop playing PFS due to perceived power creep :)

I for one, welcome our new Core Overlords.

I am very concerned about the negative impact this will have as well. No change has only a positive impact. There is always at least some negative impact while adjusting to the change.

As a player and GM in an area whose player base seems to be shrinking at least partially due to players with limited gaming time leaving PFS for the wider and more in depth options a GM might allow in an adventure path or other campaign, potentially splitting the player base again might end up killing off society play entirely in this area.

This is also going to make accommodating any player that shows up with a legal character a bit harder. "Sorry Joe even though we haven't seen you in 6 months, and you really want to play your lvl 5 Cavalier again, we only have core games tonight. Do you want to play a pregen?" Which also means there will have to be a set of pregens marked "core play approved".

Overall I think this is the start of a good idea. The ease of GMing a simpler table and the less overwhelming options for new players are pluses. However I see the strict table division as a deal killer in most areas, especilly who are lucky to get only a table or two running on a regular basis. Ultimately right now a "core" game seems like a bragging rights thing, kinda like the few season 5 scenarios that had a hard mode, but no real benefit for doing it over regular play.

5/5 5/55/55/5

I'll be happy to be proven wrong but I've got a bad feeling about this. Splitting geeks into groups can often split an already small group socially. I can see a lot of confusion as people muster core only pfs for pfs and vice versa

4/5

Well, I that or they swap to Regular rules. Since it sounds like you could run two identical characters one Core, and one Regular. Who are essentially identical in every mechnical way.

Dataphiles 5/5 5/55/5 Venture-Agent, Virginia—Hampton Roads

Man I have been gone from the campaign for a little while but always keeping tabs here and there.

I love this core idea for all of the stated reasons prior but I can't wait for the challenge if playing core from season 5+. The challenge is very alluring.

I just might have to find away out of retirement.

Who ever came up with idea deserved a beverage of choice at Gencon.

Bravo Paizo and VO's.

5/5 5/55/55/5

Hmmm. How do druids work with this? Shapeshift out of the bestiary?

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

2 people marked this as a favorite.
BigNorseWolf wrote:
Hmmm. How do druids work with this? Shapeshift out of the bestiary?

If a CRB option advises that something found in the CRB is clarified in the Bestiary, then the player uses that specific option out of the Bestiary to meet the requirement set forth in the CRB.

Grand Lodge 4/5 ** Venture-Agent, Colorado—Denver

I just aquired a Sylph boon. As long as I use only the Core Rulebook, can I make a Sylph PC for Core Campaign mode?

Grand Lodge 4/5 Global Organized Play Coordinator

roll4initiative wrote:
I just aquired a Sylph boon. As long as I use only the Core Rulebook, can I make a Sylph PC for Core Campaign mode?

No. It's addressed in the blog. Bullet point 5.

Grand Lodge 4/5

Pathfinder Adventure, Rulebook Subscriber
roll4initiative wrote:
I just aquired a Sylph boon. As long as I use only the Core Rulebook, can I make a Sylph PC for Core Campaign mode?

"Race boons found on Chronicle sheets may not be used in the Core Campaign."

Grand Lodge 2/5 RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32

16 people marked this as a favorite.
BigNorseWolf wrote:
I'll be happy to be proven wrong but I've got a bad feeling about this. Splitting geeks into groups can often split an already small group socially.

I have similar reservations. I mean, mechanically, the idea is fantastic. It addresses multiple issues pretty elegantly.

But on the "people" level... I'm less optimistic. As soon as I finished reading the blog, I was already wondering how this development would interact with existing elements of elitism in the playerbase. As I read through the comments, I pondered whether I should voice my concerns or just quietly hope for the best so I wouldn't risk fueling the very thing I fear.

Then I discovered that it only took 40 minutes for someone to proudly proclaim that the Core Campaign is the place for people who are better roleplayers than those who use more books. It even came straight from a VO.

And no one batted an eye.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ** Venture-Lieutenant, Florida—Melbourne

This thing's filling up so fast I don't know if this has been asked but:

If you are organizing a multi table Special, can it include both Core and Standard Campaign tables?

5/5

I'm very excited about this idea. But as far as how much impact it has to the player base? It seems like it will have as much or as little impact as the player base wants. I know I've got some hard-core cheese weasels (dunno if I can even exclude myself) who like to use every available option. But this option is such a huge boon to those who are either running out of play options, or just don't want to start out having to be familiar with all of the different classes.

In summary, I likes it.

1/5 **

trollbill wrote:

This thing's filling up so fast I don't know if this has been asked but:

If you are organizing a multi table Special, can it include both Core and Standard Campaign tables?

It has, and the answer is yes.

Liberty's Edge 5/5 Regional Venture-Coordinator, Online

Indeed, sir - it was answered a few posts above. You can have Core tables and "Regular" tables in a multi-table special as long as each of the tables are all of one type. So you could have half and half, or however worked for your event.

trollbill wrote:

This thing's filling up so fast I don't know if this has been asked but:

If you are organizing a multi table Special, can it include both Core and Standard Campaign tables?

5/5 5/55/55/5

Jiggy wrote:

And no one batted an eye.

I did because I lost 5 dollars. I had that post pegged as comming in in 5 minutes or less.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ** Venture-Lieutenant, Florida—Melbourne

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Jiggy wrote:
BigNorseWolf wrote:
I'll be happy to be proven wrong but I've got a bad feeling about this. Splitting geeks into groups can often split an already small group socially.

I have similar reservations. I mean, mechanically, the idea is fantastic. It addresses multiple issues pretty elegantly.

But on the "people" level... I'm less optimistic. As soon as I finished reading the blog, I was already wondering how this development would interact with existing elements of elitism in the playerbase. As I read through the comments, I pondered whether I should voice my concerns or just quietly hope for the best so I wouldn't risk fueling the very thing I fear.

Then I discovered that it only took 40 minutes for someone to proudly proclaim that the Core Campaign is the place for people who are better roleplayers than those who use more books. It even came straight from a VO.

And no one batted an eye.

LET THE CORE WARS BEGIN!!!!

Spoiler:
NOT!

Dark Archive 4/5 ** Venture-Agent, Ireland–Drogheda

1 person marked this as a favorite.

I am so in favor of this. I started playing Pathfinder as a way of getting back into TTRPG's, and PFS was how I learned the ropes and met other players in my area. But, it was a HUGE turnoff to be seated at tables with highly-optimized players who had feats, races, spells, and gear that I'd never heard of.

I think this is a really elegant solution, and I'm excited to see it roll out around here.

Silver Crusade 2/5

Jiggy wrote:
BigNorseWolf wrote:
I'll be happy to be proven wrong but I've got a bad feeling about this. Splitting geeks into groups can often split an already small group socially.

I have similar reservations. I mean, mechanically, the idea is fantastic. It addresses multiple issues pretty elegantly.

But on the "people" level... I'm less optimistic. As soon as I finished reading the blog, I was already wondering how this development would interact with existing elements of elitism in the playerbase. As I read through the comments, I pondered whether I should voice my concerns or just quietly hope for the best so I wouldn't risk fueling the very thing I fear.

Then I discovered that it only took 40 minutes for someone to proudly proclaim that the Core Campaign is the place for people who are better roleplayers than those who use more books. It even came straight from a VO.

And no one batted an eye.

It's because people are 99% desensitized to the Stormwind Fallacy.

Liberty's Edge 5/5 *** Venture-Captain, Missouri—Cape Girardeau

I am beyond stoked to see this implemented!

On the plus side, just think of all the potential Boons this opens up for John Compton to insert into scenarios from here on out!

Shadow Lodge 5/5 5/5

Awesome news! Opens up a multitude of options for players and GMs alike!


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I was already looking into becoming a PFS GM; now I'm looking forward to it. This is a much, much lower barrier to entry for prospective GMs.

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