Mike...R's page

The latest Pazio blog has an update on the timelines for the forums being down while they implement the new store. See here for details.

In summary it looks like the plan is for Paizo.com will go down at 8 a.m. Pacific on Monday, November 3rd for a few days.

Looks like the new store launch has been pushed back until next Monday (see here).

Store Launch Update : We are delaying the launch of the new store due to two issues we’ve found. We expect this work will take 2-3 days to resolve and test, so that means we will be going dark at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 10th. We will update the blog with this latest information.

-Jim

The latest Pazio blog has an update on the timelines for the forums being down while they implement the new store. See here for details.

In summary it looks like the plan is for Paizo.com will go down at 8 a.m. Pacific on Monday, November 3rd for a few days.

I haven't played Deepmarket Deception, so would be interested if that was run.

ok...i can't remember...are the PFS1 specials replayable? I played HJC with my one guy...dont wanna burn a replay...

PFS1 multi-table specials work in the same way as other non-evergreen scenarios (i.e. you would need to use a replay to play it more than once under the same campaign).

As GMs for the specials are notified on the same day that general player seating opens does that mean that GMs for the special don't get access to early GM player sign up? Or will early GM player sign up be open to GMs who have volunteered to GM for the special even if they haven't been notified yet?

As GMs for the specials are notified on the same day as general player seating starts, does that mean that GMs for the specials will not have access to early GM player access?

I couldn't see a listing of which games will be PbP on here.

Here's the page with the sign up information and here's the full list of games. To just get the list of PbP games you need to use the filters on the right hand side of the second page I linked to (i.e. pick PbP at Paizo.com for the Venue and Pathfinder Society (1st edition) for the Campaign).

Edit: The link at the top of Colin's post has those two filters already applied.

Just in case anyone missed it, player sign up has opened for PazioCon 2025 which includes some PbP games being run on this site.

Yeah, you get 2 GM credits for each module you run (or for longer modules with multiple sections, each with a chronicle sheet - 2 GM credits per section).

Mike...R wrote:

The gold a character receives is based on the sub-tier which that character falls into (e.g. a level 4 character would get sub-tier 3-4 gold even on a 5-6 table).

Are you sure about that?

Isn't the Out-Of-Subtier rule that you take the average of the subtier played and your subtier? (Level 9 is always out of subtier and averages 7-8 and 10-11 regardless of which subtierplayed)

For most scenarios that's true, however multi-table specials get called out in the Guild Guide as a special case (see the bit in bold below).

Step 5: Determine the Max Gold for the adventure based on the PC’s advancement rate and the subtier played. Circle the applicable value (F). If the PC’s level is not within the subtier played (such as a 1st-, 2nd-, or 3rd-level character in Subtier 4–5), circle the Out-of-Subtier gold value or calculate the Out-of-Subtier value for Seasons 0–4 by taking the average of both subtiers and rounding up. For special scenarios with 4 or more subtiers, give the character the gold value for the tier that matches his character level, rather than the tier played. Write this value beside area F and circle it. This value represents the total gold piece value a character receives for defeating all enemies and finding all treasure in an adventure.

As you say for characters who fall between the tiers (i.e. level 9 in this case), they would still get Out-of-Subtier gold as there is not a tier which corresponds to their level.

The way I use to get a clean map out of the map layer in a PDF scenario is to open the PDF in Acrobat Reader. Once it is open left click on the map which should then turn dark indicating the map has been selected. Once the map image is selected, right click on it and choose 'save image as' and save the clean map image. I assume something similar is possible with other PDF readers and editors. You do sometimes run into the odd scenario where the map layer map is not totally clean, but that is fairly rare.

I know when they were first introduced it was indicated that was the case, see this post here.

Question regarding the PFS1 special: Can I play a level 4 character in the Subtier 5-6 standard game?

According to page 11 of the PFS Roleplaying guild guide, for scenarios with more than two subtiers, characters must be in adjacent subtiers to play together.
Seems to me that this condition is met (provided all other characters at that table are between level 3 and 6), but I want to be sure.

(Unfortunately, there is no standard table for Subtier 3-4 of the special.)

Yes, you're interpretation is correct. For PFS1 specials characters from adjacent sub-tiers can join tables so long as the table only contains characters from two adjacent sub-tiers (e.g. a 5-6 table can also have characters from sub-tier 3-4 or sub-tier 7-8, but not from both of those other sub-tiers). The gold a character receives is based on the sub-tier which that character falls into (e.g. a level 4 character would get sub-tier 3-4 gold even on a 5-6 table). Level 9 is the one level that counts as between tiers rather than being a sub-tier, so the sub-tier below 10-11 would be sub-tier 7-8.

I'd be more than happy to run one of the low level evergreen scenarios.

Off the back of this I'm planning to run PFS1 #5-08: The Confirmation, a scenario for level 1-2 characters (and evergreen when played with a level 1 character). Recruitment priority will be given to anyone who is new to play by post (and first come first served otherwise) and I'm planning on starting the game in a couple of weeks time.

The recruitment thread can be found here

So in Starfinder and Pathfinder 2e Societies, there are a few scenarios that are not specials but count for the required number of specials for 5 stars/glyphs/novas. I realized it'd be possible for me to get 150 scenarios via PbP, but I am too slow of a GM to comfortably GM a multitable special on PbP. Out of curiosity, are there any equivalent scenarios for PF1e?

Yes, there are a few of them. #6-98 Serpent’s Rise, #7-97 Serpents’ Ire, #7-99 Through Maelstrom Rift and the Bonekeep series all count as specials towards 5 stars. I suspect that #6-99 True Dragons of Absalom may also now count as it is also a single table special, but was previously only runnable by 5 star GMs until that restriction was removed last year.

I'd be more than happy to run one of the low level evergreen scenarios.

I’ve spotted a potential error in what was reported for one of my characters in one of the games I played at Gameday XIII. Who would be the best person for me to speak to about getting it corrected?

Also, from what I've heard, if you trip someone and they try to stand up, you may not be able to trip them as an AoO. Not sure how that works.

The reason for that one is that the AoO is resolved before the action which provoked it. So in the case of someone standing back up the AoO is resolved while they are still on the ground and so can't be tripped (but you could use the AoO to perform a different maneuver which can be performed in place of an attack instead).

The races which can be legally used for new characters without a boon are the ones in the Core Rulebook plus ifrit, kitsune, nagaji, oread, sylph, tengu, undine, and wayang.

There is one other option via which it is sometimes possible to access certain races outside of that list without a boon:

Time to flaunt my ignornace. A Phantomn Blade sounds like a frontliner?

Phantom Blades are essentially like maguses but with a different spell list and a ghost weapon. Long term the plan is for him to use a whip, but I suspect at low level he will probably just be a standard front liner who can cast a few spells.

Mike...R wrote:

I'd definitely be interested in playing. I'd be using a new character, so I've got a few different ideas for characters I could bring depending on the group.

You're in! :) Feel free to communicate with the other players to see who is bringing what to the table.

From a thematic point of view I'm leaning towards trying out my phantom blade spiritualist idea. It seems appropriate given the name of the scenario.

I'd definitely be interested in playing. I'd be using a new character, so I've got a few different ideas for characters I could bring depending on the group.

Mike...R wrote:

DM Lil" Eschie wrote:

joined the Emerald Spire team with a character

Fantastic. The party are still in town ready to head out to the ruins, so that perfect timing!

If you mean to go deeper, this character has been stuck between the Drowned Level and the Clockwork Maze for some time now, and would like to continue.

I'm only looking to run the first floor this time, so no plans go any deeper (I've run the whole thing in the past, but that's definitely a much larger undertaking!).

joined the Emerald Spire team with a character

Fantastic. The party are still in town ready to head out to the ruins, so that perfect timing!

A spot has opened up on my Emerald Spire (Floor 1) game if anyone has a level 1-2 character who would be interested. Signup is via the Outpost VII event listing sheet.

One useful thing to remember about the tiers in a special is that, if necessary, a legal table can include PCs from an adjoining tier (but not both adjoining tiers). e.g. a tier 3-4 table can include level 1-2 PCs (and vice versa), but not both level 1-2 and 5-6 characters. Essentially it’s the same as the rules used for running level 1-7 games.

I thought I might try my hand at PbP GMing, so with that in mind I'm planning on running We Be Goblins Too! a scenario length PFS1 module using 3rd level goblin pregens (credit for which can be applied to level 2-4 characters).

If you're interested in being a Goblin Too the link to the recruitment thread can be found here.

The minimum you can currently run with is 2 real players with 2 pregens. The minimum was 3 real players (with a pregen), but it was changed to 2 a few years back.

@Yours is mined - Thanks! Its always good to know that players enjoyed themsleves. If all of the players at my table enjoyed a game, then I'm a happy GM!

@Davor Firetusk - Thanks for the offer! Unfortunately, as I'm Europe based, its probably a bit far for me, but definitely appreciated. However, that does remind me of another thing which helped with getting into GMing, specifically the availability of different formats in different places for running games. In my case running games online via VTT was the best fit based on my personal circumstances, but for others face to face games or play by post could be an easier option for getting going with GMing. So for folk looking to start GMing its certainly worth looking at the different options available out there, perhaps starting with one that works for you initially while you find your feet and then broadening out.

The thing that got me to start GMing was realising that I was struggling to find games running at times that worked with my timezone so I decided to help do something about it and start GMing myself. Another factor was giving something back for all of the game people had run for me. A big factor in what keeps me GMing is a desire to help support the community. I'm very much a PFS1 player, so doing what I can to help retain a healthy community around that system is something which is important to me.

I think initially the biggest deterrent for me to start GMing was the work required to prepare and run a game. Especially as I’d not GMed before, so all of my experience was as a player and I didn’t have any visibility of what went on behind the scenes, what different GMs did to prepare a game, build the table etc… . The prospect of actually running the game once it was prepared was less of a worry.

When it came to first dipping my toe into the GMing water, picking a simple, straightforward, low level scenario which I'd already played was a big help. As was making sure I had a few friendly faces who I had played with plenty of times before at the table. I think it’s important that new GMs know that they are not expected to run the game perfectly or to know all of the rules. I'd like to think I'm a reasonably experienced GM now, but there is still loads of stuff I don’t know or get wrong. One big asset GMs have access to at their table is the knowledge of the other players around the table. If you're not sure about something, chances are there is someone at the table who is able to help.

Another thing which is a big help as a GM is all of the shared resources out there, form helpful guides, to prebuilt tables and pregens. So anything which can be done to highlight the availability of those would also help. One thing I've seen deter new GMs is working out the mechanics of how to prepare and run a game. For example with online games: How do you build a new table? How do you extract and size maps? how do you fill in and distribute chronicles sheets? What is a 'normal' workflow for preparing to run a scenario? For most of these I ended up coming up with my own process by trial and error, but access to guides and examples of how other more experienced GMs do this would definitely seem to be a great way of demystifying it for new GMs.

In terms of other things which would help keep me motivated as GM, getting to play sometimes is definitely important! Another area where I would like to GM more, but feel things don’t really work for me, is volunteering to GM at major cons. It’s something I enjoy doing, and I’d like to do more than I currently do, but I personally really struggle with the move back to GMs being assigned which scenarios they run, rather than getting some degree of choice.

As regards GM incentives, while they are not the primary reason I GM, getting access to GM exclusive boons is definitely a nice perk. While getting vouchers for running at cons is also very helpful in terms of offsetting the cost of buying scenarios to run for people at other times.

I’d be happy to GM a table for Year of the Shadow Lodge, as I played it a few years ago (Although, fair warning - I’ve not GMed PbP or a special before, but I’m sure I can pick it up!).

I'd be interested, although I've played it before so wouldn't want to take a spot from someone who hasn't played it yet.

- Race/Class/Level: I'll play one of the 4 pregens, whichever fits in best with the group.
- Do you have pbp experience?: Yes
- Have you played this module before?: Yes

If anyone is still after scenario suggestions. I’ve got a hellknight signifer who would love to have an opportunity to play #7–25: Orders from the Gate at some point.

I’d definitely be interested.
- Which pregen would you like to play? - The Chronicler

- Have you played / GMed this scenario before? - No/No

- Are you new to play by post? - No

One slight change to my character before I start. I've changed his name to Tarin.

Here's the information for me:

Player: Mike
Character/Class/Level (pregen or own character): I'd like to try one of the pregens. I'll go with Torgen (the fighter) if that's ok.
Played/GMed this scenario before: No/No

Anyone else interested?

I’d be interested in playing.

I’d be interested in joining. I’ve got a life oracle I can bring, I just need to decide on a name for them before posting details. I’ve played this scenario before recently so I’m happy to drop out if someone who hasn’t played it yet wants the spot.

This is handy for natural attack vs adamantine (but not hardness):
https://aonprd.com/MagicWondrousDisplay.aspx?FinalName=Forge%20Fist%20Amule t

As is this if you can find someone to cast it on your claws:
https://aonprd.com/SpellDisplay.aspx?ItemName=Heart%20of%20the%20metal

Mike...R wrote:

I’ve currently got 8 items of digital content in my shopping cart. I’ve made multiple attempts over a period of time to submit and pay for this order but every time I click on ‘Place Your Order’ I get the spinner indicating that something is being processed but when the page refreshes I find myself right back at the ‘Place Your Order’ page without the order having been placed.

I’ve tried placing the order using different browsers, different devices and different payment cards. I’ve tried clearing out my browser cache, logging out and back into my Paizo account, restarting my machine. I’ve tried submitting the order on different days, I’ve tried removing all but one item from the order and ordering the items each as separate orders. I’ve also tried clearing out and re-setting up my payment details to check that the payment address is set up correctly. But nothing seems to work. I’ve placed multiple orders successfully in the past using the same card details (the last one was on the 24th or December last month), but for some reason I’ve not been able to place any orders since then.

I’m supposed to be running a game this Sunday which I need one of the items I ordered in order to run, so I was wandering if there is anything which can be done to get the order to properly process? I know at least one other person who has had exactly the same problem recently, although it doesn’t seem to be causing a problem for everyone.

Hi Mike!

I am so sorry the website has been giving you trouble. I was able to submit the order for you on our end and you should be receiving a confirmation email here shortly as well. I have also passed this information along so we can hopefully make your ordering process a lot smoother :) Please let me know if I can assist you further!

Fantastic. Thanks for your help getting this sorted out.

I’ve currently got 8 items of digital content in my shopping cart. I’ve made multiple attempts over a period of time to submit and pay for this order but every time I click on ‘Place Your Order’ I get the spinner indicating that something is being processed but when the page refreshes I find myself right back at the ‘Place Your Order’ page without the order having been placed.

I’ve tried placing the order using different browsers, different devices and different payment cards. I’ve tried clearing out my browser cache, logging out and back into my Paizo account, restarting my machine. I’ve tried submitting the order on different days, I’ve tried removing all but one item from the order and ordering the items each as separate orders. I’ve also tried clearing out and re-setting up my payment details to check that the payment address is set up correctly. But nothing seems to work. I’ve placed multiple orders successfully in the past using the same card details (the last one was on the 24th or December last month), but for some reason I’ve not been able to place any orders since then.

I’m supposed to be running a game this Sunday which I need one of the items I ordered in order to run, so I was wandering if there is anything which can be done to get the order to properly process? I know at least one other person who has had exactly the same problem recently, although it doesn’t seem to be causing a problem for everyone.