Tom H.'s page

Zwordsman, welcome to PFS online play! I started playing PFS online a few months ago because there were no locations close to me to try it out, like you, and I've been having a great time.

The best suggestion I can make for you to get your bearings on PFS(though maybe not the one you're looking for) is to read and re-read the guide to organized play. Most if not all of your questions regarding rules will be there. Aside from that you might want to pick up the Pathfinder Player's Companion: PFS Primer and/or Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Pathfinder Society Field Guide. Both of these guides really helped me get a feel from the flavor of the campaign and are good introductions to the various factions and NPCs that you will encounter throughout different scenarios. There are also different options for characters like PFS specific archetypes and magic items, and prestige point "flavor" purchases.

The other thing I would suggest is to try to play First Steps: In Service to Lore and/or The Confirmation. These are designed to be introductory scenarios.

Finally, there are tons of options for online play out there. This forum is a good place to check for games, as well as the Pathfinder Online Society Collective google group. (Don't be afraid to introduce yourself there, it's a pretty fun bunch.) Some GMs also organize their own play through https://warhorn.net/.

My best advice though is to not get discouraged if you don't get into VTT tables right away, they fill up very fast. The best thing to do is to keep checking for new postings and don't be afraid to sign up for an "alt" spot at a table.

Hopefully this helps a little, good luck - maybe I'll see you at a table!

I am a new GM (this was my 2nd PFS session) and ran this last night on the Roll20 VTT. I had a great time prepping and running this game. With the RP potential with the gillman, the iconography puzzles, and encounters with varied creatures, there is something for everyone. It wasn't until the actual encounter with the Minotaur that I realized how difficult he would be. He's like a "beefier" Ledford. He dropped our warpriest (who was rushing to Janira's aid) unconscious with one hit. Between the massive damage and the difficulties the PCs had navigating the terrain, I had a little anxiety going on- until the party prevailed and revived the fallen.

The only thing that was a little clunky, and this is from a VTT perspective, was how to handle the note taking. I did not show them the handout, I simply explained that paper was handed to them and instructed the players to take notes digitally and then send it to me in an email. Some of the players would make comments in the chat box that they were taking notes as certain story elements were revealed, which I thought was good. In the end it was moot since they met other secondary conditions.

I regret not showing them the handout, I think it was a mistake. My next session I will include the picture, even though it is blank parchment, because I think its inclusion impresses upon players its importance to the mission. Does anyone have any other idea how to handle note taking in a VTT situation?

All in all, great fun. The personalized reward is a great touch. I look forward to running this again.