Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I finally started running RotRL last week, and it was great fun. However, a couple of my players have expressed an interest in their characters becoming members of the Pathfinders (or indeed, starting out as a Pathfinder). I was wondering - how have other DMs handled players joining the Pathfinders? Apologies if a post covering this has already been made - I had a look but couldn't find any.
Thanks,
Mishi.
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Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I finally started running RotRL last week, and it was great fun. However, a couple of my players have expressed an interest in their characters becoming members of the Pathfinders (or indeed, starting out as a Pathfinder). I was wondering - how have other DMs handled players joining the Pathfinders? Apologies if a post covering this has already been made - I had a look but couldn't find any.
Hi Mishi,
My wife's character is a Pathfinder, and here's how I set it up. First, I sat down with her and read her the Pathdinfer journal in #1, which set up the organization and what it stood for. Second, I printed and let her read the Pathfinder Journals of Eando Kline from issues 2, 3, and 4 to get a feel for the life. Third, I asked her to come up with the Pathfinder NPC who introduced her to the origanization and work it into her character background.
In other words, at the moment we're kinda tip-toeing around it a bit until more info is released. I don't think a Pathfinder needs to have a prestige class or anything, but more details on the organization's HQ and the like are surely coming.
Hope that helps!
-DM Jeff
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My wife's character is the daughter of a scholar associated with the pathfinders. Not a member herself, she nevertheless is trying to do fieldwork for her father, examining and documenting various ruins.
I would like a little more 'official' information on the Pathfinders myself before getting too emeshed in the orginization. I don't want to have to later retroactively change the facts. So, long story short, we're using it as flavor but not as a huge part of the story being unfolded.
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Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I finally started running RotRL last week, and it was great fun. However, a couple of my players have expressed an interest in their characters becoming members of the Pathfinders (or indeed, starting out as a Pathfinder). I was wondering - how have other DMs handled players joining the Pathfinders? Apologies if a post covering this has already been made - I had a look but couldn't find any.
Others have required tasks to be performed (such as 'here's one of our compasses - figure out it's unusual uses') which will take time (especially since the DM doesn't know what the compasses do yet)
Others have required tasks to be performed (such as 'here's one of our compasses - figure out it's unusual uses') which will take time (especially since the DM doesn't know what the compasses do yet)Hi everyone,
Long time lurker, first time poster here. I finally started running RotRL last week, and it was great fun. However, a couple of my players have expressed an interest in their characters becoming members of the Pathfinders (or indeed, starting out as a Pathfinder). I was wondering - how have other DMs handled players joining the Pathfinders? Apologies if a post covering this has already been made - I had a look but couldn't find any.
Yeah that was me-she'll be getting it this saturday...basically, to get promotions in PF, she'll have to discover mysteries (which fits her character, who is obsessed with the unknown)...each promotion will earn her a minor wondrous item that she has to figure out how to use...
Plus she has free access to the PF library in Magnimar (i created it there), and their resources, etc...
Others have required tasks to be performed...
There's a precedent for that in Burnt Offerings. If you look at the background information for Lyrie Akenja. It says that she had to submit a thesis to the local Pathfinder chapter in Magnimar to be considered for their little club. She was rejected...and apparently, it may have had something to do with her efforts to knock off each of her competitors.
That little blurb is something I tried to use when coming up with the background for the character I'm running in Sean's Rise of the Runelords PbP here on the Paizo boards. Basically, my PC had to submit a thesis, too. And I kind of left it open-ended in case the DM wanted to say that I was the applicant who got chosen over Lyrie...because that ought to set up an interesting encounter for down the road.
At the very least, you've got to figure that the Pathfinders test each applicant or recruit with regards to their interests and capabilities in ancient lore and history. I don't think it should be a simple, "Here's this magic compass-thingie. Figure out what it does and you're in..."
But that's just my two-cents,
--Neil
In my game I made Broder Quint a much larger figure, and my player was the only one in town who was interested in his 'crazy' theories about the crumbled lighthouse (why am i blanking on the name?), thassilonia, etc....so she got his recommendation to be given probationary membership to the PFs, and will be interviewed in magnimar...
Thanks for the help, guys. I was a little unsure of how to go about this, as (like people have said) there's not much available yet on the details of joining. I'd forgotten about Lyrie's thesis too. I think I have some ideas of how to go about it now though - I think I'll try to establish an NPC contact for them and then set a joining task that requires a report(or study) of some kind to be submitted to the organisation. I'll have a think on the joining task and see if I can come up with some things to give them.
Thanks very much! :D
Mishi
Yep, one of my players did ask if he could just start out being a Pathfinder, rather than becoming one during the course of the campaign. Being as all the PCs are 1st level though, I wasn't sure if that would be feasible.
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I wouldn't let a 1st lvl PC start out as a pathfinder.
What is for sure in the avaiable material on the guild is, that people who wish to join have to prove their skills and worth to the patrons.
They seem to favor having few capable members more than supervising legions of inexperienced wanna-be's.
I'd let the PC express his wish to join the pathfinders and I'd lead him into a direction to reach this goal (maybe with having a pathfinder, maybe even Kline himself, showing up and giving tips on how to best join the guild).
This may lead to some interesting side tracks during which the PC (with the aid of his group) tries to impress and/or help the pathfinders in numerous ways before they finally invite him to join.
And I'd portray the guild as a mysterious organization, with many rumours but very little facts surrounding them.
In this way it wouldn't matter this much that we don't know many details on pathfinders yet.
Just spread the avaiable information in little doses, so that the PC can find things out about the guild as he continues to make his way toward membership.
Maybe we get more informations in the meantime which you could reveal when he finally joined them.
I wouldn't let a 1st lvl PC start out as a pathfinder.
I don't really see any problems with a 1st Level Pathfinder. Burnt Offerings has Lyrie Akenja at 3rd level...and that's since she joined up with Nualia's crew. So figure a level or two ago she probably submitted her thesis to join the local Pathfinder chapter in Magnimar...and I think that sets enough precedent that it's entirely possible for 1st level PCs to start out as Pathfinders.
In the case of the character I'm playing, she's a Wizard (diviner) on track to become a Loremaster (or Loremistress?). One of her 1st level feats was spent on Skill Focus (Knowledge: arcana) and she has maximum starting ranks in Knowledge (history) and many more skills in that area...so I think that kind of defines the pedigree for what the Pathfinder Society would look for in candidates. And, it gives the PC the necessary skills to believably write a thesis that gets accepted.
Now, I agree that letting any Joe-blow in off the street to join the Pathfinder Society doesn't sound as feasible. As a DM, I'd certainly look for a set of skills, feats, and/or academic trappings associated with the PC's class to justify letting them start out as a Pathfinder. Otherwise, I'd delay it until they gained enough of those things to make a more appealing candidate.
Just my two-cents,
--Neil
I've got a related question about the whole Pathfinder thing myself. One of my players has the potential to be interested in the society (I'm not sure if he has noticed any of the text about it in the Player's Guide or not).
The problem I'm having is that his PC is a human of mixed Varisian and Shoanti blood. The Pathfinder Society is based out of Absolom and (if I understand it correctly) of Chelish origin. Would someone from Varisia even entertain the idea of joining a group of seeming outsiders who poke around what they probably see as "their" ruins/historical legacy?
Again, this player may have absolutely no interest in the Pathfinders. I would like to get some thoughts on this just in case though.
All thoughts welcome, as always. Thanks!
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
The problem I'm having is that his PC is a human of mixed Varisian and Shoanti blood. The Pathfinder Society is based out of Absolom and (if I understand it correctly) of Chelish origin. Would someone from Varisia even entertain the idea of joining a group of seeming outsiders who poke around what they probably see as "their" ruins/historical legacy?
I don't believe the Varisian connection to ancient Thassilon is all that well understood by the current population. Was your player's PC raised Varisian or Shoanti? Maybe it doesn't matter that much. But some Shoanti have a decidedly negative outlook with regards to the Chelish anyway...viewing them as colonial usurpers of the southlands (Magnimar, Korvosa, etc.) of Varisia.
Speaking of Chelish...I'm also not certain that Absalom was founded by them. If you look at the greater world-map provided in the Paizo blog, I think Absalom may be far enough away from the former empire that it could be founded by an entirely different people. Again, it probably doesn't matter that much anyway. The Pathfinder Society is an equal-opportunity employer. I don't think they'd object to a half-Varisian/half-Shoanti joining their ranks.
The primary question is whether or not your player's PC would object to the Pathfinders and their philosophy...and that's probably for your player to decide based on how he perceives them and any general prejudices he may work into his character's background.
Just my two-cents,
--Neil
Speaking of Chelish...I'm also not certain that Absalom was founded by them. If you look at the greater world-map provided in the Paizo blog, I think Absalom may be far enough away from the former empire that it could be founded by an entirely different people. Again, it probably doesn't matter that much anyway. The Pathfinder Society is an equal-opportunity employer. I don't think they'd object to a half-Varisian/half-Shoanti joining their ranks.
--Neil
NSpicer,
That's what I wasn't sure about either. I need to reread the article to see about the society's origins. All I seem to remember is that they do have a reputation as tomb robbers in many circles (though evidently not in Magnimar), and I would think the locals would be at the vanguard of that belief.
The character's backstory is that he is a recent graduate from the Twilight Academy in Galduria (he's a gestalt wizard/ranger). His father is a travalling Varisian merchant, and his mother is a Shoanti barbarian (who raised him until he decided to go to school). He tries to not favor either side of his heritage over the other, thus my uncertainty of his feelings toward the Pathfinders (though it can be assumed he grew up with some bad words about them).
I'm playing up the angle about the Old Light being a draw for Pathfinders, and hopefully that will generate some interest. We shall see...
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
That's what I wasn't sure about either. I need to reread the article to see about the society's origins. All I seem to remember is that they do have a reputation as tomb robbers in many circles (though evidently not in Magnimar), and I would think the locals would be at the vanguard of that belief.
Well, keep in mind that there's plenty of people crawling all over Varisia to research its history and ancient monuments. Look at Magnimar, the so-called "City of Monuments," as one place to start. You've got to figure that even many of locals (who have forgotten the past) have their own mysteries to figure out about their ancestors...rediscovering ancient lore alongside everyone else.
So, it's not necessarily an angle I think you need to play up. Shoanti are going to have a gripe against outsiders, and Chelish in particular...but even some of their shamans may have a reason to look into their past. So, it's quite possible some of them could work alongside an agreeable Pathfinder. I'd draw a parallel with the Native American Indians and how they interacted with the early colonials. Sometimes with violence. And sometimes with cooperation. Just depends...
The character's backstory is that he is a recent graduate from the Twilight Academy in Galduria (he's a gestalt wizard/ranger). His father is a travalling Varisian merchant, and his mother is a Shoanti barbarian (who raised him until he decided to go to school). He tries to not favor either side of his heritage over the other, thus my uncertainty of his feelings toward the Pathfinders (though it can be assumed he grew up with some bad words about them).
Okay. If he went the wizard route, then he's probably not that tied into Varisian culture...as they pursue sorcery much more than wizardry. Doesn't mean you won't find an occasional Varisian wizard...but rather, I'd expect such a character to have some rather non-traditional views completely separate from the usual Varisian mindset.
With regards to his experiences as a ranger, that sounds like you've got some good ties to his Shoanti background. Depending on how much time he spent among the Shoanti, I'd expect his views of outsiders encroaching upon Varisia to be colored a little by their traditions. But, even so, if you take a look at someone like Sheriff Hemlock in Sandpoint, you can see that many Shoanti do cast aside their traditions and embrace the Chelish colonial culture just fine. And again, given that the Shoanti aren't particularly notable for having wizards among them, it sounds more and more like your player's PC is something of an outsider who's moved beyond the native cultures of his parents.
Because of these "departures" from traditional Varisian and Shoanti culture, I'd expect him to not only be more receptive to the Pathfinder Society, but possibly serve as a unique asset to them while trying to learn more about Varisia and ancient Thassilon. After all, who better to assist them than an educated former Varisian/Shoanti half-breed...who's also got skills as an adventurer?
Another two-cents,
--Neil
I actually made one of my players a member, by telling her that she had been introduced to it by a family member (uncle). My version of the pathfinder society requires an introduction, sort of like the Free Masons. I also have her reporting to magnimar on a regular, letter type basis each letter is worth a few extra XP.
This is her first time at playing D&D, so she gets different feel and a little something extra. As my group is only 3 players, her affiliation to the Pathfinders allows me to give them an NPC where necessary, and feed little bits of extra info as they go.
Just wanted to mention that the PrC Extreme Explorer from the Eberron Campaign Setting(pg79) fits the whole Pathfinder society really well. Well at least I think it does.
Here is an excerpt about the class.
Whether motivated by a thirst for knowledge about ancient civilizations, a hunger for the long-lost secrets of tremendous arcane power, or simply a lust for gold, extreme explorers subject themselves to tremendous danger to achieve their goals - and somehow manage to escape in one piece, often by the skin of their teeth. The extreme explorer is the iconic action hero: courageous, resourceful, determined, and just plain lucky.
Okay. If he went the wizard route, then he's probably not that tied into Varisian culture...as they pursue sorcery much more than wizardry. Doesn't mean you won't find an occasional Varisian wizard...but rather, I'd expect such a character to have some rather non-traditional views completely separate from the usual Varisian mindset.
With regards...
Sorry for the delay in response. I wish I could say that he had grand designs on why he chose to pursue the path of a wizard, but the truth is that none of my players like sorcerers :)
Anywhoo - thank you for those extra two cents. That does put an interesting spin that I hadn't considered (yet another reason I love coming to these boards). It's a perfect excuse to have the Pathfinders keep an eye on him and maybe invite him to the chapterhouse in Maginmar when they get into The Skinsaw Murders.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"
My guess is there will be some details on how to become a Pathfinder coming up real soon.
My guess is there will be some details on how to become a Pathfinder coming up real soon.
You talk as if one who is an upcoming CoTCT AP Chapter author!?! One who might have foresight and knowledge beyond this ken!
But wait- you are! You do!
::cues musical track 'Age of Aquaris' by the 4th Dimension::
Real soon in the cosmic sense, maybe. Unless there's something in a PF I haven't edited yet.
Ugh.
I am dismayed by realism and truth.
As we have spoken before, Mike, you done your Editorial duties admirably and crushed my dreams.
Even now I can hear James cackling in the background, "Yeah, I'll get right on that. It'll come out at the same time as that Iomedae write-up he's been begging for too!"
Dalesman...If you can get ahold of the Complete Book of Eldritch Might there is a varient sorcorer that makes it much more atractive of a class. If memory serves they get bonus spells to both spells known and spells per day, and might have a few extra slots as well, but have a sleightly different list than the wizard. Some spells that are too "wizardy" are no longer sorcorer spells (if I remember right scry was one of those spells, think legend lore was too) and other spells become higher level due to the ability a sorcorer has to "machine gun" them out. Think invisibility was one level higher, and the bull strength/endurance type spells might have also. Only thing I remember really not liking was the skills being a little wonky, though I don't remember exactly why I thought that. It's a good book to have arround anyways, as it's chalked full of wicked magical goodness. Gird the warrior is an AMAZING spell...One of my all time favorites. It's by Mulhavoc, which if your not familiar with the compony, it's Monte Cook's gaming business, so you can be pretty sure the content is high quallity.
Dalesman...If you can get ahold of the Complete Book of Eldritch Might there is a varient sorcorer that makes it much more atractive of a class.
Thanks for the heads up Faust. I am familiar with both Malhavoc Press and the Book of Eldritch Might (though I have only thumbed through it once). I'll give this book another peek next time I'm in my FLGS and see if it might tickle my player's fancy.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Dalesman
"Bringing Big D**n Justice to the Bad Guys Since 1369 DR"