Simplest modules to run?

[Paz]

Hi,

I'm a prospective PFS GM, and I may get a chance to run a module or two at a small convention in the near future.

I'm currently running CotCT for my local group, but I'm no master of the rules, and I sometimes get tied up in knots with particularly complicated situations, e.g NPC magic users with long spell lists. While I can wing it with my own group, I think con-goers may be a bit less forgiving.

Therefore do any GMs have tips on the PFS scenarios that are simplest (rules-wise) to run, to give me the best chance of giving them an enjoyable experience?

[Wintergreen]

Paz wrote:

Hi,

Therefore do any GMs have tips on the PFS scenarios that are simplest (rules-wise) to run, to give me the best chance of giving them an enjoyable experience?

I'd suggest The Silent Tide as a great scenario to run that is actually really simple. There's no complicated NPCs to run but a good variety of situations for the PCs to face.

[Doug Miles]

PFS #8 Slave Pits of Absalom is also a fun, quick scenario that requires minimal prep. I agree that Silent Tide is also quite good.

[Masika]

Slightly off the PFS.. The Pathfinder Module Into the Haunt Forest has alot of assistance for Dms.

[eirip]

Slightly off topic. Doug, I did not steal Masika's name from the above mentioned Masika. I seen that and had to laugh.

[Masika]

You probably ripped it from VtES/Jyhad like me. :)

[Doomlounge]

Mists of Mwangi!

[Wintergreen]

Doomlounge wrote:

Mists of Mwangi!

I didn't suggest Mists of Mwangi as there's the possibility of having to apply a template to PCs during the adventure which might prove to be a complication. (The discussion thread gives some good advice for this though) Apart from that, Mists is an excellent scenario to run.

[Teresake]

I agree with Silent Tide. I ran it first. It's a good starter for GMs and players alike.

And don't worry about not being a rules master. Neither am I. I read up on all the rules associated with the scenario at hand, and tag them for quick reference. I also refreshed some of the more complex combat actions before starting PFS at our FLGS.

Remember, you can't prepare for every eventuality. A player will probably throw something obscure at you. In which case, it's okay to look it up. :)

A few suggestions:
Have your maps ready ahead of time. There's a thread around here with some nice maps for Silent Tide already done. I used those, and they got a great reception. I always prepare my maps ahead of time...it saves a lot of time.

I also suggest going with pre-generated characters, in case people show up without a character. I have Dragonmoon's official PFS versions of all character classes (level 1 and ready to go). I also made token images for them, if you're inclined to print those out. Email me at zarffyn "at" gmail "dot" com if you'd like them.

[Louis Agresta]

Doug Miles wrote:

PFS #8 Slave Pits of Absalom is also a fun, quick scenario that requires minimal prep. I agree that Silent Tide is also quite good.

Glad you liked Slave Pits! I enjoyed Silent Tide a lot, too.

[Paz]

Thanks for the tips everyone; it doesn't look like I'll get chance to run anything at this convention after all, but it's all helpful advice for when I'm choosing a scenario to run for my own group.

[Aratus75]

Teresake wrote:

And don't worry about not being a rules master. Neither am I. I read up on all the rules associated with the scenario at hand, and tag them for quick reference. I also refreshed some of the more complex combat actions before starting PFS at our FLGS.

Remember, you can't prepare for every eventuality. A player will probably throw something obscure at you. In which case, it's okay to look it up. :)

I agree with this advice. Probably the best thing a DM can do in general is to learn "Chapter 8: Combat" in the PHB cold. Delegating obscure rules questions to the players on the fly to look up is also helpful. At most organized play tables, the majority of the players will play an honest game, and will prolly call shenanigans on misrepresentations of the rules from fellow players.

That, and knowing the special rules that apply to the NPCs and monsters you are running, should help a great deal. I love how easy the stat blocks are to read in PFS compared to some other organized campaigns. >:)

[NotMousse]

#7 Among the living. Set the first four encounters in the massive central room heh heh.

[hhouse93]

NotMousse wrote:

#7 Among the living. Set the first four encounters in the massive central room heh heh.

I ran several tables of #7 Among the Living over the weekend and we had a GREAT time. I used the "Theatre" flip mat and adapted the scenario for that map. It was easy, fast, and the players enjoyed themselves. The first party managed to trip three encounters in the first couple of rounds . . . (OOPS)