paizo.com Recent Posts in How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?paizo.com Recent Posts in How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?2012-11-15T22:46:52Z2012-11-15T22:46:52ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Lawrence Smith 2https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#352014-07-20T21:33:06Z2014-07-20T21:33:06Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Grandfather wrote:</div><blockquote><p> <b>Someone at the shop (staff or associate) must register with the PFS</b>. When that is done that person, the event coordinator, must register the event at the PFS site.</p>
<p>From then on its just playing.
<br />
The cooerdinator then makes sure to report all games under the event code asociated with the stores event. </blockquote><p>Is there any indication yet when Paizo again will be able to process a shop's application for registration? According to customer service, this is a necessary first step before a store will appear on the Pathfinder Society page when an interested person seeks a local or nearby PFS venue by zip code.The Grandfather wrote:Someone at the shop (staff or associate) must register with the PFS. When that is done that person, the event coordinator, must register the event at the PFS site.
From then on its just playing.
The cooerdinator then makes sure to report all games under the event code asociated with the stores event.
Is there any indication yet when Paizo again will be able to process a shop's application for registration? According to customer service, this is a necessary first step...Lawrence Smith 22014-07-20T21:33:06ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Thomas LeBlanc (RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#342013-12-21T14:27:04Z2013-12-21T14:27:04Z<p><b>Trickery and Guile</b>
<br />
At my local FLGS, there were not many PF players to begin with and the few available had either had bad experiences with prior organized play campaigns in the local area or were unsure of wanting to try organized play.</p>
<p>So I tricked them. I began by convincing them to play a campaign set in Absalom on Golarion. I gathered all the Absalom scenarios that were published at that time and began running slightly re-skinned versions. Each player worked for a mysterious benefactor that they earned reputation with, by completing secret missions while adventuring with a registered guild.</p>
<p>After a few months, I revealed they had been running PFS scenarios the whole time. Since then, we have grown from 3 regular players to 15+ people showing up weekly. For a while I was the only GM, until I lucked upon <a href="http://paizo.com/people/Broxxigan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Josh</a>, who has taken over organizing the weekly games for me (I'm moving). The monthly organized mini-con, run by <a href="http://paizo.com/people/trollbill/profile" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bill</a>, consisting of three 4E tables has slowly changed into three (very full) tables of PFS. We have our own VL, <a href="http://paizo.com/people/catron1601" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Samantha</a>, who organized SPACECon last October.</p>Trickery and Guile
At my local FLGS, there were not many PF players to begin with and the few available had either had bad experiences with prior organized play campaigns in the local area or were unsure of wanting to try organized play.
So I tricked them. I began by convincing them to play a campaign set in Absalom on Golarion. I gathered all the Absalom scenarios that were published at that time and began running slightly re-skinned versions. Each player worked for a mysterious benefactor...Thomas LeBlanc (RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32)2013-12-21T14:27:04ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Edeldhurhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#332012-09-21T15:04:32Z2012-09-21T15:04:32Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Mullican wrote:</div><blockquote><p> I started with PFS Scenarios. You might look at running Intro Steps. They are free, can be run with every single character you ever make and are a good intro to PFS play. If you want to pm me that is fine, or you can make a public thread and we can all discuss it here.</p>
<p>VO are tasked with growing the organized game in their regions, among other things. </blockquote><p>Thank you very much for all the feedback so far - I will open a new thread with all my doubts, questions, etc.
<p>I am really expecting this to be the beginning of something new :D</p>Chris Mullican wrote:I started with PFS Scenarios. You might look at running Intro Steps. They are free, can be run with every single character you ever make and are a good intro to PFS play. If you want to pm me that is fine, or you can make a public thread and we can all discuss it here.
VO are tasked with growing the organized game in their regions, among other things.
Thank you very much for all the feedback so far - I will open a new thread with all my doubts, questions, etc. I am...Edeldhur2012-09-21T15:04:32ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Spaarkyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#322012-09-21T14:42:51Z2012-09-21T14:42:51Z<p>I started with PFS Scenarios. You might look at running Intro Steps. They are free, can be run with every single character you ever make and are a good intro to PFS play. If you want to pm me that is fine, or you can make a public thread and we can all discuss it here.</p>
<p>VO are tasked with growing the organized game in their regions, among other things.</p>I started with PFS Scenarios. You might look at running Intro Steps. They are free, can be run with every single character you ever make and are a good intro to PFS play. If you want to pm me that is fine, or you can make a public thread and we can all discuss it here.
VO are tasked with growing the organized game in their regions, among other things.Spaarky2012-09-21T14:42:51ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Edeldhurhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#312012-09-21T14:25:40Z2012-09-21T14:25:40Z<p>Ok... now you got me going - I have a lot of questions so I guess I better create a new thread :D</p>
<p>One last point: I am starting this from scratch so, in your more experienced opinion do you believe I should start with a stand alone for the game promotion, or you find no issue in just starting off with PFS modules?</p>
<p>I guess the whole point of being a VC is to build on "organized" play right? So I guess blasting off with PFS would be the best way to launch?</p>
<p>Thank you for any input on this last one - I will take it from here to decide where to create my new thread about Pathfinding in Portugal ;)</p>Ok... now you got me going - I have a lot of questions so I guess I better create a new thread :D
One last point: I am starting this from scratch so, in your more experienced opinion do you believe I should start with a stand alone for the game promotion, or you find no issue in just starting off with PFS modules?
I guess the whole point of being a VC is to build on "organized" play right? So I guess blasting off with PFS would be the best way to launch?
Thank you for any input on this...Edeldhur2012-09-21T14:25:40ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Spaarkyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#302012-09-21T14:07:43Z2012-09-21T14:07:43Z<p>When I started out there was no PFS play in my area at all. No VL, my VC is 4 hrs away from me. I did some research online on what it was all about and how to setup a gameday. I talked with my local FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) and the owner was all for it so we set a date, notified people and ran an event. Originally we planned on doing it 2x a month. After our first week of 6 people showing up and our next week of nearly 10 we decided to move to every week and it has grown to 2 events each week with 2 tables at one and 3 at the other. After about a month of running I emailed the VC in my state, thinking that was what I was supposed to do, and he responded back overjoyed that we had just started running and he talked to me about the VL position and if I wanted to do it. Not knowing exactly what I was getting myself in to I volunteered and the rest is history. </p>
<p>So far it has been quite the ride and I am really enjoying growing the game where I live. We have a great community both here on the boards, in my region and in my local area. We are even talking about organizing a local con next year.</p>When I started out there was no PFS play in my area at all. No VL, my VC is 4 hrs away from me. I did some research online on what it was all about and how to setup a gameday. I talked with my local FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) and the owner was all for it so we set a date, notified people and ran an event. Originally we planned on doing it 2x a month. After our first week of 6 people showing up and our next week of nearly 10 we decided to move to every week and it has grown to 2 events...Spaarky2012-09-21T14:07:43ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Edeldhurhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#292012-09-21T13:33:08Z2012-09-21T13:33:08Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Chris Mullican wrote:</div><blockquote> IF you organize and event and run it then you are a Coordinator. So, to answer your question, yes you can organize and run your own events. In fact Mike is looking for a VC in Portugal per <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety/about/regionalCoordinators" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this </a>/ You might think about applying for the position and see what happens. </blockquote><p>Wow... Actually, being a VC is a notion I have been entertaining for some time now - I have the fear that I may not possess enough experience running Pathfinder Society Games, which in any case in Portugal is not very dramatic since these would be the first serious steps of Pathfinder implementation - that just makes it all the more fun and challenging in my opinion.
<p>You know what, I may do just that and apply</p>Chris Mullican wrote:IF you organize and event and run it then you are a Coordinator. So, to answer your question, yes you can organize and run your own events. In fact Mike is looking for a VC in Portugal per this / You might think about applying for the position and see what happens.
Wow... Actually, being a VC is a notion I have been entertaining for some time now - I have the fear that I may not possess enough experience running Pathfinder Society Games, which in any case in Portugal is...Edeldhur2012-09-21T13:33:08ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Spaarkyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#282012-09-21T05:36:07Z2012-09-21T05:36:07Z<p>IF you organize and event and run it then you are a Coordinator. So, to answer your question, yes you can organize and run your own events. In fact Mike is looking for a VC in Portugal per <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety/about/regionalCoordinators" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">this </a>/ You might think about applying for the position and see what happens.</p>IF you organize and event and run it then you are a Coordinator. So, to answer your question, yes you can organize and run your own events. In fact Mike is looking for a VC in Portugal per this / You might think about applying for the position and see what happens.Spaarky2012-09-21T05:36:07ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Edeldhurhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#272012-09-21T02:36:29Z2012-09-21T02:36:29Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">The Grandfather wrote:</div><blockquote><p> Someone at the shop (staff or asociate) must register with the PFS. When that is done that person, the event coordinator, must register the event at the PFS site.</p>
<p>From then on its just playing.
<br />
The cooerdinator then makes sure to report all games under the event code asociated with the stores event. </blockquote><p>Hello all,
<p>I hope I am not intruding on a thread that I shouldn't - please redirect me to the appropriate spot if I am.</p>
<p>I was wondering regarding the above - what if you actually live in a place far, far away (Portugal in this case) which has nothing that vaguely resembles a Coordinator or Venture Captain?</p>
<p>Since I am registered with PFS, can I coordinate and register the event, or does it need to be double-checked by someone "above" me?</p>
<p>I would be extremely interested in expanding Pathfinder Society organized play in my area, but it seems a tad harsh since there are no actual structures already in place that you can support yourself on. </p>
<p>Any suggestions or advices would be more than welcome.</p>
<p>Thank you.</p>The Grandfather wrote:Someone at the shop (staff or asociate) must register with the PFS. When that is done that person, the event coordinator, must register the event at the PFS site.
From then on its just playing.
The cooerdinator then makes sure to report all games under the event code asociated with the stores event.
Hello all, I hope I am not intruding on a thread that I shouldn't - please redirect me to the appropriate spot if I am.
I was wondering regarding the above - what if you...Edeldhur2012-09-21T02:36:29ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Doug Mileshttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#262012-09-19T20:58:42Z2012-09-19T20:58:42Z<p>You don't need my permission. The guidance I gave (that post is 2 year old, ya know) has been adopted into a campaign one sheet by the original campaign manager. You and every other organizer are welcome to use/enhance (and hopefully grammar-check) those ideas.</p>You don't need my permission. The guidance I gave (that post is 2 year old, ya know) has been adopted into a campaign one sheet by the original campaign manager. You and every other organizer are welcome to use/enhance (and hopefully grammar-check) those ideas.Doug Miles2012-09-19T20:58:42ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?JCServanthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#252012-09-19T19:14:08Z2012-09-19T19:14:08Z<p>Doug, with your permission, I would like to copy and paste your post, verbatum, on my <a href="http://slcpathfindersociety.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">new site.</a> I would be happy to give you any credit, linkback, etc that you most assuredly deserve.</p>
<p>Phil // Venture-Captain Utah Region</p>Doug, with your permission, I would like to copy and paste your post, verbatum, on my new site. I would be happy to give you any credit, linkback, etc that you most assuredly deserve.
Phil // Venture-Captain Utah RegionJCServant2012-09-19T19:14:08ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?JCServanthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#242012-09-19T16:04:02Z2012-09-19T16:04:02Z<p>I second the motion for the first steps trilogy. I've run it completely once, and I'm about to do it again. It's a great way to intro your players to PFS play, the factions and Galarion. Just be aware that there are a few minor pitfalls </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>I second the motion for the first steps trilogy. I've run it completely once, and I'm about to do it again. It's a great way to intro your players to PFS play, the factions and Galarion. Just be aware that there are a few minor pitfalls
[Spoiler omitted]JCServant2012-09-19T16:04:02ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Severed Roninhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#232012-06-18T23:54:22Z2012-06-18T23:54:22Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Black Powder Chocobo wrote:</div><blockquote> The Season 3 First Steps scenarios are made just for new players. It gives the players an introduction to the Pathfinder Society in-world leaders and are free for download! There are 3 of them so that'll get a group to level 2, which you can then supplement with other scenarios or modules you purchase. </blockquote><p>This. Its what I started a few of my new converts out with and from then on they were hooked.Black Powder Chocobo wrote:The Season 3 First Steps scenarios are made just for new players. It gives the players an introduction to the Pathfinder Society in-world leaders and are free for download! There are 3 of them so that'll get a group to level 2, which you can then supplement with other scenarios or modules you purchase.
This. Its what I started a few of my new converts out with and from then on they were hooked.Severed Ronin2012-06-18T23:54:22ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Black Powder Chocobo (RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#222012-06-18T22:12:52Z2012-06-18T22:12:52Z<p>The Season 3 First Steps scenarios are made just for new players. It gives the players an introduction to the Pathfinder Society in-world leaders and are free for download! There are 3 of them so that'll get a group to level 2, which you can then supplement with other scenarios or modules you purchase.</p>The Season 3 First Steps scenarios are made just for new players. It gives the players an introduction to the Pathfinder Society in-world leaders and are free for download! There are 3 of them so that'll get a group to level 2, which you can then supplement with other scenarios or modules you purchase.Black Powder Chocobo (RPG Superstar 2015 Top 16)2012-06-18T22:12:52ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Michael Granceyhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#212012-06-18T22:05:05Z2012-06-18T22:05:05Z<p>Any suggestions on which scenarios would be best for starting up PFS at a gaming convention where no one has run it before?</p>Any suggestions on which scenarios would be best for starting up PFS at a gaming convention where no one has run it before?Michael Grancey2012-06-18T22:05:05ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?LazarXhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#202012-02-22T20:09:00Z2012-02-22T20:09:00Z<p>One other suggestion:</p>
<p>To accommodate players that are entirely new to Pathfinder, download and print out the first level pregens that you can find in the Pathfinder Society section. </p>
<p>Printing out the higher level ones might not be a bad option either.</p>One other suggestion:
To accommodate players that are entirely new to Pathfinder, download and print out the first level pregens that you can find in the Pathfinder Society section.
Printing out the higher level ones might not be a bad option either.LazarX2012-02-22T20:09:00ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Vinyc Kettlebek (alias of Drizzt1080, RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#192012-02-15T20:14:16Z2012-02-15T20:14:16Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">sveden wrote:</div><blockquote> Is there a generally accepted place to announce new game days on the Paizo messageboards? </blockquote><p>Any public event you create automatically appears on the PFS Event Calendar. There is a small box to check/uncheck to set the event as Public/Private on the Event Creation Page. I believe the default setting is for a private event. You can also post PFS event information in the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge Forum.sveden wrote:Is there a generally accepted place to announce new game days on the Paizo messageboards?
Any public event you create automatically appears on the PFS Event Calendar. There is a small box to check/uncheck to set the event as Public/Private on the Event Creation Page. I believe the default setting is for a private event. You can also post PFS event information in the Pathfinder Society Grand Lodge Forum.Vinyc Kettlebek (alias of Drizzt1080, RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32)2012-02-15T20:14:16ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?svedenhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#182012-02-15T17:41:35Z2012-02-15T17:41:35Z<p>Is there a generally accepted place to announce new game days on the Paizo messageboards?</p>Is there a generally accepted place to announce new game days on the Paizo messageboards?sveden2012-02-15T17:41:35ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?zWolfhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#172011-06-13T06:58:52Z2011-06-13T06:58:52Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Doug Miles wrote:</div><blockquote> o... </blockquote><p>Doug, That was really well written. thank you for taking the time to list it all out like that!
<p>Wade -out.</p>Doug Miles wrote:o...
Doug, That was really well written. thank you for taking the time to list it all out like that! Wade -out.zWolf2011-06-13T06:58:52ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Arnim Thayerhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#162011-05-16T21:39:59Z2011-05-16T21:39:59Z<div class="messageboard-quotee">Paul Murray wrote:</div><blockquote> When I first read this, I thought that it meant "You must be sponsored by the shop" as in WotC where you have to be a certified DM. But as far as I can see, all you really need to do is say "Yup! I'm DMmming!" and it runs on the honour system. </blockquote><p>All true! There is no "GM test" required to run a scenario. I freely admit that I am nowhere near the rules expert some of my players are... but the key is to have fun. As a GM, I don't get hampered down looking for a specific rule if I don't know it; I make a decision and move on with the story. That being said, if a player can show me how I was wrong (especially in a non-confrontational manner!), I will adjust how I arbitrate that ruling for future scenarios, even announcing to players who ask afterwords, "Yes, that IS what I said before... I was mistaken. This is how it is REALLY supposed to work."
<p>I find more often than not, my players know the DCs for a task or particulars of a spell or ruling better than me off the top of their heads. I let them "shine" with their knowledge... it makes them happy to be "in the know" and lets them leave feeling special and privileged. The cost to me is nothing!</p>Paul Murray wrote:When I first read this, I thought that it meant "You must be sponsored by the shop" as in WotC where you have to be a certified DM. But as far as I can see, all you really need to do is say "Yup! I'm DMmming!" and it runs on the honour system.
All true! There is no "GM test" required to run a scenario. I freely admit that I am nowhere near the rules expert some of my players are... but the key is to have fun. As a GM, I don't get hampered down looking for a specific rule if...Arnim Thayer2011-05-16T21:39:59ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Paul Murrayhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#152011-05-16T12:33:34Z2011-05-16T12:33:34Z<p>When I first read this, I thought that it meant "You must be sponsored by the shop" as in WotC where you have to be a certified DM. But as far as I can see, all you really need to do is say "Yup! I'm DMmming!" and it runs on the honour system.</p>When I first read this, I thought that it meant "You must be sponsored by the shop" as in WotC where you have to be a certified DM. But as far as I can see, all you really need to do is say "Yup! I'm DMmming!" and it runs on the honour system.Paul Murray2011-05-16T12:33:34ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Kyle Bairdhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#142010-08-27T22:43:31Z2010-08-27T22:44:24Z<p>Well done Doug! You never cease to amaze me! </p>
<p>[Spoiler omitted]</p>Well done Doug! You never cease to amaze me!
[Spoiler omitted]Kyle Baird2010-08-27T22:44:24ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Joshua J. Frosthttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#132010-08-27T22:27:33Z2010-08-27T22:27:53Z<p>None of the regional coordinators have been announced yet. Look for the first announcement in mid-September.</p>None of the regional coordinators have been announced yet. Look for the first announcement in mid-September.Joshua J. Frost2010-08-27T22:27:53ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?Xaaon of Korvosa (alias of Xaaon of Xen'Drik)https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#122010-08-27T22:06:07Z2010-08-27T22:06:31Z<p>Who is the regional coordinator for North San Diego County?</p>Who is the regional coordinator for North San Diego County?Xaaon of Korvosa (alias of Xaaon of Xen'Drik)2010-08-27T22:06:31ZRe: Forums: Local Play: How does a local game shop set up a new society gaming venue?The Grandfatherhttps://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l6f9?How-does-a-local-game-shop-set-up-a-new#112010-10-06T18:41:36Z2010-08-27T06:39:20Z<p>Very thorough, Doug!</p>Very thorough, Doug!The Grandfather2010-08-27T06:39:20Z