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I'm reading through the Factions book, and I'm loving it, but one thing I'm not clear on: can a character be a free agent and gain PA with a faction, or will a faction only provide missions to those who have gone through the process of becoming a full member?
The implication seems to wander in both directions, and I'm not sure if it makes sense to have a high standing in a faction without officially joining one.
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I'm reading through the Factions book, and I'm loving it, but one thing I'm not clear on: can a character be a free agent and gain PA with a faction, or will a faction only provide missions to those who have gone through the process of becoming a full member?
The implication seems to wander in both directions, and I'm not sure if it makes sense to have a high standing in a faction without officially joining one.
This appears to be a PFS question. Yes, your character must join a faction in Pathfinder Society.
I assume you're referring to the Faction Guide.
If so, it is entirely possible for a character to do work for a faction and gain PA without formally joining them. In fact, a character can earn PA with a faction even before they know that faction exists--assuming leaders in the faction hear about the character's deeds.
Note that some factions don't have any sort of formal membership ritual.
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Campaign guidelines specifically state that faction membership is not an optional item, its mandatory.
The OP references the Faction Guide (or at least that's what I'm assuming). For Pathfinder Society play, all characters are members of the Pathfinder Society, so yes, that faction is mandated. The book does not detail the Andoran, Cheliax, Osirion, Qadira, or Taldor factions...that is covered in the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized Play. A PFS character must chose one of these factions.
For non-PFS games, no factions at all are required, unless your GM states that they are.
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I assume you're referring to the Faction Guide.
If so, it is entirely possible for a character to do work for a faction and gain PA without formally joining them. In fact, a character can earn PA with a faction even before they know that faction exists--assuming leaders in the faction hear about the character's deeds.
Note that some factions don't have any sort of formal membership ritual.
Thanks, this is exactly what I wanted to hear (and probably how I was going to run it, unless there was a compelling reason otherwise).
Now I just have to figure out which factions I want tied into my campaign arc. I kind of have it easy, where my characters aren't from Golarion, they will only have those factions that I introduce them to available. On the other hand, that puts the onus on me to introduce enough diversity to make them happy, roleplay-wise.
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I'm reading through the Factions book...This appears to be a PFS question...
As others have noted, I did mean the Faction Guide. I was typing this question up without it in hand, so I didn't cite the full name.
It is a very nice book. Many of my players are also avid White Wolf players, and I think the faction concept will really appeal to that kind of player (at least, assuming it's run in such a way that it maps well to the WoD experience).
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Of course, now I'm thinking about it, and I'm not sure... it makes a fair amount of sense that I can gain status (PA) with an organization that I'm not a member of, but is there a limit? I mean, at some point you've got 100 TPA and you're practically a senior member anyway... how do they rationalize treating someone that way without their being a member?
Hmm... have to think about this further....
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If you're earning that much PA, relevant organisations are going to be aware of you. They might approach you with offers to join their cause, or if you prefer to remain a free agent, they may just be content that your goals coincide with theirs. Of course some organisation leaders may perceive you as a threat to their own status, and may make your life difficult. Just a few ideas.
Cheers,
DarkWhite