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OK I am planning on getting a group of peeps together to start playing PFS and understand there is a ongoing backstory with the Pathfinders, Shadow Lodge, Aspis Consortium and some other group(s) as well? Is there a recent Historical synopsis that I as the GM or 'Goober the first level elven bard' would know or be introduced to when he shows interest in the society.
Secondly instead of simply porting the PC's into a mission and saying hey your pathfinders this is what you do. Is there a common (or some uncommon ones) way PC's get inaugurated, accepted, apply to be accepted into the society in the first place.. Say 'your guard captain pulls you aside one day and tells you to meet with Big goober who then informs you that you have been selected to become a PF by the Gov of Cheliax. After briefly meeting with Venture Captain ---- in wherever your off o adventure...'
Oh and no I have not yet purchased a module to date so that may answer all questions or not. I did see one of the early 0 modules one of my friends had on his computer but that is all (other than the free download stuff Piazo provides (thanks)).
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As far as an overall synopsis, I'm afraid I'm not sure at the moment. Still, a good intro to the Society, for a character that hasn't been part of it until recently, would be Master of the Fallen Fortress, which involves the characters becoming Pathfinders by the end of the adventure. Aside from that, Pathfinders tend to go through a rather lengthy induction process involving working within the Society at the Grand Lodge for several years before even being sent on a real mission, if I remember correctly.
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Welcome to the group.
I would suggest not giving away the backstory to your players, as it can seriously harm the fun in some of the season zero and one modules. Things like the Aspis Consortium are a huge "surprise" from season zero scenarios, and the Shadow Lodge is revealed to players over a number of different modules. If you're planning on using modules across the seasons (which I hope you do, there are some great season zero and one modules), I'd just let things play out normally.
As for the inauguration of characters into the Pathfinders, it doesn't quite work the way I think you're thinking. There's a lot of detail in Seeker of Secrets (which since it's a core assumption as a GM you should probably read), but the whole OP system relies on the idea that the players are already established Pathfinders. As for the faction stuff, unfortunately it's a little lackluster at the moment in terms of real immersion and the nations don't select the Pathfinders outright, think of it more as "they influence Pathfinders they know to be patriots to their cause". As for the intro by the VC for modules, every module, or rather nearly every module, has that covered, so don't worry about it.
Edit: If you're working with a home group though and you want to tie in a "welcome" by important people, you're welcome to, but it's not part of the official backstory. Also, I'd strongly suggest starting out with Master of the Fallen Fortress as it's a direct introduction into the Pathfinders.
Also, there is no real timeline or passage of time or backstory beyond the basics for characters in PFS play, as you can play a Season zero scenario one day, play a Season two scenario the next, then go and play a Season one or zero the next. Even playing in the multi-part story arcs does not prevent you from playing other scenarios in between the parts of the arc. Now some of this may change once Season three starts in the summer and some of the hints that have been dropped turn into solid info, but as of right now you can play the scenarios however you want to, regardless of release season or time of year in the scenario or setting location used. You just have to be willing to accept the lack of continuity and play or GM and have fun.
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Thanks everyone, your feedback has been quite helpful. I will have a look at Seeker of Secrets and Master of the Fallen Fortress. I also like the write up re: (I think it is season 0) the Scenario that has the PC's break into prison, it's the one I saw on my buddy's computer. Otherwise I will purchase a few of the highly rated scenarios like Voice of the Void. I like the concept of the characters meeting up in various locations in The Inner sea. I also love the idea that the party composition changing as players choose to develop multiple characters.
Thanks..
Oh, BTW what factions "won" season 0 and 1? just currious
is there a way to track how well your faction is doing at all?
Is there a way to rate your prestige in the faction vs others? (for the I'm the wo/man (or not) kind of player)
Are there faction reports (How strong the nation is now after all these insights and items have been brought into their ownership or do they feel the nation is weakened from a lack of effort to bolster them from faction PF's?)that perhaps aligned venture captains get and can talk about (some sort of know check)? Wow massive run on Awesome.
Cheers and thanks again
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Welcome!
I (shamelessly) suggest you read this. As MisterSlanky suggested you should also get your hands on a copy of Seekers of Secrets. It gives you as the GM a lot of great background about the Pathfinder Society that you can in turn use to spice up things for your players and give them a more coherent play experience.
Based on the way training is described in Seekers, I really like starting off new players as thought they have just been promoted to field agent status, or perhaps this mission the are being sent on as part of their Confirmation.
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Welcome!
I (shamelessly) suggest you read this. As MisterSlanky suggested you should also get your hands on a copy of Seekers of Secrets. It gives you as the GM a lot of great background about the Pathfinder Society that you can in turn use to spice up things for your players and give them a more coherent play experience.
Based on the way training is described in Seekers, I really like starting off new players as thought they have just been promoted to field agent status, or perhaps this mission the are being sent on as part of their Confirmation.
Wow that's quite the post I will digest it later. Family time now. Cheers.
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Otherwise I will purchase a few of the highly rated scenarios like Voice of the Void.
Quick word of advice. Voice in the void is a follow-up to Mists of Mwangi. It's not required, but very nice to run them in order (with some time between the modules).
Oh, BTW what factions "won" season 0 and 1? just currious
We don't know, they eliminated that part of PFS before the results were released.
is there a way to track how well your faction is doing at all?
As far as all are concerned, this is no longer tracked.
Is there a way to rate your prestige in the faction vs others? (for the I'm the wo/man (or not) kind of player). Are there faction reports (How strong the nation is now after all these insights and items have been brought into their ownership or do they feel the nation is weakened from a lack of effort to bolster them from faction PF's?)that perhaps aligned venture captains get and can talk about (some sort of know check)?
Not that we're aware on any of these fronts. Faction competition was eliminated before season 1 even started, so it's a non-issue.
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Here are a few bits I have done introducing new players (especially while older ones have been at the table as well).
Blakros Museum - I gmed this as a trilogy at a recent con - with some extra Penumbral accords for a total of 4 Penumbral Accords, 2 Mist of Mwangi, 2 Voices.
Playing these several days in a row resulted (from day 2 onwards) in at least 1 member at my table who already had played at my table before. This - and knowing more and more of the story by heart allowed to deviate from the introduction and use the character and events that happened befor as hooks for the new introduction.
I felt this was especially useful to new members at the table - some playing their very first PFS game.
During the introduction with the Venture Captain I follow especially banter and chat from new players at the table. If what they say does fit with what the Pathfinder Society is supposed to be, then I deviate from the introduction and reinforce this in character playing the venture captain.
At the same time - if it doesn't fit I tell them off.
Example Black Waters - one new player mentioned in jest the word 'looting'. While technically not that wrong - this word is pretty much politically incorrect in the PFS and expecially in context with this module. As such I pick it up and forcefully tell the character off that 'looting isn't the way of the Pathfinder. Look at xyz next to you - I hope he will be able to show you the ropes and tell you the difference between retrieving an item for the greater good of the Pathfinder Society - or (spitting out) - 'loot' treasure. After all - we are a respectable society' ... and so on
Writing here about this probably doesn't work as well as doing it at the table as it has to fit the situation, the background story and the group. But while the players know that some of my indignation is just played - they also get some ideas about 'right and wrong' in the society or at least about political correct speech.
Thod
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Writing here about this probably doesn't work as well as doing it at the table as it has to fit the situation, the background story and the group. But while the players know that some of my indignation is just played - they also get some ideas about 'right and wrong' in the society or at least about political correct speech.Thod
Thanks Thod it makes sense, otherwise the society would just be a leagalized thieves guild no? Hey we want "insert item of power" and they have one in Garfield's mansion go get it. Oh and if you find other things worth keeping steal them too... It keeps things in check and helps direct the storylines.
Also thanks for the advice re adventures.
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Welcome!
I (shamelessly) suggest you read this.
Great stuff Mark I think I will have to Purchase Seeker of Secrets. I appreciate your comments regarding ordered story lines. I would like the PC's to spend some time in Osiron and Qadira when away from Absalom do you have any recommendations of paths that run in these nations?
Thank you all for your input. It is truly appreciated
I believe "The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch" takes place in Qadira, and I think "Our Lady in Silver" does as well
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Great stuff Mark I think I will have to Purchase Seeker of Secrets. I appreciate your comments regarding ordered story lines. I would like the PC's to spend some time in Osiron and Qadira when away from Absalom do you have any recommendations of paths that run in these nations?
This is a great resource to help you sort some of that out.
It looks like there are 4 which are still legal for play. As Bob mentioned #39 The Citadel of Flame is fantastic, also a personal favorite. I have also run #3 Murder on the Silken Caravan, and started to prep #14 The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch but never got a chance to run it. #27 Our Lady of Silver is a 5+ so your player might not get to that one for awhile.
Just looking over the Season summaries (0, 1, 2) it looks like Osirion is probably something you should start a whisper campaign for your players. Talk it up about how dangerous and mysterious it is (#35 Voice in the Void offers a great chance for that) since most of the available mods for it is 5+ or 7+
Great stuff Mark I think I will have to Purchase Seeker of Secrets. I appreciate your comments regarding ordered story lines. I would like the PC's to spend some time in Osiron and Qadira when away from Absalom do you have any recommendations of paths that run in these nations?This is a great resource to help you sort some of that out.
It looks like there are 4 which are still legal for play. As Bob mentioned #39 The Citadel of Flame is fantastic, also a personal favorite. I have also run #3 Murder on the Silken Caravan, and started to prep #14 The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch but never got a chance to run it. #27 Our Lady of Silver is a 5+ so your player might not get to that one for awhile.
Just looking over the Season summaries (0, 1, 2) it looks like Osirion is probably something you should start a whisper campaign for your players. Talk it up about how dangerous and mysterious it is (#35 Voice in the Void offers a great chance for that) since most of the available mods for it is 5+ or 7+
I personally have ran The Many Fortunes of Grand Master Torch (I was just uncertain as to if it was in Qadira) and it is quite an interesting adventure, and gives good insight into the workings of the Qadiran markets
Also, Murder on the Silken Caravan does come before Our Lady of Silver, as Our Lady of Silver has some references to what happened in Murder on the Silken Caravan