Follow-up Adventures for Pathfinder Beginner Box

[Dwilimir]

I’m about to embark on running the Pathfinder Beginner Box adventure and I’ll be taking this opportunity to learn the Pathfinder rules better.

What adventures should I run next after the Beginner Box adventure? Here’s one road map; feel free to give feedback:

Start with the Beginner Box rules and the four iconic character classes. After that, run adventures in this order:

• Beginner Box Adventure in GM Guide (1st level)
  
• Pathfinder Module: Crypt of the Everflame (1st to 2nd level)
  
• Pathfinder Module: Masks of the Living God (3rd to 4th level)
  
• Pathfinder Society Scenario #17: Perils of the Pirate Pact (4th to 5th Level)

Around this time, I’d add in the following missing Beginner Box rules and convert over to the Core Rules:

• Attack of Oppor­tu­ni­ties
  
• Charg­ing on Sur­prise
  
• Com­bat Maneu­vers and Com­bat Defense
  
• Con­cen­tra­tion Checks to cast spells
  

Then I’d move on to

• Pathfinder Module: City of Golden Death (5th to 6th/7th Level)
  

After this I might switch to an Adventure Path (Rise of the Runelords possibly, the new edition will be out in June) with new characters (opening up possibilities for all the Core classes), or perhaps continue on with the same Beginner Box characters along this path:

• Pathfinder Module: Realm of the Fellnight Queen (7th Level)
  
• Pathfinder Module: Cult of the Ebon Destroyers (8th Level)
  
• Pathfinder Module: Curse of the Riven Sky (10th Level)
  
• Pathfinder Module: Academy of Secrets (13th Level)
  

There is an XP gap in Crypt of the Everflame (taking you to almost, but not quite, to 3th Level) and Masks of the Living God (taking you to almost, but not quite, to 5th Level), but the Beginner Box Adventure and Pathfinder Society Scenario #17: Perils of the Pirate Pact adventure, plus a couple of random encounters should fill the gap. Similarly, if there are gaps after any other Pathfinder Modules, simply grab a level appropriate Pathfinder Society Scenario, or add in some random encounters. The XP gap in some of the modules in intentional as it is expected many GM’s will add in some additional material between modules.

[Chris Mortika]

I'd also like to see the introductory adventure from the GameMastery Treasure Chest, as well as Hollow's Last Hope and Crown of the Kobold King, revised from 3.5 to the simplified Pathfinder ruleset.

Those are classic entry-level adventures, good for a couple of short sessions. The terrors of Falcon's Hollow should not be lost to the mists of lore.

[dkeester]

Dwilimir wrote:

After this I might switch to an Adventure Path (Rise of the Runelords possibly, the new edition will be out in June) with new characters (opening up possibilities for all the Core classes), or perhaps continue on with the same Beginner Box characters along this path:

...list omitted...

Since the APs are meant to be run from 1st to around 15th, you might want to consider that for a new campaign that allows your players access to the entire game from 1st level. Trying to scale an entire AP to suit an existing party could be a ton of work. Also, starting an AP with new characters could also be an opportunity to introduce the APG, UM, and UC to your players.

Dwilimir wrote:

There is an XP gap in Crypt of the Everflame (taking you to almost, but not quite, to 3th Level) and Masks of the Living God (taking you to almost, but not quite, to 5th Level), but the Beginner Box Adventure and Pathfinder Society Scenario #17: Perils of the Pirate Pact adventure, plus a couple of random encounters should fill the gap. Similarly, if there are gaps after any other Pathfinder Modules, simply grab a level appropriate Pathfinder Society Scenario, or add in some random encounters. The XP gap in some of the modules in intentional as it is expected many GM’s will add in some additional material between modules.

I like the idea of using random encounters over PFS modules. I am a PFS player and would be hesitant to use PFS modules outside of Society play. (I could see it possibly causing problems if your players ever get interested in joining PFS.) If you do use PFS modules I would suggest looking at retired modules only just to be safe. But, I understand this may not be an issue for you.

Don't forget the plot seeds in the BB GM Book for continuing the plot from the intro adventure. Also, there is a short mini dungeon in the GM's Kit PDF which could be expanded upon. Both of those (if scaled correctly) could be used as interludes in the Everflame/Masks/City series to overcome the XP gaps.

Also, if you can't find modules from Paizo which are appropriate to your game there are a ton of 3PP modules available. Look at Frog God Games and Super Genius Games, or just look here: http://paizo.com/store/games/roleplayingGames/p/pathfinderRPG.

Also you could check out the old 3.x Dungeon Crawl Classics modules from Goodman Games. They are out of print and would take a bit of conversion but they are generic enough setting-wise that they can be dropped into almost any campaign.

[dkeester]

I am also really hoping that they release the demo encounters from the Beginner Box Bash. If released, those could also be expanded upon to fill the XP gaps.

[Dwilimir]

dkeester wrote:

I am also really hoping that they release the demo encounters from the Beginner Box Bash. If released, those could also be expanded upon to fill the XP gaps.

Good points, Dkeester! Thanks.

[Roy Harmon]

dkeester wrote:

I am also really hoping that they release the demo encounters from the Beginner Box Bash. If released, those could also be expanded upon to fill the XP gaps.

Any word on this?

[Skywaker]

0one Games just released Fangs from the Past which is designed for use with the Beginner Box:

http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=97151

Looks very cool, uses the same notation as the BB and comes with pawns etc too.

[DarkWhite]

Roy Harmon wrote:

dkeester wrote:

I am also really hoping that they release the demo encounters from the Beginner Box Bash. If released, those could also be expanded upon to fill the XP gaps.

Any word on this?

Michael Brock wrote:

On Dec. 15, the Beginner Box Bash will conclude and the four demos will be released for free downloads. After that date, the PFS boons will no longer be made available. I wanted to make sure I gave a full month notice in case people have not had the opportunity to schedule or participate in the event.