So, after playing Pf since release I've decided to try to start a PFS group in my local game store. I have a steady gaming group that I've been with for years now and I GM about 97.555% of the time so I'm hoping to encourage some new people to give the other side of the GM screen a try. I'm wondering if people have any advice for new start up groups or common problems I may run into. I've been GMing for several years and have been event coordinator for many other gaming types (mostly tabletop minis) so I am not to worried about organizing or planning events in general, or rules/mechanic questions.
For our kick off event I'm planning a two day gaming weekend. I've talked to several other groups and gotten a few others to register for PFS and volunteer for GM slots. I've bought a handful of low level scenarios, have pre-gen characters and other supplies ready, have tables and playing area set. Our area has no Venture cpts or lts so I eventually want to build a good foundation in our area to draw players from the surrounding area and perhaps have them start up groups of their own.
I have the First Steps series ready, are there any other lower level adventures that experienced players recommend?
I have all the base books and rules (inc PFS rules), is there anything else I should have ready?
Any common problems with starting new groups or first time PFS GM sessions?
Any advice is welcome, thanks in advance.
|
Scenario suggestions in sets:
Mists of Mwangi
Voice in the Void
The Penumbral Accords
Before the Dawn 1+2
City of Strangers 1+2
Silent Tide
The Many Fortunes of Grandmaster Torch
Delirium's Tangle
The first set of three all focus around the Blackros Museum. The last set all feature Grandmaster Torch.
I havent played much of season 3 yet, but if you want a stand alone scenario, I highly suggest Sewer Dragons of Absalom. It's very good.
With people who have prior experience with roleplaying, I've seen a fair bit of the 'Well that's stupid' type reaction when players are informed that they cant take a feat/trait/weapon/spell they want. I suggest you be ready to hear it, even if there isn't much you can do about it.
|
|
Scenario suggestions in sets:
Mists of Mwangi
Voice in the Void
The Penumbral Accords
add Echoes of the Overwatched to that list. another Blakros scenario.
I'd also suggest Black Waters and Among the Living from Season Zero if you want to go with some horror-based scenarios, or the Quest for Perfection series from Season Three.
I'd also HIGHLY suggest We Be Goblins! as a bit of insanity that will also give new players a chronicle for a 1st or 2nd level character. You can add Master of the Fallen Fortress in there as well.
If you want to offer other special events that highlight other ways to play PFS, go with a sanctioned module. Crypt of the Everflame is a good 1st level choice.
|
Season 3's Frostfur Captives is a good scenario, and a great follow-up to We Be Goblins.
Sewer Dragons, unfortunately, is probably not a good scenario for a start-up session, mainly because it is a 3-7, so your PCs probably won't be high enough level to play it ... yet. ;)
Avoid: Dalsine Affair from season 2, unless you have a table of players who enjoy high-risk stuff, as it has a very deadly encounter in it.
If you look in the GM section of the bards here, you can find several useful threads, specifically one for a suggested scenario path for more cohesive storyline, and one which lists which map packs and flip mats are used for which scenario.
|
|
add Echoes of the Overwatched to that list. another Blakros scenario.
I purposely left that one off, actually. Not that it is a bad scenario, but it promotes itself as a Blackros scenario, but it really isnt the same.
Calling this a Blackros Museum, in my opinion is similar to the repackaging and new advertising the movie Half Baked got when Dave Chapelle became popular. He wasnt in it very much, but you advertise it as 'starring' him to make money.