I suggest getting an adventure path or module at first. There are a number of free modules in the paizo store.
For online tools maptools is a great program as far as virtual table tops go. Im sure other people will suggest rolld20, d20 pro fantasy grounds or others but i find maptools to be perfectly fine plus its free. You can find plenty of resources like tokens and building icons and things at rptools.net also free.
I would also suggest a 15-20 point buy, 15 is the assumed buy but 20 is what is used for Pfs and i find that it works well for newer players as it gives a little more wiggle room.
Hope that helps.
The title says it all, I'm new to GMing and I'll be doing this all online with Skype calls and any other tools I can find.
I'm not new to Pathfinder, but I'm also no expert at the game. I know the rules well enough by heart, but can muddle them from time to time. I want to play a forgiving game of pathfinder, encouraging creative and free thinking. However, the last time I tried to GM I railroaded the party a little too much.
So I ask of you guys, any useful tips and tricks that you use as a GM? Also what useful tools their are online for myself and my players to use?
As for the players, what is a good starting point for the players? They are for all intents and purpose brand new to the game. My thoughts are first level as more levels complicates the process, and have them with a 25 point buy.
I have hinted that I'll be forgiving of mistakes made for the first 4 levels to encourage creative and outside of the box thinking, but will start to come down harder as their levels progress. My hope is to allow them to establish a sense of what their are capable of and make the game centered around the players.
Thanks in advance.
As you'll be doing the game online, you might consider setting up any maps you might be using and pointing a webcam at them. You can then lay out a grid with letters down one side and numbers down the other. This way you can control the minis and the players can decide where they wish to move.
Being in front of a computer also makes it very easy to have the rules right at hand via the PRD.
I always suggest starting "new" players at first level. It lets you build your character more "organically" as the game progresses with the PC's picking up abilities based on what they have experienced. There are a few published adventures you can pick up from paizo as a free download. I find that by running some published adventures it can give you a feel for the right kind of pacing you'll need for your own games.
I suggest getting an adventure path or module at first. There are a number of free modules in the paizo store.
For online tools maptools is a great program as far as virtual table tops go. Im sure other people will suggest rolld20, d20 pro fantasy grounds or others but i find maptools to be perfectly fine plus its free. You can find plenty of resources like tokens and building icons and things at rptools.net also free.
I would also suggest a 15-20 point buy, 15 is the assumed buy but 20 is what is used for Pfs and i find that it works well for newer players as it gives a little more wiggle room.
Hope that helps.
Ah... I got partially ninja'd