Some Observations on PFS

[Righty_]

Interesting here we have a mix of classes but few fighters. Many more hybrids rangers paladins etc. Wizards are as sparse. However on the high level there are several full or partial rogues. Shadow dancer and arcane trickster.

The main cause is the skill based nature of the faction game. Even after dropping the foe to 1 HP and eliminating his or her friends... you still need a 20 intimidate or fail your faction mission.... as an example.

I've run the cleric and my only trouble has been skill points.

Its no trouble to heal players but spending my cash on your PC isn't going to happen. I had someone actually look astonished when at level 6 I wasn't going to pony up the entire amount of a breathe water scroll and he was a wizard.

What I did notice is a clear lack of tactics. I've witnessed even at high levels players sitting idle without even an alchemical attack to fall back on.

[Sitri]

I would say all the original bullets describe my area except the specialization option, but it is entirely possible that because I am of this camp my vision of others is skewed. I don't like one trick ponies, but i have no qualms saying "this is all you" in some circumstances.

[Akerlof]

My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine wrote:

Maybe disagree on the blurb.
As far as I know, our local does not have any posted schedule that I can tell what scenarios will be available on Sundays.
I will check with a couple of the guys next time.

Always remember that you can leave spell slots open when you prepare spells for the day. So, if you don't have the advantage of knowing what you'll be playing, just memorize your go-to spells and save a few slots for after the VC's briefing. I know of only 1 scenario that puts you into action without getting a chance to spend 15 minutes prepping some spells. And even then, you get plenty of time to prep those slots after the first encounter.

Magic chapter of CRB, Spell Selection and Preparation wrote:

When preparing spells for the day, a wizard can leave some of these spell slots open. Later during that day, he can repeat the preparation process as often as he likes, time and circumstances permitting. During these extra sessions of preparation, the wizard can fill these unused spell slots. He cannot, however, abandon a previously prepared spell to replace it with another one or fill a slot that is empty because he has cast a spell in the meantime. That sort of preparation requires a mind fresh from rest. Like the first session of the day, this preparation takes at least 15 minutes, and it takes longer if the wizard prepares more than one-quarter of his spells.

Works the same for divine casters and alchemists.

[nosig]

Even moreso for Alchemists:
"...Mixing an extract takes 1 minute of work—most alchemists prepare many extracts at the start of the day or just before going on an adventure, but it's not uncommon for an alchemist to keep some (or even all) of his daily extract slots open so that he can prepare extracts in the field as needed."

so, one minute of time to prep an extract.

[My PFS Lavode De'Morcaine]

Akerlof wrote:

... just memorize your go-to spells and save a few slots for after the VC's briefing. ...

I've only played <20 scenarios so far. I would say well under than 1/2 of the briefings gave me good enough intel to influence spell selection.

Akerlof wrote:

... you get plenty of time to prep those slots after the first encounter. ...

This is prefectly legit though. I will try to remember to do this when I next play a prepared caster. Both for PFS and my home games. (I usually prefer the spontaneous casters though.)