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So, since all the groups around me seem full. I was thinking of starting my own campaign. Say in the Lake Zurich/Barrington area. I am an experienced GM, though this is my first time running or playing in Societies game. If someone knows of an open game, I would like to join in one first before I commit to running one. And any advice any of you might have would be greatly appreciated.
-Gabe
Contributor
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I know there's a fledgling group in DeKalb/NIU that's starting up (I know, because I started 'em up before I graduated :), and I hear tell there's a game in Elgin as well, which is probably closer to you on I-90. If one of the Illinois VLs sees this, maybe they could jump in with more up to date info?
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It looks like it would be about an hour drive for you, but there's a group that meets on the north side of Chicago every Monday, at a store called The Dice Dojo. We usually have 4-6 tables every Monday evening, from 7pm until roughly 11, though the store is good about letting us stay late if necessary.
Here's the web site we use to do game sign ups:
COWS Gaming
If all the games are full, show up anyway. There's usually at least a couple of people who don't show up, and we occasionally add an extra table if we have a lot of walk ins.
And here's another link for Chicago area Pathfinder:
Windy City Pathfinders
wow... I feel stupid... I misspelled Illinois... Silly me... And I've lived here my whole life.
If you ever messed up the title, you can still edit it as long as an hour or so hasn't passed. And if that time has passed, use the Flag button to report a Display / Markup problem and the mods will fix it up.
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Thanks Cheapy! I just flagged it, Lets see if they fix it...
As a side note... I will be going to my game store in Woodfield today. And see if they have room to possible run a PFS game Saturday morning/afternoon twice a month. And I will definitely have to look into those cons but I'm saving up for Gencon right now. Already have badge and room reserved. And a small group of cosplayers going with. Should be fun! It's my first Gencon.
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@Valmoon - Gaming Goat.
@Kidonaleash - 1, I love your name. 2, The store in woodfield is Gamer's World and they actually have a decent sized room in back. I help run a twice a month Vampire LARP there. As a matter of fact, the owner of the store has been looking to get more RP related events into his store and knows I'm big into pathfinder, and asked me to maybe run some games there. I brought up Societies to him and he Loved the idea and asked if there is anything he can do to promote it and/or get me to run it... This means, I need to contact one of the Illinois VCs and talk with them about running a game up there and I will be going to the Dice Dojo on Monday to maybe speak with some more experienced PFS GMs to get some feed back and advice. I consider myself a fairly experienced GM, Ive been running games since 2005, D&D and other RPGs, but I always like seeing how others do things to get more ideas and learn and grow. We shall see how it goes.
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I've already downloaded it and read it have printed out multiple copies to have on hand. Is there anything else you may recommend? I'll take any advice I can get.
Also, it would be on Saturday afternoons from 12-4 Don't have any more details, want to wait till Monday to speak with the STs down in the Dojo. I already have a group of 4-6 players who are interested. If not weekly then every other week.
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Hey Gabrial, I would be happy to run or play PFS out in that direction. I live north of you but my wife and I work in the city.
I know Rene and Dick (and Mike Clarke and Fromper and Furious Kender, for that matter) and can lend a hand or two to help you get things rolling. Due to family demands (and my loooooong commute) I can't commit more than, say, once a month, but I can do that much, at least.
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Advice:
* Plan a game with a few weeks notice. Something simple (could be one of the First Steps scenarios).
* Make flyers advertising it and put it in the game store and places where gamers hang out.
* Spam message boards, public email groups, facebook, etc to let people know about it.
* Try to get the store owner to do something special for your GMs.
* Get some pre-registration system setup. We use www.cowsgaming.org for the Dice Dojo. You could use www.warhorn.net for the store's events. It is important to know how many folks are coming.
* On the day of, print scenarios, new PFS numbers (I can help with getting those if you need it), a set of pregen characters. It is safe to estimate that some players will show up with a smile and nothing else...not even clothes!
* Before the first game is over, talk to the store owner about the next game, so you can personally invite the attendees. It is better to say "Next game is in 2 weeks." instead of "Stay tuned for the next game"
* Have fun. Nothing else is more important for players & GMs.
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thunderspirit, Thanks for the offer, I might just take you up on it. I'll be sure to send up a flare when I get everything ironed out.
Rene, I'll hopefully see you at DD on Monday. I'm having someone switch my on call time for the day so I can swing out there once. I'm shooting to be out there by 7. I get off of work at 6 so should be a fun drive. Also, I will probably run the First steps cause it will allow people to choose their faction at the end of it, as they get a base intro into the factions.
What did you mean by having the store owner do something for the GMs?
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Advice:
* Plan a game with a few weeks notice. Something simple (could be one of the First Steps scenarios).
* Make flyers advertising it and put it in the game store and places where gamers hang out.
* Spam message boards, public email groups, facebook, etc to let people know about it.
* Try to get the store owner to do something special for your GMs.
* Get some pre-registration system setup. We use www.cowsgaming.org for the Dice Dojo. You could use www.warhorn.net for the store's events. It is important to know how many folks are coming.
* On the day of, print scenarios, new PFS numbers (I can help with getting those if you need it), a set of pregen characters. It is safe to estimate that some players will show up with a smile and nothing else...not even clothes!
* Before the first game is over, talk to the store owner about the next game, so you can personally invite the attendees. It is better to say "Next game is in 2 weeks." instead of "Stay tuned for the next game"
* Have fun. Nothing else is more important for players & GMs.
The Force is strong with this one.
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What did you mean by having the store owner do something for the GMs?
Its nice if the store owner gives GMs an incentive to GM. For example, $5 off a normally priced hardcover book or game or something. Enough so the store still makes $ and the GM feels appreciated.
I won't be there this Monday, as I have an appointment with a Curse of the Riven Sky. I'll be there March 25th.
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I don't know how much I'm going to actually play. I plan on just showing up and learning and asking questions. I might jump into a game with a pregen. But I'm coming with lots of questions.
I guess I can ask them here...
- So first, how does one get temporary PFS IDs?
- Besides scenarios, pregens, spare dice, and Pencils, what else do you recommend I have on hand?
- I'm playing on running first steps for my first 3 sessions. Afterwards, should I run season 3 or should I run season 4?
Let's start with those.
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Rene can help you get numbers for people who need to join. (I know I have some stashed somewhere, but can't find them, or the link on Paizo's site to get new ones, at the moment.)
If you have the wherewithal, extra copies of the current Guide to Organized Play is a good idea. Also, this is a one-sheet designed to give a quick overview. Giving the game shop a stack of these to hand out is a good idea too.
You will likely find that you attract both new and experienced PFS players. For the former, you'll need the pregens. You may want to loan out extra sets of dice, but don't be afraid to encourage people to buy their own from your host store; they're in business to make money, after all, and have graciously provided a venue to play.
I am personally not a huge fan of the First Steps series, but I understand its value for introducing new players. Your question about Season 3 or Season 4 largely depends on your players — if they're new, I'd steer clear of S4 for a while.
JMSO, some decent choices for bringing in new players:
- Mists of Mwangi
- Citadel of Flame
- Murder on the Throaty Mermaid
- Frostfur Captives
- Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment
You might also consider the Quest for Perfection 3-part series.
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I already have 5 copies of the Guide to organized play Printed. Since I'm new to PFS or living campaigns in general, is there an over arching story that each season builds, or is it mostly stand alone sessions where there is no prior knowledge required to run? Also, when you say new players are you talking new to PFS or new to pathfinder? Cause a lot of my players are experienced pathfinder players but never played PFS.
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Rene can help you get numbers for people who need to join. (I know I have some stashed somewhere, but can't find them, or the link on Paizo's site to get new ones, at the moment.)
If you have the wherewithal, extra copies of the current Guide to Organized Play is a good idea. Also, this is a one-sheet designed to give a quick overview. Giving the game shop a stack of these to hand out is a good idea too.
You will likely find that you attract both new and experienced PFS players. For the former, you'll need the pregens. You may want to loan out extra sets of dice, but don't be afraid to encourage people to buy their own from your host store; they're in business to make money, after all, and have graciously provided a venue to play.
I am personally not a huge fan of the First Steps series, but I understand its value for introducing new players. Your question about Season 3 or Season 4 largely depends on your players — if they're new, I'd steer clear of S4 for a while.
JMSO, some decent choices for bringing in new players:
- Mists of Mwangi
- Citadel of Flame
- Murder on the Throaty Mermaid
- Frostfur Captives
- Temple of Empyreal Enlightenment
You might also consider the Quest for Perfection 3-part series.
First steps is a fine intro series. We be goblins is also fun.
Do not subject new players to the Temple of Empyreal Enlightment. I got tpked on that one when I was a new player with other newer players. It was also a real nail biter when I ran it for an optimized group. But Sanjay pulled the party out of some bad situations, but not without nearly dying himself. If you know Sanjay, you know that is really saying something.
Season 4 is pretty much for experienced players, as is some of the end of season 3.
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Since I'm new to PFS or living campaigns in general, is there an over arching story that each season builds, or is it mostly stand alone sessions where there is no prior knowledge required to run?
It's both. At least the newer seasons had a theme. 3rd season is conquering and exploring the ha jin tapestry. 4th season is countering a cult in varisia. An earlier season was fighting the shadow lodge.
Generally what you need to know is in the mod or can easily be found by googling it
Also, when you say new players are you talking new to PFS or new to pathfinder? Cause a lot of my players are experienced pathfinder players but never played PFS.
PFS throws a huge variety of situations at pathfinders. Also, like other living campaigns, you cannot be sure of party composition. This makes PFS a lot different experience than home campaigns. A lot of people who just play home campaigns are surprised when they sit down and there might not be any magic users, no arcane caster, or no healer, etc. Or a party of a fighter, 3 rogues, and a bard. You learn to get by.
Honestly, the party diversity is a lot of the fun for me. I dislike it when people say you need x class to make a party, as it's rarely true.
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@FK: I didn't find Empyreal rough at low tier. YMMV, and experiences obviously depend much on table makeup. (Of course, if you had Sanjay at your table, he's often a party unto himself. LOL)
Also, while I adore We be Goblins, it's best with people who are already familiar with Pathfinder goblins and can really get into it.
I agree with the rest of what you say, especially the diversity from table to table. A well-equipped and prepared party, with good cooperation, is a party that can usually survive what gets thrown at it.
@Gabe: JMSO, the frequency is less important than the consistency. That is to say, if you're going to run once a month, that's fine as long as the players know every month, on the Xth Thursday of the month, PFS runs at the store. You'll grow faster if you can run it weekly, but every other week or once a month is fine too.
And promotion is usually best when it's a saturation approach. Something in the store for the shoppers; something online for the surfers. In store, make sure there's a flyer or a business card or something people can take with them with dates, times, and contact info (an email will do if you're not sure about phone numbers). Online, you can do Facebook/Google Plus/Yahoo groups, or build a whole website if you're so inclined. Make a decision, whatever it is, and make sure the site is included on your in-store material too.