Some help for a new PFS player / GM


Pathfinder Society

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Um. Right. So. Howdy there. I've just recently started looking into organized PFS play, but there are no groups here in my town. We've got a few LGS (local gaming stores), and I know I'd be able to find a timeslot to run something weekly.

So, how does one go about setting up a PFS game? Obviously I'll need to contact my local store, but what do I need to do on this end?

I'm an experienced GM with a core playerbase that's also interested. All of the group's characters fit within PFS rules with little or no tweaking, so I've got a good start on finding people.

Any other tips or hints?

3/5

Get acquainted with the free pdf's for the quick-start and guide to organized play. Be responsible and get your hands on the Pathfinder Society Field guide in some form. Purchase several scenarios, enough that if something comes up whether it's previously played characters, or level range issues, you have a back up to play.

Remember to have fun. If it's a chore for you to do this, you're not going to want to do it for long. At first, you'll want to audit a character per session, and choose to do so for new players/characters on a regular basis. Be ready to put your foot down, about alot of things. You're not just responsible for your own enjoyment of the game, and if the group gets the reputation for X issue, it can be hard to get new gamers to the table.

Have a loud, clear voice, bring lots of water, and don't be afraid to change the inflection of your speech. Alot of times, it's not the content, it's the 40 yugioh players trying to outshout you to get their tired old jokes yet another minute of fame. (sorry, I've lost my voice a couple of times to this situation. I'm a bit resentful)

Be honest, abide by PFS rules, and be dependable. I can't say how many times I've shown up to my store only to sit for an hour at an empty table (or worse, two players) only to ensure I don't let anyone down.

Good luck.

3/5

Also, get in touch with your nearest Venture Captain/ Venture Lieutenant for assistance and to get to know each other. having that support structure is priceless. The can get personally involved with getting you started and guide you along the right path for bigger and better things like store events, and getting into local Cons to GM and spread interest.

Most of the time you can find their email on the event locator page when you search for your area.

Dark Archive

shadowmage75 wrote:
Also, get in touch with your nearest Venture Captain/ Venture Lieutenant for assistance and to get to know each other. having that support structure is priceless.

I appreciate the advice. I downloaded all of the "getting started" materials directly after posting, but I'm a bit confused, and perhaps you could help answer this.

My group has a dusty copy of the RotRL Anniversary Edition, which we've been meaning to get to as soon as our current campaign wraps. I've been able to surmise that it IS a legal option for PFS play, but I keep seeing references to "Chronicle" sheets. I've deduced that they're basically lists of what you gained, the items you can purchase between adventures/sessions, and what you've done, but where can I find them at? If they're in my book (physical copy), it's entirely possible I missed them, as it's been ages since I flipped through it.

Sczarni 5/5 5/55/5 ***

HERE you go!

Dark Archive

Nefreet wrote:
HERE you go!

Thanks a ton! I'd visited the page, but skipped straight to the info from the actual rulebooks. I really appreciate the help you guys/gals are giving.

Shadow Lodge 4/5

This PDF hasn't been updated for a while, but still seems to cover all the bases.

The best advice I can think of, since you're only one GM, is to put out a sign up sheet a week or so before each game day listing the scenario you plan to run. Players who signed up get first priority, and it doubles as advertising for your game day. Make sure your players see how much fun you have as a GM, that way they want to start GMing so you can start to host more tables. :)

2/5

Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Welcome!

By the way, there is a sizable online community. Pathfinder Society Online Collective has a Google group. It's an option for those times when you cannot get a table together.

We mainly use Roll20.net (free) and Google Voice (also free) for a virtual tabletop and chat client.

Link https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/pathfinder-society-onlin e-collective if you want to check it out.

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