RPG Superstar 2014 Top 32
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The issue was briefly raised in another thread regarding the creation of IC organizations to which Pathfinders could belong. Essentially, these would merely be for RP flavor, and would confer no mechanical benefit. I would like to see these exist across regions, preferably with a Wiki where PFS players could post details of their organization and keep rosters of membership.
Please note that I am in no way requesting that there be any changes to the rules, nor am I requesting official support or recognition. This is merely for flavor at the gaming table. These are also not intended to replace factions.
What sort of organizations could come up? Let's look at some that some of my characters might start:
1) The Crysanthemum Club
Named for the Shelyn, the Lady of Chrysanthemums, this organization of Pathfinders meets irregularly to share an discuss the various works of art that Pathfinders tend to come across in their quests. Often times, Pathfinders will discover long-lost paintings, bizarre statues or unusual novels. Alternatively, subjects of discussion could include art created by Pathfinders or about Pathfinder operations. More or less, though, it is largely an excuse to share a good bottle of wine and discuss the artistic curiosities that Pathfinders uncover.
2) The Brotherood of the Shield
The Shadow Lodge promised Pathfinders an opportunity to look out for one another and to seek better treatment from Venture Captains. After Grandmaster Torch's deception, many Pathfinders found themselves in a difficult situation - they were supportive of the ideals of the Shadow Lodge as it existed within the Society, but did not trust Grandmaster Torch or the separatist Shadow Lodge. These Pathfinders gathered together to create the Brotherhood of the Shield, which is dedicated to mutual protection and the proper training and outfitting of new Pathfinders.
3) The Disorganization of Magical Mischief-Makers
Most wizards are stodgy old guys who smell like bat guano. Why do magic-types have to be so gloomy and serious? This organization seeks to find the fun side of magic, pulling pranks with prestidigitation, goading with ghost sound or finding 27 great uses for arcane mark.
What do you think? Would you participate in such activities? What organizations would your characters start or join?
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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These characters would be committed to respecting their comrades and leaders (even ones they dislike), encouraging teamwork in the field, and presenting a favorable public image of the organization; all while completing their missions efficiently and effectively, even if it means taking the initiative to do something helpful that they haven't been explicitly told to do.
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One thing that I have discovered is very tough about PFS is that Pathfinders really don't have very much to talk about, largely because just about everything we do have to talk about is deep in spoiler territory.
It's as if Fight Club decided to hold a company picnic.
Fortunately, we've got the faction boards to host discussions, but I can say from experience that it takes some effort to really make things move without any help from the spoiler-laden Golarion canon or the campaign's material. That being said, I can say that the Taldan Winter Masquerade thread has a solid number of posts and can serve as a proof-of-concept for aspiring organizers.
-Matt
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5) The Lamplighters. (https://www.facebook.com/PFSLamplighters)
There is a creed for the Lamplighters, but frankly Jiggy nailed most of it - the only thing I'd add is that Lamplighters strive to be resourceful and independent, to ensure that any mission can be achieved regardless of who the V-C is able to scrape up that day.
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Hey, the Reborn Crowsworn Guild is always looking for more members! I'd be more than happy to have more Pathfinders to bring some shinies from their trips around the world. We've got plenty of extra space, or will, as soon as I finish cleaning up all the blood from the old Crowsworn guild...
To remain a Memberbird in Good Standing of the Guild, you must bring back a unique item for the Sacred Shelf of Shinies in the main hall every time you are sent out on a mission for the Society.
To advance to Journeybird in the Guild, your successful shiny-gaining antics must make your entire adventuring party laugh. Those Society members must be willing to testify that you are sufficiently ridiculous.
To advance to Master in the Guild, you have to be me. But you can't. So there.
If you'd like to apply, come to the Ivy District of Absalom on a moonless night. Stand in the shadow of any building with a handful of diamond dust in your pocket. I'll find you.
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RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Rather sounded like the Grand Lodge to me....There is a creed for the Lamplighters, but frankly Jiggy nailed most of itIt's funny; although I figured Lamplighters would show up on the list, that's definitely not who I was thinking of when I wrote my post. ;D
Or more specifically, just being a Pathfinder in the first place. ;)
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I can certainly vouch for Kotyk "the Kraken," Master of the Reborn Crowsworn. He is a wonderful promoter in that everything he has spoken about the Guild is exactly what one can expect. The path to advancement is made entirely clear, without a single instance of politics or bureaucracy to hinder one's advancement in the organization.
In addition, I admire Kotyk's choice of the Ivy District for his base of operations. The neighborhood has certainly cleaned up since he founded the Reborn Crowsworn. It is a shame that it did not happen earlier, as I might have even considered purchasing a residence there instead of the Petal District in which I now reside when I am in Absalom.
Keep up the good work!
-Lady Gabrielle d'Apcher
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Jiggy, that is exactly what the Lamplighters are; an organization of people who want to actually be Pathfinder Agents as outlined in the campaign background. Currently, there are no character creation rules which require this, and it's always bugged me. The Grand Lodge training system must be the least efficient college in Golarion to spend three years training agents, and then sends them on delicate investigations or undercover missions missions with no skills beyond murder.*
* Yes, I know some people would rather have an all-combat campaign without all the Pathfinder Society investigation stuff. Maybe in an ideal world, there would be a Pathfinder Society OP campaign and another one which is more mercenary-based or free-will. But that's not where we are.
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The Disorganization of Magical Mischief-Makers
Most wizards are stodgy old guys who smell like bat guano. Why do magic-types have to be so gloomy and serious? This organization seeks to find the fun side of magic, pulling pranks with prestidigitation, goading with ghost sound or finding 27 great uses for arcane mark.
Me! Me! Me!
I NEED this lemme please please please. I will be your best-er-est friend ever.
I do not do bully magic like those miss-isles or fireballs.
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2) The Brotherood of the Shield
The Shadow Lodge promised Pathfinders an opportunity to look out for one another and to seek better treatment from Venture Captains. After Grandmaster Torch's deception, many Pathfinders found themselves in a difficult situation - they were supportive of the ideals of the Shadow Lodge as it existed within the Society, but did not trust Grandmaster Torch or the separatist Shadow Lodge. These Pathfinders gathered together to create the Brotherhood of the Shield, which is dedicated to mutual protection and the proper training and outfitting of new Pathfinders.
You mean, like the Shadow Lodge?
It's more of an idea than a group. We even managed to get The Confirmation written to better prepare our junior members.
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Murderers who know they're only kept around to make sure the squints can do their jobs, and do that job well, should have a place.
We, the Golarion Union of Murderhoboes for the Betterment of Others, (referred to hereafter as GUMBO), have been a united society for centuries in our efforts to contribute to society by doing the dirty work that keeps so-called civilized world in good working order. It is with the utmost importance that any and all offensive usage of the phrase "murderhobo" be ceased immediately. This includes, but is not limited to, any and all comparisons (be they true, real, implied, or imaginary) of murderhoboes to murderers, sociopaths, degenerates, poor people, "roll-players", "serious gamers", criminals, munchkins, adventurers, Pathfinders, trolls, people who hate cats, people without towels, Paizo staff, Walmart executives, the Mob, puppies, the NSA, the FBI, the FDA, the EPA, the Queen of England, satirists, Anonymous, you the reader, and anything or anyone else. Further violations of this citation or further attacks on the upstanding moral character of the GUMBO membership shall be met with legal action, vagrancy, and a killing spree unlike any the world hath seen. Thank you for your timely cooperation.
With the utmost respect and appreciation,
~Jaspar "Shank Him Louis" Kahrdboordebachs~
your local GUMBO representative
P.S.: Applications are now being accepted to join the GUMBO, please send all applications and union entry dues to me. Please include any and all details you feel are relevant, think that we may find relevant, or fear us finding out about in the future. We'll learn of it inevitably, so being forthright with us is much appreciated. Be creative with your choice in entry dues as this is your first opportunity to make a good impression and it would be a real shame for something unseemly to happen to you after leaving a decidedly poor payment. Have a great day!
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The Charthagnion Boy's Order for Upright Citizenry
...is a fantastic Chelish men and boy oriented lifestyle and wilderness activity group that has many distinguished male members across the Chelish aristocracy. Young Chelish boys and men, many hellknights-to-be, join their Chapter Leader to earn tokens of diabolic prowess, compete in physical and mental challenges, beat the steel into their fellow members and prove their dedication to the motherland and her infernal majestrix, Queen Abrogail.
Uniform consists of a tightly buttoned khaki shirt, often emblazoned with merit tokens, a loose scarlet epaulet and very tight and chipper black shorts. Shoes are expected to be pointed and shining, even in the wilds.
Nary a night has spent with Charthagnion boys sitting around the campfire, singing to the glory of house Thrune, and comforting one another with their presence and with their camaraderie.
House Thrune Prospers!
-Signifer Randolf Culpher, Chapter Leader.
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The Green Circle (aka Druids local 704)
Goals include
Respect for and minimizing damage to natural ecosystems while on missions.
Better treatment of non-humanoid semi sentient pathfinders. Including
-Not being used to set off traps without proper training
-Not being sent into combat while everyone else runs away. Your loyal friend expects you to be fighting beside him and if its his last moments, he deserves it.
-A minimum of 20 % cut of the treasure to be used for their own enhancement, protection, and well being
-Providing information on humanoid and non humanoid pathfinder relations, including protective items like masterwork studded leather barding: don't leave home without it.
-Educating pathfinders on non standard means of dealing with the rare and wonderful inhabitants of the ecosystems they visit.