Very confused about how sanctioned content works.

[Southeast Jerome]

I've read through Chapter 6 of the PFSGTOP a couple times now, and am still confused about a couple things.

First question is about what characters I can use:
As I understand it, if I play PFS sanctioned content in a home game, I can use any of my PFS characters as long as they don't outrank the mod. On the other hand, if my character is too low for the mod, I can artificially level up the character for that mod and bank the chronicle sheet for when that same character reaches that level. Or I can play a PFS legal pregen and apply it to either character at the appropriate level.

So if I have I have two ongoing characters in PFS, a 4th level caster and a 1st level martial, I can play a 1-2 mod with the martial, a new character, or a pregen, but not the caster. If I play a 3-5 mod, I can play with the caster or a pregen, or I can level up the martial or a new character and apply the chronicle sheet to the martial or the new guy when he reaches 3rd level. Am I reading the rules correctly, or am I completely off base?

Second question is whether you can get a chronicle sheet if there are some non-PFS-legal characters in your party. For example, if there's a goblin in my party, and we complete the mod, can I get PFS credit for the mod even if the goblin can't? My home game is playing a series of one off mods that are largely PFS legal, but I think I'm the only one who also plays PFS in the group.

Not a big deal if I can't get PFS credit for the home game, but I'm happy to get the credit if it's available. I'm just trying to make it as easy as possible for my GM, and I also don't want to limit the non-PFS players if I can help it.

[Jim Harris]

In a home game if the ENTIRE TABLE plays PFS-legal characters you may play it for PFS credit, which it sounds like your group does not. (Adventure paths are different.)

Second, when playing a module you must play a legal character within the appropriate level range, either your character must fall within the appropriate level range or you must use a legal iconic pregen. You cannot artificially level a character, no.

[Southeast Jerome]

Excellent, thanks for the info. Most, if not all, of the characters we play are probably PFS legal, so if I can get PFS credit here and there, that will be a nice bonus.

[The Great Rinaldo!]

Southeast Jerome wrote:

Excellent, thanks for the info. Most, if not all, of the characters we play are probably PFS legal, so if I can get PFS credit here and there, that will be a nice bonus.

They need to be more than "PFS legal", they must actually be PFS characters, with a PFS# and all the appropriate tracking done (chronicles up to date, and so on). When the game starts, it must either be for PFS credit or not (even if not all players care and are just doing it for your benefit). That means that at the end of the module, nothing you picked up during play can be kept (except by purchasing or if the chronicle specifies otherwise) and any conditions (death, curses, etc.) must be cleared.

As long as everyone agrees to play as a PFS game and meets the requirements, then you can get the chronicles at the end.

[Thamius]

The rule allowing you to artificially level your existing characters up or down to play a particular module was removed in January 2012, now your character needs to be in the level range or the module must be in the range of a legal pregen. All high-level modules (anything 9+) can therefore only be played with your own PFS character, at least if you want to get PFS credit for it.

[Jim Harris]

Quote:

They need to be more than "PFS legal", they must actually be PFS characters, with a PFS# and all the appropriate tracking done (chronicles up to date, and so on).

Tony is 100% on the mark here. Yes, I should have been clearer that "PFS legal" = PFS characters. Sorry about that.

[Southeast Jerome]

Tony Lindman wrote:

Southeast Jerome wrote:

Excellent, thanks for the info. Most, if not all, of the characters we play are probably PFS legal, so if I can get PFS credit here and there, that will be a nice bonus.

They need to be more than "PFS legal", they must actually be PFS characters, with a PFS# and all the appropriate tracking done (chronicles up to date, and so on). When the game starts, it must either be for PFS credit or not (even if not all players care and are just doing it for your benefit). That means that at the end of the module, nothing you picked up during play can be kept (except by purchasing or if the chronicle specifies otherwise) and any conditions (death, curses, etc.) must be cleared.

As long as everyone agrees to play as a PFS game and meets the requirements, then you can get the chronicles at the end.

Ah, that's a bit different, and most definitely not worth the trouble in that case. :)

[kinevon]

First thing I would advise is to make sure you have the latest version of the Guide to PFS Organized Play, the current version is 5.0.

Second thing, there are a couple of ways to play in home game mode for everyone, but still get PFS credit for, at present, two and only two modules:
The Dragon's Demand
Tears at Bitter Manor

Wardens of the Reborn Forge is in process, but is not yet available for PFS credit.

I am not sure if the 5.0 guide contains the information on these newer modules yet, or not.

You can also play from an assortment of the APs available in home game mode, and receive PFS credit.

Again, both those options are also assuming you will be playing through the complete module or all 6 books of the AP.

Hope this doesn't add to your confusion.