|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Okay, no matter how I ask this question, it is going to make me sound like a jerk, but I am interested in the answer anyway so I will endevour to at least try not to be a complete a$$ about it...
If you don't play PFS at all, why would you want to participate in the forums specifically addressing the rules of the campaign? Especially if the topics are controversial? Why do you care how we play our game and what makes you think we care about your opinion of how we play our game?
You have no vested interest in the game and gain nothing even if your opinions spurn changes. So what's the point?
I have no interest in YuGiOh, or LFR, or MtG, etc so I really don't care what they do or how screwed up their rules are (or aren't). Even if it was about games I do play, just not in an organized play environment, I still don't care. Are you just a RL paladin looking out for the need of others? Or are you a forum troll and like to stir up trouble? Or is there some other motivation behind it?
Inquiring minds want to know...or at least mine does :-)
|
| 5 people marked this as a favorite. |
I would assume some of said people comment in the hopes of things being changed so that they would actually want to play the game.
I personally have a run a few games but I don't believe I will bother to again. To me it limits my options as a dm and options for my players as well players. If we were people who went to conventions to play RPG games then I would be more motivated but I am not.
|
Mr Jonquet sir, I wholeheartedly agree with you. For I wish to know as well. Especially since I just had an argument with someone who doesn't play PFS earlier today. I am not saying they are not allowed to have opinions, but what are their motives to just pop off their mouths in the fashions that they do? Because it's never in a positive way from what I have seen so far.
|
I do, though to be honest, I probably will never play PFS at a convention. It is getting less and less appealing, and I would probably seek out a non-PFS game if that is at all an option.
As of now, to me, the only real benefit to PFS is as an honest introduction for new players into a style that is fairly easy to get into and consistant with other GM's, for the most part.
That being said, I'm pretty much with LL here. It is too restrictive, both in limiting new material and just the way it works (which is intrinsic to Organized Play). The fact that character can become invalid at the drop of a hat, (aka oh look it's happening again with the current Monk issues), and the fact I disagree with as many FAQ and errata's as I agree with, just make it less and less an option I want to devote as much to, (versus home games).
|
|
| 3 people marked this as a favorite. |
I think we've seen a rash of people that don't play, for various reasons, giving opinions and ideas that would make society play something they could enter into. However, if you don't play and have no intention of playing, then there shouldn't be a reason for their comments.
I understand that for some society play may seem restrictive in comparison to home games. But let's be honest, society play isn't a home game.
The creators and coordinators for overall society play have to take into consideration so many more issues that someone that runs a home game. Mike Brock cannot be at every table to make rulings and judgments; that's what the rules are for. He also has to ensure that if something is truly game-breaking for the way Paizo wants society play to be that that is taken into consideration as well.
Here is my suggestion, if you want the non-restrictions play a home game. If you like where the society is, restrictions included. But if you want that home game feel then butt out of my society play. Don't tell me that I have to audit characters at conventions when you haven't been to a society convention to understand that that is near impossible. Don't tell me that I should want to know what factions are present at my table because I will prep better that way.
Simply put from my opinion -- if you don't play, then you don't get to have my take your "suggestions" seriously, in fact, I'm going to ignore them.
|
I do. I recently started running PFS at my local GS on Fridays, getting new people to join in. I also play on Saturdays a home game set in Golarion but with 3PP material that a friend runs, and after that I run JR for the same group.
And I must say, I like PFS. I know the rules are a bit restrictive, but not to the point of sucking the fun out of the game, not by a long shot. Even using core material only, the options are very varied.
I come to this page for more than one reason. Inspiration for my own game, to find out things I didn't know about the rules, and to ask questions about some of the stuff my players come up with, to name a few.
Venture-Agent, Virginia—Hampton Roads
|
I still play and GM. Granted I GM more than play but that is OK. Right now PFS is all the gaming I have spare time for as my home capaign is wrapping up and the twins are due in 2 months.
My goal is to introduce RPG tabletop gaming to the masses and I aim at the younger generation.
PFS like any form of organized play isn't perfect but what game is?
Owner - Enchanted Grounds, President/Owner - Enchanted Grounds
|
Someone once said "Opinions are like a$$holes. Everyone has one."
That's probably all the explanation that is necessary, Bob. No offense is meant to anyone with any of this, by the way. If I have an opinion and want to express it, there is no easier medium to do so than anonymously on an internet message board. These message board thingies are merely enablers. Let them express their opinions. Filter out what they are saying if you know they don't play (and it's easy to tell).
I am sure that the Paizo people who read these comments actually looking for things they need to pay attention to filter out stuff from non-PFS players.
I do.
You can, too.
|
|
If you don't play PFS at all, why would you want to participate in the forums specifically addressing the rules of the campaign? Especially if the topics are controversial? Why do you care how we play our game and what makes you think we care about your opinion of how we play our game?
Bob,
To make a pain of myself, especially as my question to you covers most of my current participation (or lack thereof) in PFS:
Is someone who exclusively GMs PFS, but never plays PFS, considered to be someone who doesn't play PFS at all, but have a valid reason to participate on the forums for PFS?
Example:
Since last November, other than an online module I am playing in, my participation in PFS as a player has been virtually nil. Indeed, if I hadn't jumped in on a thread in the PFS Online Collective when I did, I probably still wouldn't be in the "playing PFS" category.
|
|
Is someone who exclusively GMs PFS, but never plays PFS, considered to be someone who doesn't play PFS at all, but have a valid reason to participate on the forums for PFS?
I guess the use of "plays" should be replaced with "participates." If you GM/organize/play, it doesn't matter, you at least have some level of vested stake in the rules and what goes on in the community.
|
|
I have had one go of PFS, and am now registered for my second.
I had played at Games Conventions in the 80's and early 90's and then swore off anything looking like a Con. Recently I decided to have a fresh look at my views in light of playing Pathfinder and seeing the PFS events seemed well organised.
First event was great, so I'm going back for more.
Unfortunately the deep seated suspicions of some of my fellow gamers are proving rather tough to break down, and so I am still a bit 'solo', though I do have hope for the future.
I participated in the PFS threads before coming across on the basis that I was tentatively interested in what PFS might have to offer, and saw the threads as a channel to intereact with PFS players and get an insight into the collective PFS mindset - are they all just Cheeze Munchkins? Is it a hammy bunch of LARPers? Will it bring flashbacks of the bad old days?
Anyhow I found the discussions good, and gave me a bit of a handle on the way the rules work (and why) and ultimately led me into the fold.
If I had no interest, no potential 'skin' in the issue, then I'd have been kind enough to leave the threads alone and not comment :)
On a side note...
HOW CAN I GET AN AASIMAR BOON!?
|
|
HOW CAN I GET AN AASIMAR BOON!?
Come on in for Spring Offensive in Peoria, Illinois 3/30-4/1 or Egypt Wars in Carbondale, IL 4/13-15 and I'll see what I can do
|
|
I play and GM, clearly.
As to my opinion on the matter, I'll just give a big +1 to Purple CatBunnyGnome's comment, instead of posting my own, so I dont get banned for baiting and flaming. ;)
Come on in for Spring Offensive in Peoria, Illinois 3/30-4/1 or Egypt Wars in Carbondale, IL 4/13-15 and I'll see what I can do
Or both.;)
|
Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
|
Before I started playing PFS a year ago, I used to see some interesting post titles in the most recent posts box on the site. So I'd pop in and give my opinion, not even realizing it was for PFS, which made some wrong suggestions on my part. Some could do that, I've seen others who have posted and didn't realize it was a PFS sub-forum.
I've played one entire PFS game and it was at a friend's house. I am extremely unlikely to ever go play a game at a store and its just about guaranteed I'm never going to go to a convention to play.
However, if someone has a question or if someone asks why or what problem is or whatever or is even looking for creative solutions I don't think my opinion matters less because I don't often have the chance to play it.
Now I don't necessarily think my opinion matters /more/ either.. but people seeking ideas/thoughts/etc. are bound to get them from multiple sources.
And- quite frankly- the rules as they exist or may be altered also has an effect on whether or not I bother to play in the future.
-S
|
|
I play and GM PFS, but not as much as I would like. When I was at DundraCon in February, I was kinda shocked to see that my last chronicle was from February of 2011. I have played maybe 15-20 sessions, and if every VO was as diligent as the great crew in NoCal, I'd have but a single star next to my name instead of that buck private look I have now.
I played about 80 sessions, judged about 200, authored 6 adventures, and assisted in editing 15 adventures for Living Greyhawk starting late in year 4 through the end of the campaign. It was a tremendous experience for me, despite various problems that existed in the campaign and the community. I served my sentence in LFR until I got my pardon and started to play PFS, which captures the look and feel of LG much better for my interests.
Eric and Pirate Rob have pointed out some of why we get non-PFS players posting in this forum. One of the other reasons, I suspect, is that rules discussions often make reference to PFS, at times as justification or rationalization for why a ruling is needed on something. Sometimes these are justified, sometimes PFS players just need to expect that there will be some variance between one GM and another.
I don't see PFS/traditional gaming to be an either/or kinda decision. I play music. Amongst other musical genres, I play both jazz and heavy metal. They are different in lots of ways. But they are both music, even if my step-dad wouldn't agree. They share some areas in common and others are quite different. They feed different parts of my musical interests. PFS and traditional gaming are the same way for me. Yet, there are those who like jazz and hate heavy metal, as well as metal heads who don't get jazz. The point of the analogy is that even jazz cats are gonna hear Crazy Train at a baseball park these days, and even die hard metal heads probably have heard a lot of jazz..watching old cartoons if nothing else. One of the best new metal bands I have heard has a bassist who is primarily a jazz player.
Music fans of a specific genre don't live in a vacuum. Likewise, you can't participate in the Paizo forums without PFS influencing you to some degree.
|
|
Shifty assuming your profile is accurate and you are in sydney, the next big pathfinder event here is in april
Yep - all signed up into Ruby Phoenix and really looking forward to it!
(yeah it was filling really fast, so grabbed what I could)I can't usually get to the Shadowlodge games as they are on Saturdays, and sadly thats a work day for me most of the time, but am keeping an eye out for when an opportunity arises.
Thanks for the input guys :)
|
Venture-Captain, California—San Francisco Bay Area South & West
|
I play, and have just judged my first PFS table.
Background: I'm one of those old-time gamers getting back into RPGs after a long hiatus (longer than Paizo has been in existence). I sampled the various options available today, and feel that Pathfinder offers me more of the atmosphere that I want.
I don't think PFS is perfect - I'd rather be in a long-term game with a steady group of players. But the last time I tried to find a home game it wasn't the best experience. Playing PFS (at conventions and local game stores) may not be as good as a home game, but the downside of possibly ending up with an irritating tablemate has to be weighed against the chance that you'll come across a character concept that gives you new ideas that you can use.
Eventually I'll probably end up running Adventure Path sessions myself, but even then I expect to participate in PFS scenarios.
|
|
My experience is similar to JohnF. I'm an old school D&D/AD&D player from the 80's who just returned to RPGs 6 months ago after a 20+ year hiatus. After buying the 4e D&D starter box, I looked around for local groups to join and found more Pathfinder players than 4e players. Now that I've played both games enough to know the difference, I kinda understand why PF is winning the edition war.
The one stable group that I've had a lot of fun with over the last few months is a PFS home game. I've played enough to have characters at levels 5 and 7, and I've GMed 2 sessions, with another couple of GMing sessions coming up in the next week or two, most likely.
|
|
Since you asked...
Let's see, I've played in one PFS game at a convention. Right now, the home RPG sessions I'm in currently take up all of my available time for gaming; seeking my education takes up the rest, but I expect that to change after I graduate and go back to working for a living (hopefully I'll have more time again). Since I live in SoCal, I expect that when I have more time-- PFS events will not be too hard to find within what I consider to be acceptable driving range, considering that the Los Angeles/Orange County/etc area is one of the major population centers of the USA.
Now, why I do enter into and sometimes engage in discussions on the PFS boards?
1. I am interested (at least somewhat) in PFS and may well enter into PFS play, if the rules/requirements do not seem objectionable to me, as soon as I graduate from college (expected in June-- and no, I'm not that young-- I've returned to school later in life).
2. Because some of the questions debated and discussed in the PFS boards actually have a wider application to Pathfinder and even to RPGs in general-- and they attract my attention. While the context may be PFS-specific, understanding the ideas, rationale, reasons, etc, behind why a decision has been made, a rule has been created, things are done a certain way in PFS-- IMO, expands one's general knowledge of the game, setting, and etc. (I do play in two PF campaigns in home games right now, btw).
3. There's been at least one discussion on the PFS discussion sections that I've dug into heavily-- that I started off getting into based on my 2nd reason for entering discussions-- that involved issues that I'm very sensitive to, on questions of tolerance, ethical considerations, and decent treatment of our fellow human beings regardless of their differences from ourselves. I may well find another such issue that I feel it necessary to comment on-- if that makes me some sort of "RL Paladin looking out for the needs of others", there's worse things to be in life... :)
But there's my reasons for involving myself in some questions raised on the PFS boards without being an active participant at the current time. YMMV.
|
|
I play. Lots. I organize now too.
I think that the single-handed complaint I get is that it's too restrictive in character build and allotment of items and what they can and cannot do.
To me personally, I don't have the energy to do long campaigns, especially with people I may not personally like. With PFS, not only do I have a challenge in building a character that is within the rules and kicks ass; I am not always playing with the same 5 people every week or every session. I like having that variety and it's always fun to help people build new things and build new relationships with so many different people.
Let's all be honest here: Home games and adventure paths will always be better than PFS. But for some of us, who don't have the energy/time to commit to a long term game, or those of us who love to build and create different characters, PFS gives us the opportunity to always be different and unique. As well as giving us players that chance to play with different people and bounce off different ideas and thoughts.
|
|
Well Bob, you are correct about how your post comes across.
Perhaps I shouldn't confirm that given that geographically I'm under your authority.
I check in once in a while, hoping that the culture has shifted back to when I was running things. Eventually I see that things probably won't ever be like that again, and I don't post for months.
|
| 6 people marked this as a favorite. |
This may not be the popular opinion BUT...
I think if you have a love for the game, you are a member of the community and should post when you want. If you recognize the importance of the OP campaign to the overall game system and want it to do well, you should post on those forums as well.
I'll restate my previous recommendation:
I think everyone needs to take a step back from the boards when they get the urge to post something right away. When you respond to someone, pretend like they are your best friend that happened to post on the same board. Odds are, your posting style might change, and probably for the better.
|
|
Well, yes and no. As a player, I like the general setup. I can go to play at the local game store only when school's out and I like that one module usually doesn't depend on another. The inherent illogic really doesn't bother me, and I like the character portability.
I had intended to use PFSOP at school, but I found that it didn't really work. We have only two hours to play, so we cannot finish a module in one sitting. Actually, it usually takes three sessions. I cannot depend on the same group of players each time, so I just decided to bend the rules a bit to suit us and not call it Organized Play.
Organized Play and campaigns ae different. I like both.
