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I have been away from the PBP boards for several years, but am interested to return to run 2 different games. Please vote/indicate interest below. If interest is sufficient (I am fairly confident it will be) then I will open separate campaign threads.
First, I will say I have loads of PBP experience as DM and player with tens of thousands of posts and games that ran for multiple years, despite all hazards of PBP, before finally running out when I relocated and changed job roles. I was once a 4-star GM for PFS and ran many many tables in-person as well.
That said, I have very limited familiarity with PF2 rules as my ability to play virtually, via boards, or in person waned about the same time PF2 was introduced. So, if we play, I am interested in getting more experience and exposure to the PF2 ruleset, and want to find a willing group of people who enjoy a great story told really well, but understand there will be some questions about the rules as we go. You may have to have some patience and understand I may limit options about character creation, optional rules, extra content from supplements etc. Just because we limit character options, doesn't mean we can't tell a beautiful story.
If you have the heart of a teacher and the soul of a poet, we might be able to work together...
With the concept out of they way, I'd really like to run 2 different games:
1)An older PF1 AP that is reskinned/converted to PF2. I have seen some fan conversions etc, and not sure how it would work, but would like to run some of those older stories with a different approach. Games I might want to run this way (please vote for 1, or write in your favorite PF1 AP):
Rise of the Runelords
Crimson Throne
Reign of Winter
Giantslayer
Since part of the joy of RPG is exploration and discovery, ideally, the players for this game might not know much about the stories for whichever AP is chosen. Having played the first few encounters does not exclude you, but having read or GMed the whole AP, might be harder to see.
2) A made-for PF2 Adventure Path. I'd like a little more of a lay-up for preparation without having to convert the stat blocks etc. Again, probably limited to Core Rulebook and APG built content, but the story is more important than the stats (as we all profess).
Preferable I would run Age of Ashes in this spot, since I really like the first book (all I've read so far). Will take recommendations for others in the comments.
Again ideally, players new to PF2 or PBP would have seats at the table, as well as those with loads of experience
Sorry for the long intro post, but want to make sure you understand my plan before you express interest and or sign up for something you did not intend. Look forward to robust feedback and eventually dice hitting the table in anger once again.
Feel free to bombard me with questions....
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I'm very familiar with PF2 and willing to help. I tend to be a bit of a rules geek at the best of times, so why not put it to use?
I don't suggest converting an AP or using somebody else's conversion until you understand PF2 better. There's a lot of little things that take a while to understand about PF2, and it's best to get that instinct. That way you have a better idea what's going wrong if there's a problem.
I'm currently in the final sessions of an AoA campaign. It's very fun, but a little tough at the beginning. It was their first AP after all.
I have the rules, and have tried some basic starts, but I still haven't fully groked Pathfinder 2. I would however, love to learn as well. I tried a rogue once, not sure how good I was at it as we nearly got killed by kobolds. My Cleric had better luck but that was a shorter scenerio. :o
If you don't mind having a fellow PF2 rookie along while Philo or some other kind soul helps us get the rules down pat, I'd be delighted to try again.
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I'd be interested. It'd be my first PF2 game, I wasn't a fan when it came out, I'd moved over to 5e and PF2 just feels unnecessarily complex, that said I'm interested to try and give it a good go and a fair chance.
I am at least vaguely familiar with Rise of the Runelords as I prepped to run it many years ago but it never happened. I've also played through the card game version of a few times which gives a sweeping overview of the plot.
I find Crimson Throne intriguing, but don't know much about the other suggestions, though I'm sure I'd enjoy them.
Thanks all for your interest so far. I will say I am not a total noob to the PF2 system. I am running a home game on like session 4, but I want to become as familiar as I used to be with PF1.
Example, my player wanted to Shove a monster with his shield. Like Bull Rush in PF1. Would've known exactly how to handle in that system. But had to grab the CRB, look up the actual action name, and then the rule tied to it.
Philo, you make a good point about converting something while being less familiar. Considering that, but I may want to do it anyway...Reckless I know.
Hope a few others poke in to express interest, but am excitedly calculating with the response we have so far.
I'd be interested, as I have yet to play PF2 at all, either. Yep, another PF2 rookie, if that's ok.
I'm not overly-familiar with any of the APs you mentioned, though I am currently starting in a run of Return of the Runelords...but I'm pretty sure that wouldn't be overly burdensome.
To be honest, none of the 2E APs appeal to me very much based on what I know about them, with the possible exception of Age of Ashes.
The closest I got to playing any of the 1E APs was a D&D 5E conversion of Curse of the Crimson Throne, in which we didn't even get to finish the first chapter. I wouldn't object to that one, though by all accounts Rise of the Runelords also is pretty decent? Really, my familiarity with 1E adventure paths is virtually nil.
Generally speaking I have fairly little practical experience with PF2E, despite my best efforts.
Hello All!
I also am playing AoA. We are actually about to begin the final boss fight. This was my home group's initial forray into PF2e. We have had some rules bumps and bruises along the path, and we still have those discussions where the rules get a bit gray.
I also since am playing EC. We are in the final Book.
Also, FotRP and OoAS. I absolutely enjoy PF2e.
I played PF1e since it replaced (for me and my then home group) 3.5 and enjoyed every bit of it.
Not too certain I can fit another game on my schedule, but always on the boards if need advice.
AoA is a good story. It was the initial AP for PF2e. The CRB wasn't even finished quite yet...lol.
Welcome back, DM Doctor Evil. Good to see you again!
Welcome back, DM Doctor Evil. Good to see you again!
Same Dorian! Thanks for your input. I am leaning towards AoA for the PF2 book and glad to get your endorsement on the system. I seem to like to also, but just need familiarity. Hope, if we switch to recruitment, you drop your name in the hat!
I think PF2 rookies are ok, as long as you have some patience while we figure things out. Again, I'll value creative story telling, intriguing dialogue, and a well developed character more than the crunch-y rules stuff anyway. PBP gives some time to inquire, investigate, and get feedback before making lots of rulings anyway, unlike tabletop where you sometimes just have to decide on the fly.
Plan to keep the interest thread up for a few more days then may link to real recruitment if there is sufficient activity. Seems to be for at least one campaign.
Let me what else you think, or vote on your favorite old school (or new school) AP!
One of the advantages of a PBP game is that you have time to look things up or check the messageboards, phone a friend, etc.
Speaking of looking things up, there's a site I have right next to AoN. https://pf2easy.com/ It's useful on the days when everybody is slowing AoN down.
Converting a module will definitely let you get used to encounter design.
Frankly, I am a little surprised by the lack of interested persons. Glad for those who have posted, but I am used to dozens of interest posts. So a) my idea is not captivating or b) there just aren't as many people looking for a game as there used to be....
Will give it till tomorrow and then may just open a thread.
For those who have posted, are you more interested in Age of Ashes, or a PF1 story re-skinned?
I think I'd prefer Age of Ashes but I'm flexible.
Frankly, I am a little surprised by the lack of interested persons. Glad for those who have posted, but I am used to dozens of interest posts. So a) my idea is not captivating or b) there just aren't as many people looking for a game as there used to be....
In my experience, 2E unfortunately remains rather less popular than 1E.
Personally I'd slightly prefer one of the 1E adventures I named earlier. That said, I also wouldn't blame you if you decided the effort to convert the module(s) to 2E was more than you care to take on and opted to run AoA instead. :)
@DM: instead of two 2E campaigns, why not maybe one 1E and one 2E?
I've done AoA, and I've looked through the others (though a long time ago). I'm not sure how much familiarity is too much.
If I may make a suggestion? Perhaps, running one of the "half" APs that start at 1st and finish at 11th?
Abomination Vaults
Quest for the Frozen Flame
Outlaws of Alkenstar
Bloodlords
This would be a less of a commitment to those involved, while learning the system.
All PF2e APs are written for 4 players, so there is that also to consider.
Or alternatively, you could run the PFS2e scenarios as a way to familiarize yourselve(s) with the system with less pressures.
I started a tutorial group a bit back. I am using the Otari series from the Beginner's Box. The plan is to teach and learn from those 2 adventures and then launch into Abomination Vaults.
Lots of options.
For a game in 2e, I’d be more interested in running a 2e AP. My only experience with that version is a short-lived homebrew PbP. I’m interested in any of the adventures, but Outlaws of Alkenstar jumps out at me.
Thanks, CW!
Coffee, coffee, coffee...
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I am intrigued and interested! I'm currently in one 2e game that was converted from a 1e game, so I'm still learning, but I'm also an avid viewer of Narrative Declaration, who use 2e for their Rotgrind campaign, so I have some degree of familiarity but would love more hands-on experience, especially with Dark Archive out!
As far as which, I'm open to either option, but if you're learning along with us, it may be better to select an extant AP, and as was recommended, maybe one of the 3-part ones, or starting in the Beginner Box and transitioning to Troubles in Otari, which is its direct sequel, which can then take us into Abomination Vaults.
If we're talking other 2E APs besides Age of Ashes, I hear great things about Strength of Thousands, though I don't know if it's the best one to cut your teeth on I do hope to play it one day
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I do too, but I worry Strength of Thousands may have a bit too much for a new GM. In addition to being a bit unusual compared to other APs given the strong focus on trying to solve encounters WITHOUT fighting, you have the mandatory free archetype of Wizard or Druid AND the whole education subsystem the PCs need to participate in...it's a lot to juggle, even for an expert GM.
In terms of 2E adventure paths, I suppose I'd be up for Age of Ashes or Outlaws of Alkenstar. The circus/magical school settings of Extinction Curse/Strength of Thousands don't do anything for me.
I do too, but I worry Strength of Thousands may have a bit too much for a new GM. In addition to being a bit unusual compared to other APs given the strong focus on trying to solve encounters WITHOUT fighting, you have the mandatory free archetype of Wizard or Druid AND the whole education subsystem the PCs need to participate in...it's a lot to juggle, even for an expert GM.
Fair points! I am quite happy learning the rules on something else so eventually if I get in on strength of thousands game I don't embarrass myself :)
@DM: instead of two 2E campaigns, why not maybe one 1E and one 2E?
Mostly because I am trying to get some more "hands on" experience with 2e.
So it's about me, I guess.
If I may make a suggestion? Perhaps, running one of the "half" APs that start at 1st and finish at 11th?
Abomination Vaults
Quest for the Frozen Flame
Outlaws of Alkenstar
Bloodlords
This is a fair suggestions and echoed below by Zousha. I have these APs so I will look them over and see if one stands out. Have not spent much time with them, I will admit.
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So, let's plan on this.
I will review the half-APs over the weekend and start a real recruitment thread of whichever I like better. If there is more than a table full, I may run a full AP for something else -- jury's still out.
Those who have posted here so far will have preference for seats at the table(s) if they wish to play by my rules.
Appreciate the interest and feedback! More to come shortly
Late to the party but I would be very interested in a 2e campaign, I'll keep an eye out for your recruitment thread this weekend!
I'm interested as well!
I remember DocterEvil!
Sadly, I was in a game or two of his when his life changed. Sadly, because they ended then.
I remember him as a very solid storyteller, which made the games far more enjoyable.
Can't say that I really know much about PF2, myself. But I would encourage people to "sit down" with Dm DoctorEvil regardless of the system.
Thanks for the endorsement, hustonj. Hope things are going well for you!
I remember DocterEvil!
Sadly, I was in a game or two of his when his life changed. Sadly, because they ended then.
I remember him as a very solid storyteller, which made the games far more enjoyable.
Can't say that I really know much about PF2, myself. But I would encourage people to "sit down" with Dm DoctorEvil regardless of the system.
Thanks for the endorsement, hustonj. Hope things are going well for you!
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I reviewed the "half" APs I possess (which I think is all of them to date). Here are my thoughts:
Abomination Vault (which came recommended) looks like a great dungeon crawl epic, and would probably be really fun at the live table, but combats can drag on so in PBP, and a whole series of them can get cumbersome quickly. I'm not sure its a great fit for the medium.
Ruby Phoenix starts at level 11, so think that's out.
Outlaws of Alkenstar is higher tech than I might want and it just didn't grab me. Might work for other people, but didn't get it right away
That leaves Frozen Flame. Might not have thought I'd like it from the cover and concept, but actually it looks rather interesting, at least in Book 1 of the AP. It differs from many other adventures in the wilderness area, and the isolation and relative primitive nature of the cohort, different say than a city adventure in Absalom or Korvosa. I am intrigued.
So for the first table, I will be choosing Quest for the Frozen Flame. Which I will get up for dotting relatively soon. I will also post it in Recruitment, but the Players Guide for Frozen Flame is linked here for your review and guidance. It is a free download, so look it over.
I will be following the suggestions in this text pretty closely, so certain classes, archetypes, backgrounds, and classes may just not work very well (or at all without a pretty convincing backstory/explanation). I know that may put off some players, but aligns pretty well with my wish to stay pretty basic out of the gate.
Thanks for the feedback, and look forward to seeing you in Recruitment, and hopefully on the bleak plains of the Realm!
Oh, and if you are someone who posted here early, and are planning on joining us in Recruitment, please identify yourself (I have a list) so I can give the promised preferential treatment.
Also understand, if this game isn't for you, I will still be running a second table starting in the near future, I just haven't decided what that is yet. The Fall of Plaguestone , which is a PF2 stand alone adventure, is certainly a possibility as are the full APs from either PF1 (modified for new edition) or PF2.
EDIT: if you have strong opinions, feel free to post them here, or to send me a PM. Can't make any promises about if they will sway my own opinion.
Hmm, the Frozen Flame doesn’t seem to be super interesting to me after reading the guide, but I’ll definitely keep an eye out for your second table.
I'd be happy to give Quest for the Frozen Flame a shot :) (Yes I posted earlier and hope to be joining you)
the recruitment thread is up for Frozen Flame if you have interest