Category: Pathfinder Society

Multi-Venue Interactive Special: Year of the Shadow Lodge

Earlier this year, Metro Boston Organized Play approached our Regional Venture-Coordinator, June Soler, with an idea: let’s run an interactive special at multiple venues at the same time. (An interactive special is unique experience with minimum table requirements that is normally only available at conventions.  Events at one game table can impact play at another table–even if those tables are different levels.) Using Slack to communicate in real time between venues, our test run of #8-99 The Solstice Scar, Part C was a success.

We’re excited to announce our next distributed special. On Saturday, April 13th, 2019, from 12:30-4:30 PM, we’ll play #2-00 Year of the Shadow Lodge, by Tim Hitchcock.

“When a famous Pathfinder returns to the Grand Lodge in Absalom with a long sought after Azlanti artifact of power, the Society celebrates the achievement by throwing a massive party in Absalom’s arena. When the artifact is stolen during the party, it’s up to you and the other bands of Pathfinders present at the celebration to get it back before it can be used to destroy the Grand Lodge—or worse.”

For this special, we’re teaming up with The Autism Project to give sensory-sensitive players an opportunity to participate. It’s important that everyone can participate in the way that is most comfortable for them. Follow the links below to reserve your seat at this adventure:

We encourage everyone to support The Autism Project. 

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Paizo Announces Titles for First Wave of Second Edition Releases!

Big announcements from the West Coast yesterday! Paizo launched a dedicated Second Edition subsite and announced the titles of several books that will be available come August 1st of this year! Here’s a breakdown of the thirteen products (so far!) that are being offered. As always, you can join us on our Slack to discuss!

Pathfinder SE Core Rulebook (Regular or Deluxe edition)

This 640-page book is being marketed as “accessible” to new players while providing the options for complexity that some players thrive on. Looking forward to seeing what’s inside!

Pathfinder SE Bestiary (Regular or Deluxe edition)

At 360 pages, this book should contain a trove of both familiar and perhaps new monsters and creatures for players to interact with.

Pathfinder SE Campaign Setting: Lost Omens World Guide

The first volume in Paizo’s new Campaign Setting Subscription, this book will jump-start any player’s understanding of the new world that Paizo has built.

Pathfinder SE Adventure Path: Age of Ashes (PFSE AP 001: Hellnight Hill)

This AP, written by the amazing Amanda Hamon (seriously, follow her on Twitter) is the first volume in the new Adventure Path Ongoing Subscription. This will be the first AP written entirely with Second Edition rules, and as it’s designed for 1st-level characters, is the perfect way to start your campaign.

Note: The Metro Boston Lodge will be offering this AP in Campaign/Adventure Mode as soon as it is sanctioned for Organized Play.

Pathfinder SE Adventure: The Fall of Plaguestone

This Module is part of Paizo’s new Module Ongoing Subscription. This Adventure was written by Second Edition’s Lead Designer himself, Jason Bulmahn. Murder! Mystery! Intrigue! Mutants?

Note: The Metro Boston Lodge will be offering this Module in Campaign/Adventure Mode as soon as it is sanctioned for Organized Play.

Pathfinder SE Map: The Fall of Plaguestone

This is the first map in Paizo’s new Maps Ongoing Subscription. It’s 24″ x 30″ and designed to go with The Fall of Plaguestone module, though I suspect it’ll be reused again in the future.

Pathfinder SE Accessories

In addition to the published books, Paizo is also launching a new line of Pathfinder Accessories that feature art from the new Iconic Heroes!

 

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MBOP Welcomes New Venture-Agents!

The Metro Boston Organized Play Lodge is pleased to announce we’re onboarding three new Venture-Agents to help manage the increasing volume of players and stores we’re playing at! In addition, we’ve done a little reorganization to help spread responsibility out based on our VA’s time commitments, so please check out the full list of people and stores below. Don’t forget to sign-up for games on Warhorn!

The best way to reach out to your local organizers is through our community Slack. If you haven’t signed up yet (it’s free!) just click here: http://bit.ly/2GbWdfG

New Venture-Agents

Tara Crehen: Comicazi
Vidie Pong: Adventure Pub
David Walker: Knight Moves Cafe Somerville

Existing Venture-Agents

Peter Cole: Omar’s World of Comics and Hobbies
Will Donald: Barnes & Noble
Dan Hennessey: Pandemonium Books & Games
Jeff Tieg: Pandemonium Books & Games
Adam Yakabowski: Knight Moves Cafe Brookline

(open spot): Woburn Public Library

Leadership

Natalie Kertzner, Venture-Lieutenant
Ray Diaz, Venture-Captain

Emeritus

Anthony Li
David Neilson
Lisa Neilson
Don Walker
Jim Wnorowski

Boston Venues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Tips for Brand New Players

Are you a novice with Pathfinder, Starfinder, or another roleplaying/tabletop game?  Perhaps you’ve seen us at a venue where we play, and you were unsure how to join?  Do you wish you knew more about what we’re doing?  We’ve got you covered with these simple tips to secure your seat at our next game.

Ask Questions

From our point of view, it’s never awkward or inconvenient for you to ask questions.  We’re all there because we love to play!  We can’t think of any fan who isn’t eager to take a moment to explain what is going on.  If you really don’t want to interrupt the game, you can always ask someone at the venue.  We typically play in game stores and cafes; so whoever is behind the counter will be able to answer your questions or point you to someone who can.  We also have a number of designated organizers–we call them Venture-Officers–who are meant to be resources for you.  If you don’t know who your local Venture-Officer is, contact us.  We’ll help you get started.

Relax

It’s common for new players to be anxious about the number of rules and options available in roleplaying games.  For example, Pathfinder has forty-something hardcover rule books published for it, Starfinder has four–and both have many more in queue on the release schedule.  However, it’s widely acknowledged among players that nobody can know all the rules.  No player should ever look down on another for not knowing a rule or being unaware of something.  (And if you encounter this, let us know!  We’re not keen on that kind of behavior.)  The more you play, the more facile you’ll become with the system.  In no time at all, you’ll be the one helping out novice gamers.

Observe

We have a few hundred gamers who frequent Organized Play events in and around the area.  Check us out!  Decide what you like about us and what aspects of gameplay suit you.  Ultimately, it’s your time; make sure it’s spent doing something you enjoy!

Each game table also has a different personality to it.  You’re welcome to pick and choose games based on any number of factors that appeal to your sensibilities and level of comfort.  We have boisterous gamers.  We have quieter venues.  We have adventures that range the gamut of sci-fi and fantasy.  Some play out more like a dinner party while others closely resemble Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.  If you’re not sure which is for you, try a few.  If you want more information about a particular group, venue, or adventure, you can always ask.

Be Creative

One of the coolest aspects of roleplaying games is the myriad available options.  These games are meant to excite your imagination.  If you want to go on adventures as a gallant Robin-Hood-style hero, the Dread Pirate Roberts, or Barf from the movie Spaceballs, chances are you can do it–or come up with a pretty close approximation.

Have fun!

You don’t have to be the best or smartest or strongest player at the table to have fun.  Find what you enjoy, and do it.

Have you discovered some tips or strategies that work for you?  Share them with us!  We love to hear from you.

The More You Know

Here are a handful of things that your local Organized Play volunteers in Metro Boston do for the community that you might not know about.

We schedule a variety of inclusive events.

About once every two or three months, we have a Ladies’ Night event.  This is a safe space for women to play without worry of mansplaining and similar behavior.  Most importantly, what happens at Ladies’ Night stays at Ladies’ Night.  (editor’s note: They won’t even tell me about it! –RD)

Roughly once every two or three months, we have a LGBTQA+ event.  This is a place for queer gamers of all varieties to get together and play.

Once every 4 to six months, give or take, we have a “Sensory Friendly” game day.  This is an event for players who are sensitive to loud noise and chaos.  GMs for these events are especially aware of the needs of those on the Autism spectrum.

About once or twice a month we have a Family Night event.  These events are geared towards kids from 6 to 16 and their families.  GMs for these events undergo a CORI background check. Parents/guardians are asked to play with their kids. It keeps them informed about the activity, and helps the kids feel supported.

Once or twice a year we have charity game days.  At these games, players and venues can donate to some of the charities we support, including: Boston Children’s Hospital, Read to a Child, Somerville Homeless Coalition, Women’s Bar Foundation, and Medford High School’s Hope Chest.

We take requests!

Is there an adventure you missed that you really wanted to play?  Do you need one more high-level scenario before you can play a Seeker arc?  Are you missing one part of a multi-part game?  Let us know!  We’ll find someplace to put it in the schedule.

We can (sometimes) help with record keeping irregularities.

Typos happen.  Chronicle sheets get lost.  If you’re missing records for an adventure that you played, let us know.  We might be able to help.  However, depending on the nature of the problem, we might have to kick it up to Paizo’s customer support team.  We don’t have access to everything!

We love to give you boons! (when we can)

You can think of boons as special “unlocks” for gameplay that grant you access to features that are not typically available in Organized Play.  Boons vary wildly.  Some give you a bonus to certain skills or abilities.  Others can add flavor to your role playing.  Some let you play an unusual character–such as a vine leshy.  Typically, players have access to boons though Organized Play at conventions.  Starting in Feb 2017, Paizo rolled out the Regional Support Program (RSP).  At RSP events, you also have the opportunity to win boons.  In Metro Boston, the following are RSP events for 2018: Ladies’ Night, LGBTQA+ Night, games at Barnes & Noble, and Charity Game Days.  In 2019, we may have different events that fall under the RSP umbrella.

If you have any other questions about what Metro Boston Organized play volunteers can do for you, just ask.  We love to hear from you.

Six (and a half) Tips for Good Gaming Etiquette

Many of our number will be at GenCon this weekend playing new games, mastering familiar ones, and enjoying geek Nirvana. It’s an opportune moment to consider how we approach games.

In the spirit of helping everyone get along with each other and the venues at which we play, a bunch of our local organizers/coordinators came up with the following six (and a half) tips for good gaming etiquette:

  • Be respectful of other players, regardless of how gameplay unfolds.

Nobody’s perfect.  There will be times when players don’t mesh well. This is a game; try to get over it and move on when you can.  If an issue comes up, discuss it with the other player. If you need to, ask for help from your GM or event organizer.  Don’t let bad feelings fester.

  • Be mindful of your boundaries.

Gameplay may touch upon difficult issues such as racism, sexism, etc.  If triggering issues arise, reach out to your GM or event organizer–privately, if possible.  They will do their best to adjust accordingly.

  • Take the spotlight when you must, then be eager to relinquish it.

Allow everyone the agency to determine the direction of the game by consulting the group before taking actions that have consequences for the whole party.  This game affords opportunities for different styles of play, and everyone deserves the space to feel involved.

  • Remember that one of the tenets of the society is “cooperate.”

Strive to play the game with others, not against them.  Some characters are built with specific situations in mind.  Help others avoid conflict with your raison d’être by being up-front with your intent, and be especially forthcoming with your GM.

  • Strive  to keep a good balance with tangential chatter and gameplay.

Sometimes, things need to keep moving–especially at venues with a hard time limit.  It also takes focus away from a given player’s turn.

  • Be the person Mr. Rogers knew you can be!

Organized Play events frequently take place in public venues such as game stores, cafes, and convention halls.  These are often family-friendly businesses; conduct yourselves accordingly.

Related: Leave the venue at which you play as clean or cleaner than you found it.  If you re-arranged tables and chairs, put them back. Being good customers generates goodwill with the venue and ensures that everyone has a nice, safe place to play.

Got any other suggestions?  Let us know!

Welcome to Organized Play!

In Organized Play, you are a member of an adventuring group, seeking fortune and glory. At the same time, your character works for one of several competing factions, all with their own motivations and secrets.

Getting Started

Get a Society Number

​Organized Play assigns players a unique number that identifies them. This number is used to keep an online record of adventures played. Obtaining a number is easy: Ask your event coordinator for one, or simply go to Organized Play’s main site.

Click the “Pathfinder Society” link on the left-hand side of the screen. Click “Join the Pathfinder Society!” halfway down the page. If you do not have a paizo.com account, you will need to create one.

Once you’ve created a paizo.com account, you can create an Organized Play account. (Use the same number for Pathfinder Society, Pathfinder Card Game, and Starfinder Society play.) If you have a number and confirmation code (from a slip provided by a coordinator), choose the option for those who have already obtained a number. If not, then choose the option for those who need a number. Fill in a few simple questions, and you will be taken to your Pathfinder Society page. There should be your Pathfinder number in the middle of the screen. Take note of this number, as you’ll need it to provide it to GMs to record your sessions! You can always get to this page again by signing into your paizo.com account, clicking the “​Pathfinder Society​” logo, and choosing “​My Pathfinder Society​” from the gray bar near the top of the page.

Download the Guide

Paizo has a free guide to Organized Play. When logged into your paizo.com account, go to the “Pathfinder Society” logo, and then click “Player Resources” in the sidebar on the right. This page has links to several items you will find useful to have at your disposal. Click on the product page for the guide, where you can choose “Add to Downloads” below the “Our Price: FREE” text. Your paizo.com account keeps a list of PDF files that you have gotten from them, and will notify you via e-mail if one of them gets updated.

To access your Downloads, click the “My Downloads” link at the very top of the page. This will take you to your list of downloadable items. Click the link for the Guide to open or save the file.

Find a Game​

We maintain a calendar of games held at nearby venues. Check out the schedule on Warhorn.

Find a game that interests you and follow the link on the calendar to sign-up! We welcome players of all experience levels. Whether you’re a veteran or completely new, sign-up and join us. We have pre-generated characters you can use for a game, and the rewards they earn can be applied to a character you create yourself! You don’t need to bring anything other than yourself and it’s a great way to see if Organized Play is for you.

Contact us:

Do you have any questions? Comments? Suggestions? Need help creating a character? Feel free to contact us.