PFS #3-01: The Frostfur Captives (Tier 1-5; Sub-Tiers 1-2 & 4-5) - Gauging Interest..

[HoloGnome]

Hi Everyone - I am going to run another campaign, time is TBD based on mutual agreement and party composition, as follows:

PFS#3-01: The Frostfur Captives
A Pathfinder Society Scenario designed for Levels 1–5. (Sub-Tiers 1-2 & 4-5)

Tasked with escorting a group of goblin prisoners from their camp to civilization for interrogation by the Pathfinder Society, you must protect them not only from the beasts and hazards of the wilderness, but themselves.

Written by Jim Groves.

Calendar Link (https://www.fantasygrounds.com/calendar/?id=1339)

Event #: TBD
Event Name: FG Online-PFS#3-01
Provisional Time: Saturday, 07 FEB 11:00AM PST / 7PM GMT

I am willing to run this campaign multiple times at different sub-tiers, but would like to stay in sub-tier, if possible. I know there are a lot of 1-2 level characters out there, so 1-2 is a strong possibility. 4-5 is also a good possibility based on the currently advancing cohort.

I have invited a number of you. If you are interested, please post in the thread indicating what character(s)/sub-tier(s) you would like to play, and I will work on some provisional times. If you indicate more than 1, please indicate your 1st choice.

Please post or send me the following info:
xml
portrait
chronicle
tracking info (as available)
pfs id
faction

NOTE: I have a full license (not Ultimate), which means that you must own a copy of Fantasy Grounds in order to play.

Thanks!

8812

[xazil]

Looks good. Ill come along either with my Tank Samurai 1 or Archer Paladin 4 if we are playing the higher tier.

[Skellan]

I think I can make this. Will find out for certain a bit later.
Frost fur is one I never got round to

[HoloGnome]

Looks like lots of fun! Haha! Did someone say Goblin Prisoners??

[Lord Kavos]

I havent played this one either...so im in.

[Rivver]

I'm always in for anything at reasonable GMT hours. Prefer a low tier run as both mine are in that category at the moment. Either cleric /1 or ranger /2. If higher then I'll drag another pregen along. My characters are gonna rocket through higher levels at this rate!

[HoloGnome]

Sounds good - we'll see what happens - happy to run any tier (and expect to, at least, run a lower tier one for the new characters). Also - might be able to split by timezone if the characters work out - it really depends. But, great!

[cmdisc]

Sounds like a lot of fun. Thanks for the invite, but going to have to decline this one. Son's birthday is that weekend, so lots to do. :)

[HoloGnome]

cmdisc - the time is currently provisional and there will hopefully be a couple of runs. So, it may work out if there is one at a different time. Let me know.

[Skellan]

Sorry, I can't do the 7th. Have fun though everyone!

[HoloGnome]

Looks like there is a chance for Friday evening GMT game for this one.

[Trueshots]

This ones fun, I think this is the one Skellan wiped our entire party on a non Boss fight.....(my wife's first game and never to return to Pathfinders, LOL)

[HoloGnome]

Skellan has not played or GM'd this adventure.

[Trueshots]

This ones fun, I think this is the one Skellan wiped our entire party on a non Boss fight.
Icebound Outpost, as not to confuse.....my sincere apologies...

[Victor]

*throws his hat into the ring*

[HoloGnome]

OK - great - there is a full party for the first run, as follows:

Sam Guerra - Zanthas - Warpriest/1
Lord Kavos - Ember Novastar - Bard/1? or other 1-2
xazil - Happlo of the Scrolls - Samurai/2? or other 1-2
Victor - Coburn - Warpriest/2
Farnaby - Rashmi & Duma - Druid/1 or Nenna -Witch/2 or other 1-2
Rivver - Loriniana Cleric/1 or other 1-2

Based on the looks of the party, this will be a L1-2 "divine"-ish party (see above). Please correct, as necessary.

Please post your characters, PFSID, faction, avatars, etc. Also, please fill in your intended characters on the Calendar - thx!

[cmdisc]

I know I bowed out of this one due to scheduling...but if you happen to get a tier 4-5 group together sometime after the 7th, I would be interested.

That's for both you, HG, as well as any of the other players who might decide they want to GM this one in the near future. :)

[HoloGnome]

I plan to run it a 2nd time and hope to pick up Skellan. So, happy to add another run. I just added the 14th with a more GMT-friendly time for you and Skellan.

[cmdisc]

A game on the 14th? Are you trying to get me divorced?!?...and on Valentine's Day??? heh. (Plus it just so happens to be my half-anniversary too, go figure).

I am sure if I say 'yes', I will disappear mysteriously...and ironically my wife is suggesting ways I'd vanish as she's here watching me type this. :p

So I'd have to hold out for another weekend unless the 15th works for anyone. :)

[HoloGnome]

A game on the 14th? Are you trying to get me divorced?!?...and on Valentine's Day??? heh. (Plus it just so happens to be my half-anniversary too, go figure).


Oh yeah...oops - I'll move it to Sunday. Don't you love Fantasy Grounds enough? :D Can't you just tell her: "Honey - I had an affair with a goblin NPC at the FG motel, but it was just a one-night stand, and its over now. I promise." ...and then go into couples counseling or something? I really wouldn't mention the fact that the goblin was a prisoner, however. It probably wouldn't help.

[cmdisc]

I could do that, but seeing as I'm a paladin in RL, it would go against my code. ;)

[Alq Veers]

I'm waiting until I see my next roster for work, so I can't confirm anything until after the weekend.

[HoloGnome]

I could do that, but seeing as I'm a paladin in RL, it would go against my code. ;)

Except for that time you failed your saving throw.

[Sam Guerra]

here is my info for Zanthas

[HoloGnome]

Thanks, Sam. :)

[cmdisc]

HG, thanks for the re-invite. It looks like the 5th or 15th will be workable for me. Both the 5th and 7th seem to have a lot of attention with 4 set for the former and 6 for the latter.

I put Grimwell down as an option, but I can play either subtier depending on who wants to bring what.

[HoloGnome]

OK - Great. We might be able to run the 5th as subtier 4-5. Victor, assuming that Skellan & Evloret will definitely make the 5th, you could go with the 2nd game, Alq Veers could take your spot in the 1-2 run and you could either play up with Coburn or play a pregen/4. This would allow you to play in Trueshots' game.

[cmdisc]

If we run a 1-2 on the 5th or 15th, then Dr. Grimwell is in. If it's a 4-5, then I'll pick up either a tank or healer pregen depending on party need.

Question; if I play in a standard PFS session with a pregen, can I apply the credit to a PFS Core character?

[HoloGnome]

Question; if I play in a standard PFS session with a pregen, can I apply the credit to a PFS Core character?

LOL! You're pushin' the knowledge envelope, buddy! :D Please refer to the Season 7 Guide To Pathfinder Society Organized Play: Year of the Pink Albatross. :P

OK...well...maybe not. The Core Campaign Announcement (https://paizo.com/paizo/blog/v5748dyo5lh0h?Introducing-the-Core-Campaign) thread contains various discussions, and from them, it's clear that any Chronicle Sheet can apply to a Core character, but you still need the book that goes with it. Also, you can replay anything as Core. So, it probably doesn't matter that you apply a non-core CS to a core character. The only thing that might matter is if the CS specifically comes from a scenario that is restricted vs. Core, if there is one. Maybe I would add that if you apply a CS to a Core character, it probably counts as your Core session for that scenario, whether you played it as Core or not. If so, you would lose a replay option, so the incentive to apply Non-Core to Core might not be there.

It's a good question - you should ask it in that thread for confirmation.

[xazil]

So verifying the game on the 7th (8th for me) is going to be 1-2? If so I'm hoping to play my Samurai on the day before so Ill have to give you an update from after that as he will be 2.

[HoloGnome]

Yes - it looks like it's going to be 1-2, however, Coburn has now leveled.

[Victor]

I'll bring Daget, a like-new level 1 Sorcerer

[HoloGnome]

Pull the string...HE TALKS!

[cmdisc]

I see the 5th disappeared as an option. The 7th is running as a subtier 1-2. What subtier is the 15th running as?

[HoloGnome]

I have a family emergency - cant do Thursday and also Skellan dropped and there was substantial overlap. I was hoping Evloret could play on the 15th, but he may have a conflict, unfortunately.

Sam and Victor - I assume you're OK with the 15th for this adventure, since you both voted for that time. Please confirm by putting yourself in the NO column for the 7th. The interface doesn't allow me to modify the groups.

The parties look very good!

-------------------------------------------------
GAME/TABLE #1: (AUS/GMT)
-------------------------------------------------
DATE: Saturday 7 FEB, 7PM GMT / Sunday AM, Australian Time (various)
Sub-Tier: 1-2
Lord Kavos: Bard/1 (or 2) - AUS
xazil: Samurai/2 - AUS
Farnaby: Druid+AC/1 or Witch/2 - GMT
Rivver: Cleric/1 - GMT
Alq Veers: Fighter/1 - AUS

+Room for 1 more

-------------------------------------------------
GAME/TABLE #2: (US/GMT)
-------------------------------------------------
DATE: Sunday 15 FEB, 6PM GMT
Sub-Tier: 1-2
cmdisc: Alchemist/2
Sam Guerra: Warpriest/1
Victor: Sorcerer/1
Bashido2: Monk/1
:{ BK }: Druid+AC/1

+Room for 1 more

[cmdisc]

Those groups look good to me. :) Thanks again for being willing to run this a second time for those of us that miss out on the first run. Saying a prayer for you and your family emergency. I've had a few of those myself over the years...

[HoloGnome]

I like to run them twice, even without the credit - it's good practice and more people can play. I want to keep shaving off time, and it gives me a second chance to account for things I didn't realize on the first run.

I just gave the tables a minor update - added the animal companions.

And thanks!

[HoloGnome]

BK - this is for you...

[GM BK]

Thank you! :)

[Victor]

The parties look very good!


You do a very dedicated job on these HG. You spend lots of time making sure people get a chance to play and you run them more than once. All of this is really great. Now I have to feel like a bit of a jerk whining at you, but I really think you should NOT try to make sure we have a good party makeup. It seems like metagaming and micromanagement. You should leave that up to the players and if you end up with 5 clerics, then so be it, it makes it more risky and more fun. Having the DM set up the game to cover any contingency isn't as exciting.

Now, if you are NOT doing that then I apologize for assuming you were. :)

On a personal note, I was pretty sure I was playing on the 7th, from what you said on page 3 and the top of page 4 about Coburn's affecting the game on that day. So even though I had voted yes on the 15th long ago, with the recent confirmation I was playing on the 7th, I probably voted yes on other calendars for the 15th. I will have to see if I am still free on that day.

You see how all these multiple times and overabundance of players whom you try to satisfy can cause lots of confusion for all concerned. Like I said, you do a great job and are a very good DM, but you could make it a lot easier if you just put up a time to play and cut off signups when you had enough for 1 game.

[Alq Veers]

I've got to pull out unfortunately. My roster has changed again and I won't even make the first hour of the game before work. :(

[Victor]

Sorry to hear that Alg, but I will jump in and take your spot, since I want to play on the 7th.

[HoloGnome]

OK - here are the new tables - Sam - are you still OK to play on the 15th? Let me know.


-------------------------------------------------
GAME/TABLE #1: (AUS/GMT)
-------------------------------------------------
DATE: Saturday 7 FEB, 7PM GMT / Sunday AM, Australian Time (various)
Sub-Tier: 1-2
Lord Kavos: Bard/1 (or 2) - AUS
xazil: Samurai/2 - AUS
Farnaby: Druid+AC/1 or Witch/2 - GMT
Rivver: Cleric/1 - GMT
Victor: Sorcerer/1 - PST

+Room for 1 more

-------------------------------------------------
GAME/TABLE #2: (US/GMT)
-------------------------------------------------
DATE: Sunday 15 FEB, 6PM GMT
Sub-Tier: 1-2
cmdisc: Alchemist/2
Sam Guerra: Warpriest/1
Bashido2: Monk/1
:{ BK }: Druid+AC/1

+Room for 2 more

[GM BK]

Here he is... If i missed and/or screwed up anything, let me know :)

[cmdisc]

You do a very dedicated job on these HG. You spend lots of time making sure people get a chance to play and you run them more than once. All of this is really great. Now I have to feel like a bit of a jerk whining at you, but I really think you should NOT try to make sure we have a good party makeup. It seems like metagaming and micromanagement. You should leave that up to the players and if you end up with 5 clerics, then so be it, it makes it more risky and more fun. Having the DM set up the game to cover any contingency isn't as exciting.

I'll have to admit I've helped to enable that kind of thing. There were a few times I could have posted on here as a player to help sort some of this stuff out, but didn't, figuring HG would do it. But as you've pointed out, Victor, he really doesn't have to get stuck with that. That's our job as players.

[Sam Guerra]

I too wouldn't mind playing on the 7th, since i see you have one more spot to fill

[cmdisc]

Looks like #2 is down to 3 players then atm.

[Trueshots]

You do a very dedicated job on these HG. You spend lots of time making sure people get a chance to play and you run them more than once. All of this is really great. Now I have to feel like a bit of a jerk whining at you, but I really think you should NOT try to make sure we have a good party makeup. It seems like metagaming and micromanagement. You should leave that up to the players and if you end up with 5 clerics, then so be it, it makes it more risky and more fun. Having the DM set up the game to cover any contingency isn't as exciting.

You see how all these multiple times and overabundance of players whom you try to satisfy can cause lots of confusion for all concerned. Like I said, you do a great job and are a very good DM, but you could make it a lot easier if you just put up a time to play and cut off signups when you had enough for 1 game.
This is everything I tried to express to HoloGnome in earlier games but in a much, much more elegant way. maybe I should of had you be my spokesperson and we wouldn't have ended up in our little tiff. Well said.

[GM BK]

Spotted a couple errors i made... Here's an updated version...

[Rivver]

Here's all my stuff for Saturday

[Victor]

I will put my xml and pdfs up after Friday's game with Rivver, if I am in it. If not I will put it up sooner.
I will be brining my new Gnome Sorcerer, Daget Raventhorne.

[Trueshots]

I will put my xml and pdfs up after Friday's game with Rivver, if I am in it. It appears you may never play another Rivver game......


Turns out that you don't just want things run, you want it run your way. So fine. Do it your way.
(Yes, I do see this is way out of proportion but after seeing how other new gms have been 'corrected' for trying to do things a little differently and then being told that I'm making things hard for people, I don't really want to play nice. So, in answer to Blackfoot - I'm not running anything anymore.)

[Lord Kavos]

Hey buddy,

Here are Ember's files. She is now 2nd lvl.

[HoloGnome]

Turn my back for a second without Internet access and look what happens.

Rivver - I love your server alias. "Rich turtle - Good luck!" I find myself wondering why the turtle is rich - as in wealthy, funny, spiritually enhanced? Maybe the shell is painted with symbols of arcane wisdom. Who can say? But, whatever the case, the turtle is sent on his way with a cheery message, which has a strangely uplifting quality to it, and somehow, I feel the better for it. And that being said, if I were a turtle, I think I'd like to be a rich one, whatever that means.

LK/BK/Rivver/Sam/cmdisc - Thanks everyone for the uploads. I will have them prepped for you. BK - I'll look over the new guy and get back to you.

Victor/Sam: You're in - just vote no on the 15th time then - all fine - that was the only reason I assumed it was OK.

cmdisc: Hang tough, pal. We'll make it work one way or another. :) Even if I have to swear and play a pregen, which irks me, but I'll use xazil as my guide on that one, if necessary, since I just saw him do it very well.

I think I have a longer philosophical reply on the subject of party construction, being that I don't agree with the OPs, but...STAY TUNED FOR MY NEXT POST. It's so much more exciting that way. It's like waiting for the next segment of UNDERDOG, like in the episode where he fights the OVERCATS who are trying to drain all the milk out of Earth's cows into their spaceships.

NO, OVERCATS - YOU CAN'T HAVE OUR MILK!!! :p

[HoloGnome]

My Composition About Party Composition by Me, Grade 6, Mrs. Emmett, 3rd Period

Executive Summary: Philosophically, I think it is responsible for GMs to help players have diverse tables unless there is a specified player desire to do skewed or hardcore run.

(If that's all you need, you can stop here, because quite honestly, the rest may be a little boring.)

--------------------------------------

With respect to party composition, I see it as an issue embodying time commitment, value, expectation, and basic RPG necessity

On the negative side, party composition issues lead to all of the following:

1. Primary Mission Failure - lots of wasted time for everyone except the GM, who still gets full credit
2. Drawn out game time and encounters because of party deficits vs. the intended challenge and possible mission failure/abandonment
3. Increased player burn-out on scenario failures and long games
4. Secondary Mission Failure - lesser impact, but still an issue when the failure is because of deficit vs. ability to act, perhaps mitigated by some degree of GM facilitation - but PFS doesn't allow for very much deviation vs. longer campaigns or homebrew games. If it happens because of player choices, fair enough.
5. Character Death - nothing worse than avoidable death of a character. Example famous last words: "We don't need a cleric. Four barbarians can beat this thing no problem." I just see a Far Side cartoon in my head, like the one of the grizzly making the hunter skulls talk wondering about the risk of bears (https://gwb.blob.core.windows.net/soyouknow/Windows-Live-Writer/88e2bd3488b0_DCB4/image_18.png)

Practically speaking, there's nothing fun about wasting time or walking away with mission failures or death due to party balance issues.

When players commit to games, the implication to me is that they want their characters to advance and are willing to face reasonable challenges and want some value for how they spend their very valuable time. GMs have a similar commitment and want players to have a great experience. Perfect parties rarely happen in random table settings, but parties that have basic RPG diversity are common, and I have a difficult time justifying lopsided runs for all of the above reasons.

In a diverse party, everyone has a chance for their character to shine and to do something unique that adds to the success, interest, game flavor, party synergy, and even sense of self-worth when you're having a bad day, not to mention contributing in other ways to overall player (and GM) gaming experience and satisfaction. So, on an average day, parties with at least minimal diversity probably yield the best possible outcome for all concerned. In cases where party diversity doesn't exist, there are other strategies that involve spending gold to compensate for lack of diversity. That being said, some team redundancy can also be good - like 2 flanking sneak classes, or multiple players that have invested in teamwork feats, where the payoff is in amplifying special abilities. It's a case-by-case thing.

Looking at the scenarios themselves, I think there are plenty of reasons why scenarios can be lethal or fail that don't really need any extra help or additional risk from party composition issues. For example, Dalsine Affair is a notoriously lethal scenario and requires some anti-one-shot luck vs. death in addition to party diversity. And, if there's an option for diverse parties, I will probably always encourage diversity where and when possible, unless all the players indicate otherwise and/or they want something akin to a Hard Core run, knowing that they lack basic party skills and may fail miserably because of their deficits...or have to always take the hard road where otherwise skill might have sufficed.

But, even in the latter case, I'd hate to see it end up as PFS Performance Art with the outcome being failure to advance, needless death and player frustration, especially considering the time formula: Build Time + (Level - 1) x 15h = time investment per character and Raise/Restoration = 8010gp or 24PP. How many times do players really want to do that? YIKES - not me! So, as a GM, I want to honor the player time commitment to their characters and help build value vs. appropriate challenges. And, when players want extreme challenges, OK, but not unless everyone agrees and wants the harder run. Also, be prepared to hear my warning and disclaimer.

As a new GM to PFS, I think my strategy is an evolving one with respect to party balance. I've run 3 games so far, which is not very many, but I've had a lot of fun each time, been thankful for the great players, and the campaigns have been successful. I had to hold my breath a few times in Dalsine Affair in both campaigns. So close to death - it would have only taken 1 thing to go differently in each game to dramatically change the outcomes. It's miraculous!

Anyway, I have no complaints and just plan to keep on learning, playing, observing and making changes where I think they are necessary once I have little bigger foundation in PFS. My current focus is to try to figure out how to get to 4 hrs./game and I am satisfied that with parties with even average balance, things are probably OK and the challenges and RPG fulcrums are reasonable. So, I am going after the Giant Time Marlin. Oh yes - you will be mine, fish!

Thanks for reading! You are brave beyond measure!

[Victor]

Executive Summary: Philosophically, I think it is responsible for GMs to help players have diverse tables unless there is a specified player desire to do skewed or hardcore run.

(If that's all you need, you can stop here, because quite honestly, the rest may be a little boring.)
----------------------------------
Thanks for reading! You are brave beyond measure!


Like a man in orthopedic shoes, I stand corrected.
Good on you bud!

[HoloGnome]

Good on you bud!

Aw, shucks - you guys...

[xazil]

Here is Haplo

I am purchasing a Wand of CLW and upgrading his lance to Masterwork.

[Farnaby]

Here is Rashmi:

[cmdisc]

If I get a chance, I will hang around just before game time tomorrow to either wish you all well on the session or to hop in on the off chance a space becomes free last minute.

[HoloGnome]

Hi All -

Downloaded the XMLs tonight. Will upload them.

Sam - Zanthas hasn't changed, right?

Victor - need your character.

cmdisc: OK - sounds good. I'll wait 10 minutes for stragglers. If someone drops or doesn't show, happy to have Grimwell's dour alchemical countenance grace the adventure. :D

I wonder if the animal companions are going to fight or try to have wolf-cat babies while nobody's looking? There may be some interesting Handle Animal checks on this campaign. :D

[cmdisc]

So how did it go last night? Anyone left alive? :)

[HoloGnome]

Everyone left alive, because we played "PFS2-15: Shades of Ice: Written in Blood" instead, thanks to LK, since I didn't have the necessary router access while trying to host remotely. I should be home on Sunday and able to host the next game. If anyone wants to join that game, add yourselves to the time...but will reschedule game 1.

[Lord Kavos]

I tried to kill them...really...

Had 3 unconscious in the last fight

[GM BK]

Got my routers all set up with the help of damned... had to forward ports on both my cable modem router, and the router i use for my wifi... took a couple days to figure it all out, but it's solid now :) also picked up a new headset and got teamspeak installed so i'm ready to go :)

[xazil]

Now that Haplo is in Shades of Ice, Ill change over to Ulheim. My Alchemist for whenever we run this.

[Lord Kavos]

hey Holognome havent received your pre chronicle for shades of ice pt 1...I tried PMing you but your inbox is full.

Also Rivver check your email I have a couple of questions regarding your pre-chronicle

Sam, Rivver gave me your chronicle from her game (In Service to Lore), so I have done up a chronicle based on that - do you have any purchases you would like to add?

my email is [email protected]

[HoloGnome]

BK: Great!
xazil: OK
LK: yeah - will forward. nice job! that was fun! :)

Sunday 15th: should be back home by then, so all should go as planned. We have room for 2 more, if anyone wants to play.

[cmdisc]

I see 5 lined up on the calendar so far for Sunday with 1 space left. I believe there are a few from Group #1 that haven't voted yet, so one of them could probably hop aboard if they're free then. :)

[Rivver]

I won't be signing up for a Sunday game so I'm waiting for the new game 1 date. I'll probably have to pull Alaerin out for this one now though, as Lori is having fun with the Ulfen ;)

Alaerin is in the process of becoming a level 2 hunter. When I have time. He's still a level 1 Ranger at the moment because apparently he's stuck in some sort of limbo till I make him L2.

[HoloGnome]

I'll probably have to pull Alaerin out for this one now though, as Lori is having fun with the Ulfen ;)

So we heard. :D

[HoloGnome]

Game is on for today.

[GM BK]

woohoo! :)

[cmdisc]

Good to hear. I've been down with the flu for the past few days, but on the upswing now and will be ready to game in 2 hours.

[HoloGnome]

I should have the server up about 15 mins before game time - have to run some errands right beforehand...

[HoloGnome]

Actually - just put it up if you want to make any character adjustments. Sam / Rivver - if you want to play, there may be room!

[Victor]

Sorry for the late posting, here is my xml and pic. I will have to get you my last chronicle afterwards.

[HoloGnome]

Nice game, guys! Congrats and thanks for playing!

[GM BK]

Thanks for hosting! GG, everyone! :)

[cmdisc]

Thanks for running this HG. Nice to have you along BK. Looking forward to seeing you in other games.

Most memorable moment; alchemist bombs flying about and landing everywhere OTHER than their target squares.

[HoloGnome]

Most memorable moment; alchemist bombs flying about and landing everywhere OTHER than their target squares.

Yeah - that was pretty funny, and I now have a new appreciation for, and understanding of, alchemists! From the GM side, I was amazed at the very narrow escapes by Daget (via surprise colorspray), Grimwell (fire bomb vs. true strike chop), and Ulheim (vs. flanking double-miss lethal attackers). All of those were very close calls, especially for Daget based on low hp. BK was great with lightning arc and it's hard to argue with the utility of entangle in outdoor settings.

Also, the party skill level in key areas helped out! The awards in this category go to Daget, who was extremely diplomatic and to Grimwell for Take 10, and for general party prep.

xazil: I did a little searching regarding taking 10 on Knowledge checks and found the following helpful clarification of the very general wording in the SRD:
James Jacobs Says (2012): (https://paizo.com/threads/rzs2l7ns&page=323?Ask-James-Jacobs-ALL-your-Questions-Here)

"You can take 10 on knowledge checks, as with all checks. The bard lore master ability lets a bard take 10 at all times, even in the middle of combat."

BK - great job on your 1st FG game! :)

[GM BK]

First FG Game and First Pathfinder Society Game! Woot! Thank you! :)

[HoloGnome]

I am busy all day today, so I will post the chronicles tomorrow. If anyone needs to send me a prechronicle, if you can get it to me by tomorrow, that would be great.

[xazil]

Yeah, its the take 10s in combat you have to watch. Otherwise you can almost always do them (UMD is an exception for example).

[HoloGnome]

Yeah, its the take 10s in combat you have to watch. Otherwise you can almost always do them (UMD is an exception for example).

Yep - I thought knowledge was OK, but just wasn't 100% sure. And never if threatened or distracted. Also, good to know about high ground and the +1 mod not applying to ranged - I looked at the combat table, which is good to do anyway. (And thanks, Victor!)

[Victor]

I'll get you a pre-chron tonight or tomorrow. Daget has nothing scheduled so there is no rush at all.

[NaomiLynn]

is there any chance that you are running this quest again? i would like to tag along depending on the time and date.
Name: Cale Tucker
PFS#: 170092-1
Faction: The Exchange

bout to do a quest with blackfoot so ill have the rest of the info afterwards.

[xazil]

is there any chance that you are running this quest again? i would like to tag along depending on the time and date.
Name: Cale Tucker
PFS#: 170092-1
Faction: The Exchange

bout to do a quest with blackfoot so ill have the rest of the info afterwards.

Note that this doesn't have the "Core" tag. Not trying to complicate things, but there are two Pathfinder Society Campaigns. One is called Core, the other is "Normal" or "Classic" or just "RPG". Blackfoot's game is a Core game, which is more limited, but simpler to play and create characters. So if you wish to play Cale in a continuing Core run you need to look for those games. Skellan has one in a couple of days for example.

While you can move from Core to Normal, you cannot move back.

[NaomiLynn]

o ok, i see. thankyou. nevermind then lol

[HoloGnome]

I will be running it again if you want to create a Standard character for a 1-2 run.

[NaomiLynn]

when are you planning on then next run?

[NaomiLynn]

and if i were to make a new character for this, what would be the point buy? 20?

[Trenloe]

and if i were to make a new character for this, what would be the point buy? 20?
Pathfinder Society is *always* 20 point buy. The guidelines for character generation is in the Guide to Pathfinder Society Organized play (https://paizo.com/products/btpy84k4). The only thing to be aware of is whether a PFS scenario is being ran as a CORE campaign (in which case only information from the Pathfinder Core Rulebook, plus the traits web enhancement can be used) or whether it is a normal PFS game - in which case everything from the player resources page is allowed: https://paizo.com/pathfinderSociety/about/additionalResources But, the base character generation always follows the guidelines in the PFS guide.

[HoloGnome]

...or if you just want to try it out, you can play a pregenerated character. It will not be a CORE run.

[NaomiLynn]

thanks, ill start putting something together for reg play.

[NaomiLynn]

Name: Brayden
PFS # 170092-2
Faction: The Exchange
Chronicle #1
Starting Gold: 30gp 9sp 8cp

[Farnaby]

I'm in, but I can only play from Tuesday onwards.

[NaomiLynn]

Any word on when you will be re-running this quest?

[HoloGnome]

Soon - I play tomorrow and Friday and have a game this Sunday. I want to try to do it this week, if possible.

[NaomiLynn]

Saturday would be perfect for me depending on the time. long as its not super early for me i'm gravy

[Farnaby]

This coming weekend is a no go from me.

[HoloGnome]

I am in a bunch of games at the moment. But, as soon as I'm done with those, I will do it - probably mid-late next week.

[NaomiLynn]

any word on this yet?

[HoloGnome]

I need to wrap up Snows of Summer and I have games this weekend and next weekend and also travel. Sorry - hope to do it soon. I will set it up for the weekend of the 28th.

[NaomiLynn]

please dont do that lol, the weekend after that is good for me. but the weekend of the 28th ill be with my fiance prob getting married. flying her to fort carson for that weekend lol.

[HoloGnome]

please dont do that lol, the weekend after that is good for me. but the weekend of the 28th ill be with my fiance prob getting married. flying her to fort carson for that weekend lol.

Just have her make a character, then you can do the first Fantasy Grounds wedding via RPG tokens and play Frostfur Captives for the honeymoon.

[HoloGnome]

Unfortunately, I have a game on the 27th and will be unavailable the rest of that weekend. So, cannot run on the 28th.

[HoloGnome]

NaomiLynn and others - I have set up the time for 4/3 or 4/4. Please vote on the calendar. Also, please upload your intended characters, chronicles, etc.

[Victor]

This was one of the most fun runs I have done, largely because of Hg's excellent RP and voices. Hope you guys have as much fun as we did.
No Pressure Hg. :)

[NaomiLynn]

I am deff available for the Saturday time. But I will still be at work for the Friday time.

[kwarner1986]

I'm in, but do too not knowing which character I'll be playing. I'll post all of them.

Here's the know it all wizard. Don't expect Charisma.

[kwarner1986]

Here's Diana, tracking sheet not attached. I'll have to do farther review since I have a poor memory of what I did months ago. I'll use this character if we are in the higher tier.

Massive Glass Cannon, weak vs. Elementals

[kwarner1986]

And Archer.

Does she really need an intro. Serious though don't be on the other of her bow. No serious don't.

[Farnaby]

Seriously, what level are we playing at?
I see 2 x lvl 2 and 1 lvl 4.

[HoloGnome]

I assume this will be L1-2 adventure, since NaomiLynn does not have a high level character and you, Rivver and kw have 1-2's.

[HoloGnome]

We could still use a couple more players. Sign up on the calendar here: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/calendar/?id=1339

[Farnaby]

Here's Cassilda: Lvl 1 Investigator

[Rivver]

Here is Aisha, L2 Bard

[HoloGnome]

Great - thanks - anyone else? This game will run on Saturday.

[cmdisc]

An all female party? Not sure I've seen one before. Always been all guys or a mix.

[kwarner1986]

I've decided on Archer since it's mostly going to be level 1 group. She does have clw wand with her.

[HoloGnome]

I blame the sourcebook pronoun rebellion and the OCD minds of RPGers that are trying to resolve such reference pronouns with their characters while skirting the brink of insanity when faced with lack of character/reference gender synchronization. Or, maybe they're just highly susceptible to subliminal suggestion because of too many Pringle's.

[HoloGnome]

NaomiLynn and Ferrin - please post your character info tonight, if possible. Thanks.

Any other players? This game will run tomorrow AM US time. Should be fun!

[NaomiLynn]

sorry i been slackin, about to look over my character now and post the info

[NaomiLynn]

this is his second quest. and im not purchasing anything and have nothing to add to character from the first quest.

[HoloGnome]

OK - thanks. We have 4 confirmed. Room for Ferrin + 1 more, or 2 if Ferrin is a no-show. If you want to play, post your characters. This game starts in 3.5 hrs.

kw - the party has no wizard. Victoria might be a better choice.

[Rivver]

Here is the re-trained Lori. Given I lost her character completely, I just did what I planned to do with her prior to last nights game but didn't have time to do before the game. I don't have an exact value for gold due to losing stuff so I am waiting till I get chronicles from LK before doing any upgrading beyond what the original Lori had (she had MW armor already so its not like I'll lose out on much cash if I have to sell things for 50%).

Anyhow, I'm reasonably sure she is all correct and playable, but if you could take a look for me I'd appreciate it.

Name: Lori
PFS: 163517-3
Faction: Silver Crusade

[HoloGnome]

OK - no worries. And don't forget that you have a level 7 pregen credit for her from Dalsine Affair.

[HoloGnome]

Stats for the original Lori at L1 were:
STR: 6, DEX: 10, CON: 16, INT: 12, WIS: 14, CHA: 18
HP: 12

Did you retrain for level 2? Also, any GM who ran Lori may retain the XML.

The L1 lori is posted earlier in this thread.

[HoloGnome]

Rivver: I checked it - it looks like you were off by 1 hit point and had no crossbow bolts. Skill points are OK assuming human and favored class bonus. Weapons are OK. Spells are OK.

[HoloGnome]

kw: your Archer xml is actually Victoria Quincy.

[HoloGnome]

tokens - for future reference: cassilda, archer, lori, victoria, aisha

[HoloGnome]

tokens for future reference: brayden half-elf options, ferrin

[HoloGnome]

portraits for future reference: cassilda, archer, lori, victoria, aisha

[HoloGnome]

portraits for future reference - brayden/half-elf options, ferrin

[Farnaby]

Cannot connect to host.
Is it up?

[kwarner1986]

Here's the real xml. Sorry about that.

[HoloGnome]

Thanks for playing the 2nd run of Frostfur! Your character choices made for a very interesting game with respect to your captives and RP. Haha! :D Sorry for the start delay on connectivity - not sure what was going there, but just resetting everything seemed to fix it. Good job and congrats on the mission success (luckily)!

Party:
xazil: Haplo of the Scrolls - Wayang Samurai/3 (GM * Replay)
Rivver: Lori - Human Cleric/2
Farnaby: Cassilda - Half-Elf Investigator/1
NaomiLynn: Brayden - Half-Elf Fighter/1
Ferrin: Ferrin Hatterson - Human Bard/1
kwarner1986: Archer - Human Fighter/1

Award:
1-2 gp: 502
oos gp: 901
PP: 2

I will forward the chronicles tomorrow.