Pathfinder 1E Getting Pwn'd by Players

[TabletopAndroid]

Hi All,


I've finally made the ranks of 1-star GM for Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play. So; I've gained enough experience GMing scenarios to know that I'm getting my butt handed to me by tier 1-2 players. I'm looking for suggestions on how I can get more crowd control into these predesigned scenarios.


I've been able to make some adjustments to the mobs while the scenario is playing out, but not enough really make it difficult for the players. This past weekend I thought I had it good with some zombies and their DR 5/slashing... until I realized that mostly everyone has swords equiped that SLASH! There was one gunsligner who didn't do as great but it didn't matter... the other players ganged up on my zombies and had thier way with them. Especially this two-handed character with a greatsword. Anytime he hit he'd obliterate the zomibies (with their hp 12).


Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[billd91]

Hi All,


I've finally made the ranks of 1-star GM for Paizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play. So; I've gained enough experience GMing scenarios to know that I'm getting my butt handed to me by tier 1-2 players. I'm looking for suggestions on how I can get more crowd control into these predesigned scenarios.


I've been able to make some adjustments to the mobs while the scenario is playing out, but not enough really make it difficult for the players. This past weekend I thought I had it good with some zombies and their DR 5/slashing... until I realized that mostly everyone has swords equiped that SLASH! There was one gunsligner who didn't do as great but it didn't matter... the other players ganged up on my zombies and had thier way with them. Especially this two-handed character with a greatsword. Anytime he hit he'd obliterate the zomibies (with their hp 12).


Thanks for any suggestions.

It's not a competition. If you're getting your butt handed to you, that's cause for congratulating the players, not for upping your game (unless it really is deficient and people are giving you negative feedback).

 

[TabletopAndroid]

Understandable. Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to TPK the group. Just trying to gather some ideas of making on the fly adjustments to make the fight more of a fight for the players. Some people get bored if there's no sense of real danger.

I've been doing some reading and there are some things I've been neglecting to use during combat like CMB's. Even though these are CR 1/2 and 1 creatures I'm using which means they have no "improved [anything]" I'd provoke an attack of opportunity almost anytime I use a CMB. I do like the idea of stunning a player first and THEN trying a CMB. It's stuff like that I'm looking for.


I also realize I haven't played on the environment's strong points either. The players have been in plenty of dim light situations, but I've never implemented concealment. Ugh, so much to read.

 

[Starfox]

Is a GM for aizo's Pathfinder Society Organized Play allowed to do on the fly changes? Seems that would defeat the purpose of everyione faces the same opposition.

 

[TabletopAndroid]

With all the player options available the scenarios can't take into account every possible "scenario." I believe it's the overall story that should be the same, but some inner details of that story can be adjusted. I don't think GM's should throw in kobolds or ooze that clearly don't belong in the setting.

 

[concerro]

In PFS the GM is not allowed to alter the story or change the monsters. To a large extent he is not even allowed to change the tactics the writers say the NPC's/bad guys use.

 

[Starfox]

In PFS the GM is not allowed to alter the story or change the monsters. To a large extent he is not even allowed to change the tactics the writers say the NPC's/bad guys use.

Makes sense for organized play.

 

[TabletopAndroid]

Hmm. If that's the case then I've been doing it wrong. These season 0 and 1 scenarios are way too easy for the tier 1-2's.

 

[billd91]

Hmm. If that's the case then I've been doing it wrong. These season 0 and 1 scenarios are way too easy for the tier 1-2's.

Early season adventures do have a reputation for being relatively easy. It's my understanding that season 4 is a lot more challenging.

 

[Starfox]

It makes good sense for introductory scenarios to be easy.

In the end it boils down to what style of play you like (sometimes called the agenda). Some players (GMs are players too in this regard) like challenges, others like to cruise along and role-play. Some like combat, others feel combat is just the finishing touches to an elaborate stealth setup, some think combat is a distraction from the "real" advenure, that is the plot. None of these are badwrongfun in any way.

Even without actually changing anything, you can usually accommodate the desires of a group simply by letting the enemy be more or less proactive. But in an competitive environment, fairness requires that all groups have as similar experiences as possible. The adventures are still made to cater to all the above play styles and more. I've run several pathfinder society modules at home with extensive changes, but I wouldn't have that freedom if I reported the results to Pathfinder organized play.