Pathfinder 2E Wish me luck: starting a Pathfinder 2 game via Foundry

[SteveC]

Just wanted to update as we finally were able to get together and have a session. Things went so well, and people had a good time.

Here are some things I learned:

First, oh is Foundry a breath of fresh air. I have run a game using Fantasy Grounds and play in a weekly game with Roll20. I am just amazed at how well Foundry runs, especially with the Beginner's Box module from Paizo. We had the usual "how do I do that?" VTT learning curve, but people were just amazed that the Bard's Inspire Courage could be dragged and dropped, or the Raise Shield was a click away from being activated. I can't recommend the combo of Foundry and the official modules enough.

Now about the game: we went into how the three action rule works, and it was a big hit. I had given the group a handout with all of the actions available to them in advance, and talked about "third action problems". That went quite well.

Everyone in the group felt useful and liked what their character could do. People acknowledged how the fighter was really good at what they did. We had a "oh, this is done right moment."

My group is spell caster light, but the bard was immediately voted as the most useful character.

I think I have a convert group on my hands, but we'll have a full session next week.

 

[Eric V]

Just wanted to update as we finally were able to get together and have a session. Things went so well, and people had a good time.

Here are some things I learned:

First, oh is Foundry a breath of fresh air. I have run a game using Fantasy Grounds and play in a weekly game with Roll20. I am just amazed at how well Foundry runs, especially with the Beginner's Box module from Paizo. We had the usual "how do I do that?" VTT learning curve, but people were just amazed that the Bard's Inspire Courage could be dragged and dropped, or the Raise Shield was a click away from being activated. I can't recommend the combo of Foundry and the official modules enough.

Now about the game: we went into how the three action rule works, and it was a big hit. I had given the group a handout with all of the actions available to them in advance, and talked about "third action problems". That went quite well.

Everyone in the group felt useful and liked what their character could do. People acknowledged how the fighter was really good at what they did. We had a "oh, this is done right moment."

My group is spell caster light, but the bard was immediately voted as the most useful character.

I think I have a convert group on my hands, but we'll have a full session next week.

Glad to hear it went well!

If any players drop out and you need another...

 

[bert1001 fka bert1000]

The only thing I can see is that you're not high on magics for dealing with opponents groups. There's only one spellcaster, and PF2e bardic magic doesn't have much in longer ranged area spells, being from the Occult list. That may make some encounters rougher than they otherwise would be.

That said, you have three one-on-one specialists that will likely work out really well with some encounters, at least after they start coming into their own and people learn how to start using them (swashers and rogues actually require a little experience before you learn how to use them effectively; other than learning the particulars of their specifics (sword-and-board, two-weapon, two-hander, archer) fighters are more straightforward.).

For a low level game I don't think this is a problem. I feel traditional full spellcasters like Wizard are a bit weak in PF2e at lower levels anyway. Maybe up until level 5 or 7 when they hold their own and at higher levels they can be more powerful than martials (although not to the extent of Pf1e and 5e).

Don't have the Starter or AV -- do they have a lot of large encounters with Level - X monsters?

 

[Thomas Shey]

For a low level game I don't think this is a problem. I feel traditional full spellcasters like Wizard are a bit weak in PF2e at lower levels anyway. Maybe up until level 5 or 7 when they hold their own and at higher levels they can be more powerful than martials (although not to the extent of Pf1e and 5e).

Its an argument. Because PF2e doesn't break at higher levels, I tend to think in terms of campaigns that go on to at least middle levels.

Don't have the Starter or AV -- do they have a lot of large encounters with Level - X monsters?

Afraid I'm no help, since I'm in the same bucket.

 

[SteveC]

Just a note to people who are considering trying Pathfinder2: Foundry VTT is currently having a 20% off sale. This is a one-time purchase (not a subscription) and has made running this game a breeze for me. Not getting paid or compensated in any way for this, just thought people might like to know about the deal.

 

[Thomas Shey]

I'll also note someone I know recently was very complimentary about the Foundry PF2e support; said all evidence he has is that its better than than the 5e support.

 

[bert1001 fka bert1000]

Its an argument. Because PF2e doesn't break at higher levels, I tend to think in terms of campaigns that go on to at least middle levels.

I would even argue that the sweet spot of pf2e is actually levels 5-15 rather than the traditional 1-10 which is pretty refeshing. (while being perfectly playable at 1-5 and 6-20 as well).

 

[Retreater]

I'll also note someone I know recently was very complimentary about the Foundry PF2e support; said all evidence he has is that its better than than the 5e support.

In my opinion - as a middle-aged, not especially technically proficient grognard - the Foundry support of PF2 is the best VTT implementation of any RPG system.

 

[SteveC]

I'll also note someone I know recently was very complimentary about the Foundry PF2e support; said all evidence he has is that its better than than the 5e support.

I have the 5E module but have not used it myself. What I know is that if you have a DnDBeyond account (and I don't) there is a module to import your content from there into Foundry. I have a friend who has done this and been very pleased. We're discussing using Foundry for a 5E game next year, and I will talk about it when that happens, for good or ill.

 

[Lea R]

For the first time in over two years, I'll be running a game for my group, and we're going to try Pathfinder 2. The last game I ran was Curse of Strahd in 5E so this will be a different experience.
We are going to the the Beginners Box to learn the system (and how Foundry works) and then move into Abomination Vaults.
Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice in general are greatly appreciated. I will try and update this with what happened to maybe give you some help if you're in the same situation.

Some people have used Trouble in Otari as side quests during AV. Thought I would share that.