Beginner Box Sessions

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About

Beginner Box Days was an event run to introduce players to Pathfinder Second Edition, a tabletop RPG (TTRPG) that spun off from Dungeons and Dragons many years ago but is now its own fully-fledged system.

The real Beginner Box Days event is no longer a thing. However, I like to keep its spirit alive in my own small way by running the Beginner Box for players who are curious to try TTRPGs or the Pathfinder Second Edition system.

Yes, this means YOU, as I may link this page to likely contenders. Have you always wanted to try a TTRPG in a welcoming space, with other learners, with no long-term commitment but with the potential of meeting other newcomers? If yes, then read on.

How Does It Work?

The Beginner Box is a short and simple adventure designed to ease new players into TTRPG gaming, and into the Pathfinder Second Edition ruleset in particular. It takes about three four-hour sessions to run.

While Pathfinder can be played in-person, I choose to run these games online. Here's how that works:

  1. Discord is used to coordinate session times, and for voice chat during sessions.
  2. When the session starts, using the web browser on your computer, you log into my game's site, which I host using Foundry. Foundry is a Virtual Tabletop that lets you roll dice, move tokens, read rules, see the map, etc.
So this means you'll need:
  1. a computer with a web browser (a tablet or phone isn't enough: see Foundry's requirements here)
  2. a decent internet connection
  3. Discord installed and working
  4. a microphone that's set up and working
You do not need:
  1. rulebooks
  2. dice
  3. a camera (voice only is fine)
  4. to install anything (other than Discord)
  5. to pay anything

You, as a Player

I expect the following:

  1. Adult. Please be over 18.
  2. Attendance. If you've agreed to attend a session, please show up!
  3. Not an Arsehole. Unpleasant people and bigots are not welcome.
  4. TTRPG Experience. Total newcomers are welcome. Players with TTRPG experience who want to try Pathfinder Second Edition are also welcome.
  5. English-Speaking. English is the only language I know!

Me, as a GM

I started playing and GMing in the 1990's. Back then it was various editions of D&D, mostly 2e and 3.Xe. Nowadays I mainly play Pathfinder Second Edition: at the time of writing, I run two PF2e games and play in two more. That said, I love the idea of other systems, and dabble when I can. If I had more time I'd play them all.

All too often, I see people lamenting they they'd like to try TTRPGs but don't have interested friends, or don't know where to start. Seems a simple fix, to me: just gather enough of these people to form a group! The Beginner Box is the perfect vehicle for that.

But what's in it for me, running these Beginner Box sessions? A few things...

  1. I get to bring people into the TTRPG community.
  2. I get to showcase the Pathfinder Second Edition system. I am a fan of PF2e, and if I'm serious about wanting it to succeed I need to be willing to run games for any willing to try it.
  3. I get to meet new people, which is nice in and of itself. It's also nice to know a lot of TTRPG players for when I'm putting together a new campaign.
  4. New players have a certain enthusiasm for play that I love!

How to Join

Prospective players should join my Discord server. Click here to join. From there, when enough players seem to be present, I will advertise sessions that can be joined.

FAQ

  1. What times will the sessions be held?
    I live in GMT +8. I can be somewhat flexible with time, but I work and have other commitments. I'll do my best to accommodate players but I can only do so much.
  2. Can I join a game in progress?
    Generally not, no. I can only run so many games at once. You may have to wait... but the Beginner Box is a short adventure, so no game should run for longer than two months.
  3. Can I make my own character?
    Yes, if you like! Part of the session time will be dedicated to this. But pre-made characters are available too. As GM I reserve the right to veto any character I feel would be disruptive to play or offensive to other players, even if it is rules-legal.
  4. Any resources I can peruse?
    I maintain a page of Useful PF2e Resources. A lot of the stuff there is for new players. Don't be intimidated -- none of that is required reading!
  5. What's the Beginner Box adventure involve?
    It's a simple and straightforward dungeon delve. Expect exploration, hazards, and combat against the inhabitants. Don't expect in-depth social encounters or expansive lore.
  6. Why the old Beginner Box and not the new one?
    I'd quite like to move to the new one at some point. But for now, I'll keep with the one I'm familiar with.
  7. What happens after the Beginner Box adventure is over?
    The Beginner Box is a short adventure, lasting about three sessions. That's all I'm offering. That said, you might be able to network with fellow players to start your own game!
  8. Can I see examples of play?
    I do have recordings of sessions where I've been GM; you can request links in the Discord. (Your game will not be recorded.)
  9. Why Pathfinder? Can we play Dungeons & Dragons instead?
    I like Pathfinder Second edition. That's what I'll be using.
  10. I joined the Discord... Why aren't you replying to me?
    I cannot watch the server 24/7. I will get back to you when I have time.
  11. I have another question.
    No problem, jump into the Discord and ask away!