Pathfinder was certainly the most prolific event at Conception this year. We had an amazing team of 30 GMs who performed heroically throughout the marathon five-day event. Everyone turned up to run their scheduled games and we had GM heroes to step in when there was a call for even more games. Russ Emslie wins the medal for "Saving the Game" several times over. Conception players have an insatiable appetite for games but, as far as I know, no one was ever turned away. We ran over 50 per cent more Pathfinder games than last year and we expected the tables to be half empty but they filled up as soon as the sign-up sheets went public. We know we ran at least 127 slots of Pathfinder at Conception this year, and that's a record!
We handed out lots of Pathfinder Society numbers to brand new players and it was great to see some of our new GMs refereeing for the first time at a public convention, and doing a great job.
"The Three Wyrd Sisters" shared their cauldron with GMs to offer delicious re-energising hot food between games and they even started a delivery service to poor harassed GMs beleaguered in their lodges.
Several GMs achieved official star-rating at Conception. Chris Brockley-Blatt completed enough games to get a one-star, Chris Manning achieved a one-star, Simon Butler gained his first star, Shawn Comiskey achieved his two-star, Crispy won his four-star status. Jens Loesel ran his 151st games, and gained appreciative comments from players…enough to apply for a five-star rating.
We had 22 different adventures and three different modules available for players. "Murder's Mark", "The Feast of Ravenmoor" and the "The Harrowing" modules ran as full day events from dusk 'til dawn. Dave Harrison, Venture Captain-UK, ran the entire "Eyes of the Ten" arc over two days for lucky high level characters, some of whom travelled from Europe to play this memorable adventure.
The "First Steps" series initiated lots of neophyte players into the Pathfinder Society as fresh faced agents with a newly chosen faction leader. It ran for seven slots.
Our big display games in the main hall used fully three dimensional scenery to enable privileged players to explore the halls and corridors of "Thornkeep". Players swooped on these games to immerse themselves in the beautiful scenery or to take Pathfinder for a testdrive.
Finally, a huge "Thank you!" to World-wide Organised Play Manager, Mike Brock, from Paizo. He generously supported us by providing the adventures to run, he sent thank-you gifts for GMs and he sent brand new Pathfinder novels for players. Many lucky players who died heroically or saved the day or became dragon slayers, won special Boons from Paizo, too. Thanks Mike! Thanks Paizo!
