(Ended-up-being-not-so-)Short version: PFS (Pathfinder Society) runs on the premise that there is a specific world, and in that world there is a group of adventurers known as the Pathfinder Society, who are an organization dedicated to the discovery and gathering of certain knowledge, artifacts, and similar things in order to preserve them or prevent them from falling into the wrong hands. Your character is a member of said organization, and is given various assignments when a game is run. A session of PFS is usually designed to last one, or at most two, sessions of about 4-5 hours. There is a specific goal to accomplish (ie: recover an item) and a somewhat less specific way to accomplish that goal (pre-designed encounters, generally in a specific order, but with leeway enough to allow the group to decide how to accomplish their goal... usually combat, but diplomacy, bribes, sneakiness, and other methods are often viable as well.) PFS scenarios are designed to be played at conventions, gaming stores, and similar venues, which is much of the reason for their short duration. Player characters are registered at the Paizo website; there are a few limitations as to what's allowed but for the most part they're the same as any other Pathfinder character. Upon completing a scenario, certain data is shared which allows you to upgrade your character and purchase various items. For example, instead of experience points for each combat, you gain experience for each scenario completed, which is how your character advances levels. And, while you can buy items in-game, you can also purchase items found during scenarios using the money earned for completing that scenario... so if, during a game, a certain magical sword (for example) is found and used by one character, during the next game ALL the players could, potentially, purchase that same sword for their own character's use. It sounds more complicated than it really is. The upside is that it's relatively easy to join a PFS game; you can bring your same character from one to another without having to know the GM ahead of time or having to make sure your character matches their game type. Also, PFS games are run fairly frequently, both here on R20 and in the 'real' world. The downside is that each scenario is somewhat short and linear, compared to most campaigns, although if you run with the same group you do end up with those in-jokes and situations that carry over between games. (Ask me about Perfectly Normal Rugs ! Such Rug! Much Ordinary! So Wow!) And since it's a pre-generated scenario being run, there's less of the world-building non-linear storylines that you may be used to in other games. That being said, I have been enjoying it a lot and I think you may too. Let me know. -Phnord, aka Sir Desmond, aka Moftar the Stinky Hermit, aka Cutlass Bill the Swashbuckler
