Pathfinder Society (Organized Play)

Pathfinder Society (PFS) is the official global organized-play network for Paizo Publishing's Pathfinder Roleplaying Game (currently 2nd Edition, launched 2019). Established 2008 by Paizo shortly after the launch of Pathfinder 1st Edition (a fork of D&D 3.5 Open Game License). Thousands of players worldwide create Pathfinder Society characters (Pathfinders) who share a persistent campaign narrative + earn Experience Points + treasure + Fame + Reputation across sanctioned scenarios. Scenarios (~4-6 hours each) are written centrally by Paizo + run by volunteer Game Masters (VOs — Venture Officers) at conventions, friendly local game stores (FLGS), and online (Discord + Roll20 + Foundry VTT). Characters retire at 20th level; certain achievements + boons carry across characters. Modern setting: the Age of Lost Omens (world of Golarion) with new post-Godsrend narrative post-2023. PFS runs alongside sibling organized-play networks: Starfinder Society (sci-fi), Pathfinder Adventure Card Society (card game), Pathfinder Playtest events for new content. Signature conventions: PaizoCon (annual, Seattle), Gen Con (Indianapolis — biggest global convention), Origins, PAX East/Unplugged. Paizo also hosts Pathfinder Digital via Foundry VTT license.

Experience Points (typically 4 XP = 1 level in PFS 2E); Fame + Reputation with 12 factions of Pathfinder Society.

Win condition · Character advancement (levels) + Fame accumulation + narrative achievements.

• Pathfinder 2E Core Rulebook

  Core rulebook (physical or PDF via Paizo).

• Character sheet + dice

  PFS character sheet + polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20).

• PFS scenario booklet (Paizo pdf)

  Downloaded scenarios ~50 pages each; typically $5-10 pdf.

• Miniatures + battle mat (optional but common)

  Miniatures + hex/square grid map.

• Digital VTT (Foundry / Roll20)

  Online play uses digital table-top platforms with Pathfinder 2E system module.

• Player-Character (Pathfinder)

  ×5

  Player's PFS character.

• Game Master (GM)

  ×1

  Volunteer scenario runner (Venture Officer track for advanced GMs).

• Venture Officer (Venture Captain / Lieutenant)

  ×1

  Paizo-sanctioned regional VO organizing local PFS events.

Volunteer VO network sanctioned by Paizo's official Organized Play program.

• Venture Officers (regional)
• Venture Captain (senior regional)
• Venture Lieutenant
• Paizo Organized Play team

• PaizoCon (PFS Special)

  annual · Seattle, USA · since 2008

• Gen Con (PFS Special)

  annual · Indianapolis, USA · since 2008

• PAX Unplugged / East (PFS)

  annual · USA (rotating) · since 2017

• 🇺🇸🇦USA
• 🇨🇦🇳CAN
• 🇬🇧🇷GBR
• 🇬🇪🇷GER
• 🇦🇺🇸AUS
• 🇫🇷🇦FRA
• 🇮🇹🇦ITA
• 🇯🇵🇳JPN
• 🇧🇷🇦BRA

• Paizo Publishing

  Founded 2002 · Redmond, Washington, USA

• Wikipedia — Pathfinder Roleplaying Game— Wikipedia
• PFS official— Paizo Publishing