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Archives of Nethys

Archives of Nethys

Pathfinder RPG (1st Edition) Pathfinder RPG (2nd Edition) Starfinder RPG

Rules Index | GM Screen | Player's Guide
Chapter 1: Introduction / What is a Roleplaying Game?

The Flow of the Game

Source Player Core pg. 5 2.0
Pathfinder is played in sessions, during which players gather in person or online for a few hours to play the game. A complete story can be as short as a single session, often referred to as a “one-shot,” or it can stretch for multiple sessions, forming a campaign that might last for months or even years. If the GM enjoys telling the story and the players are entertained, the game can go as long as you like.

A session can be mostly action, featuring battles with vile beasts, escapes from fiendish traps, and the completion of heroic quests. Alternatively, it could include negotiating with a baron for rights to a fort, infiltrating an army of lumbering giants, or bargaining with an angel for a strand of hair to revive a slain friend. Ultimately, it's up to you and your group to determine what kind of game you're playing, from dungeon exploration to a nuanced political drama, or anything in between.