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I'm not a multi-star GM. I'll put that out there. I write stuff, a lot of stuff for a couple different shops, and that tends to keep me busy, but I try to get out and run at least a slot of PFS for the local chapterhouse when I can.
I like PFS, I think organized play deserves its own category at the Ennies, because organized play adventures are a different animal than other adventures.
So Gencon has a special value for me. It's a chance to sit down with folks I really only see once a year, and have a good time. This year, the way schedules worked, that time was going to be a session of PFS, Hellknight's Feast.
This year, that most certainly didn't happen. I don't want to get into the specifics of who, because it could have been anyone, but I think it's important to discuss what can be done in the kind of situation I experienced.
What happened? Let me 'splain.
We played Hellknight's Feast, which had a great combination of social, investigative, and combat opportunities. We saw a mere shadow of these opportunities, though. When interacting with NPCs, we each got to describe what we said or did once and then the rest of the encounter was reduced to rolls and checks with a bare minimum of description. I thought, "well, maybe he doesn't like social aspects," and let it go, since my voice was shot and the room's background noise didn't help.
When the investigation began, it was glossed very quickly (I went to the restroom when it began, and when I returned, we had already discovered a combat). That could have been luck, (we just chose the right place to go) but things seemed to have moved fast.
Then, as we went up to report our findings, the GM mutters, "Oh, I forgot to run the optional encounter. Oh, well."
Then we get into the final encounter after a bit of brief interaction with NPCs. A fight ensues which is really on par with doing my taxes. A lot of "You hit for 25 points of damage. Next." I asked another player to describe two attacks in the whole session which were not his. We could do one.
I can't tell you how the NPCs were dressed. I can't tell you where precisely we were. When the last battle concluded, the GM just looked down and began filling out chronicles. Nothing for closure, or description, or anything. We did dayjob rolls, he asked about fast versus slow progression, and that was it. We had two hours left in the slot. We made the best of it, and went to grab a beer and food, but if that had been a gameday session or a venue where I'd shown up for PFS alone? I'd have been ]REDACTED[. Talking to my friends, who play a lot more PFS, they said it can be a not-uncommon experience. I simply blinked in disbelief.
So, what do you do when your PFS GM phones it in? Should you ride it out, or should you push the GM for more?
-Ben.
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I am sorry you had a sour experience.
If I was in your seat I would ask very politely for more RPing from the GM. I wouldn't push it hard, as you don't want to cause the opposite and have the GM become confrontational. If things don't get better just ride it out. Your asking will probably be enough to make the GM think more about it next time.
I found a lot of GMs cutting the optional encounters. I had plans to do the same since we are on a time crunch. However, I noticed that I was getting to them with 2 hours to go so I threw them back in for my tables. It might just be that the GM got into auto pilot and forgot to look at the clock before cutting the encounter.
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Time crunch was not the issue-- we finished with almost two hours left in the slot. And not every session can be the best ever, I get that. After 5 years of LG and few intermittent years of PFS, I totally get that. It certainly doesn't put me off PFS. I like the encapsulated form of play combined with the shared nature of the world.
I think I will just flat out push for more RP next time, though. Having killed my own voice didn't help. I was pretty much in "Flo The Diner Waitress" mode, and in the Sagamore with 1000 people? That's tough.
-Ben.
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As with the gaming world in general (regardless what system you play), there will be GM's that:
a) don't mesh with your style
b) aren't very good at their craft... hopefully yet
c) don't care
on the flip side there more GM's in PFS that I'm aware of, that are:
a) caring for providing a good experience for their players
b) even when new, they do their best to provide a good experience
c) are fantastic at some aspect of GM'ing that often overrides the aspects they aren't very good at.
YMMV on regions and how GM's have been trained by the veterans in their area.
But my experience with PFS is that this is not typical and that most GM's really do a great job of trying.
That being said, one thing you can do (and I realize by that time of the convention this is going to be hard for you, because I heard your voice on Thursday around noon, and it was done then) is amp up your own interaction. Ask questions like, "so what are those [redacted] wearing?" "They swung what at me?" etc. etc. I've done over the top roleplaying at tables with a "lackluster" GM, and asked many descriptive questions. Most of the time, this draws the GM out of their shell to roleplay with me, and give me descriptions. Usually by Act 2, they are doing it without my asking.
If this doesn't work?
You have two options: 1) leave or 2) grin and bear it. And hope that next time you get a better GM.
We played Hellknight's Feast, which had a great combination of social, investigative, and combat opportunities. We saw a mere shadow of these opportunities, though.
I'm sorry your experience with The Hellknight's Feast was disappointing. I definitely hope you give it another chance!
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We played Hellknight's Feast, which had a great combination of social, investigative, and combat opportunities. We saw a mere shadow of these opportunities, though.I'm sorry your experience with The Hellknight's Feast was disappointing. I definitely hope you give it another chance!
** spoiler omitted **
I had a fantastic group of players that not only allowed me to really roleplay the NPCs, but they roleplayed back. It turned out to be a really fantastic session that the players and I created together.
Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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Hey, my highest level character (level 5) DIED in Hellknight's Feast, and it was a GREAT adventure. My GM was a guy named Martin, from somewhere in Maryland. He did a great job of describing the NPCs, and while we had a FEW rolls in the social interaction, it was almost all role playing for THREE hours. It was awesome.
But, I agree with the OP here - if you VOLUNTEER to GM (especially if you do enough that you get free badges, hotel rooms, etc.) then you accept the responsibility to be prepared.
Now, if the GM gets sick, or has to run a scenario cold (the one he or she prepared doesn't go off, so he or she is given another one on the spot), then yes, I understand a less than optimal experience could occur.
But people paid $6 a slot, and they are entitled to the BEST effort of EVERY GM (and Marshal) in that room.
Mark
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Hey, my highest level character (level 5) DIED in Hellknight's Feast, and it was a GREAT adventure. My GM was a guy named Martin, from somewhere in Maryland. He did a great job of describing the NPCs, and while we had a FEW rolls in the social interaction, it was almost all role playing for THREE hours. It was awesome.
But, I agree with the OP here - if you VOLUNTEER to GM (especially if you do enough that you get free badges, hotel rooms, etc.) then you accept the responsibility to be prepared.
Now, if the GM gets sick, or has to run a scenario cold (the one he or she prepared doesn't go off, so he or she is given another one on the spot), then yes, I understand a less than optimal experience could occur.
But people paid $6 a slot, and they are entitled to the BEST effort of EVERY GM (and Marshal) in that room.
Mark
I agree with you Mark. Trust me I do. I do my absolute best to make a table a fun experience for the players.
However, keep in mind, that some folks were running 2 to 4 of the new scenarios (Bonekeep 2, Siege of the Diamond City, 5-01, 5-02, & 5-03), and none of those came out until late on Friday evening.
Personally, I had to manufacture time to prep these, and some of my prep was while waiting at the airport and on my flight to Indy on Wednesday.
I still had to coordinate and GM at my double header on Saturday (basically an entire day devoted to running PFS games for folks). No time to prep.
On Sunday, it was the Eyes of the Ten, Part 1, which is a double length scenario. Sunday, shot.
I did it, and I managed to give a good time to almost all the players I ran for I'm pretty sure.
But lets please keep in mind, that sometimes being ultra prepared is not super easy when you have 3 or 4 things to prep over 4 days before the convention. Some folks take more than a couple or three hours to prep. Some it takes 8 hours per scenario to prep.
And they have to deal with their real job and families too.
So lets dial back the vitriol a bit eh?
Not making excuses for any GM who seems to be giving a lackluster performance, but there may be circumstances to which you are unaware.
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The gentlemen at the table with me were fantastic roleplayers-- one was a VC from somewhere large/Midwest (Chicago?), another said he had many characters--maybe 13?, the other three were familiar, experienced players and we tried to engage. This was a good table. I know we each had about one shot to verbalize our interaction with the NPCs. I could tell the scenario offered a lot to work with, which made it tough.
And I know PFS is full of wonderfully welcoming and friendly individuals. That's not an issue at all. I think the rich, vibrant organized play world is essential to growing the hobby. I know PFS is dedicated to improving the play experience.
What I'm trying to figure out is the best way to draw out GMs who seem to be withdrawn. What do you do when the GM shrugs off skipping the optional encounter? When he puts the scenario on low-detail-fast-forward?
Interrupting the GM for a sidebar seems confrontational. Pushing RP only works if the GM's willing but nervous. I know when I run, I like to ask for feedback afterwards, but this GM did not. I guess I could make my own feedback card, but I wonder how that would be received. *sigh* In the end I guess I'm left with going all-NY-style on it and, "If you see something, say something."
-Ben.
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Mark, thanks for the kind words, sir! (This is Marty, and yes I am indeed from Maryland.) It was a blast to run those characters with you all, and perhaps embarrass a couple players with Lady Dyrianna. :)
That said, I feel sad that not everyone was able to enjoy the scenario as much as we. Having said that, terraleon, how were the other scenarios you played (if any)? It's usually my experience that the judges/GMs are of exceptional quality and put a lot of time into the effort, especially at the Cons.
As to your question, you're fully within your right to ask for more RP or more opportunities to interact in an adventure. Sure, don't be a bully or rude about it, but it's never a bad thing to at least ask/suggest for more RP time. And if he/she says no, at least you know not to game with that GM for future reference. (I would hope that this latter occurrence doesn't happen.)
All the best!
Marty, aka S.K.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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And they have to deal with their real job and families too.So lets dial back the vitriol...
First, there was nothing vitriolic in my post, so I hope your comment wasn't directed at me.
Second, I did acknowledge that sometimes things happen (I only listed two possibilities, though there are others, as you had indicated.)
But, my larger point remains: if you sign up to run, for any number of slots, you have to be prepared. SOME things are not in the control of the GM (when your scenarios get released, or if you actually get to run the scenario you prepped, etc.) But being a GM is a volunteer activity, and as someone once told me, "volunteering is optional, doing the job is not."
I think we are on the same page, but I wanted to clarify your comment about "vitriol" because it most certainly could not be applied to my posting.
Mark
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But people paid $6 a slot, and they are entitled to the BEST effort of EVERY GM (and Marshal) in that room.
...
And they have to deal with their real job and families too.So lets dial back the vitriol a bit eh?
Not making excuses for any GM who seems to be giving a lackluster performance, but there may be circumstances to which you are unaware.
Totally-- that's why I don't want to pin this on the GM, and why I've tried to be cagey about exactly which table/GM, whatnot. I don't know his situation, and I don't want to put him under the bus. That's not the purpose of this post.
What I do want to talk about is the best way to approach and address a GM who seems to be performing suboptimally-- be it after the session or during.
And as a side note-- yeah, when there are scenarios being premiered at a big convention, it can be tough to balance the prep-time with everything else. Heck, I know there are things on my own plate that got pushed because of Gencon. Part of the con craziness is why I prefer to run scenarios there which I know well already-- it makes life much easier.
-Ben.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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What I do want to talk about is the best way to approach and address a GM who seems to be performing suboptimally-- be it after the session or during.
And as a side note-- yeah, when there are scenarios being premiered at a big convention, it can be tough to balance the prep-time with everything else. Heck, I know there are things on my own plate that got pushed because of Gencon. Part of the con craziness is why I prefer to run scenarios there which I know well already-- it makes life much easier.
-Ben.
Ben,
That's a great question, really. One of the things you could do is ask the GM (at an appropriate point) if the table could take a break, and then bring it up then.
As a GM, I will sometimes use a short break in a 5 hour slot so people can use the restroom, but also to look up a rule I may have gotten wrong, or to double-check something. You'd be amazed at what 5 minutes "away from the table" can do (in a good way) to a game session.
Mark
Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
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wait
when do the GMs who run such special stuff receive their copies, in order to prepare, in relation to when the Con occurred?
In the case of GenCon, Bonekeep 2, Siege of Diamond City, Glass River Rescue, Hellknight's Feast, and Wardstone Patrol all came out on Friday (the 9th) to be prepped by Thursday (the 15th).
Thankfully I only had two of the 5 new scenarios to prep, and I had a lot of time in which to prep them as well as help for some of my visual props. Many only have time to read through once or twice before they hop on their chosen mode of transportation to go to GenCon.
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Having killed my own voice didn't help. I was pretty much in "Flo The Diner Waitress" mode, and in the Sagamore with 1000 people? That's tough.
-Ben.
I don't know GenCon of the present - the last one I went to wasn't in Indiana. Perhaps the GM had a voice in the same shape as you. And the choice was GM or a table not make - most GMs I know would make sure it made.
Or another option is since you was not much engaging in the RP-aspect - you were in the bathroom during investigation - perhaps words were said that he/she incorrectly judged that you did not prefer that aspects and in order to accommodate his/her players the GM minimized that aspect.
Quite a few people get annoyed when the GM "wastes" time with setting, clothing, and other "inconsequential" details.
I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.
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But people paid $6 a slot, and they are entitled to the BEST effort of EVERY GM (and Marshal) in that room.
...
And they have to deal with their real job and families too.So lets dial back the vitriol a bit eh?
Not making excuses for any GM who seems to be giving a lackluster performance, but there may be circumstances to which you are unaware.
Totally-- that's why I don't want to pin this on the GM, and why I've tried to be cagey about exactly which table/GM, whatnot. I don't know his situation, and I don't want to put him under the bus. That's not the purpose of this post.
What I do want to talk about is the best way to approach and address a GM who seems to be performing suboptimally-- be it after the session or during.
And as a side note-- yeah, when there are scenarios being premiered at a big convention, it can be tough to balance the prep-time with everything else. Heck, I know there are things on my own plate that got pushed because of Gencon. Part of the con craziness is why I prefer to run scenarios there which I know well already-- it makes life much easier.
-Ben.
Good question. I'm not sure there is a perfect response for every situation.
But if you aren't having fun, and you know the reason why, I think that bringing it up politely is completely appropriate. I'd suggest trying to do so privately with the GM.
"Hey man, you don't seem to be engaged in this scenario. This one seems to have tons of places where we can roleplay and engage with the NPCs in one fashion or another, but I feel you are limiting those options for some reason. Anything I can do to help you engage?"
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I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.
There are two modes of thought here:
1) Don't let them see you sweat. One of the best tools a GM has, is confidence. So along those lines, most folks will say never let the table know your inexperience.
- however -
2) I always suggest to brand new GMs (my wife being one of them) to tell their table that they are new. This usually pre-empts having to diffuse any major rules arguments and allows the players to give the GM some leeway and to even help them out where needed. I've really seen the community come together very graciously to help new GMs enjoy their sessions, come away feeling more confident, and ultimately go on to be better GMs.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.There are two modes of thought here:
1) Don't let them see you sweat. One of the best tools a GM has, is confidence. So along those lines, most folks will say never let the table know your inexperience.
- however -
2) I always suggest to brand new GMs (my wife being one of them) to tell their table that they are new. This usually pre-empts having to diffuse any major rules arguments and allows the players to give the GM some leeway and to even help them out where needed. I've really seen the community come together very graciously to help new GMs enjoy their sessions, come away feeling more confident, and ultimately go on to be better GMs.
This. Right here. +1 on both of these, especially the second one. I told my table this was my first time running PFS at a con, and only like the 6th time in total. I indicated that I might blow a call here or there, but if I do, just point it out and we will move on. And that's what happened.
Players generally are accepting, tolerant, and forgiving of a GM who tries his or her best, or is new, or what have you.
Mark
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Or another option is since you was not much engaging in the RP-aspect - you were in the bathroom during investigation - perhaps words were said that he/she incorrectly judged that you did not prefer that aspects and in order to accommodate his/her players the GM minimized that aspect.Quite a few people get annoyed when the GM "wastes" time with setting, clothing, and other "inconsequential" details.
His voice was fine.
I was trying to engage. My character is a wizard, and a scholar of history and planar phenomena. I very much tried to use Knowledge(Local) to see what we could ascertain about NPCs prior to conversing with them, and we were trying to tag team with a primary and an assisting character in each situation-- usually rotating these roles so no character dominated all of the social aspects. What this usually resulted in was a list of alternate skills available for influencing the character, and that was about it.
And my trip to the restroom was perhaps 5-7 minutes away from the table as the interaction was over and the Scooby Doo portion of the show began. Otherwise, I was very much trying to be engaged.
I think Andrew's probably right. Asking him to engage probably was the best thing I could have done, even if it was a quick sidebar. I kept waiting for him to do it and then the session was over. *sigh* It's odd, because I'm usually in the GM's seat and only play rarely.
-Ben.
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2) I always suggest to brand new GMs (my wife being one of them) to tell their table that they are new. This usually pre-empts having to diffuse any major rules arguments and allows the players to give the GM some leeway and to even help them out where needed. I've really seen the community come together very graciously to help new GMs enjoy their sessions, come away feeling more confident, and ultimately go on to be better GMs.This. Right here. +1 on both of these, especially the second one. I told my table this was my first time running PFS at a con, and only like the 6th time in total. I indicated that I might blow a call here or there, but if I do, just point it out and we will move on. And that's what happened.
Players generally are accepting, tolerant, and forgiving of a GM who tries his or her best, or is new, or what have you.
Totally. Hell, I've been GMing for 20+ years, and I will make a caveat that occasionally I'll confuse my editions, and please feel free to correct me if I'm out there. I find people much more willing to comment with me in those situations.
-Ben.
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I hate to be disagreeable, but I'm not very accepting of the "not enough time to prep" argument. If you had multiple scenarios that wouldn't be released until right before the con, and you knew you wouldn't have enough time to prep them well, then you should have asked to GM something different instead. That's what I did.
I was originally scheduled for Bonekeep 2 and Siege of the Diamond City, and when I found out I'd only have one weekend before GenCon to read and prep both, I let Mike Brock know that I would have to drop one from my schedule. That way, he had time to find a replacement GM for that adventure, and I wouldn't be forced to do a sub-par job due to lack of preparation. And I specifically asked if there was something different I could GM instead, so he wouldn't be short GMs because of my dropping a session 2 weeks before the con.
Like someone else said, volunteering is optional. But once you've committed, do the best you can.
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It sounds like at least part of the problem is different gaming styles. For example, you wanted better descriptions. People want VERY different levels of this. Personally, for example, I get really bored when the GM tries to find a new and exciting way to describe "bad guy swings sword and hits you for 12 pts of damage". It was fun the first 10 times, but now at 10,000 odd its just noise. My descriptions of battles when I GM you'd probably find boring, and vice versa.
If the players make it clear they want something I'll try and change my style. But, without some feedback we all basically try and run the game that we'd like to play in.
Edit: in case it isn't clear I am NOT saying my style is better than yours. Its different. I AM saying my style of reduced descriptions is NOT necessarily worse.
Venture-Lieutenant, West Virginia—Charleston
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I was one of the players at this table - I was running my half-orc cleric of Shelyn. (You may recall me giving Finlanderboy's operatic performance a *scathing* review during the day job rolls - just a fun bit of banter.)
First, let me say that I was also a bit disappointed in this GM. This was my one play slot in the whole con, and I was really looking forward to playing a really social scenario under a different GM from normal. Sadly, it didn't quite work out that way - there were errors, both in the mechanics of the scenario and in the lack of engagement. I'm sorry that your one PFS experience at the con had to be this one - I was really, really disappointed at losing out on the opportunity to really experience this scenario. I'll likely use a GM star to replay under a more roleplay-oriented GM.
I should also mention here that the average PFS GM is significantly more engaging. I strive to give all of my players a fantastic experience, both in roleplaying and in combat. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but at least I try. The vast majority of the PFS GMs that I have played under have been quite excellent, or at least were newbies who were trying to improve.
I think that this experience points out one of the weaker points of con play, however. It was clear that this GM would have been much more at home with something like Bonekeep, where the social interactions weren't an issue. Conversely, I would have preferred to have this scenario over my runs of Halls of Dwarven Lore. Every GM has a unique style, and a set of scenarios that we are more comfortable with - I wish that there were a way for us to have at least some say in the type of scenario that we pull.
Terraleon: I really enjoyed playing with you. If you'd like, when I run this for my online group, you'd be welcome to sit in and have another shot at the game under a different GM.
Edit to add: Wildebob, you really don't have anything to fear. PFS was extremely accepting when I first started GMming. I haven't yet seen this session reported, but I'm curious to see how many stars this particular GM has. I'm guessing at least one, based on some comments made. I'm more than willing to cut somebody slack over rules mistakes or a bit of a bad day - this particular session, though, seemed more like...chronic indifference. Put forward effort, be a bit energetic, and your table will love you. It doesn't take much.
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Dming is an art. Some people love some peoples art others do not.
I agree with Netolpalis about our GM. But Netolpalis I do not think this was out table. I do not remember a VC being at our table. We had a guy named Quincy playing his lore oracle, you, a barbarian pregen, my gnome sorcerer, and then a wizard.
A VC from chicago, we had no officers at our table.
I would agree that our DM was a touch less into the roleplay me and Neto were. We kinda ran with the roleplay and were left lacking. Not that I would say it was bad. I just wanted more.
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I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.
This is the kind of thing that will make you a great GM, regardless of any of the above.
It's always a case of Just Do Your Best.
Even in the case of this thread - and without taking either side - it's not a case of Your Best Isn't Good Enough.
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I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.This is the kind of thing that will make you a great GM, regardless of any of the above.
It's always a case of Just Do Your Best.
Even in the case of this thread - and without taking either side - it's not a case of Your Best Isn't Good Enough.
Agreed. The fact that you're worried about doing a good job means that I'd rather play with you as a GM than the guy the original poster was talking about.
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Agreed. The fact that you're worried about doing a good job means that I'd rather play with you as a GM than the guy the original poster was talking about.I'll admit that threads like this make me nervous to TRY running a PFS scenario. I am not an experienced GM and I have little opportunity to play (thanks, stupid real life!), but I'm fascinated with the idea of organized play. I'm a people-pleaser, by nature, and I'd be crushed if someone came away from one of my sessions thinking/saying such things about my game. Not that anything the OP said is any less valid - we all want an awesome experience - but I'm afraid I wouldn't have the talent or skill to offer such an immersive experience...and so I have yet to try.This is the kind of thing that will make you a great GM, regardless of any of the above.
It's always a case of Just Do Your Best.
Even in the case of this thread - and without taking either side - it's not a case of Your Best Isn't Good Enough.
To this point:
Trying is ultimately what’s important. I’ve helped facilitate 3 GM 101 seminars. And in each of them, I’ve covered “roleplaying” as a GM.
One of the things I really try to emphasize, is bringing things to life. Do not worry about whether your accent is good enough or whether your characterizations are over the top or whatever.
Your players will appreciate your attempt to roleplay more than a monotonous cardboard cutout.
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The biggest piece of advice I gave as many Gen Con GMs as I could was to give the last slot you're GMing everything you've got. Leave it all on the table and go out with a bang.
Of course, no matter how hard you try, by the end of a grueling convention the last slot you judge will usually never be as great as one earlier in the convention, but that shouldn't stop anyone from trying.
This year my last slot was Sunday morning after running 8 slots and playing 2 and staying up until at least 3 a.m. every night. My voice was gone by Thursday. My last slot was the first time I had run that particular scenario. I knew that if I didn't try hard it was going to be a disaster. I did it and I wasn't happy with my performance, but judging the players reactions, they had a good time. One even said it was the best PFS table of his convention (that made me feel sorry for his other tables..).
No one expects you to be perfect after a half-dozen or more slots, but everyone should expect you to try your hardest, results be damned. If you're not willing to try to do your best, don't bother signing up to GM at Gen Con.
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are people signing up for that many slots because there are not enough GMs?
To get Tier 1 rewards (which is the only tier that get you a free hotel room) you need to sign up for 8 or more events.
People sign up for that much, because, often, otherwise they would not be able to afford to go to Gen Con. The problem is, they typically haven't GM'd that much in a single weekend before, and they have no idea how exhausting it can be.
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One thing people should find reassuring is Mike Brock's "naughty list" of GMs. If a GM doesn't show for their slots they won't be asked back. If there's a major complaint or multiple complaints filed about a specific GM, Mike follows up with that GM to hear their side of what happened. Depending on the situation, that GM may not be asked back or may be restricted in the type of events they run.
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| 4 people marked this as a favorite. |
One thing people should find reassuring is Mike Brock's "naughty list" of GMs. If a GM doesn't show for their slots they won't be asked back. If there's a major complaint or multiple complaints filed about a specific GM, Mike follows up with that GM to hear their side of what happened. Depending on the situation, that GM may not be asked back or may be restricted in the type of events they run.
So how do you keep coming back to GM year after year?
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One thing people should find reassuring is Mike Brock's "naughty list" of GMs. If a GM doesn't show for their slots they won't be asked back. If there's a major complaint or multiple complaints filed about a specific GM, Mike follows up with that GM to hear their side of what happened. Depending on the situation, that GM may not be asked back or may be restricted in the type of events they run.So how do you keep coming back to GM year after year?
He must have some dirt.
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Venture-Lieutenant, Indiana—Indianapolis
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The biggest piece of advice I gave as many Gen Con GMs as I could was to give the last slot you're GMing everything you've got. Leave it all on the table and go out with a bang.
Of course, no matter how hard you try, by the end of a grueling convention the last slot you judge will usually never be as great as one earlier in the convention, but that shouldn't stop anyone from trying.
<SNIP>
No one expects you to be perfect after a half-dozen or more slots, but everyone should expect you to try your hardest, results be damned. If you're not willing to try to do your best, don't bother signing up to GM at Gen Con.
Exactly. Well put, Kyle.
My view is that people who play in that last slot deserve the same best efforts of their GMs as those who play in the first slot, or in the special, or whatever. A GM who doesn't try his or her best is pretty noticeable - if you aren't prepared to give it your all at every slot, find something else to do.
And, if something does come up (you get sick, lose your voice to the point that you cannot run) inform HQ and see if something can't be done. All players deserve the best efforts of every GM.
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And, if something does come up (you get sick, lose your voice to the point that you cannot run) inform HQ and see if something can't be done. All players deserve the best efforts of every GM.
But this presupposes the GM has the personal responsibility to make this judgement call. That's something I'd like to hope for, but don't know that you can count on it.
-Ben.
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Deciding how many slots to run at a big convention like Gen Con is more than deciding what rewards you want. GMs have to know their limits. If they're like Todd Morgan, they can run 13 slots in 5 days and still show that last slot a good time. When I run at a convention, I look at it from a numbers perspective (Engineer, go figure). The 6 players at my table each paid $6 to play this 4 hour game. They paid $80 for their badge to play 10 slots worth of games (give or take). That's another $8 for my slot. Let's say each person earns $25 an hour in real life. High, low, whatever, I'm just picking an arbitrary number here. Let's do the math:
($6 + $8 + $25 * 5 (hrs)) * 6 (players) = $834
Is the game you run worth $834? Is it worth $139 (the price for each player). Is it even worth $14 or $84?
Even if you only look at as each player paying $14 for the privilege of playing at your table, is the game your running worth that? Is your effort worth that?! Would you pay $14 to play at your own table?