Dungeon Master S |
Minis: I try to always find an appropriate pog for creatures. Some GMs like cute, cartoonish, or funny miniatures; but that's definitely not my style. If you're running something that is going to use the same mini, or different versions of something (for example regular, fighter, and cleric goblins), I recommend spending a few minutes googling good options.
Combat in PbP: There are a few different ways of handling combat in PbP. I've been using this method for years, but you should use the one that works for YOU as a GM. The players will adapt.
Dungeon Master S |
Combat Order: In play by post, there's a bit of a loose nature to rounds of combat. Posting in the exact order almost never works. Sometimes people will post with "macros" If Zadim kills him, I'll double move. If he doesn't I'll swing my sword [dice=....
Some GMs are really strict, some aren't. You pick what works for you, but be consistent.
Dungeon Master S |
Calling it" At the table and in PbP there is great value in "calling a combat." IF (and only if) the following conditions are met:
1. The enemy possesses no real threat to the party.
2. The party doesn't need to expend valuable resources to defeat the enemy.
3. There isn't fun to be had in the "clean up phase".
I'll call a combat and narrate its finish. Sometimes there's fun in mopping up a defeated foe. In PbP I find a higher rate of #3. Oft times you can have 48 hours of posting where it's just mindless attacking to finish a fight.
Dungeon Master S |
Sorry everyone. Currently pinch hitting some extra GMing at a local convention. I'll be back to normal Monday.
Dungeon Master S |
Dungeon crawling can be a challenge, and while above ground, this is definitely a dungeon crawl.
I've found over the years that when a room is inconsequential on PbP, it's best to be clear early, otherwise the party could spend 4-5 real days exploring a room that doesn't have anything interesting in it.
Dungeon Master S |
This room produces two issues:
1. The scenario is messed up. It happens. The room descriptions do not match the scenario AT ALL. This is why it's important to check out the GM Discussion thread for scenarios that you run.
2. This room is empty. Sometimes I let the party spend time even though I know it's fruitless. Sometimes I throw them a bone. In this case, since posting was slow during the week, I opted for the latter.
Treble Tan the Third |
Sorry, everyone. Last week was a cluster for me as real-life bit me in the... Anyway, I'm still here. Hopefully, real-life's teeth have been pulled, at least for a little while.
Dungeon Master S |
Always, especially as a GM and in the words of the Great Venture-Lieutenant Thunderspirit, "Real Life Comes First."
It's easy to turn our hobby into responsibility. They day this is work and not fun, is the day to stop.
Dungeon Master S |
1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The tension begins to rise as the Pathfinders continue to search the rooms they've seen, only to find nothing of note. Eager to make progress beyond the killing of the bear, they prepare to enter one of the remaining rooms.
This is what is often called "a push". It's an in-game narration designed to make the players feel comfortable advancing. It's especially important in PbP as maintaining momentum is on of the most important parts to a successful game.
Tusk, MD |
Quote:The tension begins to rise as the Pathfinders continue to search the rooms they've seen, only to find nothing of note. Eager to make progress beyond the killing of the bear, they prepare to enter one of the remaining rooms.This is what is often called "a push". It's an in-game narration designed to make the players feel comfortable advancing. It's especially important in PbP as maintaining momentum is on of the most important parts to a successful game.
Thanks for pointing this out - it’s one of the techniques I was interested in when I signed up for GM School.
Eyden Varisia |
I should note that I will be at Gen Con Thursday-Sunday and am likely to be slow to post. I will also be traveling to Hungary on August 7, returning August 15; I’ll be slow that week and definitely shifted from my usual posting times. Please bot as needed, but I will try to post once daily.
GM Blue Moose |
I think alot of us will be at Gen Con. I'm attending as well, so I'll be slow to post as well, from Wednesday to Sunday.
GM Will-Save |
I haven't been in four years. I went the three years before that, which was also before I started playing PFS, or any TTRPG's. And although I will not be going to Gencon, I will be on vacation August 11-13, but since that's mostly the weekend, it shouldn't affect much.
Eyden Varisia |
Sorry folks - between Gen Con and family travel, my schedule has been all messed up. Should be back to at least daily posting now.
Tusk, MD |
Thanks, Dungeon Master S! Great run!
If folks are ready, feel free to dot into the Inkstains gameplay and discussion threads (linked in my tagline). I’m likely to kick it off on Thursday, when i’ll be back in the US with access to my laptop, etc.
Dungeon Master S |
I'm having trouble finding the link to the campaign. I found the link to the maps but not the gameplay/discussion threads.