Granta's GM School (Inactive)

Game Master Granta

**allow much more creativity** not about low lol

As far as initiative order goes I'm still on the fence about it. Block initiative seems to go faster in Pbp, while standard initiative looks like it would be simpler for everyone to understand what order everything is getting resolved.

My experience is that block initiative is worth the compromises.

Initiative is still meaningful (high rollers still go before foes, low rollers do not).

My biggest bugbear is any action which should be taken mid-roll (re-rolls, one-off adjustments, aid another). Anything which says 'you may do X after a roll but before you know the result'.

I'm thinking of using a sort of hybrid system. Where small blocks essentially are acting at the same time. Like a 25-20 block,19-15 block, 14-10, 9-0. And adjusting this if one block ends up with a large number of people. Like using 25-20, 19-18, 17-14, etc. With the exception of enemy initiatives. Or using their roll to split the groups. An example would be:

Then allowing the GM to react between each block. My main question is, is there a system like this someone is already using so I could see it in play?

The reason I'm wanting to go with something like this is because once you get down to one or two enemies with six players and they have the same initiative you have all six players posting in a row before the GM reacts. This causes some confusion when the players aren't sure which attacks are hitting, which are ineffective, and when one of the enemies dies in the middle of multiple people attacking the same enemy.

(@Teflon: Yaaaaaay!)

I've definitely seen that kind of combat - my only criticism is that it can get frustrating when you're in one of the blocks further down the list and the people ahead of you take a long time to post or the back and forth before it gets to your turn can take a couple of days... Which definitely makes me cringe.

It does help to clarify what damage goes where and how to handle enemies and such, but oh man does the pacing hurt my soul. Granted, I'm basically at home all the time (except for this week apparently, because happy 4th!) so it's not really fair to expect everyone to be on all the time, orz.

In the practice game I'm running, I've been rolling the initiative in groups for enemies (usually they're the same type), so I'll have them in the middle of the group at the beginning. The high-rolling players go, then the monsters, and then all of them are allowed to post since the monsters kind of split the rounds... if that makes sense?

Only nine players from my evergreen arc asked to reserve a spot in your games. The list is here. Please write your name in column G for any players that you wish to seat at your table.

Once all nine of those players have a seat somewhere, we'll go through registering your tables for GDVI.

I signed up to accept three of the eleven on the list. (The only player I'm familiar with is Lady Ladile.) As of July 3, four players don't yet have a GM.

I am actually a devout believer in initiative order. It is a fundamental component of the game that doesn't just affect combat, it can heavily influence character creation. I see this dilemma as the traditional "mountain out of a mole hill" response.

I've completed 20+ games as a PbP GM, and had to retcon less than a dozen actions because of discrepancies between posting and initiative order. Assuming 4 combats per scenario, 2 rounds per combat, and 5 players: that is a retcon rate of appoximately 1%. And it's not because players wait and post in turn order; very few do that, and they generally announce it when they do.

Ah, this is one of the areas where I completely disagree with Granta.

I prefer blocked initiatiive. Faster moving, less for me to track as a GM, less retcons!

As you can see... There is more than one way to approach this subject.

Hmm

Taking today off for the holiday, will resume tomorrow.

Happy Fourth!

So when I ran my GM 101 I had no set curriculum, and in retrospect that was a really bad decision on my part. I felt that some of what we did was really disjointed. So, if you wanted a curriculum set for the GM school, what would you want it to cover?

I did an early guide for PbP GM Starter Mechanics. Is this the sort of information that would be useful to you?

What are some of the things you guys are looking most to learn?

Hmm

So when I ran my GM 101 I had no set curriculum, and in retrospect that was a really bad decision on my part. I felt that some of what we did was really disjointed. So, if you wanted a curriculum set for the GM school, what would you want it to cover?

I did an early guide for PbP GM Starter Mechanics. Is this the sort of information that would be useful to you?

What are some of the things you guys are looking most to learn?

Hmm

Painlord's guides talk a lot about the push and the pull... I'd like to see that in action and how a GM thinks about those things.

Rules ajudications as well, a lot of advice on the boards for face-to-face talks about making a ruling, moving on and checking at the end of the session. I'm not sure if the same applies, but then should a GM be responsible for trawling through FAQs and threads?

should a GM be responsible for trawling through FAQs and threads?

Absolutely not. If somebody takes you to court, it is not your responsibility (nor the judge's) to prove their case. The same holds true here: if a player wants a certain ruling, then it is his responsibility to provide evidence of his interpretation.

Having said that, I almost always search Paizo for rulings and other information. But I do it for enjoyment, not out of obligation.

Four players still need a GM for the Wisp. Also, it's time to register your games for GameDay VI. When you create your signup thread (or spreadsheet), please remember to add the reserved players.

Can you walk us through how to set things up for a table, including the signup thread? This will be my first time GMing a PbP session. I could use a few pointers.

Following the link to the registration page, it's partially auto-filled with #8-99 Solstice Scar. I completed the form, but there doesn't seem to be active "submit" button. How do we complete the submission?

Are we also setting up a Wounded Wisp session as part of PbP Gameday VI?

Thanks,
Larry

To my understanding, yes, we're setting up to run our tables as part of PbP Gameday VI. c:

There's basic information in there, but instead of #8-99 Solstice Scar, you should be looking for 6-10 The Wounded Wisp [1-2].

As far as the signup thread, there are a few options.

1. I actually just linked to a Google spreadsheet that has slots for people to sign up - it's very first come, first serve. You could do something similar. There are a lot of examples of this in the Flaxseed Lodge under the "GM Spreadsheet links" spoiler.

2. Alternatively, you could go to the Recruitment page and select "Add New Thread" to create a recruitment thread. You can spell out your criteria there, do a lottery, demand samples, etc. c: Once you've made the thread, you can just use the link to the first post there for your form.

As for submission, the black block with 'Submit GM Session' is actually a button. c: It's camouflaged with the style of webpage, but it really is a button! c:

I hope that helps. ^o^

Thanks, hiyami.

I'll create a Google spreadsheet tomorrow and register once I've got the link ready to rock'n'roll.

My cursor didn't turn into the mage hand when I scrolled over that black block earlier, so odds are I still need to register for Solstice Scar as well.

Just to be clear, we don't yet need to create any of the other tabs and stuff to set up our future session?

I'm a total newb to PbP GMing, so it's all baby steps for me in this mundane regard. I'm a little more confident about actually running a game. I just need some additional help with this set-up piece.

I think it may be helpful to put some information in your Campaign Info tab - a description, maybe? I'm planning on using a loaded lottery for our Wounded Wisp game and will be trying to put some extra information in there for players that haven't played it or don't know what to expect. I'm modeling my recruitment thread after GM Boldr's because of how straightforward it is. He puts his expectations and some other helpful guides/information in his Campaign Info tab, so I'd definitely check that out, too. c:

TL;DR - You don't have to post anything else! Recruitment is the only thread you currently have to worry about. You can set everything else up later. c: I hope this helps!

Also, I wouldn't worry about being confused about the forum! Everyone here is super friendly and more than happy to help out. <3

---

On another note, I just stalked one of my reserved players and realized that said player is actually currently GMing for me in a different game and just got done running me through Wounded Wisp! Gotta love that situational irony. c:

@GM Granta: I snagged two to keep from stealing too many, but if no one else has snagged any by July 10th, I'll happily lock up the rest. c:

Thanks, again, hiyami.

I'll give GM Granta some time to weigh in, in case he planned to cover this subject in the GM Class.

Otherwise, I'll figure it out by trial-and-error. I know some of the previously posted guides discuss this stuff as well.

Hiyami did a pretty good job of answering the question as I would :-)

The only thing she missed is something that she couldn't have known: do NOT register a game for Solstice Scar. You're my backup as overseer, and won't have an actual table of players.

Hiyami did a fantastic job with answering the question, but I have a few things to add here.

There are FOUR major types of recruitment:

First come, first serve:
It mirrors most in person signups and is super easy. Least work on the GM's part, but also least control over what you get for players. I normally don't do this, but decided to go with it for Starfinder where everyone's going to be new to the system.

This one is fairly spreadsheet friendly.

Lottery:
Requires a more open-ended spreadsheet or a recruitment thread. You can do it as a straight-forward draw or the 'loaded lottery' that Hiyami advocated. The 'loaded lottery' has the advantage of letting you bypass a player that is simply AWFUL.

Don't get me wrong. Most players are great. But there are some who don't read, or only post die rolls and never RP, and some who are royal pains. There may also be players with whom you have a personality or gaming-style conflict.

GM Picks:
This is the only one for which you need a recruitment thread. I talked about it earlier, so won't go over it again. This is a TON of work, and can cause issues as it often bypasses newer players, but can lead to a great team if done well.

Invitation Only:
How 70-80 percent of games are filled by my guess. You get a great group, you invite them to play another game with you. Least newcomer friendly. Every group that I have loved has gotten at least two games from me because I invited them back.

______

All are valid methods of recruitment. If you are not recruiting, start with a gameplay thread with some sort of Placeholder Post. I like to give the Title of the Game. Don't make a recruitment thread if you are NOT recruiting. That is just a taunt.

If you are recruiting, do a recruitment thread.

With whatever you start with, you can add the other tabs later. It is easy-peasy.

PRO TIP: Never delete your first gameplay post in your campaign. You'll mess things up! No one will be able to post. DON'T DO THIS!

Hmm

THINGS A RECRUITMENT THREAD SHOULD INCLUDE:

Something about you. Who are you as a GM? What are your preferences? What is your style?

Something about the game. PFS, Campaign mode, other? Talk about the game you are offering. What levels is it for?

Something about your expected pace. How fast do you run? What pace would you like from the players? If you have days where you never PBP, tell your players. My Wednesdays are AWFUL, and I tell everyone that. GM Samy who is an amazing PbP GM tells her players that when she is on, the game moves like lightning. However her schedule will cause her to disappear for several days without warning. It's a weird intermittent pacing, and she makes sure that all her players know.

What you want from your players. Lay out your expectations.

OPTIONAL: What you don't want: I see a lot of Recruitment threads that state that they don't want empty posts and pokiness, but I find this redundant. Go for the positives unless you have a good reason for including this.

Something about how you are picking players! Tell them what method you are using.

Painlord's guides talk a lot about the push and the pull... I'd like to see that in action and how a GM thinks about those things.

Rules ajudications as well, a lot of advice on the boards for face-to-face talks about making a ruling, moving on and checking at the end of the session.

Granta covered rules adjudications well. I wind up looking things up, but I do ask players to show me their own research. They should do the heavy lifting here.

___

I do a lot of pushes and hooks as both a GM and a player. This is a subject that I've thought a lot about, and that I think deserves some time to address. I'm at a convention now, so I don't have a lot of time to address this subject. But I'll try to come back to this fairly soon! Fair?

Hmm

I've created a sign-up Google.doc. I've posted in the Recruitment thread of the Flaxseed Lodge.

I'm still unable to register at the link you provided. The "Submit GM Session" black box does not seem to be active when I attempt to use it.

It's not fair, Hmm: it's generous!

I've created a sign-up Google.doc. I've posted in the Recruitment thread of the Flaxseed Lodge.

I'm still unable to register at the link you provided. The "Submit GM Session" black box does not seem to be active when I attempt to use it.

It opens up for me. Huh. This is the first I've heard of this bug. I am going to pass this on to Jesse, our VC and our Tech Support! First though: what operating system are you using, search engine, and anything else that might be relevant here? I want to know why this link isn't working for you!

Hmm

Apple MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, 2015). OS X Yosemite 10.10.5. Safari 10.1.1

I've created a sign-up Google.doc. I've posted in the Recruitment thread of the Flaxseed Lodge.

I took a look at your google signup sheet, Larry, you might want to change the start date to August 25th, as that will put you in-line with PbP gameday! I've also pointed IronHelixx (Jesse) to this thread to see if he can diagnose what is going on.

In the meantime, do you want me to sign you up, or wait? If you want me to sign you up I will need name of the scenario and your email address. I already know your Paizo ID. Both Starfinder tables appear to be full already.

Hmm

I think we're supposed to run our scenario during Session II, starting October 6. Should I still enter August 25 as the start date?

We're all running #6-10 Wounded Wisp (Tiers 1-2). My email address is SmithLAIII@gmail.com.

I apologize for my ignorance, but I need some help with the actual mechanics of setting up the recruitment, campaign, discussion threads and all the rest. I've been f'ing around with it, but I'm getting a little frustrated at my lack of progress.

Feel like I'm kind of "farting in the dark," to quote an old sergeant of mine.

I'd be shocked if we're not finished before the first session. You're perfectly welcome to wait until the second session though, whether for extra prep time or any other reason.

You're in the US, right? I'll PM you my phone number, so we can talk through the process live.

Annnnd, I just realized I've opened my table to the glory we call the world, which means I have to recant my offer to steal all of the people that are still on the list. I think I could take one or two more, but I also want to give the other applicants a fair go at playing. ;A; Apologies for the derpiness!

@hiyami,

Please adjust the spreadsheet accordingly, and let us know once you have, so that the other GMs know who still needs a seat.

@Granta: Got your PM. I'll give you a call.

hiyami thought the intent was that our tables of Wounded Wisp were supposed to be part of PbP Gameday VI, so I've tried to set it up that way. Since the multi-table special is scheduled for the first session, August-October, I thought our tables were supposed to be part of the second session.

Since my set up is all Tango Uniform, maybe I can delete the mess somehow and start over?

@GM Granta - I've picked up one more person - that should leave three that still require tables, but I think I'm gonna stop there. That said, I'm going to begin hunting my players down and letting them know to tune into the recruitment thread so they know who they might be playing with. c:

So to make sure I'm understanding... we are creating a game for Wounded Wisp for GameDay 6 correct? The first session. I'm wanting spreadsheet recruitment, so literally anyone that wants to join it can. Do I steal those on the waiting list or only a certain number or contact the players on the list and have them add themselves?

So you should take from the waiting list first. Make sure that those who have already committed have spots, so write them on your sheet. Then open up the rest of the slots.

Hmm

SITREP:
* Changed the dates for GM Lorenzo's running #6-10 Wounded Wisp (Tiers 1-2) to PbP Gameday VI, Session 1, August 25-October 5.
* Created the recruitment thread and a google.doc sign-up sheet.
* Entered the three names chosen from the wait list you provided and added one person that I invited (a GM I've played with, returning the favor and appreciating the player's attitude and style).
* Posted an open invitation in the recruitment thread, soliciting two additional players relatively new to PbP PFS.
* Sent a PM to the four players already signed up, informing them that they've been accepted and providing links to the recruitment thread and google.doc sign-up sheet.
Larry

Addendum to SITREP:
Using Silbeg's inactive Wounded Wisp campaign as model to emulate, I set up the rest of the threads for my own session, including campaign info, gameplay, and discussion tabs. Very helpful for a first-time PbP GM like me.

Registration question: I need to edit the link for my PbP Gameday VI session's recruitment/sign-ups. (It changed when I changed the name (replacing Session "II" with Session "I").

How do I correct the link?

Thanks.

@Akash: I don't think you can. That requires a VC's touch, namely Jesse (IronHelixx).

@Elberion: Would you be able to take one more of the reserved players?

@Teflon: Can you then take the remaining two reservations, please?

Link

On my phone so can't edit.
I'll take Big Joe as well, if someone can make the edit for me.

Recruitment thread is go!

I'm going to create the sign up sheet tomorrow. It's basically done now but I want to make a few finishing touches. Just so I understand correctly, I don't need to open a recruitment thread since I'm doing the sheet correct?

And also, where would I get the PDF for Wounded wisp? I haven't searched for it or anything, but didn't know if I needed to buy it or if it was free (either is okay).

I think GM Granta is giving us the materials if we don't already have it. c:

Also, I'm planning to roll for my lottery tomorrow evening! Or well, tonight, I guess? c:

I think Paizo are providing con-support for gameday 6, is that right Hmm?

Which means pdfs of whatever you run.

Oh, right! I'd totally forgotten about that! /facepalm If you had your table registered by the 10th, I believe Paizo gives you scenario support! :D

Scenario support, yes. So long as you're willing to wait until Paizo drops the files.

Hmm

Your sheet has been updated and I will notify the players shortly

I'm officially up and running.

Discussion Thread

Sign up Sheet

Now do I need to register with Paizo somehow? Also, we only need four players total correct, or should we be filling slots for six?

I will be sharing my prep work, but am not allowed to share the actual Paizo PDF. Silly copyrights and all that. You may purchase it here. However, if you registered your game for GameDay VI in time, Paizo will (eventually) add the scenario to your downloads for free.

As to the number of players, that is up to you. I recommend sticking to four unless you have GMed before and feel comfortable with more players.

I recently went from working 15 hours a week to 50-60, and as you'd expect, it's forcing adjustments and sacrifices in the rest of my life. I don't really have the focus or mental energy to GM after working 10 hours, and I currently have too many games to update them all in the morning.

So for the time being, I'll probably only be updating this game 4 times a week instead of 6. However, Cosmic Captive finishes in 10 days, and that will free up more than enough time.

I apologize for the inconvenience, but promise it will be over within two weeks.