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Are you looking to get into PFS Play-by-Post GMing, but unsure where to start? Do you think you might be a great GM, but find the mechanics of PbP slightly intimidating? Would you welcome the opportunity to learn as you go, GMing something short?
Welcome to the first ever session of Play-by-Post GM 101! I'll be taking 5 new GMs through a Quest Series. Each quest is a short mini-adventure that joins up with the other quests in its series to tell a more full tale. Everyone gets one of the quests to GM. We all take turns being players and GMs, and discuss how to handle things as we go. In the end, everyone gets a full chronicle that they can apply to a first level character, and their own GM credit.
For the quest series, I’ve selected Phantom Phenomena because each of its quests are nicely balanced between RP and combat. Also, you can bring your own first level characters through it.
What will you do in GM 101?
I want you to be comfortable with both the storytelling and the mechanics of GMing Play-by-Post. We’ll talk about common formatting, handling attacks of opportunity, and ways to keep the pace moving. These will include PbP oddities such as blocked initiative, botting and spoilered text.
Everyone involved will:
- Create their own gameplay thread for their particular quest.
- Create their own slide show and extract their own map.
- Help each other. If you figure something out, share what you learned and coach the others!
- Read their own quest and prep it.
- GM their own quest for the group.
- Ask me questions as we go!
- Give each other positive feedback and cheer each other on!
- Get your own GM event number and report your own event!
- Create a chronicles for someone else in the group, just to get the experience of filling out a PDF chronicle.
Can we do this all simultaneously to save time?
Alas, no. I want everyone to have the full group’s attention when it’s their turn to GM. Also, PFS has the rule that characters can be in only one game at a time.
How long do you think this will take?
I am hoping that we will take less than week per quest. To this end, I am requiring a posting speed of two posts per day from everyone who participates. I want us this to be a fast moving experience for everyone, and a positive learning experience.
Who are you, and why are you teaching this?
I’m Hilary Moon Murphy, the current Venture Lieutenant in charge of PFS Play-by-Post gaming. I want prospective GMs to overcome their hurdles, have a good time, and get the confidence to start their own games! Besides, I think GMing is awesome. It gives us all a great way to have a good time and give back to our community!
____
- What makes you want to GM Play-by-Post?
- Have you GMed before? What sort of GMing did you do?
- If you have GMed before, what do you see as your strengths?
- Think back on GMs that you have had before. Without naming names, tell us about one thing you liked about a previous GM’s PbP style. How did that assist your game?
I am interested!
I want to GM play by post so I can give back to the community that has catered to me being a player for so long. I also would like to get better at roleplaying and gming provides a multitude of characters to RP in a medium that suports it.
I have GMed home games and PFS. I am currently a 1-star PFS GM. When you ask "What sort," what exactly do you mean?
When it comes to GMing, I like to think my strengths are flexibility and utilizing unique builds/tactics in combat. I try to play opponents how they would fight and not always what the most optimized tactic is.
One thing I really liked about a previous GM's style is rolling proactively for the players (when it is reasonable to do so). Games can grind to a crippling pace when we wait for everyone to roll perception every room, or to roll initiative every combat.
Welcome, Gummi Bear!
I asked what sort of GMing because I was curious about experience levels and whether people have GMed in other systems. I'm also completely open to those who have never GMed, too.
I just want to know where everyone is who wants to try this out.
Hmm
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I am interested also.
I have never GMed anything. I have only been playing Pathfinder for 9 months or so, but would like to be able to GM should the need arise. My FLGS PFS group occasionally is scratching for GMs and it would be nice to give back both in person and on the boards by running games for people.
I specifically would like to learn to GM on PbP so that I have time to look up any rules that I am a bit fuzzy on and not hold up a table for half an hour or more.
Previous PbP GMs that I have liked have been responsive, making posts regularly and keeping the games moving at a nice pace. This kept everyone engaged and kept the game for bogging down.
I'm interested!
I would like to GM here for fun, to learn how to do it (maps and such primarily), and to hone my pf GM skills.
I have been GMing since D&D came out in 1974. I've GM'd just about every system there is at least once or twice, including my own system, which I ran for about 18 years, but primarily D&D (orig., AD&D 1st ed, 2nd ed, 3.5) and VtM. I've run online before - but that was on irc for several years (VtM and D&D), as well as organized play face to face (Living City and Living Greyhawk). Just finished RotRL at home, which took about 2 1/2 years to run, and I'm ready to start trying to run pfs online.
My strengths? Wow.. that's a tough one... I've been told I'm good at keeping a narrative going and being descriptive, as well as reacting to the unexpected fairly and appropriately.
Something I particularly liked from a previous GM in pbp... that's tough one... I've seen a lot of variation in pbp gm's... good and bad and everything in between. Worst was GM disappearing mid-game.. hated that, and won't do it as a GM. Best is tougher to recall... I do like it when GM's call combats that are foregone conclusions and will just take up time to end the same way regardless... I also liked when the GM expelled a disruptive and annoying player (not pfs though). I especially enjoy GM's who get descriptive with responses rather than just 'X hit, Y missed, Z fell down the pit.' I hope I can be as skilled when I run.
Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!
What makes you want to GM Play-by-Post?
Have you GMed before? What sort of GMing did you do?
I have GM'd PbP here on the boards for several years now and I'm looking to expand my options beyond modules into PFS material. I've done GMing at all levels of play including 20th lvl. My highest lvl PFS character is currently third level, done completely on these boards.
If you have GMed before, what do you see as your strengths?
I am generally a fair adjudicator who has been known to bend the rules for the sake of the story- though I realize that wouldn't happen in PFS. I generally hear that I give good descriptions and play NPC's well.
Think back on GMs that you have had before. Without naming names, tell us about one thing you liked about a previous GM’s PbP style. How did that assist your game?
I had one GM who was a master at propelling a game along without it feeling forced. I wish I could do that as well as he could. He gave rich descriptions that made every rock seem interesting and I still look back at that thread from time to time. He disappeared shortly after we began, unfortunately.
Interested!
What makes you want to GM Play-by-Post? I've been playing for a couple years, and it's time to give back to the community. Also, some recent experience in F2F GMing makes me more confident than I was before.
Have you GMed before? What sort of GMing did you do? I am currently GMing a face-to-face game every week, using Skull & Shackles to launch off into a custom adventure.
If you have GMed before, what do you see as your strengths? I've tried being super-prepared before, but I find that I'm better at seat-of-the-pants flying, since players always find a way to avoid that city you created with the bartenders who all had backstories in favor of exploring the wilderness you mentioned casually in passing. I take an "everyone is here to have fun" attitude, so Rule Of Cool has a pretty good chance of swaying me.
Think back on GMs that you have had before. Without naming names, tell us about one thing you liked about a previous GM’s PbP style. How did that assist your game? What I have found most useful is an initiative report with every GM post during combat, like this:
(bold may act)
Durkon (Bless 3/4), Belkar (-53, bleeding), Elan
Vampire Half-Dragon Butterfly
Haley, Roy
Also, links in the GM's header to the current battle map, etc., are very handy.
I was not anticipating this much interest from experienced GMs! Cool beans! Welcome, everyone!
GM Choon, this is aimed at PbP beginner GMs... Are you still interested? Phantom Phenomena is light, silly and very easy to run -- but so chock full of flavor that I ADORE running it.
Hmm
You've already got your five, so I'll just show intrest in getting a spot the next time you decide to teach!
Besides GMing is not entirely new to me, and I wouldn't want to take a beginner's spot.
Time to finally hitch up my pants and give GMing a go...whether on this first session or the next if this one is already full :)
What makes you want to GM Play-by-Post?
Lots of things. I've been a player on PbP for three years now and PFS PbP for maybe a year and 1/2 and it seems that there's always plenty of players but not enough GMs. After having so many good experiences here, it's time to see what I can do to help spread the love and maybe even repay some of the folks who've GMed for me in the past.
Have you GMed before? What sort of GMing did you do?
Truth be told, I've never GMed a thing - PbP or F2F.
If you have GMed before, what do you see as your strengths?
Hard to answer this since I've never GMed, but I like to think that my general enthusiasm for Pathfinder will push me to make sure that my players have a good time.
Think back on GMs that you have had before. Without naming names, tell us about one thing you liked about a previous GM’s PbP style. How did that assist your game?
I've had a lot of great GMs that offer very clear, concise statements about what to expect at their table - posting frequency, general style of play, how they handle combat, potential absences or slow days, etc. The more information a GM can give up front as to how they run things, the easier it is for prospective players to decide if such a GM would suit their own playstyle preferences or not. The more communicative in general a GM is able to be, the better the game tends to be for it - in my experience.
While I do have experience I'm pbp, PFS specific GMing is very intimidating to me. I feel that getting lead through the first time will be the thing that gets me going. I doubt it'll happen on its own due to that intimidation factor. If you feel my experience disqualifies me, however, I completely understand.
Interested? Here are my questions for you:
What makes you want to GM Play-by-Post?
I have less time than I used to for GMing face-to-face, but I'd like to put this PFS scenario subscription to use. I love PbP for the depth it can offer.
Have you GMed before? What sort of GMing did you do?
I have! Mostly face-to-face with a toe dipped into VTT.
If you have GMed before, what do you see as your strengths?
I like to give each player a bit of the spotlight through effective pacing and scenario.
Think back on GMs that you have had before. Without naming names, tell us about one thing you liked about a previous GM’s PbP style. How did that assist your game?
I've had the pleasure of playing with one of the best PFS GMs on the boards. I love how she fleshes out the red text descriptions to bring the world alive and provide individualized character interaction points.
Edit: @Choon What specifically is intimidating about the PFS process? This experience might be useful if you aren't confident GMing from a published source. It is probably not the best for learning about reporting.
@Choon - I think that's actually pretty sound reasoning - PFS is a different animal from other games and it looks like quite a few people have trouble getting adjusted to doing the technical/paperwork stuff that comes with it. That or having to adjust to running things by the book, so to speak.
When I started playing PFS on the forums my very first game ever was a multi-table run of The Confirmation that was meant to be for PFS -and- PbP newbies only but a friend spoke on my behalf and convinced the GM to make space for my character at one of the tables, even though I was only new to PFS and not PbP itself. So for what it's worth, I think it makes sense to want some help getting into running PFS even if you've already got prior experience running games on the forums :)
@Lady Ladile: Heh. Hoisted on my own Petard!
I am going to CLOSE RECRUITMENT for now.
Why? There are too many good submissions here as it is! Give me a few minutes to think this through.
Hmm
Choon, how would you feel about riding along through the bits on PFS oddities, reporting, event submission, etc? I'm not sure you need the full course, but I would love to have you as a lurker, commenter, and helper. I really want to get you going GMing PFS, considering how solid your background is, but I want to make certain the beginners all get something to GM!
Hmm
That would be a perfectly reasonable compromise. Sign me up!
I came to dot my interest, but it looks like I missed the cutoff. [sadface] :( [/sadface]
Next time!
Looks like I missed the cutoff. Please keep me in mind if you do this again.
I listened to your interview a week or two ago and found it inspiring. I'm currently in 3 games. I would like to GM for my fourth and final active game but I lack the confidence. I've never GMed.
One of my GMs uses roll20.net for maps - which I love. Another GM gives a ton of details in their writing. 'Unneccessary' accessories that really dazzle up the story and provide additional hooks and ways to flesh out characters. I don't want to get too into it but there was a terrific bar scene with all sorts of different NPCs (because, of course, there are many different character types.)
I'm glad you're doing this for new players. I'll be spectating!
That would be a perfectly reasonable compromise. Sign me up!
Sounds great!
I came to dot my interest, but it looks like I missed the cutoff. [sadface] :( [/sadface]
Looks like I missed the cutoff. Please keep me in mind if you do this again. I'm glad you're doing this for new players. I'll be spectating!
You are all welcome to spectate, comment or ride along in discussion. If I do this again, I'll be certainly contacting the two of you and Ghost!
___
Okay, so there ARE six parts to Phantom Phenomena. I had originally suggested 5 GMs, because one of the sections (Monument) has slightly less RP potential than the others. Still, looking at it again, the section does have some atmosphere. It would be fun to see what one of you does with it.
For the six of you who came in pre-cutoff, do we want to roll randomly for sections and have all six of you take part?
Also, joining in is a commitment to participate, read along, and help each other. I am also hoping that if you do this, you try GMing something play-by-post of your own in the next two months or so. Fair?
I've set up a gameplay that all of you can dot to get it in your campaigns, though I'm not so sure how much we'll use the Gameplay other than test posts. Let's talk through this tomorrow, divvy up sections and figure out what we want to tackle first!
Welcome aboard guys!
Hmm
As a spectator, I'd love to see some tips on how to handle pacing/keep the momentum going! I find that I run into situations where one character might generally ask the group what they should do next, there's a long pause (I'm guessing because nobody has ideas? But I'm not sure), one person might suggest something, another long pause, someone says something else (not necessarily agreeing, sometimes pointing out an issue with the proposed course of action), etc. Based on my (rather limited) experience, it seems to be more of an issue with games that don't have a clear path to an objective/are more open ended.
I will be stalking the Discussion thread in the hopes of finding answers (or other useful tips).
On a potentially more helpful to others note, for maps I've seen Google drawings, DungeonGrid, and Roll20 used. As long as you have a map (say, from a pdf or something), I personally prefer Google drawings because
1) It's easy to learn
2) You don't need accounts to view it (just remember to set the sharing preferences up correctly)
3) You can do fog of war style maps and circular effects without too much work thanks to the built in shapes (and other types of effects with a bit more work. The 'Arrange > Group' command is useful. Also, you can change the transparency level of colors)
IMO, the main downsides are
1) Dealing with different layers/making sure all the tokens are on top can be a bit of a pain (admittedly not really an issue if you're not using shapes to only reveal bits at a time or make AoE things)
2) It doesn't have anything build-in for RPGs, like snap-to-grid icons/area effect templates/auras or measure token movement distance
Also, Doomed Hero's profile has a draft/WIP of a PBP DMing guide similar to his how to be a good player guide.
Pacing is a great idea for coverage, Puppet Master! For maps though, I am strongly going to suggest Slides. It's more friendly to those who game primarily on mobile devices, including, well... me. For your own later games, you may do whatever map interface you like!
To be clear, it is:
Ietsuna, Gummy Bear, JAFO, ThinkingFlesh, Lady Ladile, ofAnything that will be GMing slots.
GM Choon and possibly others will be riding along for technicals. You guys can dot too if you wish.
If I do a second run, Ghost, Zin and Ventiine will be first in line.
Hmm
Feel free to sit in and follow along. We're doing Harrow right now. The discussion is here, with the gameplay in the links connected to this campaign description.
Hmm
Dot
You're more than welcome to dot, read along and join in discussion.
Hmm
*Lurking Dot*
Hello Gang. So... Our GM 101 discussion has been put on hold by the the boards being completely BORKED.
Except of course, here in recruitment. Shall we declare that the show must go on and do our discussions here for now?
If you haven't yet, please roll 2 1d11s and 1 1d4s for the GM 101 Deck of Many Situations. We'll somehow manage to continue having a discussion!
Muahahahahaha.
Hmm
My game appears to be gone too.
It's not gone, not really! The database is clearly there, just hidden. It knows how many pages we have of gameplay and discussion, and how many posts there are.
They're just hidden. What we really need is see invisibility potion.
Hmm
