Craig Stokes's page

As VC and GM, I loath cheating. However, there are rare times when "fudging" a die roll may be warranted. Specifically, when it revolves around a roll that would kill a character of a new player. Outside of that, I play straight up.

Another "GMing on the Cheap" idea for maps is use Christmas wrapping paper. Many styles of wrapping paper have one inch squares on the back.

I like to print maps with my color laser printer. But, if I'm low on toner or if I know the map will not see any use outside of the one scenario I'm prepping, I'll draw the maps on wrapping paper.

Congratulations, Glen, and welcome to the team. Now...GET TO WORK! ;-)

I've GMed for or played with a handful of players in the 10-13 yr range. Each one of them had difficulty staying focused for 4-5 hours, but their distractions to the table were minimal. Whenever they start to get disruptive, I use my Dad Voice to ask them to quiet down. That usually does the trick for a while. If needed, I will quickly explain a plot point or faction mission to them. If they want to wander around the store for a bit and miss some combat rounds, so be it.

We have to remember that these young kids are going to grow up one day. That 8 yr old disruptive kid might turn into a 5-star GM in ten years. It's up to us, the community as a whole, to teach and encourage them if we want our hobby/passion to thrive.

If it were me, I would focus on how to minimize the kid's disruption to the table, not how to remove him. Talk to Dad and try to work out a solution everyone is happy with.

Also, the suggestions for kids games and breaking up scenarios are great ideas.

I'm not entirely sure if there is an official rule for this. I've read that once a player has started a scenario they can never play it for credit again. But, what you have described is an extreme situation. If it were me, as a GM, and I had players that were stiffed by another judge I would offer to re-run the scenario for them so that they could earn a chronicle sheet.

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for offering their opinions on this matter. As I read your responses I realized that I need to change MY expectations a little. A bit of RP during combat makes it more fun for ME but I can't expect everyone to feel the same way. I'm still learning and honing my craft as a GM so this kind of feedback is very helpful for my development.

I'm not a pushy GM, not by a long shot. I will continue to do my little bit of RP and just accept that everyone brings something different to the table and defines 'fun' in different ways. For me, as a judge, I get the most satisfaction out of knowing the players are having a good time. I enjoy laughter at the table and consider the game a success when I see smiling faces all around. As long as everyone else is getting what THEY want out of the game then all is right with the world. :-)

Mordaith, I really like the effort you are putting into your background. That's the sort of thing that makes RPGs so much fun, IMHO. Some people don't even bother with PFS character backstories and I think they are missing a great opportunity to enhance the fun factor of the game.

Interesting. I would think that the stars would spark curiosity from non-PFSers and be a good in-house marketing tool to get more folks involved in organized play.

one90proof wrote:

I'm sure this list will evolve and grow, but that's all I can think of right now. :-)

That list is an excellent start. Hell, it's more than most do, so it's a good finish, if you never go any further.

Keep us posted on how things go.

Thanks, Drogon!

I decided this morning that I am going to complete a sort of after action review each time I GM...at least for a while. I'll list what I thought worked well, what didn't, and what I think I can improve for next time.

I want to be a great GM. I want players to fight over who gets to sit at my table. I'm only having fun if the players are having fun.