Tumatan44's page

I'm curious how long it takes others to run a scenario. The games I'm in usually run 4.5 to 5 hrs long. We tend to get bogged down with knowledge checks and looking up rules, and sometimes we even get slowed down by role playing, I know right. I'm not sure how we can really speed things up without instant recall on rules...

Generally, make a call and move on. Tell the player that the group can look it up after the game, so they don't take up limited session time on such things.

Obviously, if it will determine the removal of a character from the game, take the time to make sure things are correct according to the rules. Taking a player out of the game due to an erroneous rules call is never a good course of action.

Lastly, if it won't break up the flow of the session, or it is something that will benefit the entire table, go ahead and check the rules. It'll help everyone learn how the game is written, especially on rules that the players aren't likely to have a need to look up themselves.

Agree totally. I have gotten much better.

Thanks everyone, some great ideas and feedback.

I think that is my essential point. If the encounter is too difficult that is a fair criticism. That is something that DMs get a feel for over time. Let's be clear when you say 'shouldn't have' you mean 'wasn't written into the adventure path'. I think the writers would be the first to say that no DM should feel bad for changing an ability in a published adventure.

Did you make the snake larger or something Tumatam44?

To tell you the truth it happend so long ago that I dont remember exactly what happened Im pretty sure it was a med snake.

There is a huge difference between "rules lawyer-ing" and a GM not knowing how a core class feature works.

Agreed, but Im getting better, like I said Im a newer GM.

Tumatan44 wrote:

Arloro wrote:

How did wild shape in this case cause said character's death? Confusion with the creature's type while wild shaped?

It was the Goblin Druid on Thistletop, in Rise of the Runelords. He turned into a snake and grappled a Barbarian. Which, apparently, he should not have been able to do at that level of wild shape.

Oops, ignore my previous post. I assumed the issue was one of the group not correctly understanding a player ability.

The players do have a bit of a gripe. As the GM, you do kind of need to have a solid understanding of the creatures that you're throwing up against the party. You don't need an encyclopedic understanding of all of Pathfinder's rules, but you do need a strong understanding of the encounters the party will come across during any given session. This does require a bit of homework between sessions, but that's just to prevent this kind of thing.

Chalk this one up as a learning experience. Going forward, try to spend a bit more time in reading up on the encounters and making sure you understand how the enemies work. It will make your job as GM easier, and your players will be happier, too.

Agree, I'm much more prepaird now.

I'd let the character survive. Or give back the hero points. Or give the replacement character hero points as an apology

I would have, but this happend 3 levels ago the player has re-rolled a new PC. this came up only after the Druid in the group got wild shape and understood it Months later (now). The player who died is not the one with the issue although Im sure she is not happy about her Barbarian dying...

I usually say run as you see fit, then look it up after and do it right from then on.

If a characters life is at risk? Might be worth looking up now. An unfair death is one of the worst things that can happen to a player.

Which we did as a group at the table. I agree its easy enough to die with bad die rolls...

How did wild shape in this case cause said character's death? Confusion with the creature's type while wild shaped?

I'm a newer GM, I freely admit not knowing all the rules and I never will. At my table a while ago we had a character death due to wild shape, which I was unfamiliar with, I had my players look it up and do what we thought was right. Later we found that we misunderstood the rules and the Character death should not have occurred. I have some players now saying that as a GM I should have full understanding of the rules, especially when a character death is involved. I replied that we as a group misunderstood and there is a level of responsibility of the player(s) to double check that any rule is being done correctly. I feel that I should not have to look up every rule I’m one person there are five others sitting at the table with internet access that can look things up in minutes while I try and move the story along. This turned into a bit of a heated disagreement which left me not wanting to GM further. Am I that far off base, that no GM understands every rule? If a table consensus is wrong should the GM take the blame? I’m a very forgiving GM who does not want any PC to die, especially from a misunderstood rule.

Awesome food for thought! You have all touched on the things that made me iffy in the 1st place. Thanks! I will not be allowing leadership until I become a better GM (plenty of room there lol). I guess the problem now is figuring out if this is the type of game he wants to play in, and getting them to think about group dynamics. We are not playing this week so it gives me some time to think about how to approach the issues. Thanks again for your help.

I’m Semi new to GM'ing, and I have never posted anything before so I hope this is in the right place. The group of 5 I’m running through ROTRL is for the most part new, the leader of the group is very experienced in builds and Society Play. He is unhappy with the other player’s inexperience and willingness to learn (which for the most part is true), and the make up of the party. Currently they have a 5th lv cleric with 3 lv's of cleric and 2 of ranger, a 5th level Druid, a 5th lv monk with 4 lv's of monk and 1 of druid. And a 5th level rogue. They are playing core with 15 point buy. To try and make up for the lack of party balance he wants to take the Leadership feat. Here is his plan:

I. Leadership Score (19)
If I earn all of the bonuses (and no penalties), I could reach 19 at 7th-level, 21 at 8th-level, and max out (25) at 12th-level.
A. Level (7)
B. Charisma Modifier (+6)
C. Great Renown (+2)
Hopefully, I'll get this one from being the face of the "Heroes of Sandpoint"
D. Fairness and Generosity (+1)
I am going to privately offer financial support to so many residents of Sandpoint, that my generosity will become an open secret.
E. Special Power (+1)
There is no official ruling on this one. The best idea I've seen on the forums is mundane authority (legal, religious, etc.) My plan is to form (and lead) the Sandpoint Merchant's League (see IV).
F. Base of Operations (+2)
I am going to build a workshop in Sandpoint.
II. Human Resources
A. 5th-level Cohort
Wizard who participates in combat and crafts wands.
B. 5th-level Follower
Cleric who crafts magic arms and armor.
C. 4th-level Follower
Wizard who crafts wondrous items.
D. 3rd-level Followers (2)
Cleric and druid who craft wondrous items.
E. 2nd-level Followers (4)
Cleric, wizard and two martials who transport goods to Magnimar and profits back to Sandpoint.
F. 1st-level Followers (40)
1. Clerks
These will be 10 employees in Magnimar who sell the goods crafted in Sandpoint.
2. Scribes
These will be 10 clerics, 10 druids and 10 wizards who scribe scrolls.
III. Profit Margin (15% of cost, 7.5% of price)
A. Hedge Magician (5%)
This trait will represent my bulk discount when purchasing supplies.
B. Merchant Family (10%)
This trait will represent my skill in running the business.
IV. Merchant League
A. Benefits
Free spell casting services from 34 employees who reside in Sandpoint.
B. Responsibilities
None, because Posh is just that nice of a guy.

Wow right?

Although I think it would be interesting to explore the leadership feat the others in the group are starting to get a little upset with him trying to "Teach" them what to do. I’m very concerned if I allow this, it will create a lot of problems that I’m not experience enough to deal with. Any input would be most welcome.

I bought a large picture frame with glass put a gridded mat in it and use dry erase markers on it. I have had no problems now for 5 years.

should get this today! I have turned my daughters onto tabletop RPG's, they in turn have turned on a couple of their friends, so now we have a loyal weekly group playing Pathfinder. They are 2nd level and about to go on an adventure they will talk about for the rest of their lives! How cool is that!