So I come to a dilemma I think some of you guys might have faced, and thought to ask how it turned out, or at least your advice on what I should do. So here's the set up: I like D&D, a lot. I spend way too much time and money on a hobby I rarely get to participate in. It sucks -- immensely. It has become my new mission to get together a group and play (for real this time, I swear). So, as luck would have it, I'm hanging out at work, there's this other cool dude there, and we get to talking and low and behold, he plays! Or played... Both, really. He's like me... Gets a random game every once in a long while.
Anyway... So between him and me (and either of us can DM. He's done it years past, and I'm currently reading the SCAP hardcover, so either way is absolutely fine with me.) we have two people. There's another guy at work, and he'd be three, and maybe even his girlfriend because she's cool like that, strangely enough. And I don't really want to intrude on this other game that goes on after the Sunday Amtgard get together, but a person or two from there might want to join up too. That'd be cool with me. (I'd find more people, but the 6pm-4:30am shift from Wednesday - Saturday kind of limits our abilities to find other people to play with. Only Sunday is available to anyone who works a normal schedule, and even then it's hard enough getting out of bed to go swing foam swords at each other.)
The dilemma comes to where to play. I feel that doing all this work to get a game going, it would fall to me to host. But... My house isn't really that kind of place/house. We could, but my mom would hate all these weird people showing up and being loud and noisy and... Honestly it breaks my fantasy realm when my parents are around. Trying to balance between being geeky weird and being the awesome "good" smart son. There's two levels in my house. I'm on one, with my room and two spare bedrooms with stuff/junk in them (not large enough to game in though), the kitchen and the living room. And then my parents took the entire sublevel for their bedroom, computer room and laundry room (and to the garage). The only way to get away is by being in my room when they're in theirs. They understand my hobbies and what I'm into and stuff, but... They're different from me. My dad plays video games, even though he's been lax about it lately, but the tabletop being weird part... Not really their cup of tea. Yeah, I'm 20, and living at home is starting to get to me (I live at home still for good reasons, no bashing, kk?).
Public really isn't the way to go either, because... Honestly, there's not that much around here. And often getting public places to agree to let you stay there for 4-6+ hours turns out to be too much of a hassle. The other thing is, his wife is cool, hell she might even want to play -- she already does Amtgard. I'd ask him if we can hang out at his house to play, but I'm not so sure about that either. It'd be like putting him on the spot, and I don't really want to do that. Not to mention my argument seems weak if he'd ask why we couldn't meet at my house (it makes sense immensely in my head though). So yeah, I was wondering what happens with you guys? Did someone just go "Hey, play at my place?" Or do you guys meet in public places, or what? It would seem like it'd be my respobsibility, and I agree my argument is kind of weak. But I wouldn't want to do it here if I didn't have to. Sacrifices, I guess. Answers? Comments? Paranoia?
Yes, parents dropping in on your game can be "awkward". And you really can't force your parents out of the house during gametime, if you can problem = solved. But seeing that you are the DM so you are already investing a large amount of time and effort into the game somebody else can probably host it.
Even when my group still lived with their parents we moved the game around so we could play undisturbed, we still go from one house to another these days, spreading the burden of hosting the game.
I've never played in public, so I don't know how that's like.
Just go ahead and ask the prospective members of your group if they can host the game - or put the question more neutral: "Where can we play?" You might want to add that your place would be the least optimal, without explaining the precise reason. If somebody asks or if absolutely no alternative turns up, then you might be forced to explain and work out something.
I would vote against playing in public - it is difficult to find a place which is a) cheap and b) leaves you undisturbed for hours. You can normally find one or the other, seldom both.
To your initial question, we normally change between the homes of the participants when we play. In one round, we never play at the DMs home, as his wife does not like it (even though she played rpgs in the past), and they have two small children, which might be disturbed. (They seem overprotective to me, but thats another topic). So we change between the players in that group, and decide where to play on a case-by-case basis.
Stefan
It really depends on what place is available to your group, I guess.
When I was young and in high school, we'd play wherever we could get a reasonably private and quiet space, be it a corner of the library at lunch hour or after school, or at a parent's place who had a large table or a loft over a garage and was cool with letting us have our time and space.
We'd never play at my parents' place, not only because they might be a little weird with it, but also because the only area in the home was pretty central, and there would be parents and siblings constantly coming and going, causing interruptions.
Now that I'm grown up and moved out, and all my players are too, the place is no longer the problem. My appartment or any of the players' homes work fine for gaming, and because most of us don't have kids yet, interrruptions are few. Because we all have to work to pay for the necessities of life, time has become a real killer, and getting 5 or 6 people together becomes a real pain logistically.
It's one of the trade-offs in the life of a gamer, I guess.
I've found people with girlfriends prefer to host games, particularly if it means doing something with their girlfriend or having to ditch her. I'd imagine it would just be a heck of a lot easier for the guy, so I can't imagine it'd be an imposition. Particularly if it's a whole game group and not just you. Just remember to bring drinks and food and loads of thanks when you go, and to be very complimentary about everything. Tribute and gratitude--that's what the host of any game likes to get.
it really depends on when you can play; a lot of gaming stores host games and you can alway play at a community center or check out a room at some libraries; our college campus had room you could check out; you might check out your community center or some such; they might have a room you can use.
I encountered a gaming group about fifteen years ago who rented a 10'x10' storage room in one of those "self-storage" places. They played at night, used kerosene lamps and one power connection with an extension cord. They put couches and tables inside the room and slid them partially outside when they played, weather permitting. The room cost them $40/month. Their parents didn't let them play at their various houses, but apparently didn't care that their teenagers would disappear for long hours every few nights to parts unknown.
If I was a parent, I'd rather have my teenagers over at my house gaming than out getting into trouble or danger.
I think Valegrim's option is best, though. Find a local library and see if they have "study" rooms available. Our local university has a virtual warren of study hall rooms in their library and you can reserve them in four hour blocks weeks ahead of time. They're rarely used and if I didn't have a place to play, that's where I'd go. Drawbacks are that you have to be quiet and can't really bring tons of munchies and drinks, but to be honest...gaming at 3-4 hour intervals without the distraction of "hosting" would actually be rather pleasant to me.
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I encountered a gaming group about fifteen years ago who rented a 10'x10' storage room in one of those "self-storage" places. They played at night, used kerosene lamps and one power connection with an extension cord. They put couches and tables inside the room and slid them partially outside when they played, weather permitting. The room cost them $40/month.
Wow... that sounds really cool to me, actually. I wouldn't have thought of that.
We host games at my house exclusively nowadays. Back in the days before I lived on my own, we would usually play in my bedroom at my parent's house with the door shut. It wasn't a big issue since there were only 3 players and my room was fairly big (about 14'x16') but there were a few occassions where our noise would wake my parents (even though they were on the other side of the house). Still, for the most part, it was functional. I would DM from the bed while my players sat on the floor against the wall (we usually had some pillows to throw behind their backs). It prevented them from being able to see what I was up to (since I was higher up than them) and allowed me to supervise their rolls pretty easily (for the same reason). My parents knew what we were doing in there and they didn't really mind. I suppose it would be a problem if your parents had an issue with your gaming but that doesn't seem to be your main issue. Obviously, this solution doesn't work if you have A) more than 4 players or B) a very small bedroom.
I had one of those headboards with shelves on it, so that served as my rolling surface. I had plenty of "table" space on my bed, so that wasn't a big deal either. To map out combats, we would tape a piece of graph paper to a bulletin board and use pushpins of different colors to represent the players and monsters. It worked pretty well, actually, but the graph paper needed to be replaced periodically due to the number of holes we were putting in it.
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I encountered a gaming group about fifteen years ago who rented a 10'x10' storage room in one of those "self-storage" places. They played at night, used kerosene lamps and one power connection with an extension cord. They put couches and tables inside the room and slid them partially outside when they played, weather permitting. The room cost them $40/month.
That is pretty cool.
I advise you to ask your group for input. They may have a solution that will make you slap your forehead. Failing that, network. ask everyone you know what they would do. Asking the question here is definitely a fine idea on your part. If you are still unable to find a venue, advertise in your local paper. someone may be willing to do a deal of some sort.
A temporary solution is to play at a restaurant or coffee shop that has comfortable chairs or couches and is quiet enough to get engrossed. As long as members of your group are ordering things, and you tip handsomely, you will be welcome back.
Perhaps you could have a talk to your parents and spouse and have the game in your own home. People are scornful or fearful of things that they don't understand. If you gave them a chance to see you enjoying a game and creating a vibrant story, perhaps fear could turn to pride.
I hope this post does not sound presumptive. Have fun with your game wherever it may happen.
Back in the days... We used to play anywhere. Usually in my friend's bedroom (when he was living with his parents). Sometimes we played in my room (which was quite small), and sometimes we played in this other guy's basement, which was cool since there was a lot of space, a table, some chairs, and peice and quiet.
We even played a few times on a pik-nik table in a nearby park. Sure some people stopped and asked us what it was we were playing (it IS an oddity for those who don't know what it is), and we answered them the best that we could. We saw this as 'spreading the news' and just hoped that we interested those passers-by just enough to maybe get them to buy a book in the future.
Now that I just turned 35 (it's my birthday TODAY!) and I own my own home... I made sure that I had a room dedicated to playing role-playing games. I use my garage (since I don't own a car (just a motorcycle)) that I have decorated to resemble an old dungeon, with rusty chains on the walls, swords, dragon posters, maps, etc... It's really cool.
Ultradan
Now that I just turned 35 (it's my birthday TODAY!)
Happy birthday, and happy gaming in your garage-turned-dungeon.
Stefan
Wow Jetz Geburtztag Utradan!
hehe been 20 years, might have really butchered that one, but the thought is there.
Your garage sounds really cool; I too have a dedicated gaming room in my house complete with swords and plaques on the walls and even a few black velvet fantasy painting so that nobody gets to full of themselves. Walls are almost completely lined with books and bookshelves, a few of my plants and in the center is a table surrounded by chairs of various comfort levels; ie you show up late you get the rickety, uncomfortable chair hehe.
Now that I just turned 35 (it's my birthday TODAY!)
Happy Birthday Ultradan! Perhaps one day, when I return to Montreal I may get to see this garage/dungeon, but regardless, I hope YOU enjoy it.
Your garage sounds really cool...
What's REALLY cool about it, is that I can open the garage door during the summer, and don't get the feeling that we missed a nice day of sunshine when we play a session. It's like playing outdoors, but with all the comforts of being indoors. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
Ultradan
Happy Birthday Ultradan! Perhaps one day, when I return to Montreal I may get to see this garage/dungeon, but regardless, I hope YOU enjoy it.
Thanks for the wishes guys!
And Raider, if you do come to Montreal (or any of you, by the way), just let me know in advance... I'll be more than happy to welcome you in my home.
Ultradan
When my wife and I bought our home two years ago, we both really wanted a room to ourselves (besides the bedroom). So, the house we bought had a finished basement and we turned one of the downstairs bedrooms into our office/gaming room. Its decorated like an office - 4 book shelves, computer desk - but it serves as a gaming room very well. Especially since we bought this for the gaming table.
It folds up amazingly well, and really doesn't take up much room making the office very much an office when not in use. But when it opens up, its more than enough space for the six of us.
One of the best purchases I've ever made, gaming wise.
Greg
I dig your gaming room, Ultradan. Happy birthday!! *sends a case of her hubby's oatmeal stout and a case of her "Enunciator Terminator" (Belgian abbey-style ale)*
I dig your gaming room, Ultradan. Happy birthday!! *sends a case of her hubby's oatmeal stout and a case of her "Enunciator Terminator" (Belgian abbey-style ale)*
(Drinks the stout and thinks: We are what we drink...)
Thanks Lilith!
Ultradan
Big boat it seems then. ;)
We alternate between places, sometimes one of my players will want to host, sometimes I'll host myself. Depends on the situation.
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I am involved in 3 games.
With group A, we play in the kitchen in the home of one of the married couples in the group. This space is OK but I do wish that the table was a little larger. However, the homeowner is working on finishing up his basement, complete with a game room. We will likely move the game down there once he is finished.
With group B, we play in the basement/game room in the home of one the married couples in the group. This space is great as the homeowner has built a table specifically for gaming purposes. He also builds his own terrain, miniature buildings, hallways, and underground environments, all of which we use for the campaign.
With group C, we play in a conference room in one of the buildings on the campus of the University of Utah. This works out great as there is a white board and a large table.