I'm looking to improve my overall mastery of the PF rules. As in core rulebook + APG + GG. My group has been running Microlite 20 (they were new to RPGs) and now is thinking of getting a bit more crunch and options.
It's been a while since I played D&D 3.5 and even longer since I ran it as GM.
So...I'm looking at the 576-page core rules and thinking...what is the best way to master it? I'd really like to have the system down cold.
I started by going through the combat chapter with a fine-tooth comb. I'll probably sound horribly geeky but I made flashcards ;-) I just don't want things to bog down during combat. Unfortunately, the PF GM screen is missing some things that I think are important to have at hand during game play...e.g., eventually table 8-2 (actions in combat) will be pretty much second nature but I'd rather have it on the screen instead of experience points and treasure per encounter, which I never need during gameplay.
After combat, I figured I'd roll up a few characters (one in each major type) and then advance them through a few levels to get the skills/feats down. And have a few NPCs for the game ;-)
Other sections that probably need some study are skills, feats, and stuff like movement and environment.
Anyway...other than just "playing it a lot," what techniques have you used to master the rules?
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For me, its read, reread, and reread some more. I've been running D&D since 91. And sadly I now live in an area where there are very few players. We can only get together about once a month. But in the meantime, I constantly read and reread the corebook, the bestiary, and to a lesser extent, the GMG. I find that if I have any spare time, I end up using it to look through the books and reread. You'd be amazed at how the stuff just starts sticking in your head after awhile. Of course, I'm disabled and now have all the free time in the world, but yeah. My advice is just read the heck outta it.
Read, Play, reread, play again.
Improvise in play and reread later, better be wrong than slow the game.
That is.
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Anyway...other than just "playing it a lot," what techniques have you used to master the rules?
1) If you have the opportunity, join a game with others who already play - either attend a store games day or play at a convention - and you'll pick things up observing how other players and GMs do it. Actually, attending a four-day convention, and you'll play at a different table of players each day, and experience many different play styles in a short period of time. You might even strike up some new friendships with current players who can help you beyond the convention.
2) An astonishing number of GMs in the Why Do You GM For Pathfinder Society thread claimed the reason they started GMing Pathfinder Society was to improve their rules knowledge. There's nothing like being put on the spot and having to look rules up quickly to keep the game moving. When GMing, don't be afraid to ask the players at your table answers to rules questions either, as chances are the Cleric in the party knows a lot more about his spell list than you do, the Monk knows a lot more about grapple and acrobatics than you do, etc. Players are always happy to tell you everything they know about their character's stuff if asked, it's getting them to shut up that's often the problem. So use the players at your table as learning resource.
These methods have worked for me :-)
Cheers,
DarkWhite
I'm looking to improve my overall mastery of the PF rules. As in core rulebook + APG + GG. My group has been running Microlite 20 (they were new to RPGs) and now is thinking of getting a bit more crunch and options.
It's been a while since I played D&D 3.5 and even longer since I ran it as GM.
So...I'm looking at the 576-page core rules and thinking...what is the best way to master it? I'd really like to have the system down cold.
I started by going through the combat chapter with a fine-tooth comb. I'll probably sound horribly geeky but I made flashcards ;-) I just don't want things to bog down during combat. Unfortunately, the PF GM screen is missing some things that I think are important to have at hand during game play...e.g., eventually table 8-2 (actions in combat) will be pretty much second nature but I'd rather have it on the screen instead of experience points and treasure per encounter, which I never need during gameplay.
After combat, I figured I'd roll up a few characters (one in each major type) and then advance them through a few levels to get the skills/feats down. And have a few NPCs for the game ;-)
Other sections that probably need some study are skills, feats, and stuff like movement and environment.
Anyway...other than just "playing it a lot," what techniques have you used to master the rules?
Playing, reading, and debating online. A lot of rules are not clearly written, and it took me a while to get the idea of designer intent(very important for game balance) vs what is in the book.
edit:You don't really have to debate, but at least reading the messages here and on the WoTC site will help you understand things.
Read, Play, reread, play again.
Improvise in play and reread later, better be wrong than slow the game.
That is.
Spot on.
For out of game 'experience' discuss rules, builds and classes. I like your flash cards idea. as I have heard, "If it's dumb and it works, it's not dumb." :)
It could be useful to 'practice' some fights, but I would say find someone that is also interested in learning the rules. Then you each play a team of 'fighters' to see how it works. Be sure to build the teams with lots of *different* feats.
Enjoy your gaming!
GNOME