Running the same plot multiple times

[Windquake]

So, I have a new plot I am going to try running in a few months. But, I have 3 different possible groups (college friends, work friends, family). There is little mingling between the groups.

Has anyone tried to run the same story/plot with multiple groups, one after another?

What were the pitfalls you ran into?

[aeglos]

I ran Rise of the runelords for 2 groups at the same time (one group every friday, the other group every 2 month saturdays)
the biggest problem was to remember which informations where available to which group

[KenderKin]

maintaining GM interest! ;)

[Felgoroth]

I've done this before and what's mentioned above are both major downsides. Usually when I run multiple groups at once but don't want to run the same thing I'll run a more "good" campaign and a more "evil" campaign. With 3 groups though you could technically run a "neutral" campaign but I'm not exactly sure how that would pan out.

[Kolokotroni]

I think aeglos' comment is the most important. What information have they gained, what have they missed, how well or badly did interactions with important npcs goe? This would be extremely difficult to keep track of.

[Bwang]

Was a player in Sunless Citadel 6 different times, metagaming was a great temptation.

As GM, keeping a flow chart will help, as will PENCIL notes in the text, so you can track what has been covered. PostIt notes also help. any points you had problems with before should be noted as well. if you really have problems with parts, swap out the offenders. Remember, switching 'nature' encounters to 'Undead' one can so alter the adventure the same players can be thrown.

[Windquake]

Thanks everyone.

I suppose keeping me straight on what has happened in each game will be the tough part.

I have ran the same plot for two different groups, but they were both active in the same timeline, approaching it from two different directions. It was kind of interesting.

But, given what everyone else has said, I will probably NOT do this.

[Major_Tom]

Frankly, there is no reason not to. Getting a good bang for your buck, using the same module/adventure for three different groups.

I have done this numerous times. Just make a few notes so you know where each group left off at the end of their last session.

Also, I have found it most entertaining. Each different group will approach the adventure differently, biggest difficulty is avoiding temptation - when a prior group has come up with a beautiful solution to a problem, and the next group is fumbling their way through it. Also, I have made changes when the first group exposed a clear weakness/flaw, to end up with a better module for the second group.

[Gluttony]

I'm running Jade Regent for two groups at once now, and one of the groups has gotten partway through it before.

What aeglos said is probably the toughest part. I take lots of notes though. Obsessively. That probably also goes a fair distance towards explaining why I don't lose interest.

I'm also simultaneously playing in a game run by one of the players in the "been through some of Jade Regent before" group. Whenever we get bored of the AP, we switch back to his adventure for a bit.