|
At the moment i like that the Legal table size for PFS is between 4-6 players, with GMs having the option of running 3 people tables or 7 person tables in case of emergencies.
There has been plenty of discussion about what table size is "too big" and where the "fun stops".
I am curious about the three person table. Have you had good experiences at a 3 person table? bad experiences? Have you had fun?
What sort of problems crop up when running a 3 person table? Were there things you liked more about a 3 person table?
are 3 person tables too small?
Of course when I am referring to a 3 person table, I am referring to a table with 1 GM, and a Pre Gen NPC, 3 players with their characters.
thanks
|
In my experience, as long as the Pregen to make the table 4 person is selected to fill a gap in the party, four person tables do just fine. I do recommend letting an experienced/trusted player run the pregen (and in some cases, adjust their prepared spells if possible to assist in that 'gap fill'). This keeps pressure off the GM and helps guarantee the pregen is both useful to the party and not just used as a clay pigeon.
|
I have run more three-player tables, than seven. As a GM, I get to do more because the enemies are not quite so hamstrung by economy of actions. Also, it is more likely that the playing will be missing skills/abilities that a full-sized part of six is more likely to have. All-in-all, it makes the game more challenging, but the ratio of character deaths/TPK are consistent with other tables.
My biggest gripe about three-player tables is having to run an NPC, in addition to everything behind the screen. I always hope, in these cases, that the players are willing to control the pregen.
|
As much I hate the way players tend to metagame and treat the iconics as disposable I love 3 person tables.
Within my local group we often end up 8-9 player gamedays which means we usually have one table running 3 + 1 iconic. Occasionally this ends up being tough but most of the time it just means everyone gets more time to shine.
Venture-Captain, Michigan—Mt. Pleasant
|
I've run a few 3 table games, and they seem to flow as well as 4 player games. Of course, I'm one of those that don't see a thing wrong with the pregens, and actually enjoy being able to bring them out (and the minis to go with them). :) A couple of times, the pregens have shined just as much (if not more) than the pc's, just because they had the right skills/abilities that were needed.
|
|
I have found 3 person tables to be an indispensable tool. They are good to handle both over flow. Also being able to run a 3 person table is great, because sometimes I only have 3 players.
One other thing I have found that is enjoyable about a 3 person table, is that the Players have more “face time” with the GM. This has often lead to more role playing, and also, I think the players have to be more creative with their problems solving.
|
|
Only 3 person table I played at I ended up running the pregen and my PC, I just used my black dice to represent the pregens rolls and my silver dice for my rolls (so I could dual roll init/perceptions/skill checks faster).
We tended to keep her off the front line (Kyra isnt a mainline fighter) but she did some nice hits occasionally when there was no point casting a spell or channeling.
No problem with three player tables, although, from my experience locally, unless there is already a cleric in the party, I would put Kyra as THE most-used pregen.
|
|
80% of my games are one person, the others are 2 or 3 persons. Being nearly impossible to gather 6 adults and myself for game all at once, our group does the best it can. I have one full time player who never misses, plus another one who attends when he can. it makes it difficult, and the full time player often has to get hirelings. He has two main characters- a low level to quest with the guy who is spotty, and a high level which he uses for single quests. We do what we can. It's just very difficult to keep players; it's like herding cats.
|
|
I think the scenarios, as a rule (there are notable exceptions!) are a bit underpowered. So I've seen many 5 & 6 player tables walk through them without much excitement.
3 player tables though - they tend to have a LOT of fun and while challenging it is not usually overwhelming. Also, as others have said, the role playing peaks with such a small group which is an added great bonus.
|
|
Like 3 player tables (with an Iconic), both as a player and as a Judge.
Resently had a 5 player table of First Steps have two players bail after 3 encounters.... I tossed in an Iconic and was really sweating the last encounter - but it all worked out and a good time was had by all.
Don't worry 3 or 5, I managed to TPK my party in round 1 with 5 people. So I'm not so sure the # of players seem to matter.
It depends on whether you're playing one of the creampuff scenarios, or one of the unholy grind scenarios. Three players + pregen work well for the former and not so well for the latter.
|
I ran for three people last night in a tier 3-4 scenario. I used the fourth-level rogue. Usually when there are only three players, I wind up running a cleric, mostly as a healbot. This scenario had a lot of undead so I'm glad the NPC wasn't needed for all the heavy lifting.
Three-player sessions move very quickly. We finished in 3.25 hours, thanks to a fifth-level character playing down. (Also, I usually prepare one or two maps in advance.)
thanks,
Kodger
|
|
I would always prefer 3 person tables over 5 person tables.
Thats the main point I couldn't understand in the PFS-Rules.
Why not allow 4 People to play together?
With 3 players everybody gets more "me" time and they still are able to work together to accomplish most of the dventures.
I would really like to hear from Michael why the choose not to allow them.
|
|
From my understanding, now i may be wrong, the legal table size is 4-6 players. GMs/coordinators are allowed at their own discression to run either a 3 person+1 pregen or a 7 person table if they need to make things work and get a game running.
Thanks for the posts i have enjoyed reading this thread
|
|
My one 3 player table was very slow compared to both of my 7-player tables. I think it depends on the players.
Players who can't make decisions, players who aren't ready for their turn (happens even with 3 players), players who don't know their spells, players who roll dice one at a time and can't count, all increase the amount of time it takes to play exponentially.
|
|
More players is good, 'cause it's more players playing. But a 3 player table with an Iconic is often better than a 4 player table. IMHO
In your example, imo I'd rather have an optimized archer fighter than a 4th level Kyra.
My home group has had no healer for about 5 scenarios now, and it hasn't hurt them as much as you think. More firepower means a lot less damage, and you just heal up between encounters.
OK, sorry to derail.