Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
My real question concerns the maps of Carrion Crown. I tend to put the effort forth in making large grid maps (we don't have much computer support) for each dungeon and I was wondering if it is better to draw it as they explore it, or have all non-secret chambers and doors drawn and just describe as they move through them. I have the capabilities to make a map of even the interior areas found in the 6th book, but the first method slows the game down and can easily lead to errors while the second method may be spoilery.
Oh and does anyone else not mind if their players write on item cards associated with the adventure path?
That being said, this is my first time running for this particular group and it is like watching a concussed puppy try to go down an especially fast up escalator. It gets there eventually, but is in no shape to do much. The party's current composition are a Gunslinger, an Arcane Archer (replacing the dead summoner), a Rogue with no trap finding, a Ninja (replacing the pile of dust that was the fighter) and a brand new Cleric of Pharasma (who replaced the Sorceress that replaced the Magus) with the Oracle, being the only character who originally had magic healing or any Knowledges beyond Local, having left the game for good (as well as being the only person besides me who bothered to learn any rules) and I am seriously wondering how they are going to make it through the final adventure. So far the biggest single reason they have survived is the Rogue's ability to UMD a wand of Hold Monster and the Gunslinger never being afraid to wade in and Coup de Grace. I have actually had to hold a class in place of a gaming session to teach them how Base Attack bonuses, Saving Throws, Skill checks, and Spell Casting work which would be excusable if it didn't happen after more than a year of gaming, during Book 5 of Carrion Crown. The ONE good thing is that when the player made the Cleric of Pharasma she based it off domains and chose Healing and Knowledge because the party finally realized how useful those were and not off the campaign itself, as they had forgotten any associated benefits of Pharasma and were mystified when I explained them. They also tend to forget they have Harrow Cards until the moment of death and only after a not so subtle reminder to read Box X from their character sheet. I am rather afraid of implementing things like Hero points or the Pathfinder Society Fame/Prestige options. In fact they seem to forget anything but the weapon in hand at that moment, with the exception of the rogue, who has the tendency to be less effective as a player as more people appear in the party. This does not count the fact that his average roll is 3 and his most common die roll is the Nat 1.
Sorry, I needed to rant to people who may understand the desire to just shake one's head sadly, give a loud drawn out sigh, stand up and walk away with no further explanation. Is there any good way to avoid burnout? We've already had one break due to player issues and the players are still having fun. My enjoyment is back and forth due to the fact that I feel that they don't seem to pay attention beyond the moment at hand.
This may sound obvious, but...did you talk to them about that?
"Guys, I know this game is a lot of fun for you, but frankly: I'm not really enjoying it because I have to not only know the AP and the general rules but also have to constantly tell you which rules you have to apply where. I'm not asking for you to memorize all of the rules, just to sit down for one evening and read the general rules and how your character works. If you have trouble understanding some of the rules, just ask me."
Or the opposite: Don't help them during combat, ask them afterwards why they did not do XY which would've make combat far easier. "Oh, by the way, why did you always add +5 to your attack? I'm fairly certain your attack bonus is +12...you should go over your character sheet after the session." or something alike.
I understand where you're coming from. In my game, I reached a point of burnout sometime around Wake of the Watcher, mostly due to a player problem I was having. However, now I'm halfway through Shadows of Gallowspire and more enthusiastic than ever.
I had to find something within our game, something outside of my player problems, to get excited about. For me, it was coming up with some plot changes that I introduced in book 5. I really wanted to change up certain plot points to make them more meaningful for my group, and that got me pumped all over again. And seeing those threads unfold made it all worth it and renewed my excitement for the campaign.
So, I guess all I can tell you, find something that you are good at and find a way to incorporate that into your game. Outside of giving entire lectures to your players, you'll still have your original issues. However, finding something else to focus your energy on instead of their shortcomings or problems helped me immensely.
I know that probably seems like a weird answer, but it's what worked for me. If you're really good at painting or making custom minis, make some truly awesome miniatures for some of the upcoming key encounters that will just wow your players. If 3D terrain is your thing, make some really stand-out locales that your group won't forget. Seeing them excited, not frustrated, might kickstart your excitement again too. Just a thought.
I've just ENJOYED a 4 week break from DM'ing and just played. But we are lucky in that in our group of 6, 4 are happy to DM. I used the time to recharge, generate new ideas and even do some game admin!
End of the day it is about fun and if you need a break, talk to your players - ask someone else to step up to the plate once in a while - they may even enjoy it.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
@Blackbot - I did talk to them about the rules thing, which is what led to the class, but I haven't mentioned my own lessened enjoyment. I have avoided helping them in combat lately for the most part, with the exception of telling them to sit down and really look at their character sheet. Actually at that point one of the other players looked at that person's sheet and spotted what she was missing.
@ThreeEyedSloth - I'm glad to hear you've got that motivation and I thank you for your advice. I am noticing that having the maps prepared is helping me too. I think I'm going to see if we can change gaming locations. There are a lot of issues with where we game that aren't helping the matter at all. I have tried making minis for certain characters and that helped a LOT in Harrowstone. I'm actually working on finding images of the major NPCs in CC and making minis like the Bestiary Box thing for them.
I guess one of the problems I am running into, which will be solved in Book 6, is that certain players are really keen on combat heavy sections, while others are into the investigative aspect and scouting. This leads to them constantly splitting up the party. Which wouldn't be too bad except the rogue's ability to share notes is made of hilarious fail. I think I am going to rule that as long as the rogue gets back fine she anything I told her is relayed to the party unless she holds stuff back. I write this here as your comments made me realize part of what I need to change to help fix certain issues and wish to thank you.
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