We were discussing doing a triple session of PFS over a long weekend, running the complete First Steps arc, and then another arc or two. I've heard Quest for Perfection is a good arc to play.
Given that the next long weekend is Easter, I'm wondering how much lead time is required to actually run PFS games. Both in terms of preparation and in terms of official polices.
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There is no official lead time necessary.
Basically the only thing limiting how short of a lead time you need, is how long you think it will take to fill out your table.
If you already have 6 players (actually minimum 4) and a GM committed, you could set it up right this second, and then start playing the next second.
Thanks, that answered my main question. I think if I read the scenarios in advance and take good notes, and run 2 scenarios a day, with a 2 hour Lunch (and review) break between them, I can pull it off.
Seems like a good way to spend the Easter weekend.
Alright, I've announced that I'm giving it a shot to our local VGG community. I should also announce it to the regional list here on Paizo.
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Generally I personally read the scenario through once without stopping. Then again with highlighers - one color for skill checks, one color for faction missions, one color for answers to questions I think will come up
then I skim it a third time for any spells or items I need to look up, or any obscure rules content (underwater rules/ poison / smoke/ cold weather) and skim the thread in the GM section on the board for that scenaro.
All in all, the first two read through usually take me 2 hours. Printing things and finding minis take me about another hour.
so it take me 3 hours if I have time.. I can usually cut it to 2 if I combine my first two read throughs, but I find I miss some minute detail that way...
That's me - I know people who can prep a game in 15-20 minutes
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I like to do it by tasks.. Some of these things take very, very little time on some scenarios and lots on others. Here's my "punch list":
1) Read the scenario twice over so I have a rough idea of the plot.
2) Draw all the maps (usually on a blank flip-mat) for all the combats.
3) Draw all the maps (usually on a blank flip-mat) for all the RP sessions. Usually, there is a vague description of the room.. I do this so it's not "OH @#$% A MAP WE ARE IN COMBAT PLEASE LET ME BUFF EVEN THOUGH MY CHARACTER DOESN'T KNOW WE ARE IN COMBAT" from certain people at my table.
4) Find /all/ the monsters/BBEG, print the stat box seperately so I have a handy reference.
5) Make sure I have appropriate pawns/minis/colored Starburst/tokens/whatever for all the combats and RPs.
6) Research all the spells/abilities that will be used and print seperately.
7) Write down "voice acting" notes. (This guy talks like Morgan Freeman. This guy talks like Mark Hamill's Joker. etc.)
8) Print out all the handouts.
9) Print out all the faction missions.
10) Print out my session sheets.
11) Run through the scenario with a pregen. (I read this. What questions would I ask the GM? I try to grapple. Do I know the CMB? Somebody in this rp goes hostile. Do I know those stats?) I actually read this one out loud so I know it cold.
12) Make sure I have all the books, charts, dice, supplies, pens, whatever I might need.
13) Snacks.
*At the table*
14) Introduce everybody, give the general "product description" so people know what we're running, what tier, etc. so they can select the appropriate character.
15) Check all PC character sheets for legality and make sure I know what their abilities do and how they interact with BBEG, etc.
That's a rough punchlist by memory.
Usually takes me two/three hours depending on complexity of scenario and the tier (low tiers are easier, less abilities and complicated math).
Hope that helps.
Yes, the tips definitely help, thanks for some good ideas, especially the one about voice notes.
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I like to do it by tasks.. Some of these things take very, very little time on some scenarios and lots on others. Here's my "punch list":
*At the table*
14) Introduce everybody, give the general "product description" so people know what we're running, what tier, etc. so they can select the appropriate character.
15) Check all PC character sheets for legality and make sure I know what their abilities do and how they interact with BBEG, etc.
Hope that helps.
Wow, you check all sheets at the table every time? I rarely check sheets, but I have had some really odd builds offer to show me their sheets and how the numbers add up.
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I would add:
Before you get to the table:
1) Many of the creatures have templates attached.
2) Build template added BBEGs
3) Quickly review the Mod on the GM section, making sure you built your templates correctly.
4) Use post-it or other sticky flags (if using physical books) or build a hyperlink page (if using PDFs or online PRD materials) for the things that gave you pause. Chances are a player will ask, and being able to instantly access the rule just makes life easier, and play quicker.
5) Be prepared to disappoint by bringing various errata with you. I have had a a decent number of Wildblooded/Crossblooded sorcerers get upset at me because I carry the ruling by Mike Brock, printed out, with me because I got tired of saying, "sorry, that isn't legal." For next session, I also have the no more bracers of Falcon's eye, because I know at least one of our players has the item, and I know he never, ever, ever believes me when I say, "that is not legal, sorry."
6) Be prepared to be wrong. I am wrong every day of my life, at least once, and I am ok with that. If there is a question, I encourage my players to call it to my attention. Generally a quick exercise of my Search-Fu can resolve the issue. I also compile a personal FAQ of issues that arise at the table. (ex. Wizard summons 1d3 Dire Bats to get the party across the chasm. Dire Bats have Str of 17, which means light load is up to 86 lbs. “Flying mounts can’t fly in medium or heavy barding.” Core Rule Book, Page 162.
“A medium or heavy load counts as medium or heavy armor for the purpose of abilities or skills that are restricted by armor. Carrying a light load does not encumber a character.” Core Rule Book, Page 169.)
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After you review character sheets, ask the player for information you don't generally need or use. (Mounted Combat is the info I most often ask for.)
I did Goblin Guild on my checklist in 90 minutes, Akinra's advice is also spot on. (I print each page of the book from my PDFs instead of bookmarking/hyperlinking in my home games, I use her way to do it if I'm at a con and don't have my duplex color laser printer with me)
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Here is a question...
How often do GMs question the load/encumbrance of characters?
Also, even though I always have trail rations on my characters, in 13 games I have not seen the need to actually use them.
Finally, on the question of load... if the scenario takes place in a town/city, do you assume that the characters are hauling around ALL of there stuff? Examples: Alchemists Kit/Lab, full spell books, food, bedroll?
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Here is what I think GM should do before running a game, because it's really obvious, and much less fun, for the players when this doesn't happen.
[1 - 6]
This takes maybe an hour or two of prep work, but it makes the game run SOOO much more smoothly, and everyone, including you, will have more fun as a result.
This is pretty much exactly what I do to great success. Since I have the PDF of the Bestiaries, it makes it very convenient to print them off, but you could likely just as easily have the book open with post-its holding your place.
The minis for the bad guys are my weakness. After D&D 4e, I got spoiled on monster tokens or pogs or whatever you want to call them. It's great for discerning who's friend (miniatures) and who's foe (pogs), but the selection isn't extensive and it comes off kind of flat (pun only slightly intended).
As for maps, I rather enjoy drawing them out, even with my total lack of drawing skills. But that's partially because I don't have access to the flip mats or map tiles.
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**Cool list**
I'll add several.
I look at each faction mission to see how it may disrupt or augment the main mission. What are the key clues I'm supposed to drop? Is it on the same track or a sidetrack? 1-5 minutesIf I think up a good NPC line (funny, creepy, etc.) I'll scribble it down.
For modules in unusual settings(non Varisia/tapestry/Absalom)I look through the Inner Sea World Guide to have flavor to share as PCs prepare or travel. 3-10 minutes
And though it takes time, I rewrite summaries of monster stats to as few pages as possible (1-2 usually), esp. if they're fighting together or could. I put optional buffs/misc. modifiers in brackets. This also helps as a memorization/familiarization tool so I'm not holding up combat.
10-30 minutes, but valuable in keeping combat smooth and dramatic.
If it's a densely populated map, I'll scribble a copy with notes in the rooms plus response time (if in module), i.e. "2 Bugbears, 1-3 rds to rm. 1." Sometimes PER bonus too. It's easier to see the flow of enemies that way. 5-15 minutes.
I also write a short note for each non-CRB spell in the module (range/duration mainly). 0-10 minutes.
Though I have yet to run a chase scene (whew), I'd look at a way to make it more 'alive' at each stage than the standard board game run through, and contemplate how PCs might move 'off board' with different tactics/spells. Time unknown. 10 min?
And because it's fun (though useful too), I walk through the placement and tactics of the villains vs. a balanced party, and sometimes imbalanced parties too if I sense there might be an issue (i.e. swarms vs. few casters party, or golems vs. heavy caster party).
If it's high level, then I think through common experienced PC tactics (Dim Door/TP entrance, all invisible party, all flying party, maneuver specialists, Silence/Tentacles/Walls, mega-buff assault, etc.)
Essentially, it's a big "What If" party in my head.
Time varies.
Cheers,
JMK