Want to learn to DM play by post


Online Campaigns General Discussion


Hey all, so I'm a very experienced GM in person and on Roll20, but I'd like to learn to DM for play by post campaigns. I've never actually played or GMed a PbP campaign, so I was wondering if someone would like to start a play by post, then either I can take over or I can start a second campaign that the GM can play in. Anyone interested?


My advice is to open a recruitment for a scenario, module, or other reasonably short adventure. Stick with three players or so, normal build rules, and just focus on actually finishing it. Experienced GMs should be able to pick up the differences pretty quick, and completing an adventure will help you truly establish yourself. ^^

Oh, and read this.


I'll second what GM Rednal said. Jump in with something you can aim to finish in a few months' worth of play, and make it happen.

I'll also second Painlord's guide. Very good stuff.


Cool, thanks guys!

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You've gotten generally good advice, though I'd actually recommend five players. That IMO is the optimal number for PBPs. That way if someone drops out -- which isn't an infrequent occurrence, unfortunately -- it's not quite as big a deal. It also means if you have to DMPC someone, you're not taking over quite as much of the gameplay.

Remember, momentum and communication are keys, but if you can GM in person and on Roll20, you can do it in PBP. Good luck!


+1 on five being the optimal number.

I have an observation after playing here for a while: good RPing is (really) nice to have but momentum is key. You'll never complete an pbp AP unless everyone keeps posting regularly, preferably 2-3x per day.


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Here is my 2 cents (I've never GM'd pbp) for what its worth. I like Rednal's advice but would add this; I would read through a completed pbp (or two)that I was planning on running just to give me an idea about the flow or snags or maps. I might even PM the person who ran the pbp and ask if they had any advice.

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