Hello everyone.
I'm fairly new to the PbP scene, I'm actually playing in a couple games and waiting for GameDay VIII to start to play some PFS. I would really like to play more though, but it seems that there are not many GMs wanting to run the adventures I'd like to play.
On another thread a user told me that "someone should step up and start GMing", and sincerely I thought he was right. There are some adventures I want to GM, but I'm reluctant to start GM in PbP because I've read it's more difficult than GMing F2F games.
Now, I admit that the difficulty is not the only problem in this matter: I have issues with my attention span, something I'm working on with my psychiatrist (yes, I see a psychiatrist and I don't feel ashamed about that), will probably need to take some sort of meds to help my concentration. This, combined with the feeling that I'll be the worst GM in the universe (even if I've already GMd some IRL and VTT games and even been called "the best GM there is") are things that are holding me back from GMing on these messageboards.
I've already read Painlord's Guide, and think that with some experience on the field I should be able to become a decent GM (even if, as I've said, my inferiority complex states otherwise), but still the fear of failure is present and oppressing.
Now that I have explained to you my problems I ask you: should I start GMing now, or should I wait for the right, better time? Maybe I could start with a brief module (my idea from the start), and with the help of a more experienced GM?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
should I start GMing now, or should I wait for the right, better time?
With GMing, there is no better time! Best to just jump right in with both feet.
I've only GM'd PbP, but I can't conceive of any circumstances under which PbP would be harder than FtF. If you've been successful at that, PbP should be a breeze. The only concern I might have that the slow pace of play can really be a drag, especially if you're someone like me whose enthusiasm and available time ebbs and flows over the course of months....
The only concern I might have that the slow pace of play can really be a drag, especially if you're someone like me whose enthusiasm and available time ebbs and flows over the course of months....
This. This is something I should have mentioned in my post: I'm also working on addressing my problem with consistency. The reason why I have no longer a F2F group is that I had big problems with my consistency. As I've said I'm working on the issue, but I fear I won't be able to take from start to end even a brief adventure. I've made some little progress in the last months, but I still have to work hard to be consistent.
Absolutely go for it.
I'd recommend telling your prospective players you are a first time PbP DM in your opening post of Recruitment. That way you get people who are willing to work with you, who will be patient and understanding.
For your first online game I'd personally suggest that you either run just a module or the first book of an AP, ideally one you've read through more than once and maybe even playtested IRL or thru VTT. If you want to do homebrew, I'd recommend the same thing, some shorter adventure you have playtested IRL.
Working with something you know well and have played thru will really help cut the stress, thereby making it easier on you to deliver what you have promised. And at the end of the book/module/adventure, you'll have a better idea of if this is for you, and can decide from there if you want to continue with the same group and story
GMing online can be very rewarding. It's true that even "quick" online games are slow as molasses. But therein also lies the format's real strength: Everyone has time to say exactly what they mean to say and the potential for real roleplaying is strongly enhanced. Plus, there is a great record of how the game has gone so far.
Try a short adventure and ask everyone to commit to a 1/day posting schedule. Understand that real life happens and posting usually slows to a crawl on weekends.
I have run a face-to-face game for more than forty years and I also now run six online games. They are very different, but equally rewarding.
If you want the experience of tabletop GMing, GM a tabletop game. But if a slower pace and deeper experience sound good, dive right in!
I started GM'ing basically the way you suggested: the GM disappeared mid-recruitment and I decided to pick up the game myself. I've been doing it for years now. I don't think it's harder than face to face. And truthfully, especially at lower levels, it may require no more than 15 minutes a day of commitment (sometimes even less depending on what's going on in the adventure).
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My big suggestion for you would be to be very upfront with your players in your recruitment. Not just that you're a first-time GM, but also the other concerns you list in this thread. Let them know that that's something they may have to be aware of. I would also say the other thing you should absolutely commit to is coming in and telling your players if you need/want to stop. I don't mind when a game ends; sure it's disappointing, but real life happens. I LOATHE when a GM or player just disappears, though.
Have you considered running a game via Virtual Table Top such as Roll20? PbP games require daily interaction whereas you can schedule a VTT game to suit your needs.
The answer is "yes". If you want to GM, just go for it!
Have you considered running a game via Virtual Table Top such as Roll20? PbP games require daily interaction whereas you can schedule a VTT game to suit your needs.
I've already GMd VTT games, but had little luck with them. I think PbP will better suit my needs, or at least I hope so.
Then why for art thou waiting? Go get started.
I see that you're running the Price of Immortality series. I ran this during my game at the local shop. May I recommend checking out the PFS scenario, The Immortal Conundrum, as it makes for a nice epilogue to this trilogy.
I see that you're running the Price of Immortality series. I ran this during my game at the local shop. May I recommend checking out the PFS scenario, The Immortal Conundrum, as it makes for a nice epilogue to this trilogy.
I will keep this in mind, thank you for the heads up.
