#TTRPG TOOT TOPIC TODAY:
Holiday One Shots
I am a big fan of coordinating games around the holidays. Halloween, Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa, Valentines Day, etc.
I take this opportunity to introduce my players to new systems (we mostly play #PF2e ) and especially like one-page RPGs. They're quick and easy!
Some suggestions:
Tearable RPG
The Witch is Dead
Goblin Gangsters
If you think you want to do something more significant:
Any Powered By the Apocalypse #PbtA game is a good choice!
Been awhile since I've done my #ttrpg toot topics! Time to get back on it.
TOPIC: Prep time
New GMs have _no clue_ how much time to spend prepping for a game. And it's hard to predict how quickly your players will move through your prepared material!
BE FLEXIBLE: In my open world/west march style games, I reskin encounters all the time. Prepared goblins but they fought dwarves? Just make them dwarves.
BREAKS: Use breaks to your advantage, a 15 min break is a lot of time to plan!
#ttrpg TOOT TOPIC TODAY: Playing Online
A lot of groups either migrated to playing online or started online over the last 3 years.
Quick Tips:
1. Keep it simple! Lower the bar and make it easier for your players to play! You can do a surprising amount in theater of the mind.
2. Pick tools that will make their lives easier. Roll bots, Virtual Tables Tops, etc.
3. Keep the game moving. There are lots of pauses in online games (because people can't see/hear other indicators)
Be confident!
I know how you feel, the pandemic hit and caused one of my games to be cancelled, than I moved!
I thought it would be a while before we played again, but some of my players asked me to give playing via discord another shot, it's been "good" (as in not as good as it would be in person!)
#ttrpg TOOT TOPIC TODAY: Playing in person
I realized the other day while on the bird-site, that there is a whole new generation of GMs who've not played in person! Welcome to you!
Advice:
1. Use and recognize body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures as part of RP
2. Move from behind the screen! (if you can!) Pace, stand up for dramatic effect, jump for joy!
3. SNACKOS: I keep an old Halloween cauldron on my table and reward players with bonus XP for contributing to it!
SNACK
#ttrpg TOOT TOPIC TODAY: Starting Small
One thing common mistake I've seen is players/GMs do is overcomplicate their own lives by choosing to "Go big or go home."
If you're just starting out:
1. Don't run/plan an entire campaign. Run a one shot or two, run a module (3-4 games) run a short campaign (10-12 games) to gain experience and build confidence!
2. Don't overcomplicate your backstory, especially if you're a first time player. Pick a few defining traits, flaws, and connections.
EXAMPLE 3/2: Electric I'm bad at this.
Most of these people either: showed remorse, claimed to be innocent/framed, or begged the PCs for protection. What would you do?
My PCs were struck by indecision when a cleric who had helped them heal injured and sick people, saved the town from a plague, and more was arrested in their town by members of the royal guard for "crimes against the crown". Very vague, they just expected to take this person and leave. Did the PCs let them? No! #ttrpg
Example 2/2
They struggled for DOZENS of games to try and manage this formerly lawless place and try and turn it into something decent.
They were sheriffs, mayors, farmers, you name it. It completely derailed my narrative (in a good way!)
One of the problems they faced is many of the "civilians" were actually fugitives/criminals, and when the place became "safer" the "law"/bounty hunters started showing up for these people who had become contributing members of their town.
MORAL AMBIGUITY example 1/2
In a former game, my party had cleared out what was essentially a giant junkyard, and destroyed the power structure of gangs and villains therein.
A few games later they were in a nearby town (they didn't take a direct route) and were confronted with a large number of refugees as the power vacuum turned into a blood power struggle.
They made the decision to return and try and fix the issues, only to realize managing thousands of people is hard.
MORAL AMBIGUITY continued
So previously, I told you to start small with it, no need for big ticket bad stuffs right off the bat, you have to communicate with your players to expect moral ambiguity throughout your game.
So that way, when you're ready to go big, they're prepared for it and can ideally wrestle with the consequences.
Again, Communicate with your players and let them know early what to expect! Preferably with out you directly telling them. Communicate through your storytelling!