All Questions
Tagged with gm-preparation system-agnostic
14
questions
12
votes
1
answer
472
views
As a GM, how do I build a complete group of players that fit my style and preferences?
I've been GMing for some years now. During that time, I feel like I've developed somewhat of a style/preference with the kinds of games I like to run. While I feel my games can be enjoyed by a variety ...
- 1,221
0
votes
1
answer
208
views
Using Causal Influence Diagrams for Plots and Quests [closed]
I'm analysing the possible outcomes of certain plots in my campaign. At some point I realised that keeping the possible causes and effects in purely text form was inconvenient. Luckily, thanks to an ...
19
votes
6
answers
2k
views
What can I do to help me remember details about the area the PCs are exploring?
I've recently started DMing Curse of Strahd. The players took the bait and ended up in the Death House. Our currently first and only session of this module ended with the party just reaching the third ...
- 57.1k
7
votes
0
answers
324
views
How to give a ''secret agent'' feel to a game? [closed]
I am planning a one on one Fate game and I want it to feel and play like a secret agent story (think James Bond, Bourne, Taken, etc. maybe even a hint of heist movies as well, aka Ocean's eleven)
My ...
- 203
12
votes
2
answers
4k
views
How to run short sessions?
I am currently DMing for a group of people whom I only recently met. We've been playing for some time, but we have a bit of trouble getting together regularly, but since everyone seems to enjoy that, ...
- 17.2k
0
votes
3
answers
475
views
How do you GM well for a party of characters of vastly differing ability and interest [closed]
I'm still looking to be ready to GM an Anima: Beyond Fantasy game and, while my previous problem has still not been solved (shameless plug here), I've run into another one: how to GM for characters of ...
- 67.6k
16
votes
4
answers
2k
views
How to get to know my players' expectations?
I am soon starting a new game with a bunch of new people that I have never played with - and some of them I barely spoken to. I am going to be the GM and will introduce them into the setting that they ...
- 17.2k
24
votes
8
answers
5k
views
How to Format a DM's Notebook for an Open World Game
I've been DM'ing a homebrew sandbox-style D&D 4e game for the past few months, and it's been going well so far. However, the players have finally left the "starting area" of bouncing between three ...
user11008
10
votes
1
answer
410
views
Transitioning from a long running successful campaign to a new game with the same group of players
I have recently completed running an extremely successful, long running campaign that lasted over two and a half years. All the players absolutely loved it, and by the end they were each deeply ...
- 17.8k
18
votes
6
answers
2k
views
As a GM, how can avoid pitfalls common to Generic Point Build Systems?
I'm well aware that point-buy systems (HERO System, GURPS, Mutants & Masterminds, Wild Talents) tend to have a set of common pitfalls associated with them. Players will usually choose Combat ...
user5834
10
votes
4
answers
924
views
Is it a good idea to give our GM ideas/puzzles/riddles for his campaign?
Is it a good idea to give our GM ideas/puzzles/riddles for his campaign?
If it is, how do I bring up my idea without offending our GM?
I don't want him to think that I don't like his campaign or ...
- 255
34
votes
9
answers
3k
views
How do I escape the Quicksand Box?
I have a very significant problem whenever I try GMing any given game; I try to provide a world with a lot of wiggle room for the characters as well as factions/NPCs they interact with. Oftentimes my ...
user5834
12
votes
5
answers
936
views
How do I keep track of "hidden" in game variables without getting bogged down?
I'm currently designing a campaign that has a monumental amount of in-game variables to keep track of, which I'll need to check every time a certain kind of event happens. Reducing the number of ...
user5834
11
votes
8
answers
757
views
Using Boardgames or Card Games to improve GMing or Playing [closed]
Do you know of any cases of successfully using props or cards from board games/card games (all kinds) to run a campaign, ease preparing for a session or the playing itself?
I am interested both in ...
- 4,862