Questions tagged [gm-preparation]
For questions about the techniques that game masters use to prepare for a game session. (For preparing a campaign, use the [campaign-development] tag instead.)
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Mind-maps conventions, best practices and approaches
I encountered this issue when prepping for a big arc in my campaign, let me explain:
The players are entering a place where there are three main factions (A B C) and possibly minor ones (D E). The ...
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As a DM, how can I manage a group with different amounts of free time?
I've started playing D&D 5e with a group of friends recently. I'm the DM and there are four players. One is still working and is only available during weekends, while the other three (and I) have ...
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As a DM, what changes do I need to make to my preparation when transitioning to online play?
I, like many others, have been forced by the current situation to re-evaluate how my games are played. I current run/play in pathfinder 1e and D&D 5e campaigns that have been played entirely in ...
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How can I get rid of drama fatigue as a GM?
I GM several games each with different systems through the week. However with GM'ing so many games comes a certain amount of drama. The type of drama I would have to deal with once two-three months ...
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How to run a Explore and Search session/campaign? [closed]
So I am planning on running a section of my campaign where the party has to enter a mulitlayers pit, where each layer is a plane with its own eco system, monsters and effects. It's 13 layers stacked ...
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How do I pick a location to play a tabletop RPG?
A group of friends and I have recently purchased a rulebook and pre-made adventure for a fun looking game. None of us have played a tabletop RPG before. We have all the material objects we need - ...
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Starting with D&D: Starter Set vs Dungeon Master's Guide
I have been GMing Call of Cthulhu 7th Ed. for some time and now want to try something different. I would like to go with D&D 5.0 since it will be available in my native tongue in a few weeks - the ...
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How to prepare Cthulhu Confidential (Gumshoe One-2-One)?
I'm looking for some practical advice on how to prepare for a session of Cthulhu Confidential. I'm a novice GM with some dozens of sessions of other games under my belt, but this will be my first one-...
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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 ...
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What happens after conceding a conflict, and how much should the winning party gain?
I am starting a game based somewhat off Atomic Robo the Roleplaying Game which is based off Fate Core and in this case it should not really matter.
This will be my first time GMing and first time ...
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What would be good starting encounters in a village to start a campaign? [closed]
Following things are in the village area,
a forest, lots of farms, a tavern, in the forest is an old battlefield.
The PCs are green (lvl1,Novice, ...). The players like dark fantasy.
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What do I do with this NPC "handout"?
I'm setting up to start running some Shadowrun Missions scenarios for my gaming group. We're starting with Season 2 (available free here), converted from SR4 to SR4A.
I'm very confused by the "...
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How can I effectively map a multi-level dungeon?
My players are getting awfully close to entering a multi-story pagoda dungeon that exists in my game. I think it'll be a fun adventure, but I find that I am worried about trying to map it all out for ...
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Assign mini 'secret' quest to one of the party members? [closed]
I'm planning a Dungeons and Dragons campaign set in a province undergoing a separatist insurrection. I want the theme/shtick of the campaign to be the idea of choices and unintended consequences. The ...
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How can I kill a tough druid NPC off-scene for the sake of the plot? [closed]
In a campaign I made myself, there is an 8th-level Druid NPC (good guy) that have an item that I want the bad guys to steal (killing him in the way, for dramatization).
My main concern is that he ...
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