Graham Spearing 🔜 Grogmeet Convention

@firstage.bsky.social

I usually have my head in the clouds.

Hubby, Dad, Papa, Brother, Gamer, Geek, Replicant. I did a lot of FGU in the 80s.

Also available in Supermarionation.

Bloggage: https://farhavens.ttrpg.uk/

@firstage.bsky.social

Included in a new 'GM Onboarding' message! More: - Accelerate scenes by narrating the outcome - Tell players they have found all the clues in a scene - Use 'Breaks' as timing support - Allow for the complexity of your game system - Rehearse your game intro to get you into play as quickly as possible

@firstage.bsky.social

This is pure gold from @michellicopter.bsky.social. I love that it contains a straightforward outline as to why a safety culture is essential at our #ttrpg cons, some core tools, and practical thoughts on how to apply them in the real.

And... safety applies throughout the con, not just in games.

Michelle Kelly@michellicopter.bsky.social

Very much agree - and many con GMs don't even bother with the lip service! I have so many opinions on this topic I made a video earlier this year youtu.be/ey110I6cCm4

youtu.beSafety Tools: How UKGE and TTRPG Conventions Can Do BetterYouTube video by EUphoria AP
@firstage.bsky.social

Some helpful pointers from @evilgaz.bsky.social for #ttrpg convention GMs on planning how to fit your adventure into a session duration.

Gaz@evilgaz.bsky.social

Quick tips: aim to finish early and you'll probably land more like on time! Have modular scenes / encounters you can drop / add. Don't be frightened of telling the players if you (and they) need to push the pace. You're all in it together. Timing can come with practice, run more games 😁

@firstage.bsky.social

I think convention organisers such as yourselves do a great deal to encourage. This doesn't always translate to the devolved actual table experience. I don't want this to become a lukewarm take!

@firstage.bsky.social

Yes! Honest use of tags and descriptions. If you are going to run something with very mature themes, be clear about what they are and run a quick lines and veils. There is no excuse.

@firstage.bsky.social

Hot take 2

GMs need some help in fitting a #ttrpg session into a 3/3.5/4 hour session duration. A summary of techniques to bring a session together, with a meaningful conclusion within the time available. It can be done, but you need to be mindful about time management.

Over-running is poor GMing.

@firstage.bsky.social

As important as they are, most con #ttrpg GMs in the UK only pay lip service to safety tools. They simply aren't used. People may note that they will use X-cards or open tables, but they aren't in evidence, and safety is not outlined at the beginning of the session.

A more directed approach needed.

@firstage.bsky.social

Midweek during the day online games are becoming a thing too, for late bloomers like me. Also for other people on shifts, part time, or not working during the day for other reasons. It's a time pressure, even for me, what with pilates, gym, coffee dates and country walks. I don't know how I cope.

@firstage.bsky.social

You know how it is... I have flitted on from 4e, but would definitely go back. I ran my game on Role VTT, so simplified the online to game experience. Were I to return, I would run in Foundry in a heartbeat. It was a moment of nerdy pride to get the character builder running on my Linux desktop.

@firstage.bsky.social

I love this version of the game. Ran a great campaign over the Covid period that was important to me. The digital tools still work and support the GM, and the Foundry VTT implementation is very good.

Logo with the words: "Dungeons & Dragons, 4E Renaissance"
@firstage.bsky.social

Thank you Simon! We continue to look to improve, and work with the venue to do the best we can. I have my eye on a couple of nuances. There was a great vibe in the bar on the Sat eve, with much convivial chat over some drinks, with the bar closing at 23:45. (Organisers all game throughout too. 😃)

@firstage.bsky.social

My first time out with Aegean and it seemed to play really well. It would benefit from a mini campaign where you explore the linked development of the heroes and their polis.

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