Tips and RPG Online

[mobuttu]

So, I'm about to start a Madhaven game online (rpol.net). It's the first time I GM by forums and I'd like some tips & tricks for how to GMing such games. Especially regarding combat/action pace (to speed think up), amount of information given in each entry, HP/ISP/PPE management, Number of posts, anything that would you do/don't do would be of help.

Thanks.

[Akashic Soldier]

I would just recommend using skype or roll20.net.

Much easier.

[Nekira Sudacne]

I use OpenRPG myself, though I am recently giving roll20 a try.

My tips:

For badguys, keep a notepad up with your combat notes. dosn't have to be much. HP and SDC (or MDC totals), their bonuses to combat and save, and PPE/ISP if necessary. Do not put spell lists or lengthy equipment lists on this sheet--that should be the other one. this keeps it simpler. when you just need to tally damage for how much they have left, or find a bonus to something, it's there, and without clutter distracting from it. when you need to look at a more complicated spell or power, that's a seperate sheet. by seperating the often-needed data from the "important but rarely used data", you make it easy to find both when you need to.

Either make maps before game and upload them when needed, or don't bother making maps at all. nothing kills the flow like half an hour fighting with the map controls.

lastly

Get everyone on Skype or some kind of IM program so you can yell at them when they arn't taking their turn. it's going to happen. someone is going to be watching some youtube video, or browsing some forum, or talking to someone else, and not notice it's his turn. It happens.

[Neo]

Communication is key: Be sure everyone is well aware of the time zone you are operating in and be aware of where the players are playing from. Even though for you 7pm is great, someone from the West coast might just be coming off work and could be late, or someone on the East coast might have to turn in earlier than the rest because they need to sleep.

Also be sure to chat with your players outside of the game, do as Neki suggested and contact them through some sort of IM program. This way if you need to inform them of game changes, or if they need to talk to you about the game you are available. Also because online gaming can take much longer than the face to face version, running small one on one or one on two game sessions with the players might make the regular game quicker.

[mobuttu]

Thanks for the answers,

I plan to play by forums, so no Skype needed. Although I'll use e-mail to inform about game progression and turns as suggested.

Everyone is on the same time zone (in fact, I'll play with my regular RPG group but we want to try playing on-line to expand our RPG weekly dose).

I'm also very interested in turn/combat resolution and management by forum...any ideas?

[dragonfett]

I would recommend heading over to a site like Palladium Knights or Explorers Unlimited and check out some of the game threads there.

All of the play-by-post games that I have been a part of that I was in combat for, the GM had us post all of our actions for the melee round in one post and at the end of the week (we were expected to make one post per week). As for pacing and what not, I would say pm one of the GM's at either site (or a site of your choice).

[mobuttu]

Thanks! I'll check your advised sites.

[Noon]

Do you have an idea of how long in RL you want to run the campaign for?

If so, before letting players join, simply say they need to commit to that time.

If it's a 'run forever' notion, you wont be able to get a commitment like that (because who commits to forever, without a wedding ring?). From my own experience, PBP players can get flakey and just drop out whenever they feel the urge to. Atleast if you get a commitment, they know they are the badguy if they do that.

[nilgravity]

I run a play by post game on FB and have created all sorts of google docs to help everyone keep track. I even have an image file for making quick maps.