PDA

View Full Version : Pathfinder - Diary of a n00b



Manticorkscrew
2010-12-18, 05:30 PM
I’m doomed. Probably. :smalleek:

I should explain: recently, my best friend decided that he wanted to play Pathfinder again (he's played it before with a group of people who have since gone their separate ways). I've never played D&D or Pathfinder before (honestly!) but it's something I've always wanted to try. Eventually we managed to find three other people who have never played Pathfinder before (in fact, some of them have never played any roleplaying game before) but were willing to give it a go. Another of my friends belatedly decided that he wanted to join in, too. That's a total of five players. I volunteered to GM.

You see, in our little group I'm the only one who has any GMing experience. However, most of the games I've GMed have been online pbp games. I've acted as the GM for only a few games in real life, for a very small group (well, I have to find a way to keep my cousins amused when we're on holiday together). I must admit I'm worried about GMing for a group this large. Especially since I'm not very familiar with the Pathfinder rules (I'm trying my best- I've been trying to familiarize myself with the Core rules as best I can) and neither are my players. I'm not exactly an ideal candidate for the job, but I'm the best we've got.

I'm not what you might call charismatic, authoritative or a great communicator. I'm frightened of screwing up, being ignored or shouted down. In fact, a lot of things make me anxious. :smallsigh: I do want this game to be a success.

I'm meticulous, almost obsessive; I've tried hard to make this campaign (I'm running the "Second Darkness" adventure path) a success; I've done a great deal of work, made copious notes, printed out the handouts and some 'gambling chips', painted some figures, bought some of the books, pens, cards etc. I've been trying to get it all in my head, but I know I need to start playing before I can really get the hang of it.

To save time and unnecessary frustration, my best friend and I simply asked the other players for basic ideas of characters they wanted to play, then statted them out. This is the party we ended up with:

Half-Orc Barbarian with a Greataxe and 18 strength.

Human Cleric of Cayden Caileen (played by my best friend)

Elf Rogue with nearly as many skill ranks as everyone else in the party combined.

Human Wizard with a Raven Familiar.

Half-Elf Sorcerer with the Elemental Bloodline. (The player just said that he wanted to blast things with magic.)

There are still some things to work out (names, backgrounds etc) that I'm going to leave to the players. But (almost) as soon as we get together tomorrow we should be able to start playing. I was feeling pretty good about it, actually. Except...

Across the UK the weather has been terrible. Today the snow has been falling so heavily that my mum had to abandon her car at a friend's house and walk home. I don't know if the roads will be any clearer tomorrow (I doubt it). I've got a lot of stuff to carry. I don't want to have to walk.

We agreed that my best friend would host the roleplaying game at his house tomorrow afternoon (partly because the other players all know where to go, partly because one of the players is his young cousin who is apparently mature for his age but his parents want to know exactly where he is especially if the weather is this bad). I don't know if everyone will make it there (or even if I will make it there)- as far as I know, the game is still going ahead. My best friend seemed blithely unconcerned by the snow when I called him a few hours ago.

There are just so many things about this game that could go wrong. It seems like a disaster waiting to happen. :smallfrown: I've been in a state of panic for most of today. Tell me I'm overreacting?

Soren Hero
2010-12-18, 05:49 PM
i think its normal to have some nerves before GMing a game, and if ur the type who gets anxious its understandable to have the level of panic you are saying in your post. just breathe. its going to be okay. if you guys can't meet up in person because of the bad weather, its not the end of the world. if you guys do manage it, i know you'll do fine as a GM. you'll probably do pretty epic in fact. im not that familiar with second darkness, so i cant give any specific advice. just remember the GM's code: make it fun. fun for you and for your players. i know that's general advice, but that's what i focus on as a GM. i ask the players before the game, exactly what they expect, what they would like to see, etc. then i give it to them, in my own fashion. my last game, everyone wanted an epic Final Fantasyesque campaign, so i gave them an end-of-the-world, undead apocalypse, with a nation of Lich and Vampire Necromancers running the show and a powerful sanctified Templar nation as their main competition. we only made it like 6 sessions in, but they loved every minute of it. you'll do a lot of work as a GM, most of it might go unnoticed or unappreciated, but if they enjoy playing on the whole, you've done a good job. hope this helps. GL with your game!

Tael
2010-12-18, 06:01 PM
Overreacting? You're Underreacting! If any of your players so much as has one minute when they're not having fun, they will hate you for the rest of your life and refuse to speak to you ever again, let alone play in another game with you! And don't forget, if you so much as forget one detail of what is supposed to happen, the game is completely over, because you can't improvise at all, or your players will destroy your game continuity. And of course, your players will also immediately know when you slip up, because they're all just waiting for hint of panic, so that they can pounce. You must do this completely perfectly, because you don't get second tries, and your players will be expecting you to be omniscient in your rules and game knowledge.
Always remember, it is NOT just a game.

Manticorkscrew
2010-12-18, 06:57 PM
Thank you, Soren Hero. I appreciate it. To be completely honest I was being melodramatic- I'm not panicking that much. Just a prima donna moment, you know?

I know you're joking (well, I hope you're joking), Tael, but you're still making me nervous.

Also, Second Darkness is an 'adventure path' where the Drow feature prominently. So I made this demotivator:

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/5987/drowdmpic.jpg

It's almost certainly been done before, but it (slightly) amused me. :smalltongue:

Grelna the Blue
2010-12-18, 07:35 PM
I know my players enjoy my games, but I also know that they also enjoy hanging out around a table cracking jokes and eating fast food. That's one part of the gaming experience you won't have seen before playing by post. Don't discount the draw of the social side of gaming. So don't worry about it if the players aren't focused on the game 100% of the time. However, if you are shy, you may find it difficult to get people's attention from time to time when they are talking to each other. A bell or something similar might prove useful in bringing the players back to listening to you.

Music that fits the setting or action is often fun. Keep the lights dim. If it's possible for you, playing by candlelight allows the players to see what is in their minds eye a little more clearly.

Don't sweat details too much at the gaming table. The time for that is beforehand. If you're unsure of any rules, make notes to look them up later and do something provisional to keep the game moving. The exception to that is when a PC's life is at stake. In that case either rule in the way favorable to the PC while letting the player know that you'll be checking on the rule for future games, or take the extra time to look it up at the game if that seems worthwhile.

Ask your players to speak in character when the PCs are interacting with each other or with NPCs. You do the same when interacting through the NPCs.

The players will surprise you sometimes. It's okay. It's not a reflection on you. They do that to all of us.

And relax, GMing is hard, but it sounds as if you've put in more than enough work to have a great game.

P.S. Regarding the aforementioned social side of gaming, one piece of advice. Limit or prohibit alcohol consumption at the game. People can make bad decisions after just a few beers and tempers can flare when PC lives are on the line. Two beers over the course of the night is generally pretty safe, but more than that can get dicey.

imperialspectre
2010-12-19, 01:04 AM
In one game I was in a couple years ago, one of the guys couldn't roleplay intelligently until he was done with his second beer. So YMMV as far as alcohol consumption goes.

Manticorkscrew
2010-12-19, 04:51 AM
Thank you for the advice. :smallsmile: I'll keep it in mind.

I don't think we'll be drinking (much) alcohol. The youngest player is only thirteen years old. I think the rest of us are supposed to be setting a good example.

Hmm. That reminds me. I wonder if my best friend has got his homebrewed Sloe Gin ready yet...

Anyway, today's the day. I'll be heading out soon. I'll be taking my laptop, miniatures, papers, pens and some food (spicy chicken wings and garlic bread) to share around.

I can't get a lift, so I hope the buses are running smoothly. Also, I hope I don't trip over in the snow.

Wish me luck. I'll let you know how it goes. :smallwink:

DragonOfUndeath
2010-12-19, 04:54 AM
Have fun. That is the important bit

Kaww
2010-12-19, 09:19 AM
P.S. Regarding the aforementioned social side of gaming, one piece of advice. Limit or prohibit alcohol consumption at the game. People can make bad decisions after just a few beers and tempers can flare when PC lives are on the line. Two beers over the course of the night is generally pretty safe, but more than that can get dicey.

Why? Personally I enjoy half a bottle/bottle of white wine when I'm playing (as a player). As a DM no booze, you have to think straight...

@ OP: Good luck, break a leg and maybe a PC... :smallwink:

Manticorkscrew
2010-12-22, 12:09 PM
Well, we didn't even get as far as the game. :smallsigh: My luck was worse than I'd feared.

I had some kind of seizure and collapsed on the floor of my best friend's kitchen. It wasn't long before the paramedics came and took me to hospital in an ambulance. I only just got out of hospital a few hours ago.

So yeah. I made a lot of fuss about this game but none of the things I was afraid of actually happened. Instead I was brought down by some kind of viral infection. :smallfurious:

There's some kind of moral lesson there, wouldn't you say?

Anyway, looking on the bright side, apparently my players are still keen to play Pathfinder (although I'm wondering if they think the next session is going to be as exciting for all the wrong reasons as the last one).

Manticorkscrew
2011-01-07, 08:11 PM
Well then, we're going to have another go at this, on sunday night. :smallconfused:

I'm not really very nervous this time because... well, the worst has happened already. Whatever happens now, I don't care enough to bat an eyelid.

You'll wish me luck, I hope. I'll post again to say how it goes.

Sillycomic
2011-01-07, 09:33 PM
Hooray and good luck!

Manticorkscrew
2011-01-09, 06:24 PM
I just got back from the first session of my Pathfinder campaign. I'm tired and drained. It's been fun.

Yeah, I flubbed my lines and missed out a ton of stuff that was in the book. I'm quite disappointed that there was so much material I had prepared that I wasn't able to use. I don't think I explained some things well enough.

But my players seemed to enjoy it. They were eager to come back for more. We'll all do it again soon, I hope.

I think I can learn from my mistakes. It's a learning curve. :smallwink:

And (seeing as I intended this thread as kinda like a Campaign Journal) I'll tell you a few of the highlights of this first session:

1) The Cleric of Cayden Cailean missed his first attack of the game(!) and was knocked unconscious by the second attack of the game (it was a nasty critical hit).
2) The Half-Orc Barbarian was a horrific combat monster, just like I knew he would be. He killed three thugs all by himself at one point (before he met up with the other players).
3) The Ghoulette Wheel volleying insults was funny and my players seemed to enjoy it.
4) Several times the players had to be reminded of their chosen alignments. I am seriously tempted to set the Half-Orc Barbarian's alignment as Chaotic Neutral (down from Chaotic Good) already.
5) The Wizard's Raven familiar somehow managed to defeat a thug in hand-to-beak combat despite the pathetic 1d4-1 damage of its beak attack.
6) The Wizard had some idea of hiding behind a table and then moving and dragging along the table as cover. Despite his -1 Strength penalty he rolled high enough on his Strength Test (the first time, anyway) that I let him get away with it (so long as he moved at 1/2 speed and did nothing else during that round).
7) The Elf Rogue successfully using his Sneak Attack for the first time. The other players (who up to that point had dismissed the Rogue as useless in close combat) were very impressed.

Also... yeah, I think I need a bell or something to get my players to stop talking when I want them to listen.

Grynning
2011-01-09, 07:20 PM
Also... yeah, I think I need a bell or something to get my players to stop talking when I want them to listen.

I had a Wile E. Coyote style sign that said "Quiet Please." Sitting still and holding it up was more effective than making more noise, I found.

Duncan_Ruadrik
2011-01-09, 07:31 PM
I just sit there in silence until they are done. You can't really be authoritarian about it. Being silent yourself lets them know that if they want to play, you (as the GM) gotta talk.

Safety Sword
2011-01-09, 10:15 PM
I just sit there in silence until they are done. You can't really be authoritarian about it. Being silent yourself lets them know that if they want to play, you (as the GM) gotta talk.

Then I roll dice... Smile to myself and watch the panic start to take hold.

WarKitty
2011-01-09, 10:24 PM
I start acting like they're talking in character, and act accordingly...

In all seriousness, the top lesson of DM'ing: don't be afraid to admit you messed up. I've had multiple adventures saved by saying "Hey guys I really wasn't expecting that, can you give me 5 to figure it out?"

Duncan_Ruadrik
2011-01-10, 12:24 AM
Honestly, you know, the thing that screws me up the most as a GM? No, you don't, but I'll tell you. it is using other people's adventures, either pre-written ones or just someone else campaign idea.
It never seems to flow well for me, and Ive been a GM for a half dozen different systems, every edition of D&D, and playtested for independent systems.

It only really works for me when it is my ideas, or ideas that I shamelessly rip off of other people and books, and incorporate and twist into my world and make fit. For example, the campaign I am running now was inspired initially by a book, (The Scar by China Meiville) but incorporates ideas from at least 2-3 other books and series, 2-3 other campaigns, as well as my own imagination.
this campaign has been going for almost a year, and though initially inspired by the work of others, it has taken a life of its own and is turning into a completely different animal. An animal that flows. :smallwink:

Safety Sword
2011-01-10, 01:22 AM
Honestly, you know, the thing that screws me up the most as a GM? No, you don't, but I'll tell you. it is using other people's adventures, either pre-written ones or just someone else campaign idea.
It never seems to flow well for me, and Ive been a GM for a half dozen different systems, every edition of D&D, and playtested for independent systems.

It only really works for me when it is my ideas, or ideas that I shamelessly rip off of other people and books, and incorporate and twist into my world and make fit. For example, the campaign I am running now was inspired initially by a book, (The Scar by China Meiville) but incorporates ideas from at least 2-3 other books and series, 2-3 other campaigns, as well as my own imagination.
this campaign has been going for almost a year, and though initially inspired by the work of others, it has taken a life of its own and is turning into a completely different animal. An animal that flows. :smallwink:

Even when I use something pre-written, it's modified so heavily that only the bare bones resemble the original. Like you say, it started out as something else...

Manticorkscrew
2011-01-10, 01:07 PM
I had a Wile E. Coyote style sign that said "Quiet Please." Sitting still and holding it up was more effective than making more noise, I found.

That might work. Something like that. :smallwink:


I just sit there in silence until they are done. You can't really be authoritarian about it. Being silent yourself lets them know that if they want to play, you (as the GM) gotta talk.

I'm just worried that if I do that they'll just carry on regardless and we'll never get anything done.


Even when I use something pre-written, it's modified so heavily that only the bare bones resemble the original. Like you say, it started out as something else...

Well, I've made an effort to change things and include as many of my own ideas as possible. But I need the pre-prepared campaign stuff because I've never played this system before and I don't know what works. :smallconfused:

Duncan_Ruadrik
2011-01-10, 01:15 PM
Systems! understanding the system has less to do with being a GM than most people think. Its about telling a good story. It helps to have familiarity with the rules, yes. However, that is also what the books are there for, as a reference.

You dont need to know the system inside and out to make your own campaign, or be a good GM. You just need to be able to tell a good story.

Dont let being unfamiliar with the rules hold you back from creating your own world.

Hazzardevil
2011-01-10, 02:46 PM
Don't worry about the half orc monster he won't be a complete monser for too many levels. 18 str might make a lot of difference to 16 now but it wont later.
Also be careful what scrolls you give the wizard and cleric. They are the true game breakers.
I also intend to attempt to run a game soon and will keep reading this diary so I avoid making the same mistakes.
It will be my first game and intend to start at a low level.
Around 5 I think.

Mojo_Rat
2011-01-10, 05:36 PM
I really enjoyed the riddle port part of that AP. we had so many plans for the casino.

Safety Sword
2011-01-10, 05:45 PM
Well, I've made an effort to change things and include as many of my own ideas as possible. But I need the pre-prepared campaign stuff because I've never played this system before and I don't know what works. :smallconfused:

Please don't take what I've said as a criticism. There's nothing wrong with pre-written material if it suits your needs.

I use it. It's just usually there are a few things I like to change to throw my players into utter confusion. :smallamused:

Safety Sword
2011-01-10, 05:47 PM
Don't worry about the half orc monster he won't be a complete monser for too many levels. 18 str might make a lot of difference to 16 now but it wont later.
Also be careful what scrolls you give the wizard and cleric. They are the true game breakers.
I also intend to attempt to run a game soon and will keep reading this diary so I avoid making the same mistakes.
It will be my first game and intend to start at a low level.
Around 5 I think.

Honestly, for first time GMs, the best thing you can do is start at Level 1 if you're unsure of the game system. Level appropriate monsters won't be killing anyone unless there's some really bad luck involved and it's very forgiving just after Level 2 until about Level 5.

WarKitty
2011-01-10, 06:08 PM
Honestly, for first time GMs, the best thing you can do is start at Level 1 if you're unsure of the game system. Level appropriate monsters won't be killing anyone unless there's some really bad luck involved and it's very forgiving just after Level 2 until about Level 5.

Really? Our experience was that it's better to start at levels 2-3. Otherwise you get the goblin with the longsword running up and doing 1d8 damage to the 4hp wizard....

Safety Sword
2011-01-10, 06:38 PM
Really? Our experience was that it's better to start at levels 2-3. Otherwise you get the goblin with the longsword running up and doing 1d8 damage to the 4hp wizard....

Like I said, just after Level 2 it's pretty good. Level 1 can be a bit dicey (so to speak).

And anyway... goblins are supposed to cut down Level 1 wizards. Everything is. I don't mind low level wizards being unconcious every time they're engaged in melee. It teaches them their role.

Low level wizard is all about getting to a level where you can rule the world.

WarKitty
2011-01-10, 07:01 PM
Like I said, just after Level 2 it's pretty good. Level 1 can be a bit dicey (so to speak).

And anyway... goblins are supposed to cut down Level 1 wizards. Everything is. I don't mind low level wizards being unconcious every time they're engaged in melee. It teaches them their role.

Low level wizard is all about getting to a level where you can rule the world.

As someone who's played a magic characters in campaigns, most of which aren't going to reach past level 10, it just plain sucks until you at least have enough spells to stay out of melee. Actually, it still sucks even when you are eventually going to reach high levels. Unless the DM's playing stupid and the monsters only attack the big mean guy nearest them...

Safety Sword
2011-01-10, 07:38 PM
As someone who's played a magic characters in campaigns, most of which aren't going to reach past level 10, it just plain sucks until you at least have enough spells to stay out of melee. Actually, it still sucks even when you are eventually going to reach high levels. Unless the DM's playing stupid and the monsters only attack the big mean guy nearest them...

Wizards have it so tough. I can hear the small violins playing now. :smalltongue:

Part of the fun is being a wizard for me is the phenomenal cosmic power.. and the vulnerability (even if is for a limited time). At least let the rest of the party feel useful for a few levels before every encounter is just 2 spells away from being solved. It's actually good to be reliant on the other members of the party at times, I think.

Anyway, we're getting a little off topic now.