T-ice DMing ; On ice

[t-ice]

I will post exceptions to my DM time here (Which is Mondays 18 CET)

So, next mon 11.3. I will have to do renovations so can't play. I should have some time tue-wed, which I'll either spend DMing but more likely looking at what Foam has made for Amn So can't do a re-schedule for later in the week,

[Iarwain]

I'm good for Tuesday 12.3

[t-ice]

I should write something about last night, and how it broke down oocly with party formation and all. And about handling similar in the future. It seems the reality is that most people will be logging in at about the half-way point of my event. I used to run things starting at this time, but as my current RL doesn't allow gaming until 2am anymore, this is just a reality to adapt to. I do hope, however, that at least some players will be there at the beginning (like yesterday), and that everyone would come to play as early as they can. That said:

Generally the feel of the players seemed to be that anything above 6 PCs is, and I quote, "a clusterfsk". Managing it right, I don't see a problem going upto 10 or so (at least I still believe...). It simply requires knowing who is central, who is in charge, and people restraining their goings off tangents and random chatter to after the session. If, however, everyone involved expects a cluster and acts accordingly, a cluster it will become. I realize I did not prepare for this appropriately, that is pointing out the central PCs and giving a clear way on how to offer seats on the "I'm participating (and getting a small reward)!" -train. In my excuse, I again started the session in fact scrambling for more PCs, and then suddenly a veritable cornucopia logged

I hope people will consider it for a while, and we can make gaming happen so that it's as feasible as possible to have those seats on the tag along train available, even mid-session. Those who tagged along will of course become more involved as they involve themselves, but unless you are leading, act like in a IC leadership situation: That PC (or a few) there leads, constructive suggestions (and aid in battle!) from yours is appreciated. If something crosses your PC completely the wrong way, leave or shut up and mope, instead of stall to argue. This time you are hired help, not the star. Next week maybe the other way around. If you're really interested in what's going on, talk to the central PCs afterwards, not when the train is in full speed. And if you're leading, tell people to come along instead of stay and discuss everyone's feelings. But most importantly, the simple "come help us" hook must be available for the lead PC to offer, and that's largely DM responsibility. Though I would hope eventually players/PCs might learn to offer these without being DM-fed every time (your PC has gold/stuff in his pockets, doesn't he, and this is something he really cares about isn't it, and he's likely going into a place with mucho danger and his life could depend on help...?).

In any case, unless the server is reset, (the first) parts of the encounter is still there...
(Not anymore, I am told)

Thanks for reading my (random-ish) thoughts, and hope to see you gaming next week and pick up where we left off!

[t-ice]

Tomorrow, Thu 21.3., there will be an extra session. Beginning from where we left off on monday. Start time 19 CET. Open to all (within IC reason), but be there on time.

[Ithildur]

Thanks for the session today T; I think we managed to piece together enough clues that next session will be one where we make significant progress to the story.

[puny]

Yeah, it was fun and intresting (even for obe that just got introduced to the crazy plot ( im happy to be included! Expect a pm

Kippis

[puny]

not sure how relevant it really is to say, but: i'll not be able to show up this comming monday

[t-ice]

Looks currently that I'll have to move Tomorrow's session (Mon 1st) to the next day (Tue 2nd). It is also likely that I will have to start somewhat late from the usual on the Tuesday.

[Iarwain]

I'm good for Tuesday.
Btw we've just moved to summer time, so that might be another +1 hour for me

[t-ice]

Good point, as of today I am also on summertime, which might affect TZ calculations. The time remains 18 CET (use the mighty internets to compare to yours)

[Ithildur]

Should be doable, though I may be a bit late.

[t-ice]

It looks like I will be overrun by family stuff this week so will have to cancel this week (Mon 22nd). (It would be postponed anyway 'cause today is the wife's birthday.) Maybe on the weekend, but will have to see when we're closer to that bridge...

[Stormbring3r]

Tell her Happy Birthday for me

[t-ice]

I will not be on time tonight, having been stuck at work. *le sigh*

[t-ice]

Bleh. Unable to game tonight. Another try tomorrow (tue 7th). Same time.