Advice for gamemasters

[Daytona211]

Hello all, 

So I have been wanting to put some advice for the current gamemasters. Some of this we already do and many of the more advanced gamemasters understand how to do most of this. But if at any time you feel "Players dislike my events. IDK why" this is the thread for you.

Planning:

Planning is where a majority of the concerns of the event should occur. A good event always starts with a good plan. A good plan can be easily communicated through an organization typically through a doc. This doc should have at minimum 4 sections

1. Lore- This will explain the background of the event, how it fits into the greater star wars cannon (or legends) and recap previous events or RP characters that may have been introduced in another event.

2. Run down- This will have a loose outline of the event from start to finish. If the event is player driven (IE clones try to take base but fail at taking it) every option should be outlined. This prevents the players from "ruining" the event by having the GM think through what could happen during the event. Obviously, you can't predict what is going to happen every second of the event but you can outline it EX "clones attack secondary FOB to secure intel". This example is a great example as it lets event jobs and gamemasters/helpers know what the players are doing and what is coming up next so they can plan accordingly. 

3. Conclusion- Should have a recap of the mission what the point was and what occurred. This is typically done through an IC debrief speech done by the event character leading the mission. This is vital because if an event has no point it should NOT be done. Events have to be impactful to get the players involved in the story and to make it more than a shoot em up snore fest.

4. Helpers needed- This covers the real players that are needed to play event characters. It details what their health is and what their equipment might be if needed. This is vital in making sure helpers understand their role. To make this even more clear in the Run down I would advise color coordinating each character so that helpers can follow their character's job throughout the doc. 

To emphasize helpers should have a strong understanding of the event and what the plan is so they do not put themselves in positions that would ruin the event such as Grievous dying, Dooku dying, getting captured in a CQB environment etc...

I have linked a doc from around a year and a half ago. I have edited it a bit to change some details that aren't relevant to our server. Feel free to use it as a guide. (It isn't perfect but it hits the major points)

DOC LINK:

Execution:

The execution should be pretty straightforward if the doc is well written. Everyone should know their role and be prepared before units are deployed or before the role is to be played. Gamemasters should have good coverage (being able to watch multiple sections at once) droids should have appropriate health and numbers so the fight is challenging and the gamemaster can manage multiple sections of the event at once if needed. The Teamspeak channel should have helpers communication to the host what is going on in there zone and if there is anything that needs to be addressed. 

Gamemasters must also be prepared to pivot if a crucial RP change occurs NEVER FORCE and RP situation. The doc you make is meant to guide you but not restrict you. You must follow it but can deviate to accomidate player situations.

WHEN IN DOUBT FOLLOW THE DOCUMENT

Feedback:

Feedback is the bread and butter of a gamemasters job. You must look at the feedback from the AAR and compare your doc to the criticisms given. You should be able to look at the feedback and learn something. If you are given just -1 -1 -1. Ask why if you are given +1 +1 +1 ask why. If the event was a success congrats keep it up if you have3 even one -1 try to learn from it and adjust your plans as needed

 

I would highly recommend reading the doc to see an example of what I mean link again

Once again this is NOT an attempt to flame anyone. We have some of the top gamemasters in SW RP but this is from my experience a great way to manage your events and hopefully at least one part of this was beneficial to someone.

 

Spoiler

Edited July 12, 2018 by Daytona211

[Ryx]

Add baguettes, oui?

[Alec]

8 hours ago, Ryx said:

Add baguettes, oui?

+1

[DracoOdinson]

+1 Some of the events need more lore some of them just feel weird and sometimes i dont even know what is going on

 

• DU Guardian K I Draco

[Smeck]

On 7/12/2018 at 6:12 AM, Draco said:

+1 Some of the events need more lore some of them just feel weird and sometimes i dont even know what is going on

Congratulations, you just summarized what has been happening with Game Masters ever since Ice Fuse had debriefs in MHB.