Rokk Talk

Introduction

Running a roleplaying game (RPG) can be a complex and challenging task, especially when it comes to keeping the game on track and engaging for all players involved. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for keeping your RPG games on track, from setting clear expectations and goals to managing time and pacing and handling player conflicts and issues.

Setting Clear Expectations and Goals

One of the most important aspects of keeping your RPG games on track is setting clear expectations and goals for the players. This means establishing the game’s tone, setting, and rules and communicating your expectations for player behaviour and participation. You should also establish clear goals and objectives for each session so that the players know what they are working towards and what they need to accomplish.

Creating a Structured Game Session

To keep your RPG games on track, creating a structured game session that follows a clear and logical progression is important. This means breaking the game down into manageable chunks or scenes and establishing a clear order of events and actions. You should also establish clear guidelines for player actions and interactions and set up clear consequences for failure or success.

Encouraging Active Player Participation

Active player participation is key to keeping your RPG games on track, ensuring that all players are engaged and invested in the game’s outcome. To encourage active participation, you should create opportunities for player decision-making and problem-solving and allow players to take the lead and drive the narrative forward. You should also encourage player creativity and exploration and allow for a certain degree of flexibility and improvisation.

Managing Time and Pacing

Managing time and pacing is another important aspect of keeping your RPG games on track. This means balancing the game’s action and dialogue and ensuring that there is enough time for each player to participate and contribute. You should also establish clear time limits and deadlines and keep the game moving forward at a steady pace.

Handling Player Conflicts and Issues

Finally, it’s important to be prepared to handle player conflicts and issues that may arise during your RPG games. This means establishing clear rules and guidelines for player behaviour and addressing any issues or concerns promptly and respectfully. You should also encourage open communication and feedback among the players and be prepared to adjust or change the game if necessary.

Conclusion

Keeping your RPG games on track can be challenging, but it’s also crucial for ensuring that all players are engaged and invested in the game’s outcome. By setting clear expectations and goals, creating a structured game session, encouraging active player participation, managing time and pacing, and handling player conflicts and issues, you can create a fun and engaging RPG experience for all involved.

FAQs

1. How can I ensure that all players are engaged and invested in the game’s outcome?

• To ensure active player participation, create opportunities for player decision-making and problem-solving, and allow players to take the lead and drive the narrative forward. Encourage player creativity and exploration, and allow for a certain degree of flexibility and improvisation.

2. What should I do if conflicts or issues arise among the players during a game session?

• Establish clear rules and guidelines for player behaviour, and address any issues or concerns promptly and respectfully. Encourage open communication and feedback among the players, and be prepared to adjust or change the game if necessary.

3. How can I balance the game’s action and dialogue to manage time and pacing?

• Balancing the game’s action and dialogue is crucial for managing time and pacing. You should aim to create a dynamic and engaging game that allows for a mix of action-packed scenes and more contemplative moments of dialogue and exploration. Be mindful of each scene’s length, and ensure enough time for each player to participate and contribute.

4. How can I create a fun and engaging RPG experience for larger groups?

• To create a fun and engaging RPG experience for larger groups, you may need to adjust your game’s structure and pacing to accommodate more players. Consider dividing the players into smaller groups for certain scenes or activities, and establish clear guidelines for player participation and behaviour. You may also want to consider using digital tools or resources to help manage the game and keep everyone on track.

5. How can I handle players who are not engaged or invested in the game?

• If you have players who are not engaged or invested in the game, it’s important to address the issue respectfully and constructively. Talk to the player privately and ask them if anything specific is causing them to disengage from the game. Try to find ways to involve them more in the game, such as by giving them specific tasks or roles to play or by encouraging them to take the lead in certain scenes.

6. How can I manage players who dominate the game or monopolize the spotlight?

• In a larger group RPG, it’s common for some players to be more outgoing or assertive than others, which can lead to certain players dominating the game or monopolizing the spotlight. To manage this issue, consider establishing ground rules for player participation and turn-taking, and encourage quieter players to speak up and contribute. You may also want to limit the time that any player can speak or act during a scene, and use NPCs or other characters to involve multiple players in the action.

7. How can I handle conflicts between players or disagreements about the game?

• Conflicts and disagreements are a natural part of any RPG, but they can be especially challenging in larger groups with more personalities and opinions. To handle conflicts or disagreements, establish clear guidelines for player behaviour and communication, and encourage players to be respectful and constructive in their interactions. If conflicts do arise, take the time to listen to each player’s perspective and try to find a resolution that works for everyone.

8. How can I incorporate feedback from players to improve the game?

• Incorporating feedback from players is an important part of improving your RPG and keeping it engaging for everyone involved. Consider asking for feedback from players after each game session, and take their suggestions and critiques into account when planning future sessions. You may also want to establish a system for players to give ongoing feedback and suggestions, such as through a shared document or online forum.

Conclusion: Running RPGs for larger groups can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also presents unique challenges and requires careful planning and management. By following these tips and guidelines, you can create a dynamic and engaging game that allows for meaningful player participation and interaction. Remember to be flexible, adaptable, and open to feedback, and always prioritize the enjoyment and satisfaction of your players.

Running role-playing games (RPGs) for larger groups can be challenging, but with the right strategies and tools, it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both the game master and the players. This article will explore some tips and tricks that can help game masters successfully run RPGs for larger groups, from managing logistics and communication to creating engaging and immersive game sessions.

Introduction

Running an RPG for a larger group can be intimidating but also a lot of fun. With more players come more possibilities for interaction and collaboration, as well as more challenges and complexities. However, it also requires different skills and approaches than running a smaller group game. This article will discuss some key strategies and best practices for running RPGs for larger groups.

Setting Up the Game

Determine the Group Size

The first step in setting up an RPG for a larger group is to determine the size of the group. While there is no definitive answer to what constitutes a “large” group, a good rule of thumb is considering a group of 6 or more players as large. This number may vary depending on the system and the game master’s preferences, but it’s important to have a clear idea of the group size before starting to plan the game.

Choose the Right System

The choice of the system can significantly impact the game’s success for larger groups. Some systems are better suited for larger groups than others, depending on the complexity level, the rules’ flexibility, and the ease of scalability. It’s important to choose a system that can accommodate a larger group without sacrificing the quality of the game experience.

Create a Session Zero

A session zero is a pre-game session that allows the game master and the players to discuss and establish the game’s rules, expectations, and goals. It’s especially important for larger groups, as it can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts later on. During session zero, the game master can also gauge the players’ preferences and adjust the game accordingly.

Managing Logistics and Communication

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Managing a large group game can be challenging in terms of logistics and communication. However, many tools and platforms can help game masters streamline the process, such as virtual tabletops, chat programs, and scheduling apps. These tools can enhance the game experience by providing more interactive and immersive features.

Assign Roles and Responsibilities

Assigning roles and responsibilities to the players can help distribute the workload and ensure everyone is engaged and involved in the game. For example, the game master can assign a player as the “timekeeper” or the “note-taker” or delegate some of the rules adjudications to experienced players. This can also help create a sense of ownership and investment in the game among the players.

Encourage Communication and Feedback

Communication and feedback are crucial for running a successful game for a larger group. The game master should encourage open and respectful communication among the players and provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions. This can help address any issues or concerns that may arise during the game and ensure that everyone is having fun.

Creating Engaging and Immersive Game Sessions

Focus on Collaborative Storytelling

In a larger group game, shifting the focus from individual heroics to collaborative storytelling is important. This means encouraging the players to work together, share the spotlight, and contribute to the game’s narrative. The game master can facilitate this by creating opportunities for group decision-making, social interactions, and shared goals.

Use Props and Visual Aids

Props and visual aids can help enhance the game’s immersion and engagement, especially for larger

groups. The game master can use maps, miniatures, handouts, or music to create a more vivid and realistic setting. This can also help players visualize their characters’ actions and the environment and stimulate their creativity and imagination.

Vary the Pace and Intensity

Running a game for a larger group can sometimes lead to slower or less dynamic gameplay, especially during combat or other action scenes. To prevent this, the game master should vary the pace and intensity of the game and avoid long periods of downtime or inactivity. This can be achieved by adding time limits, increasing the number or complexity of enemies, or introducing unexpected events or twists.

Embrace Improvisation and Adaptability

Running a game for a larger group can also require a higher degree of improvisation and adaptability from the game master. More unpredictable actions and choices come with more players, and the game master should be prepared to respond creatively and flexibly. This means being open to unexpected outcomes, adapting the story to the players’ actions, and thinking on the spot.

Conclusion

Running an RPG for a larger group can be challenging but also a rewarding and exciting experience for both the game master and the players. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, game masters can successfully manage logistics and communication and create engaging and immersive game sessions. Remember to prioritize collaborative storytelling, use technology and visual aids, and embrace improvisation and adaptability.

FAQs

1. How many players are considered a “large” group for an RPG?

• While it may vary depending on the system and the game master’s preferences, a group of 6 or more players are generally considered “large” for an RPG.

2. What are some recommended virtual tabletops for running RPGs for larger groups?

• Some popular virtual tabletops include Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, and Tabletop Simulator.

3. How can the game master encourage collaboration among the players in a larger group game?

• The game master can facilitate group decision-making, social interactions, and shared goals and create opportunities for the players to work together and contribute to the game’s narrative.

4. How can the game master manage the pace and intensity of the game for a larger group?

• The game master can add time limits, increase the number or complexity of enemies, or introduce unexpected events or twists to vary the pace and intensity of the game.

5. What should the game master do if conflicts or misunderstandings arise among the players in a larger group game?

• The game master should encourage open and respectful communication among the players, provide opportunities for feedback and suggestions, and address any issues or concerns that may arise promptly and constructively.

Building shorter RPG campaigns can be a great way to provide a fun and engaging gaming experience for players without requiring a long-term commitment. Here are some tips for building shorter campaigns that can provide a satisfying experience in just a few sessions:

1. Choose a focused story. When building a shorter campaign, it’s important to choose a focused story that can be completed in a shorter period of time. Consider selecting a story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and that can be resolved within the 8 to 12-session timeframe.
2. Establish clear goals. At the beginning of the campaign, establish clear goals for the players to achieve. This can help provide direction and purpose and give players a sense of progress as they work towards completing the story.
3. Create interesting NPCs. Non-player characters (NPCs) can be an important part of any RPG campaign and can help provide depth and richness to the story. Create interesting NPCs that players can interact with and that can provide clues or guidance to help move the story forward.
4. Use pre-made adventures. If you don’t have the time or resources to create your own adventure, consider using pre-made adventures that are designed to be completed within a shorter timeframe. These can provide a great starting point and help ensure the story can be completed within the allotted sessions.
5. Include memorable encounters. Remember to include memorable encounters that players will enjoy and remember long after the campaign. These could include epic battles, puzzles, or unique environments that players must navigate.
6. Allow for player agency. Even in a shorter campaign, allowing players to make decisions and have agency in the story is important. This can help them feel more invested and engaged and provide a sense of ownership over the story.
7. Wrap up the story. At the end of the campaign, make sure to wrap up the story satisfactorily. Provide closure for the players, and ensure that all loose ends are tied up so that players feel a sense of accomplishment and completion.

In conclusion, building shorter campaigns for RPGs can provide players with a fun and engaging gaming experience without requiring a long-term commitment. By choosing a focused story, establishing clear goals, creating interesting NPCs, using pre-made adventures, including memorable encounters, allowing for player agency, and wrapping up the story in a satisfying way, you can create a satisfying and memorable RPG campaign.

In many RPGs (Role-Playing Games), players may encounter powerful Tag Along NPCs (Non-Player Characters) that join their party for a limited time or, in some cases, permanently. While these NPCs can be useful in combat and add depth to the story, they can also create challenges for the player. Here are some tips for dealing with overpowered Tag Along NPCs in RPGs:

1. Balance the party. When you have lots of powerful NPCs in your party, it can be easy to rely on them too heavily and neglect the other members. Make sure to balance your party so that each member has a specific role and can contribute to combat and exploration. This will make the game more challenging and engaging, and prevent the NPCs from overshadowing the players.
2. Use the NPCs tactically. Instead of relying on the NPCs to do all the heavy lifting, use them tactically in combat. Assign them specific roles, such as tanking or healing, and coordinate their actions with the rest of the party. This will make combat more strategic and engaging and prevent the NPCs from steamrolling through enemies.
3. Limit the number of NPCs. If you find that you have too many overpowered NPCs in your party, consider limiting their number or their abilities. You can also limit their presence in the story or create situations where they are unavailable for certain quests or missions. This will prevent the game from becoming too easy and give the players a chance to shine.
4. Adjust the difficulty level. If you find the game too easy with the overpowered NPCs, adjust the difficulty level to make it more challenging. You can increase the enemy’s health or damage or add additional enemies to combat. This will make the game more challenging and prevent the NPCs from becoming too dominant.
5. Emphasize the player’s agency. Remember that the players are the story’s heroes, and the NPCs are there to support them. Make sure to emphasize the player’s agency, allow them to make important decisions, and take the lead in the story. This will make the game more engaging and prevent the NPCs from taking over the narrative.

In conclusion, overpowered Tag Along NPCs can be a fun addition to an RPG but can also create challenges for the player. By tactfully balancing the party, using the NPCs, limiting their number or abilities, adjusting the difficulty level, and emphasizing the player’s agency, you can ensure that the game remains engaging and challenging for everyone involved.

Dragons are a funny lot.

Generally speaking, folks know the basics about dragons. Dragons fly and breathe fire (or other elements, depending on the colour of the dragon). They also love to collect gold and treasure. Like, really love it. What might not be common knowledge is that the older the dragon is, the more attuned they are to their hoard. Steal a handful of coins from an ancient dragon’s hoard, and they will know it.

Things get more interesting when you steal the dragon’s entire hoard and leave the dragon alive. You think you’ve escaped with the riches, but all you’ve done is agitated an apex predator. And dragons can sniff out their hoard.

The Saviors of Sandpoint thought they had escaped with riches. But all they did was bring a very large, very powerful problem to the people of Sandpoint. Not good.

Here’s Rise of the Runelords Episode 63 – Hoard Collector.