(no subject)

[johnstonmr]

Gregory, you're a damned good GM. I speak from experience. I'm asking the GM Gods to grant you inspiration and a LONG period of NO BURNOUT.

Comments

[tobin.livejournal.com]

Was this in response to something?

[johnstonmr]

No, it wasn't. Just part of my

Desperate desire need to play in a game!

You know. The usual.

[johnstonmr]

Apologies for the pissier-than-intended "Does it matter?"

Re:

[tobin.livejournal.com]

S'ok. I thought about that for a second, and then figured it was just you being you. I took it at face value.

and the Gods have spoken.

[gregory-geiger.livejournal.com]

You know, I have been having TONS of inspiration, from even before I killed my "Age of Man" game. My problem is, and I think all of the GM's of our group can speak to this, is that I can't seem to get a formula of players that lets them work together in a story that works or moves smoothy.

I have been thinking a great deal about some of the issue that I have had and issues that I have seen. One of the things that I think would help, all GM's, is that you have a social time BEFORE the game, to get it out of the system. OR, you make sure that everyone knows that we are here to play, and be serious about it, and do socilaizing and chit-chatting AFTER the game.

I am in process, and perhaps I will just write a "CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE" book or something, but there are stories going on in my head, but I just don't know how to make them work.

Cyber Punk - 2055 - The Emerald Age
Fantasy - Legends Game - When the Dead Awake
Fantasy - Mid-level Game - Age of Man : Becoming God
Fiction/Mystery/Horror - 1920's - Tearing the Veil : One Drink Too Many
Ninja's and Super Spies - Modern Dark Gothic - All the Kings Horses

and I could go on.

So really, and not to sound shitty, it's not lack of content it's a lack of interest. I put alot of time and energy and well, myself, as I am sure all good GM's do, and it SUCKS ARSE when it is not appreciated and taken lightly. It's hard work being a GM and players should really .. well, nevermind.
*kicks the shit out of the soap-box*

*walks back to never never land*

..end of line

Re: and the Gods have spoken.

[tobin.livejournal.com]

*Polite clap*

Here here!

Re: and the Gods have spoken.

[johnstonmr]

WARNING: FOLLOWING LINE IS CONJECTURE ONLY AND NOT INTENDED TO OFFEND: I have to wonder if maybe you're taking it too seriously.

I mean, sure, too much socialising is a pain in the arse, but that's what gaming is -- a social activity. And yes, our group has at times taken that to extremes. But if it goes too far in the "Play NOW" attitude, the game ceases to be fun. I always thought we had a decent balance (well, up to the Age of Man game and Star Wars).

As to "a formula of players that lets them work together in a story that works or moves smoothly", well, I'm not sure that's players so much as characters. In the Age of Man game, let's face it, NONE of the characters had a reason to be together, and it showed. Hell, they barely tolerated each other. Even if they were people who'd just met, I felt like I wasn't playing Talloran well because frankly, he'd have told the others to sod off and gone on his way seeking more approachable people. The same happens all the time in my games, even the Star Wars game, because I haven't sat people down and said "Ok. Your characters MUST BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER AND HAVE A REASON TO DO SO. THEY MUST BE FRIENDS, EVEN IF THEY HAVE BASIC DISAGREEMENTS." No longer will I run the "PCs meet and join forces" game. It's stupid, it's cliche, and unless handled VERY well, it's a recipe for disaster. And I'm not good enough to handle it VERY well.

(Frankly, I still don't know why the Star Wars group is together ICly, it's certainly not something *I* do.)

Rest assured, if I ever do run the 7th Sea game Terri wants, there will be a LOT of time spent before play on Characters. Fortunately, that game demands it as part of the CharGen process.

I sense deeper issues and things unsaid, and would love the chance to talk about it with you some time. I suspect I know a couple of the things you're too much the gentleman to say, and would enjoy the possibility of finding a common ground and way out -- if they're what I suspect, I share your concerns.

Re: and the Gods have spoken.

[tobin.livejournal.com]

Speaking as another GM in our group, I'd love to sit down and talk as well. Especially since I've been wracked with ideas for fantasy games, etc. At any rate, it would be interesting.