I'm running my first session of Shadowrun since SR2 was still new and am looking for any advice, encourgement, things to keep in mind, etc etc for SR4?
Its a group of 3 players (4 including me).
I'll be running the "On the Run" adventure from FanPro.
I think I'm starting to get that nervous/anxious "I'm-gonna-be-GMing-for-the-first-time-in-a-long-time" bug.
Full Version: Advice for my First GM Session
Write notes about the important parts of the run.
Read, re-read and then re-read the adventure so that you can tell the players what's happening without having to read it verbatim out of the book.
Print out the player handouts beforehand, not during the game (guilty
)
Bring a pad of graph paper for maps and maybe some figurines if you have them, even army men work.
Ummmm ... Make sure you know the rules or can at least look them up fast enough. Don't let the players use you as a doormat!
Read, re-read and then re-read the adventure so that you can tell the players what's happening without having to read it verbatim out of the book.
Print out the player handouts beforehand, not during the game (guilty
)Bring a pad of graph paper for maps and maybe some figurines if you have them, even army men work.
Ummmm ... Make sure you know the rules or can at least look them up fast enough. Don't let the players use you as a doormat!
I'd let your players know your a little rusty so things might be a little slower this first time. Otherwise, have fun!
Make sure you're expecting the same type of game as your players. On the Run is not designed with min-maxed characters in mind. If the players show up with characters tweaked out you'll probably need to up the challenge level if you don't want it to be a cakewalk.
As a new GM I would come up with a three adventures, one that highlights each of your characters. I would also make all three adventures of the "Rail Road" type.
That way you won't have to guess about how NPCs would react and can just plow through each encounter one at a time. Also, since all your encounters are scripted you can have the rules that apply right in front of you.
Finally, if time is an issue for you, guess that any major combat you get into will take at least an hour simply because you and your players are unfamiliar with the rules.
When in doubt... you can always make more characters.
That way you won't have to guess about how NPCs would react and can just plow through each encounter one at a time. Also, since all your encounters are scripted you can have the rules that apply right in front of you.
Finally, if time is an issue for you, guess that any major combat you get into will take at least an hour simply because you and your players are unfamiliar with the rules.
When in doubt... you can always make more characters.
Welcome back to SR!
I put my thoughts on "On the Run" below because they contain's spoilers for that module.
I put my thoughts on "On the Run" below because they contain's spoilers for that module.
[ Spoiler ]
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.