My open-table / megacampaign is off to a great start. I have ~20 players on the list and we’ve had 5 sessions so far (two of which were two GM double sessions).
This Sunday I’m running a GM training session for a few of the players who are interested in GMing. I’m planning to start by going over the GM tips section of the rules, offer other advice around creating scores and keeping players engaged. Then we’re going to have a bunch of quick GM sessions where the trainees can GM vignettes and then get feedback from the rest of us.
Any other thoughts or advice for how to run it?
Let me know how it goes. My group is about 9 people and instead of 1 DM and 8 players we’re also looking at splitting into 2 groups. I’m also thinking of creating characters and crews together and seeing who else leans toward being a DM and then running two games in the same venue.
How big were your groups when you played? How many players would you say is too much…?
We cap it at 4 players per GM. Most of the time we’re at our max though One time we had a table of two players and a table of three.
I love small tables because it’s more active time per player. I’ve never had more than 4 for blades but I imagine things slow down a bunch and the stress mechanics might not be as effective.
sooo… I am running my 32nd session of this game system later tonight. I have found there is a learning curve for this game, and believe this would be eased with a youtube video (series, most likely) which I have begun outlining for when I have the final version in my hand. I have thought a lot about this topic, in other words.
Is your training session going on online (where?) and are you interested in others like me attending to lend our GMing experience during the actual training?
Thanks Mark – we’re just doing in person for now but I appreciate the offer! I’ll probably leave them with some YouTube videos for reference
Oh; yea, that would be great then. I am wondering what questions people are concerned with most, besides what I have noticed in APs
I had the training yesterday and it went really well!
We covered general GM tips, including going through the GM advice section of Blades. Then we covered Blades specific rules since and tips for gauging position and effect. Finally we rotated around giving each player ~15 minutes of GM time and then providing feedback.
Next up we’re going to help the new GMs design potential scores and then co-GM sessions with them.
Also – the training was done in universe by an NPC who shared the “Scoundrels in the Shadows” scenario planning exercise to help the crew prepare for future threats / opportunities.