| Author |
Topic:
The Game Masters Guild
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Reynar_Tedros
Registered:
Jul '06
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 6:55am
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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Mighty nice post, Squishy, I agree with everything you've said.
I couldn't resist adding your last statement to my sig, hope ya don't mind. 
-----signature-----
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on.
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LightWarden
Registered:
Oct '01
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 7:25am
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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Squishy, the Bold is used to highlight and empasize key points of your writing. Too much bolding and it becomes an eyesore. Thank you.
That said, I'll participate. You won't get anything from my sig or bio, but nothing short of a ban will stop me from talking. Let me just get a pair of goggles and try to figure out what Squishy wrote.
-----signature-----
CDG Guild Master
Strange how one small thing can determine the fate of so many... especially if it's a twenty-sided die
The Internet is SERIOUS BIZNESS!
It's all fun and games until someone loses a leg.
TF.N RPGs: Less fun than pretending to have sex
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Penguinator-176
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 7:35am
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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I'm top of the lsit on both guilds! I must be real good!
-----signature-----
"Sweet, soft and low, I will poison you all - canary in a gilded cage."
"Everything burns."
.
.
GDG
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Sith-I-5
Registered:
Aug '02
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 10:39am
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
- Date Edited:
10/10/06 10:40am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Sith-I-5
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While I agree with Lightwarden said about emboldening the entirety of that post, I braved the eye-ache and agree with everything that was written.
-----signature-----
Crowning Moment of Awesome – THE MASTER. Summoning six billion robotic
beach balls Of Doom to decimate the Earth, blowing a good-bye kiss to the
Doctor, all the while dancing to "Voodoo Child". EPIC. EVIL. WIN.
007 Family - DVC's twin bro'.
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Squishy_Vic
Registered:
Dec '04
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 12:19pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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Sorry everyone. With IGNBQ sometimes I dont bother to edit the code (since I just paste some previously bolded text)
And Reynar, I dont mind at all. Quite an honor 
-----signature-----
rar
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Rayson
Registered:
Apr '02
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 3:31pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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As you know, you have my support.
-----signature-----
I love Star Wars.
I play World of Warcraft.
I read ...books.
Dear God,
What have I become?
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Darth_Vaders_cousin
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 5:45pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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DVC, President of DRG (Distant Relations Games) proudly supports the GMG.
-----signature-----
Sithy, Livi, DVC, a Crime Fighting Clock
Member Game designers Guild
STAR WARS, 007 STYLE! --Winner of BEST NEW RPG two seasons running
007 FAMILY - Sith-I-5's Twin Bro.
Logic & Reason: SVU -- Detective 3rd Grade
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LightWarden
Registered:
Oct '01
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 6:24pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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Rayson posted:
As you know, you have my support.
And my bow?
-----signature-----
CDG Guild Master
Strange how one small thing can determine the fate of so many... especially if it's a twenty-sided die
The Internet is SERIOUS BIZNESS!
It's all fun and games until someone loses a leg.
TF.N RPGs: Less fun than pretending to have sex
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Penguinator-176
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 6:25pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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And my axe.
-----signature-----
"Sweet, soft and low, I will poison you all - canary in a gilded cage."
"Everything burns."
.
.
GDG
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Zedd-Vega
Registered:
Dec '03
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 6:27pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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Personally, on the thought of appeasing players, I find that doing whatever all of your players want all of the time can destroy a game. Maybe not destroy, but many of you can understand my meaning as GMs.
We've all run across them: players who want the game to start as soon as the GM has the game post with the sheet and information up and ready, players who want to play a Yuuzhan Vong Jedi, players who are the best at what they do.
Why do we limit them and why do we let them get away with it? Because we want them to have fun. I'll admit that after my years of playing an Ex-Jedi Mandalorian Bounty Hunter, I've gotten a little headstrong as to what my character can and can't do, and I even try to convince GMs of games that I play in to allow it. Some cave and I end up trying out new ways to not God-Mode, but others fail.
Case in point, "uber-players" like the ones with "angsty-past" characters and "orphans" we allow them because... well they exist in both real and fantasy worlds. But as GMs, shouldn't a bit of cultural diversity count for something anymore?
Back to FUN, we as GMs try to allow our players as much freedom as possible in regards to timelines, species traits, and even training (Jedi/Sith/Mercenary/etc), so they can play a character they want. I've noticed GMs create games with complete freedom (WotG and IBoP for a few semi-examples  ) and others where things are a bit limited (Mando games, Jedi Games (not 50 uber-Anakins... those games suck  ).
But why do it? If freedom promotes more players that create a greater game-fanbase, then why the hell shouldn't you do it! You have 30 players PM sheets for "Admiral of the Imperial Navy", "Jedi Grandmaster", and "Republic Commando Squad Leader".
I think, as GMs, it would be best to try both approaches and see which suits our own style. A rushed game, in my personal opinion, is a game headed for the "locked" bin.
-----signature-----
"All your base are belong to us..." Cats I'm 97% high fructose corn syrup! "Boba Fett? Boba Fett?! Where?!" Han Solo: RotJ The One and Only Darth Mandalore  Sev in Ghost Ship Executor
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LightWarden
Registered:
Oct '01
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 6:59pm
Subject:
Not... commenting... on... characters
- Date Edited:
10/10/06 7:00pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
LightWarden
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Thing is though, it is about the PCs. Without them, you have fan fiction (or science fiction, or whatever parks your ark). The GM is (in my opinion) an allegorical party host. You're in charge of providing the food, the drinks, the music, the decorations, maybe some games as well, and hoping everyone gets along fine. You smooth over disputes, clean up messes, join in the festivities and keep the good times flowing. The guests play an important part: without them, there'd be no party, and that wouldn't be much fun. Just the same, a good host is a wonderful thing. You can build a party on potluck, but that's a tricky business, and even then it's good to have someone coordinating it so you don't end up with thirty vegetable platters. When everyone's in a good mood, you can all socialize and laugh and tell stories and play games and have a grand old time.
That said, just because you're trying to make sure everyone has a good time, it doesn't mean you're required to roll over and take whatever they dish out. Your house, your party, your rules. Someone blasting the music a little too loudly? Get over there and tell him to wind it down. Someone gets overly rowdy and breaks something? Make him clean it up and hold him responsible! Someone alternating between drunkenly groping the other guests and streaking through the living room clad in nothing but a lampshade and glitter? Give him the old heave-ho! Cops show up at three am because you totally cannot do that to livestock in this state? Sorry dude, you're on your own.
Point is, you want to ensure that you guys can all have fun, on rules you're comfortable with. And in just about every case, it's not going to be all about you (or all about one of the guests either, that one can be kind of not-fun for others too). So be active, be engaging. Mingle, see what people want and try to provide (but don't give them the shirt off your back to make them happy). When you put a lot of effort into making things interesting for your guests, it shows and it pays. Make it as sophisticated as you want, or as carefree as you desire... different parties for different people, no? Don't let things get too out of control for your tolerance, and don't feel too bad about tossing any party-killers either if you can't work anything out. Keep your spirits up too, you're the linchpin of this whole bash.
So live it up, have a blast, be a good host... maybe make some friends and memories.
-----signature-----
CDG Guild Master
Strange how one small thing can determine the fate of so many... especially if it's a twenty-sided die
The Internet is SERIOUS BIZNESS!
It's all fun and games until someone loses a leg.
TF.N RPGs: Less fun than pretending to have sex
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Obi-Wan21
Registered:
Aug '02
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 7:30pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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MasterPrenn posted:
What is the role of a Game Master, and an average role playing game?
What is a GM's job?
Obviously, a Game Master is needed to carry out the story of a game, and enforce the rules...
Or are thy? Are Game Masters completely necessary?
To me the role (and job) of a Game Master is to lay out the overall plot and story, make it intriguing for the players, but also knows how to get their hands dirty. Without a GM the game itself has no plot or basis to follow. In my case, I invest ALOT into the story of my piece. That is the core to it. And, as such, I expect the players to provide as much as they possibly can with their characters, so that I may make in interesting for all.
Each player is important, the character they supply brings a new dent into the story which must all be rectified together. I have an interesting way to set up the plot of my RPG. Usually I take liberties with each character and find ways to connect them all together. It's the puzzle and challenge that I love with this quality. To have each individual character relate to the other in one manner or another, deepening the plot. I go into every RPG I make stating to myself: "Everything is Connected".
But a Game Master has to be a leader, take control in dire situations, shows the players the way, a GM is absolutely necessary. To enforce the rules, make sure everyone plays fair, but more importantly, deal with the story and overall plot. A GM must know when to take a stand, and slap the backs of those that step out of line.
When I start an RPG, the first thing I do is outline the entire story. To me, these players are relying on ME to provide the case and plot. And make it fun for them. But I like to leave alot of areas open because it's important for the players to be able to breathe, they have to know they can come to me with ideas and thoughts, and we can share on this story I'm developing for THEM to enjoy.
I also make sure to have a firm set of Rules, which are required to follow. I also like to play in my game, and interact with these characters, because each is important, I don't join my RPG setting out to be the MAIN character, but each character in and of itself is important. I simply find ways to move the plot forward using my character as that link. Since I connect threads, if you will, together.
An RPG is a puzzle, each player is a piece of that puzzle, and it's my job as Game Master to put this puzzle together, connecting the pieces together, and seeing the final product. And it's always been a fun journey for me.
-----signature-----
This is usually the part where people start screaming.
Fan Fiction & RPG Links In Profile.
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MASTERPRENN
Title: JCC Man.
Awesome
In Oklahoma until the 24th
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
10/10/06 11:46pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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*The Game Masters Guild* (Official Roster)
Full Members:
Penguinator-176
Reynar_Tedros
Pheonix_Rising
Squishy_Vic
Partial Members (Add GMG to sig or bio!)
Zedd-Vega
Obi-Wan21
Winged_Jedi
Sith-I-5
LightWarden
Rayson
Darth_Vaders_cousin
*Agenda*
Now:- Informal discussion. "The GM's role, the better GM..."
Soon- Formal discussion: "GM Theory- GM's role, what does it mean? How far is too far?"
Later- Specific Game Discussion - Floor open, PM me if interested in being "put on the operating table..."
*Always accepting discussion ideas!*
I love the conversation that has been taking place so far...Great stuff guys...Keep it up. Look for me to have a Formal Topic up in the next couple of days...
-----signature-----
"When you see me, what do you see?
I see a big bushy beard and hair."
- Stephen Colbert/Cornel West
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MASTERPRENN
Title: JCC Man.
Awesome
In Oklahoma until the 24th
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
10/12/06 8:19pm
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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*The Game Masters Guild* (Official Roster)
Full Members:
Penguinator-176
Reynar_Tedros
Pheonix_Rising
Squishy_Vic
Obi-Wan21
Rayson
Partial Members (Add GMG to sig or bio!)
Zedd-Vega
Winged_Jedi
Sith-I-5
LightWarden
Darth_Vaders_cousin
*Agenda*
Now:- Formal Discussion- GM Theory: GM Interaction
Soon- Specific Game Discussion - Penguinator-176. Specifically, Dr. NO
Later- GM Caseload
*Always accepting discussion ideas!*
And we’re off!
*Topic*
(Based off of idea from Reynar_Tedros)
GM/Player interaction vs. Player/Player interaction. What type of interaction is best for what kind of game? Is a certain type better than another? Which is more GM friendly? Which is more player friendly? Can the two peacefully coexist to satisfy both styles?
-----signature-----
"When you see me, what do you see?
I see a big bushy beard and hair."
- Stephen Colbert/Cornel West
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Star_Rocker
Registered:
Jan '06
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Date Posted:
10/13/06 1:17am
Subject:
RE: The Game Masters Guild
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This is a tough one. If you don't mind me putting in my thoughts.
A game where it is mostly GM/Player interaction can be quite boring for the Players I tend to find, and can be rather stressful(for loss of a better and more accurate word) for the GM as s/he has to constantly update the character. Where as when there is lots of Player/Player interaction, the players play within themselves for as long as they can, and the GM posts say every second or third post to keep them busy and on track. Though that can sometimes lead to players trying to advance as quickly as possible. So I think that you need a balance of both, players who just play with the GM, may feel left out, if others are out with other players, but if players just play within themselves they can get carried away.
I genereally(in the entire one RPG that has gone more than 2 pages of mine) put people into groups, because not only can the interact with them but it's easier for me to GM kinda, as I do a GM post for the groups and not 10 idividual GM posts. Though if the players decided they want to leave the group and go out on their own, I generally let them, unless they are trying to do something totally outragous.
In saying that I am having a good time in 'System Lord' where at the moment I am just playing with the GM. Though I did put out a distress call so that I may interact with other players. Anyway my point is that while I am enjoying getting my fleet totally outnumbered by NPC ships, I wouldn't mind having some interaction with others, though becaues of System Lords' nature it is entirely my fault that I never got around to talking with others.
So the key is balance. I think.
-----signature-----
"When in Doubt, Use the Force, When in trouble use your lightsaber!"
Objection, your Honor. You can't preface your second point with "first of all." - Boston Legal
Music. For me it's a lot like oxygen.
Gamertag: Azzamatronic
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