Hecklerus Prime
September 13th, 2013, 00:17
Hello! I'm currently the DM for my gaming group and have decided that I want to sit on the other side of the screen for a bit. Unfortunately, the other guys in my group either 1) do not want to DM, 2) do not have the proper licensing to DM and don't want to buy it, or 3) are too new to know how to DM well. Also, I wanted to use this experience to show my group how other DMs run the table, so letting one of them run the show would really just be a variation of how I run the show.
About us. There's six of us playing (including me). Three of us have been playing for over a decade (since High School) and are extremely proficient and knowledgeable about the game. We've got the rules down. The other three are fairly new to the game (six years, three years, and two years) but are still quite strong, as they've been learning from the rest of us. We are all solidly capable of building strong characters, creating rich back stories, and role playing the characters properly. The group has a decent mix of hack n' slash, role play, and puzzle interests. We tend to stick to the rules as best as we can, but we're also able to run on the fly with a DM ruling. We've also got a good sense of humor and can joke around and have fun when needed. (Jeez, this is starting to sound like an internet classifieds/dating ad!) We are all experienced the most with 3.5, but a few of us have played in numerous Pathfinder games and I have experience in 4th edition D&D. We don't have a preference for ruleset, campaign setting, starting level, or really anything else.
We can really only play on Monday nights. We've been settled into that schedule for three years now and it'd be hard to change. But we're willing if we have to. What can't change are the hours. We play from 8pm to 11pm EDT. We're all in Ohio, if that matters. Also, we've been playing in Fantasy Grounds for three years and are heavily experienced with using all of its perks and features, so no time spent learning the software will be needed.
If you're interested or want to know more about us or our situation please reply or message Hecklerus Prime. Thanks!
EDIT: Per Andre's suggestion, I'm adding a little more detail. We have so far used Skype voice chat for out-of-game conversations and discussion while reserving the chat log feature for in-game character discussion, development, and description. We have also tried swapping the mechanics (Skype for role-play, chat log for OOC), but we found that it's difficult to prevent side-conversations over Skype. Our youngest player is sixteen and the oldest is mid thirties, meaning we're all pretty seasoned typists. Excluding the occasional misspelled word, we're fairly fast at getting our text out there, albeit less detailed than if spoken. We make ready use of the whisper (for private character growth-esq conversation) and the mood functions.
We also do a weekly e-mail chain dubbed "D&D Weekly" wherein the DM begins by reporting a session review, including summary, thoughts, and suggestions on player growth and development. The chain usually becomes a discussion on House Rules, play style critique, and strategic analysis. I think this takes the place of the forum. None of us really have any experience running a forum, but I imagine one of us could learn. The email chain just seemed the easiest thing to do. Of course, none of that is set in stone and we'll be fairly flexible in conforming to the new DM's desires. We understand and respect that the table is the Dungeon Master's and we're there to play.
As far as rules lawyer-ing, a few of the players will get into a nice rant session if it benefits their character. But they shut up pretty quick once the DM puts the hammer down. There's usually no petty feelings over it; the argument is often settled in the D&D Weekly. Really, in all of my ten years as a DM for five different groups, it's no more than I would expect any player to do; just putting forth a good effort to get their way. Often, if a good reason can be given to adjust a rule the party will be on board.
Now, power gaming is another thing altogether. These guys don't build the most powerful build I've ever seen, but they certainly do try. However, in recent years I've put a stop to that and more emphasis on character depth and story. What we've ended up with are a series of powerful builds with powerful back stories, which I think any DM would be proud to have.
I guess my final summary is that I have spent the better part of a decade training these guys to be the best players I can imagine, and they're pretty darn close. At this point, it's me that has failed them, as I no longer wish to hold the mantle. Perhaps all I need is a good Odin Sleep, but I know my DM cogs are getting a little worn. So I'm offering you a ready-built group of awesome players, and all you have to do is give us a playground.
About us. There's six of us playing (including me). Three of us have been playing for over a decade (since High School) and are extremely proficient and knowledgeable about the game. We've got the rules down. The other three are fairly new to the game (six years, three years, and two years) but are still quite strong, as they've been learning from the rest of us. We are all solidly capable of building strong characters, creating rich back stories, and role playing the characters properly. The group has a decent mix of hack n' slash, role play, and puzzle interests. We tend to stick to the rules as best as we can, but we're also able to run on the fly with a DM ruling. We've also got a good sense of humor and can joke around and have fun when needed. (Jeez, this is starting to sound like an internet classifieds/dating ad!) We are all experienced the most with 3.5, but a few of us have played in numerous Pathfinder games and I have experience in 4th edition D&D. We don't have a preference for ruleset, campaign setting, starting level, or really anything else.
We can really only play on Monday nights. We've been settled into that schedule for three years now and it'd be hard to change. But we're willing if we have to. What can't change are the hours. We play from 8pm to 11pm EDT. We're all in Ohio, if that matters. Also, we've been playing in Fantasy Grounds for three years and are heavily experienced with using all of its perks and features, so no time spent learning the software will be needed.
If you're interested or want to know more about us or our situation please reply or message Hecklerus Prime. Thanks!
EDIT: Per Andre's suggestion, I'm adding a little more detail. We have so far used Skype voice chat for out-of-game conversations and discussion while reserving the chat log feature for in-game character discussion, development, and description. We have also tried swapping the mechanics (Skype for role-play, chat log for OOC), but we found that it's difficult to prevent side-conversations over Skype. Our youngest player is sixteen and the oldest is mid thirties, meaning we're all pretty seasoned typists. Excluding the occasional misspelled word, we're fairly fast at getting our text out there, albeit less detailed than if spoken. We make ready use of the whisper (for private character growth-esq conversation) and the mood functions.
We also do a weekly e-mail chain dubbed "D&D Weekly" wherein the DM begins by reporting a session review, including summary, thoughts, and suggestions on player growth and development. The chain usually becomes a discussion on House Rules, play style critique, and strategic analysis. I think this takes the place of the forum. None of us really have any experience running a forum, but I imagine one of us could learn. The email chain just seemed the easiest thing to do. Of course, none of that is set in stone and we'll be fairly flexible in conforming to the new DM's desires. We understand and respect that the table is the Dungeon Master's and we're there to play.
As far as rules lawyer-ing, a few of the players will get into a nice rant session if it benefits their character. But they shut up pretty quick once the DM puts the hammer down. There's usually no petty feelings over it; the argument is often settled in the D&D Weekly. Really, in all of my ten years as a DM for five different groups, it's no more than I would expect any player to do; just putting forth a good effort to get their way. Often, if a good reason can be given to adjust a rule the party will be on board.
Now, power gaming is another thing altogether. These guys don't build the most powerful build I've ever seen, but they certainly do try. However, in recent years I've put a stop to that and more emphasis on character depth and story. What we've ended up with are a series of powerful builds with powerful back stories, which I think any DM would be proud to have.
I guess my final summary is that I have spent the better part of a decade training these guys to be the best players I can imagine, and they're pretty darn close. At this point, it's me that has failed them, as I no longer wish to hold the mantle. Perhaps all I need is a good Odin Sleep, but I know my DM cogs are getting a little worn. So I'm offering you a ready-built group of awesome players, and all you have to do is give us a playground.