What games seem to do best at FG Cons, voice based or text based.
I'd like to run a 5e introduction, text based with OOC Q&A over voice.
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What games seem to do best at FG Cons, voice based or text based.
I'd like to run a 5e introduction, text based with OOC Q&A over voice.
The main thing about text based games is that they take longer - which is no problem for an ongoing campaign or a session with flexible length. Convention games *have* to finish within a specific timeframe and this can make it harder to play a good, solid adventure from start to finish within the session time slot if using text for the main communication. If there is a particularly slow typer in the group then the game is in danger of not completing satisfactorily or that player misses out as they can't keep up as the GM has to keep the pace of the game going in order to finish on time.
But if it was was an introduction game that might take 2 hours at the table and with OOC questions being handled by voice, in a four hour slot...?
It's up to the GM to be able to pace the game and be flexible if time is running short. That's the case for all convention GMs but more so for a primarily text based game. It is also much harder to predict ahead of time how much time it will take. In a voice game you can estimate a conversation with an NPC takes 5-10 minutes talking, in a text based games this could be 30 minutes+. You won't know the players ahead of time, so you don't know their typing speeds, their command of the English language (even if it's their first language), etc..Quote:
Originally Posted by VenomousFiligree
A 2 hour face-to-face game *may* be OK running primarily text based. I'd recommend preparing some optional encounters that you can run if you have time, but skip if you don't. But, with a 2 hour introductory game you're probably limited in the number you have anyway. To help speed the game along the GM will need to prepare, prepare, prepare - have the majority of text you will use already entered (either in FG or in a document you can copy from and paste into FG) - this, at least, will help speed up the GMs side of data input.
Something to think about: in a voice based game the GM speaks for conversations/location descriptions, etc. (and can easily adapt what they're saying/describing based off the situation), and (in theory) the players understand immediately and can respond right away. For a text based game if the GM needs to modify text before sending to the players there is the time for that to happen, then the time needed for the players to read and digest the text, then the time needed for the players to type their response, then the time for the GM to collate those responses and start typing the reply... This can be 4-5 times longer than a voice based game - especially if it is a conversation with an NPC.
Does this not apply equally to voice? If someone has pigeon English (in an English language game), then that too makes for a longer game (I've been there!).Quote:
Originally Posted by Trenloe
And arguably those players with hard accents to understand might be excellent texters, being used to posting in English language forums...
Oh and I'm fully aware of the pros and cons of text v voice in normal VT games :)
OK, I obviously went off topic and didn't answer your original question.Quote:
Originally Posted by VenomousFiligree
Voice games do better at FG con - you'll appeal to a wider audience.
We have stated that all FG Con games are voice.
If you are confident of your timeslot and you make it very clear in the description - 1st line statement and perhaps further explained within the description we will publish the game.
I would suggest that you do advertise the TEXT ONLY nature of your roleplaying as a MAJOR FEATURE of your session.
Whilst not nearly as popular as Voice games there is a sizeable number of players who do prefer Text for various reasons.
Im in favour of you running this session providing its very clear and you are comfortable that you can run in your advertised time.
It is ok to end your game early - it is less satisfactory for the participants but sometimes it happens.
Voice games will do better as they seem more accessible. I'm going to be trying a mix this time, probably adventurous as I'm also trying out two new systems for this convention. The plan is to use voice chat for gathering on the board, connecting, introductions and basic FG/system intro, then switch to text for the game.
Please do make it clear in your description. Just like some people refuse to play Voice games some refuse to play Text games.
Voice is preferred but I am keen to see a Text game go ahead so long as everyone knows what to expect.
Text is still a niche group of players that are catered to by Fantasy Grounds better than any other product out there - and as has been raised may times - Text can be very immersive with a group who are capable of keeping up via Text.
The location of my PC means I can't use voice but text only has worked fine on the two FG con games I have run.
Hey Borusa - I think you usually play CoC which definitey lends itself to text too. I would appreciate it though if you would clearly indicate Text for all In Game Actions in your description to help those looking for tetxt and to avoid dissapointment for those who dont like Text only. I think I played a game of Cthulhu a couple of Cons ago with you... a Roman setting?
Finally posted a game, waiting for approval
Quote:
This game will use text only for roleplaying, which can lead to a more immersive game. Whilst it is only a short 'dungeon' it is hoped that this demo will give an appreciation of how text games run in Fantasy Grounds. Out of character questions, rules clarifications, etc will be handled by voice.
In the heart of the wastelands, surrounded by steaming pools of foul water and broken mountains that rumble in their sleep, lie the ruins of a dark sepulcher never completed. Dug into the raw stone of a towering cliff, the first chambers were barely hewn when something ancient and evil awoke within the depths. Now the temple stands abandoned while the caverns below writhe with activity. Forsaken servants of the slain cultists await the return of their masters, inhuman creatures have been drawn to the power awakened, and far below the great evil broods within its lair. The Demon Delve Caverns await.
A short dungeon style adventure for level 4 characters using the D&D Basic Rules (5e).
Published.
https://www.fg-con.com/events/demon-delve-cavern/
This game will use text only for roleplaying, which can lead to a more immersive game. Whilst it is only a short 'dungeon' it is hoped that this demo will give an appreciation of how text games run in Fantasy Grounds. Out of character questions, rules clarifications, etc will be handled by voice.
In the heart of the wastelands, surrounded by steaming pools of foul water and broken mountains that rumble in their sleep, lie the ruins of a dark sepulcher never completed. Dug into the raw stone of a towering cliff, the first chambers were barely hewn when something ancient and evil awoke within the depths. Now the temple stands abandoned while the caverns below writhe with activity. Forsaken servants of the slain cultists await the return of their masters, inhuman creatures have been drawn to the power awakened, and far below the great evil broods within its lair. The Demon Delve Caverns await.
A short dungeon style adventure for level 4 characters using the D&D Basic Rules (5e).
Thanks :)
Happy to see at least one game being offered that is primarily text based. I haven't actually played in FG yet, but I much prefer text based games in Roll20.
I still need to look into scheduling to see if I can actually attend this year (signed up for an event last year and things fell apart on my end...and I'm not going to let that happen this year), but if possible I'll be signing up for this just to show support for text only games.
How familiar would one need to be with D&D 5th ed to play this game?
Here are three other primarily text game sessions:
https://www.fg-con.com/events/yggdra...-great-winter/
https://www.fg-con.com/events/the-on...he-marsh-bell/
https://www.fg-con.com/events/cairn-longstar-farm/
Text game Sessions on all three days :)
Yggdrasill: Offerings to the Great Winter
Date: Saturday, October 18 2014
Time: 05:00 - 08:00 (UTC +10)
Ruleset: CoreRPG
Games Master: Valarian
One-shot session game for Yggdrasill. Use of the Teamspeak server for gathering, connecting, introductions and in-game questions or explanations. Everything else will be in the text chat within Fantasy Grounds.
Scenario: The runes have spoken, and through them, the gods. But their words remain obscure. The characters are dispatched to find answers, to the western coasts of Norway to consult a powerful sorceress. The way is dangerous, a gauntlet they must run to reach their goal.
Pre-generated Characters. Text Chat.
6 player slots available.
1) Sigurd Ivarsson – Hirdman (warrior)
2) Hild Thorbjornsdottir – Volva (seer of the Gods)
3) Thorgrim Olavsson – Beserker (warrior of Odin)
4) Klemet Gandalvsson – Thulr (nature seer)
5) Yngwe Gilsursson – Skald (bard)
6) Jorun Hrolfsdottir – Noble
Alias: infirm ogre cold bard
International Time Check: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclo...20&p1=297&ah=3
The One Ring: The Marsh Bell
Date: Sunday, October 19 2014
Time: 05:00 - 08:00 (UTC +10)
Ruleset: The One Ring
Games Master: Valarian
One-shot session game for The One Ring. Use of the Teamspeak server for gathering, connecting, introductions and in-game questions or explanations. Everything else will be in the text chat within Fantasy Grounds.
Scenario: Two Dwarves have gone missing on the Old Forest Road. The company have been asked to investigate their disappearance and to bring them back to the lake town of Esgaroth if still alive.
Pre-generated Characters. Text Chat.
6 player slots available.
1) Beli – a Dwarf of the Lonely Mountain
2) Beran – a Beorning of the Misty Mountains
3) Lifstan – a Man of Dale
4) The Bride – a woman of the Woodmen of Wilderland
5) Caranthir – a Woodelf of Mirkwood
6) Trotter – a Hobbit of The Shire
Alias: infirm ogre cold bard
International Time Check: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclo...20&p1=297&ah=3
Cairn: Longstar Farm
Date: Monday, October 20 2014
Time: 05:00 - 08:00 (UTC +10)
Ruleset: CoreRPG
Games Master: Valarian
One-shot session game for Cairn. Use of the Teamspeak server for gathering, connecting, introductions and in-game questions or explanations. Everything else will be in the text chat within Fantasy Grounds.
Scenario: No one has seen Farmer Longstar in days, and Eliza Grayhair would like the Heroes to go to his farm to check on him. What could have happened to keep old Longstar from market?
Pre-generated Characters. Text Chat.
6 player slots available.
1) Morris Mellowstar – Hedgehog Scholar/Warrior
2) Albar Quicktail – Mouse Swashbuckler/Acrobat
3) Caramon Nightleaf – Opossum Marksman/Rogue
4) Tallin Riverborn – Otter Scrapper/Warrior
5) Deran Stormwatch – Groundhog Paladin/Priest
6) Flora Quicktail – Mouse Healer/Scout
Alias: infirm ogre cold bard
International Time Check: https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclo...20&p1=297&ah=3
It's open to all, so not a problem! :)Quote:
Originally Posted by FraustTheSnowman
Slightly derailing here... where is it okay to advertise our games/ sessions for the con? I've put up two so far, but I feel like no one's going to notice them on the huge list unless I shout about them! (Also one of them, Dawn of the Scarlet Sun, is primarily text based too, so less of a derail...). :)
In the FGCon forum here, on social media, any other roleplaying site where you can or is relevant.
levinth - please promote shamelessly anywhere that you think it might find an audience.
i am making at least 6 posts a day on various sites but it needs more people talking about it in more places.
if you see someone else posting - reply and add something extra to it - keep the ball rolling
way too early to worry if you dont have enough bookings at this stage.
about 1/4 of games fill up real quick, another 1/4 fill up by about 3weeks out, 1/4 fill up pretty close to the event and about 10% of games do get cancelled for lack of players
i think your sessions were only posted this week. i wont have pimped those myself just yet but I also tend to try and look after the non pathfinder ones first because they traditionally need more help.
please share them and some other stats on your favorite sites - particularly Pathfinder related ones.
i will do a few bumps of your sessions over the weekend.
one place im not at all active is Facebook - i know the SXG guys are - but there is a big opportunity to share out there too.
quick stats:
68hours of nearly non stop, round the clock gaming!
5 intro sessions
20+ pathfinder sessions
15+ savage worlds sessions
20 sessions of other RPG rulesets
3 non english sessions
at least 5 text only sessions
totally free to play, no license required
https://www.fg-con.com/events
Over 150 player slots booked already
Thanks for the advice guys. I'm new to the con, so it's a learning curve for me. I did notice you pushing one of my sessions on google+, so thanks for that. I will go forth and spread the word!
I was also thinking yesterday that it might be worth while adding a text/voice field to the event form for the next convention. I have no idea how much work it would be, but it might be easier to see which is which?
He! I cant push ALL the sessions all at once.
Send me your G+ name so I can copy you in when I post the next one.
Feel free to jump on the post and add some more - go all salesman on us :)
Hehe, I'll go scribble something on there now!