Here is a collection of notes and tools for when I am running games!
Feel free to beg borrow and steal parts or all of it.
Discord is configured for a single person, single mic by default. However you can handle it to handle many people using a single mic, e.g. a meeting room setup.
Since this has come up a few times, here is the instructions.
Go to Your Settings
Go to the Voice & Video Settings
Turn Off Automatic Input Sensitivity and Adjust the Sensitivity. You can see the noise your mic picks up in the dark moving area
Turn Off Advanced Voice Activity and Automatic Gain Control
When you have about an hour left in your session, work towards a dramatic moment that can serve as a climax for the session.
Let players know that I like to do a three-part end-of-session breakdown.
Let each player riff for two minutes at the end of any episode, season, or one-shot.
Based on the game, read the notes. FATE [Thirsty Sword Lesbians](Thirsty Sword Lesbians) [Monster of the Week](Monster of the Week)
Let players know the three steps before we go around the room.
Ask players on a scale of 1-5;
This is aspects
Both can be current or impending These are aspects too
issues/aspects
By participating in this server/games, you agree to the following code of conduct (stolen shamelessly from the Lodestone game community in Minneapolis):
Nobody shows up for a game with the goal of feeling uncomfortable or unsafe, but open play brings together many different types of people with different expectations and approaches to playing. So we’ve set ground rules that everyone can recognize and follow, resulting in better games and more fun for everyone.
All participants (players, Game Masters, and admin/moderators) are expected to adhere to these rules. Participants must conduct themselves in a manner that is conducive to the enjoyment and safety of others at the event. Follow the directions of server admins and moderators. Follow the GM’s lead, and avoid arguing with the GM or other players over rules. Let other players speak, avoid talking over others. Allow other players to get attention from the GM. Be attentive to the table, and don’t distract other players. Respect and abide by content decisions, lines, veils, X-cards, and other safety tools at the table. Be upfront with your expectations. If you have a particular theme you wish to avoid, talk to your GM.
There is zero tolerance for theft or aggressive behavior. Abusive and aggressive behavior is grounds for immediate removal. Aggressive behavior includes threats of or actual physical aggression, using racial, gender, cultural, or other slurs against another person, and otherwise harassing other people. This also includes actions taking place outside the server, both online and in person.
Participants who feel as though they are in an unsafe environment should notify an admin, moderator, or server owner immediately. Participants noticing disruptive behavior should make those responsible for the behavior aware of their actions. Say something. Participants will never be retaliated against by admins or moderators for reporting conduct issues.
If someone feels uncomfortable bringing it to the attention of the disruptive individual, the participant should notify the Game Master or an admin or moderator immediately.
The Game Master has the right to ask a disruptive player to leave the table and speak with an admin or moderator. Admins and moderators have the right to remove a disruptive or aggressive player or Game Master from the server.
These rules may change as needed.
Calling on individual players online
Address the character, not the player.
Ask the individuals “Name, what do you think of the situation?” instead of asking the group overall “what do you do.”
Ask the character “what do you think” instead of “What do you do” to give people a chance to talk it out.
Keep a list of the characters and players in front of you when running your games to remind you who you haven’t heard from in some time.
Let the next character know that we’ll be asking them next.
Let players know we’ll be doing this, and why.
Add a starting splash page with characters, art, and the agenda for each session. Update this every session
Create a “What’s Happening Now” card for everybody to see.
Add a Lines & Veils Card for everybody to look at at any time. Add a note to this that points out
As a quick reminder, since we just spend time talking about these things, they become front of mind for us; they are now in our heads. They may want to come up unintentionally, so please use caution.
Start with a rollup card listing all the NPCs, or make a card for each one with a small detail about them.
Add a picture of the Character sheet in a scene to point things out to players during setup and training.
Audio Visual
I also like to keep game chat in roll 20 with image dumps in discord tabletop-chat
Discord Configuration for a Meeting Room
Be aware of how much space somebody is taking up.
When you are n a call, whoever talking is taking up all the space, talking over is hard. You can’t have side talk.
Use Roll20 for general and side chats.
Have a plan for “No, you go first” moments
Set aside chat time before and after
Three solid principals?
Name (pronouns): big description For important characters let’s put some question prompts on them
Historical fantasy, original fantasy, space opera, urban sci-fi, modern secret immortals, intrigue, punk, fanfic based on existing media
Goofy, dire, cathartic, escapist, power fantasy, sweet, angsty
(Record these on a palette.)
The PCs live in a community sharing positive, feminist values, even if it’s not perfect.
Secret coven, well-regarded social group, insular commune, widely known village, guardians of the great library, run-down city, glittering metropolis, wandering folk, pirate fleet, notorious horde, wild continent, paved continent, scattered villages on an inhospitable planet, a heavily developed planet, asteroid dwellings, half of a contested star system, all the planets of the star system (save one?), scattered among the stars, galactic union
Reliable emotional support, skill-sharing, virtuous leadership, safe stronghold, wisdom from diverse experiences
Complacent, ignorant, combative, endless deliberation, resources stretched thin, hedonism, dependence on a problematic activity, moral blind spots, unfair governance structure
Toxic powers threaten the well-being of your community. Generate two of them, answering the following questions for each:
Domination, order, safety, strife, conformity, silence, possessions, to humiliate, to tear down your achievements
Blackmail, magic, ruthlessness, social standing, numbers, evil genius, divine power, agents everywhere, skill at arms, clever manipulation, control of media, technological advantage
Rivals, Enemies, Allied, Unaware
Toxic powers threaten the well-being of your community. Generate two of them, answering the following questions for each:
Domination, order, safety, strife, conformity, silence, possessions, to humiliate, to tear down your achievements
Blackmail, magic, ruthlessness, social standing, numbers, evil genius, divine power, agents everywhere, skill at arms, clever manipulation, control of media, technological advantage
Rivals, Enemies, Allied, Unaware