I have 6 players, 4 local and 2 removed at some distance. They differ in many ways - some have armies, some don't (and so use mine). Some are full on hobbyists who have RPd and wargamed for decades, some only play this campaign and have only gamed through me before. Some come to mine or local shops to play, some only with their own armies, but several are very happy to command NPC forces too. My Portomaggioran player, Damo, for example, is a good player, a good tactician, and always tries to win battles (or, achieve whatever objective I have secretly revealed the NPC wants) when he commands NPC armies. This means I can GM, photograph, write notes and be a host without trying to game as well. When I have to command also, then I tend to be a bit rubbish at it because I have so much else to do!
Some of my players don't really read the stories in detail at all, others go so far as help me create them by telling me their character's words or actions to allow the story to unfold. The latter do not always do this, however, as there is a strategic element to the game, of course, and so they do not want to reveal intentions, motivations and plans to their enemies. This is why a whole host of non-player characters act is dramatis personae in the stories. One player, who I had met only once before at a reenactment event, read the whole thread in great detail, then I asked him to take command of the newly emergent skaven!
The ways I communicate are different too. One player I meet for a pint in the pub, carrying maps and notes with me. Another I telephone and then confirm with e-mails. Most I e-mail and message, or talk during and after games.
The NPCs are fully active and interactive, but I do not make up stuff for them as a GM or decide what they will do. Instead I roll dice to determine (based on their previous character and their current situation) how they feel (brave? reckless? cautious? etc on a scale) then I create a chart of options for their next actions and roll. I always stick with the result, even if I think another result would have been more exciting or fun, that way the world feels more real to me too, and not just in my head! Often I include a 1-in 6 chance to do something else. if I roll that then I have to come up with much wackier options and roll between them. This has led to some interesting decisions.
11 September 2012, 10:41:36 PM
