Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Mr_Miscellany 08-30-07, 01:16 AM	Hey, I saw an article over at treasuretables.org that discussed one DM's use of power point (http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/08/opening-credits-via-powerpoint) to help get his game started. As for me, I don't have anything so fancy. I just ask someone to turn the TV off, then I do a quick read off/review of last week's game notes with my players --I like to trail off my speech while discussing certain events from the week prior on purpose, as my players tend to fill in where I left off, which gets their brains into the game. I'm curious if anyone else has gone this far for their Realms games, and/or what other opening scenarios you all might start out with beyond simply saying, "OK, let's get started."
Lord Karsus 08-30-07, 01:56 AM	-I think a Powerpoint presentation might be just a little too 'over-the-top' for me. Though, it certainly is an interesting idea. Me? I simply have my players read the notes they took from the previous game, and we're off after that.
True_Atlantean 09-03-07, 02:17 AM	I usually have some music play for a short while as everyone settles down and then give a recap of the previous nights events. I also use a few focus questions to help the players get "in-character' and make them think about their direction. The closest I ever get to using the computer (beyond the music aspect of the game) is to store pictures so that I've something to show the players if needs be.
CharginCrusader 09-04-07, 02:44 PM	Kind of agree with Karsus. It would feel like a business meeting or a lecture if the ole powerpoint came out. Though I also agree it is a neat idea. Just not something I am savvy with.
Nukleon 09-04-07, 04:34 PM	For the last campaign i started i made a small Power Point Presentation of the Realms. All players were new to Faerun and some were (relatively) new to roleplaying, so i used this format to convey the basic facts of life in Faerun, like Countries, Gods and famous personalities. My group was positively impressed by the work i had done to make their start a little bit easier, that they themselves really put some work in their characters as for them to fit in such a "fleshed out" world.
Lord Karsus 09-04-07, 08:03 PM	For the last campaign i started i made a small Power Point Presentation of the Realms. All players were new to Faerun and some were (relatively) new to roleplaying, so i used this format to convey the basic facts of life in Faerun, like Countries, Gods and famous personalities. My group was positively impressed by the work i had done to make their start a little bit easier, that they themselves really put some work in their characters as for them to fit in such a "fleshed out" world. -You see, that's cool!
MarkHall 09-05-07, 03:34 AM	My last campaign, I wrote about a page describing what the players knew at the outset of the campaign, including some basic geographical notes (since many were not familiar with the Realms. Campaign Background - 1375 DR (The Year of the Risen Elfkin) Approximately 650 years ago, the city of Myth Drannor fell under the onslaught of the Army of Darkness; a group of fiends, humanoids, and others who hated the peaceful co-existence of humans, elves, and their allies that was happening under the elven coronal. Humans had long been allowed to live at the fringes of the elven wood of Cormanthor, and with their departure to the isle of Evermeet, they expanded the places they lived, developing an area known as "The Dalelands". A largely pastoral area, the Dalelands grew but slowly, and most Dales did not heavily encroach upon the old forests; logging them, perhaps, more than the elves would have allowed, but not so much as to destroy their livelihood. After the fall of Myth Drannor, the majority of elves left the mainlands of Faerun, they thought forever. A few stayed, in such strongholds as Evereska, but they were many felt the call to go beyond the troubles of living amongst "mortals". They went by ship, portal, or spell, then sealed many of the portals and blocked many of the spells. However, events proved that retreat was impossible; in late 1371 (the year of the Unstrung Harp), a rogue sun elf led a force of drow and rebel elves upon Evermeet, causing unimaginable destruction. In 1372 (the year of Wild Magic), the city of Evereska was nearly destroyed by an invasion of magical creatures called Phaerimm. These events led many elves to question whether they could remain separate from Faerun, opposed by others who claimed that the only solution was a complete withdrawal, cutting off those elves who refused to Retreat. The year 1374 was the deciding point. In the Year of Lightning Storms, the fey'ri, demon-tainted elves who had been imprisoned millennia ago, raided Evermeet, then led an invasion on Evereska. A powerful cleric of Corellon Larethian, Seiveril Miritar, called for a crusade to defend Evereska, in opposition to the Queen's Council. His volunteer crusade thwarted the invasion there and, later that year, destroyed the fey'ri forces when they regrouped at the ruined Myth Drannor. He fell in the battle, but his daughter, Ilsevele Miritar, became the new coronal of Myth Drannor. Myth Drannor currently claims the entire forest of Cormanthor as its territory, but lacks the forces to enforce these claims. It is allied, to varying degrees, with the Dales around its periphery; it can count on strong support from Shadowdale (crusaders were instrumental in protecting it from invading Zhentarim during the war), Deepingdale (which has a large elven and half-elven population), and Battledale. Archendale and the other southern Dales are less certain; Daggerdale is half-occupied by forces from Zhentil Keep. Within Cormanthor itself are many humanoid tribes; goblins, gnolls, orcs, and the likes who have settled into once-elven lands, as well as the Cormanthor Drow, the vast majority of whom are loyal to Vhaerun, who is just as evil as Lloth. To the south is Sembia, a human merchant empire. While Ilsevele is on good terms with one of the most influential men in Sembia, Sembia itself is most eager for profit, and has a long history of being slightly antagonistic towards elves. Northeast of Cormanthor is Hillsafar and Zhentil Keep. During the war against the fey'ri, Zhentil Keep and Hillsfar was courted as allies by the daemonfay. However, they turned towards each other's mutual destruction, and Hillsfar was nearly destroyed; it is now completely under Zhentarim control. The Zhentarim seek further control of the Dales, but are currently dealing with the fallout of the very expensive wars they have just fought (against the Crusade first, then against Hillsfar). Southwest of Cormanthor is Cormyr, a human nation Its influential and well-loved king died four years ago; it is currently under the rule of his daughter, Alusair, known as the Steel Regent, who will be regent until the four year old King Azoun V is old enough to assume the throne. During the internal conflict which cost Cormyr its king, the city of Arabel was briefly occupied by an army of humanoids; they have since been dispersed, fleeing in all directions, with varying amounts of organization.----- This was eventually going to lead to a group of goblinoids showing up at the Dales council, claiming to be from Thunderdale (former Sessrendale), having killed Thraxata of the Blood Horn, and asking to take part.
Mr_Miscellany 09-05-07, 11:56 PM	Did you do any of this via Power Point, Mark? ;)
MarkHall 09-06-07, 12:42 AM	No, just Xerox subsidy.
Andyr 09-06-07, 12:14 PM	My DM tends to start off with a "Last time in..."; I've found that as a player it can be useful to have a quick recap, as I may have forgotten about things relevant to other players (but not my own).
Mr_Miscellany 09-06-07, 10:52 PM	No, just Xerox subsidy. :D How do I get one of those? ;)
MarkHall 09-06-07, 11:07 PM	:D How do I get one of those? ;) Be a teacher.