Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bluto 10-16-07, 03:58 PM	So, a new RP group, with a freshly made party is almost ready to go for game 1. Some are new members to the group, others are returning after long absences. That said, I think it's a group of good reasonable people who shouldn't have too many issues. But, I was thinking of a few things every newly formed party should discuss: 1. Looting system - Evenly shared, Party +1, Magic item bidding, etc. 2. Death - Raise dead/Resurrection - Paid for by party funds, deceased character only, does each character even want to be raised? 3. Prisoners - Take them, leave them tied, dispose of them? Probably good to know where the party stands before the first ugly argument over a pile of semi concious orcs. 4. Party name? Ok, minor thing, but worth a discussion. Anything else that you believe a new party needs to come prepared with? Or specific advise on any of the above topics?
DrMorganes 10-16-07, 05:17 PM	Rules for source books at the table. Which ones are acceptable (if any)? How long does one have to look up a rule? Is looking up rules during the game even acceptable? If not, make sure everyone agrees to abide by the DM's ad hoc ruling until a final decision can be made! Who brings the snacks? Does it rotate from week to week? Does everyone chip in $5 a session & the DM gets the stuff? Bring your own? DM's house rules. These should be on paper, given to each player, and discussed before the first session. You don't want any nasty surprises or arguments here. Notes on party makeup. Sometimes this is covered under house rules (e.g., BoEG and BoVD are banned), and sometimes its best to give your players a small nudge toward effectiveness. If the game is going to be heavily focused on combat, then a socially-focused character is likely to be marginalized. If not covered under house rules, notes on alignment restrictions (e.g., No evil PCs), banned classes (Frenzied Berzerkers need not apply), and intra-party conflict (Always, never, only if properly roleplayed) need to be noted here. Player attendance. What happens when a player can't make it? Does his PC still go on in "robot" mode, making no important decisions but still fighting, disarming traps, and gaining XP? Does the PC simply *poof* for the session and gain no XP? Notes on XP awards. I always make sure my players understand that I award XP at the end of the session, and with the exception of a roleplaying bonus will never tell them how much XP they got for what. The numbers of CR, ECL, and XP calculation are definitely "behind the screen" in my games. It's possible that 0 XP may be awarded at the end of the session. DM rolling behind the screen. If not covered under house rules, and even if it is, definitely make sure players understand your position on this. I will always roll behind the screen. There are certain things players just don't get to see in my games, and dice rolls are one of them. If my players don't trust that I'm honest, they don't need to be sitting at my table. Other DMs feel differently. Some players don't care. Others freak if they can't see all the rolls. Be honest now and avoid arguments about it later. Character Generation. How do players generate ability scores? How many points do they get? Do they need to roll stats in front of the DM? Do character concepts need to be approved before hand? Will the DM audit character sheets, and if so how often?
Bluto 10-16-07, 05:28 PM	Great stuff, honestly. I think that is all very good advice! But not quite what I was looking for. I'm not asking about what the gaming group - OOC, needs to decide. I'm asking for the party - in game, in character, need to decide. IE: these 6 adventurers get together, form a formal group, and set down a "charter" if you will.
HARLEYDUDE 10-16-07, 08:16 PM	My thoughts is not to have your players discuss this before the first game but have them discuss in CHARACTER during the first session. they could discuss who is the leader. or is it going to be an all equal group that votes on everything. who is going to do all the talking? what are standard operating procedures? for opening a door, or during battle. what specific jobs each are best suited to do. (if 2 rogues, who picks locks, or disables the traps) what are the relationships between the chara's? do some know each other before the first session or do they all meet at random at some bar? party marching order - who is in front? who's rear guard? anything a chara wont put up for or has restrictions (divine or otherwise) ie a paldin wont defile a tomb for the loot, but the cn rogue wouldnt think twice. just some thoughts i hope this helps HD