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As a GM, is it bad form to ask for a moment to think when improvising?
How do I, as a DM, handle a party that decides to set up an ambush in a dungeon?How do you DM differently when it's for only one person?What should I look out for, when scaling a late heroic published adventure for late paragon/early epic tier?What to do when a player dislikes his character, that is vital for the story?When should I make my players actually roll for stuff?Managing OOC player knowledge when using one-shot games as a prologue for a longer campaignWhen do you Move for Front Dangers and how do they take effect?How do I get younger, less experienced roleplayers to act and think for themselves?Can I ask my players for copies of their notes?When should I ask for a saving throw, as opposed to an ability check, for environmental hazards?In the Tomb of Horrors adventure in Tales from the Yawning Portal, what is the intended scenario for when this event occurs?
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As an amateur GM, I, like many other new GMs, often find myself having to improvise in the wake of unexpected player action.
In the past, my approach to this has been to rush to think of something on the spot, which often results in a poorly thought out, cheesy/cliche, or just plain boring response.
Would it be bad form if, when thrown a substantial curveball by the players (such as, for example, the party deciding to wait for enemies to push their position, as in this answer) I were to say to the party something like:
Okay guys, give me a minute to figure this out
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it results in a sudden pause in play?
gm-techniques new-gm improvisation
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
As an amateur GM, I, like many other new GMs, often find myself having to improvise in the wake of unexpected player action.
In the past, my approach to this has been to rush to think of something on the spot, which often results in a poorly thought out, cheesy/cliche, or just plain boring response.
Would it be bad form if, when thrown a substantial curveball by the players (such as, for example, the party deciding to wait for enemies to push their position, as in this answer) I were to say to the party something like:
Okay guys, give me a minute to figure this out
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it results in a sudden pause in play?
gm-techniques new-gm improvisation
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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3
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Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. Good Luck and Happy Gaming!
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– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
2
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
3
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
As an amateur GM, I, like many other new GMs, often find myself having to improvise in the wake of unexpected player action.
In the past, my approach to this has been to rush to think of something on the spot, which often results in a poorly thought out, cheesy/cliche, or just plain boring response.
Would it be bad form if, when thrown a substantial curveball by the players (such as, for example, the party deciding to wait for enemies to push their position, as in this answer) I were to say to the party something like:
Okay guys, give me a minute to figure this out
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it results in a sudden pause in play?
gm-techniques new-gm improvisation
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
$endgroup$
As an amateur GM, I, like many other new GMs, often find myself having to improvise in the wake of unexpected player action.
In the past, my approach to this has been to rush to think of something on the spot, which often results in a poorly thought out, cheesy/cliche, or just plain boring response.
Would it be bad form if, when thrown a substantial curveball by the players (such as, for example, the party deciding to wait for enemies to push their position, as in this answer) I were to say to the party something like:
Okay guys, give me a minute to figure this out
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it results in a sudden pause in play?
gm-techniques new-gm improvisation
gm-techniques new-gm improvisation
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
edited May 3 at 22:17
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
28.9k5103175
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
asked May 3 at 15:17
SkidsdevSkidsdev
39326
39326
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Skidsdev is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
3
$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. Good Luck and Happy Gaming!
$endgroup$
– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
2
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
3
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago
add a comment |
3
$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. Good Luck and Happy Gaming!
$endgroup$
– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
2
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
3
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago
3
3
$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. Good Luck and Happy Gaming!
$endgroup$
– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
$begingroup$
Welcome to RPG.SE! Take the tour if you haven't already, and check out the help center for more guidance. Good Luck and Happy Gaming!
$endgroup$
– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
2
2
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
3
3
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago
add a comment |
7 Answers
7
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
No, it is not bad form
Regardless of how much immersion1 you are trying to achieve, you are still a table full of people playing a game. When you run across a situation that surprises you as GM, or has you thinking "what?" it is most often better to put some thought into the solution, and make a ruling, than allowing yourself to feel rushed. (As with other things in life, snap decisions often have undesirable consequences).
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it
results in a sudden pause in play?
That will depend on the situation. If as the GM you feel that pacing is what needs to be the top priority at that moment, go with your gut and sort it out later.
Sorting it out later
Depending on the game system that you are in, a technique to reverse a quick decision that you made that later looks to become a problem is to (after the session or during a break)
- Bring up the decision
- Explain why it was a poor one,
Explain "how it works in the future."
Discuss with the players as needed, since the level of GM authority (between absolute to not much) varies enough among systems to make an absolute recommendation unrealistic. Getting their buy in will be helpful in the long run.
1Immersion: that elusive quality of an RPG
@KyleDoyle points out (rightly, IME) that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly as another will. While an immersive atmosphere can be a great part of an RPG session, particularly in serious dramatic moments, some players are more concerned with other elements of RPG play. Tastes differ by individual and by group in this regard.
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
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7
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I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, I wouldn't say so at all.
Speaking from a player's perspective, whenever the GM has to take a moment to think it's not too jarring at all.
These things happen!
Players recognise that it's not possible for a GM to have considered and prepared for every and all possibility - even incredibly experienced ones!
If anything it could be compared to a cliffhanger on a TV show - on edge wondering what will happen next?!
Also speaking from a player's perspective, they might even start speculating about that too each other - which depending on you and the situation and the speculations, could even be helpful!
Of course: The exception to this is if you're rude or disparage the players for throwing you for a loop.
As long as you're courteous about it and needing a moment, then it should be fine.
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
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add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it's not a problem
You can't always be prepared for what your players are going to do. That's part of the fun of RPGs.
In fact, if the time is towards the end of the session anyways, don't be afraid to end it early. I've been in and run many a game where the DM said, "Well, I didn't expect you to do that. So we're going to call it here for the night so I can figure out how this affects things." Doing this is often much better than painting yourself into a corner with a poorly thought-out response.
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
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One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
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@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If it is bad form, that's just too bad.
I do this all the time. Literally, I will often say, "Well, that's something I hadn't planned for. Give me a minute to think this through."
Never had a complaint about it.
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
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3
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I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It should be fine, unless your game is particularly fast-paced or reliant on keeping the conversation moving.
Players at your table probably already hold up the action for a minute or five every time their turn comes up. It's normal. The GM/DM/ST doing the same to think through the consequences and possibilities of something they hadn't planned for increases the "liveliness" of the setting by having the world respond to the players, verismilitude by making "retcons" less necessary because you don't have to undo hastily made decisions, and gives players a moment where they get to bask in the glow of having "stumped" the GM. It's fine.
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
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add a comment |
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It's not a problem, but you can hide it if it matters to you
In general this isn't an issue. If the players have an issue with you taking a moment to figure things out, they likely don't understand how hard the job of DM can be sometimes. It's something every DM has done at some point and you shouldn't be concerned about doing it unless it is happening multiple times a session.
If it happens a lot
If you find that you need to do this fairly often, more than once or twice a session then you may have an issue. I say may and this certainly isn't a hard and fast rule, however if you find that it happens more often than you like you may need to change your DM style. It's a good idea to work out why this happens. Either you are not preparing enough and regularly have to figure out what happens next. Or you are preparing too much and aren't ready for when things go off book.
If it is because a lack of preparation, you can either prepare more content ahead of time or improve your improvisation skills. There are a bunch of questions on this site that deal with both.
If you are pausing because you have prepared too much and the players went off script. You may want to change the way you prepare to be more flexible. Working on your improvisation skills will also help here.
How to hide it
Occasionally a pause at particularly intense moments can break the immersion. But you also need time to think to avoid a mistake. In these cases I like to cut away on a cliff-hanger and get the players to have a conversation between themselves to give me time to think.
If they entire party isn't heavily involved in a particular moment you can ask one of the non-involved players what their character is doing in this instant. Or you can ask a player to describe the last time they felt this scared/excited/etc. It can be a good character development moment without breaking the immersion. The goal is to get the players to drive the conversation for a minute or two while you think of what to do next.
Alternatively if that isn't appropriate in the moment or doesn't suit your style of game, you can launch into a descriptive monologue. Spend a minute or two describing the scene in intricate detail. While you are giving the meaningless descriptions your subconscious will be working on how to proceed with the story. Often I find that once I've finished describing the scene I have figured out a solution without really thinking.
answered 2 days ago
linksassinlinksassin
11.2k13880
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Short answer:
If it's important to plot development take the time you need. If it's not important to plot development take it as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and witness the fun that ensues.
Taking the time you need
Sometimes the game takes an unexpected turn and even the GM needs a moment to gather themselves. If you feel you need a moment to gather your thoughts so you can determine what should happen, take the time you need to ensure your making the right decisions.
In similar situations I've said to the players, "ok, that was amazing and totally unexpected. I need a sec to figure out what just happened."
The more you GM the less you'll find yourself doing this. As a player, I've always felt when GMs do this we the players did something clever and and as a GM I make sure to let the players know that they did something clever.
But it depends on the play style
If you're GMing a long narrative campaign that relies on many characters, intertwining story threads and intricate details (which I do almost exclusively), it makes sense to ensure the narrative is aligning properly with the overall story arch.
In a hack-n-slash campaign, or in a hack-n-slash component of a more intricate campaign, it could be a lot more fun to go with your first inclination and just roll with it. I play with a GM who often runs hack-n-slash campaigns and half the fun is the fast paced nonstop thrill of one thing happening after the next. In this kind of campaign a pause could definitely break the momentum of the game.
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
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7 Answers
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7 Answers
7
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$begingroup$
No, it is not bad form
Regardless of how much immersion1 you are trying to achieve, you are still a table full of people playing a game. When you run across a situation that surprises you as GM, or has you thinking "what?" it is most often better to put some thought into the solution, and make a ruling, than allowing yourself to feel rushed. (As with other things in life, snap decisions often have undesirable consequences).
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it
results in a sudden pause in play?
That will depend on the situation. If as the GM you feel that pacing is what needs to be the top priority at that moment, go with your gut and sort it out later.
Sorting it out later
Depending on the game system that you are in, a technique to reverse a quick decision that you made that later looks to become a problem is to (after the session or during a break)
- Bring up the decision
- Explain why it was a poor one,
Explain "how it works in the future."
Discuss with the players as needed, since the level of GM authority (between absolute to not much) varies enough among systems to make an absolute recommendation unrealistic. Getting their buy in will be helpful in the long run.
1Immersion: that elusive quality of an RPG
@KyleDoyle points out (rightly, IME) that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly as another will. While an immersive atmosphere can be a great part of an RPG session, particularly in serious dramatic moments, some players are more concerned with other elements of RPG play. Tastes differ by individual and by group in this regard.
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
$endgroup$
7
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it is not bad form
Regardless of how much immersion1 you are trying to achieve, you are still a table full of people playing a game. When you run across a situation that surprises you as GM, or has you thinking "what?" it is most often better to put some thought into the solution, and make a ruling, than allowing yourself to feel rushed. (As with other things in life, snap decisions often have undesirable consequences).
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it
results in a sudden pause in play?
That will depend on the situation. If as the GM you feel that pacing is what needs to be the top priority at that moment, go with your gut and sort it out later.
Sorting it out later
Depending on the game system that you are in, a technique to reverse a quick decision that you made that later looks to become a problem is to (after the session or during a break)
- Bring up the decision
- Explain why it was a poor one,
Explain "how it works in the future."
Discuss with the players as needed, since the level of GM authority (between absolute to not much) varies enough among systems to make an absolute recommendation unrealistic. Getting their buy in will be helpful in the long run.
1Immersion: that elusive quality of an RPG
@KyleDoyle points out (rightly, IME) that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly as another will. While an immersive atmosphere can be a great part of an RPG session, particularly in serious dramatic moments, some players are more concerned with other elements of RPG play. Tastes differ by individual and by group in this regard.
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
$endgroup$
7
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it is not bad form
Regardless of how much immersion1 you are trying to achieve, you are still a table full of people playing a game. When you run across a situation that surprises you as GM, or has you thinking "what?" it is most often better to put some thought into the solution, and make a ruling, than allowing yourself to feel rushed. (As with other things in life, snap decisions often have undesirable consequences).
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it
results in a sudden pause in play?
That will depend on the situation. If as the GM you feel that pacing is what needs to be the top priority at that moment, go with your gut and sort it out later.
Sorting it out later
Depending on the game system that you are in, a technique to reverse a quick decision that you made that later looks to become a problem is to (after the session or during a break)
- Bring up the decision
- Explain why it was a poor one,
Explain "how it works in the future."
Discuss with the players as needed, since the level of GM authority (between absolute to not much) varies enough among systems to make an absolute recommendation unrealistic. Getting their buy in will be helpful in the long run.
1Immersion: that elusive quality of an RPG
@KyleDoyle points out (rightly, IME) that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly as another will. While an immersive atmosphere can be a great part of an RPG session, particularly in serious dramatic moments, some players are more concerned with other elements of RPG play. Tastes differ by individual and by group in this regard.
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
$endgroup$
No, it is not bad form
Regardless of how much immersion1 you are trying to achieve, you are still a table full of people playing a game. When you run across a situation that surprises you as GM, or has you thinking "what?" it is most often better to put some thought into the solution, and make a ruling, than allowing yourself to feel rushed. (As with other things in life, snap decisions often have undesirable consequences).
Or would that be too jarring/immersion breaking for the players as it
results in a sudden pause in play?
That will depend on the situation. If as the GM you feel that pacing is what needs to be the top priority at that moment, go with your gut and sort it out later.
Sorting it out later
Depending on the game system that you are in, a technique to reverse a quick decision that you made that later looks to become a problem is to (after the session or during a break)
- Bring up the decision
- Explain why it was a poor one,
Explain "how it works in the future."
Discuss with the players as needed, since the level of GM authority (between absolute to not much) varies enough among systems to make an absolute recommendation unrealistic. Getting their buy in will be helpful in the long run.
1Immersion: that elusive quality of an RPG
@KyleDoyle points out (rightly, IME) that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly as another will. While an immersive atmosphere can be a great part of an RPG session, particularly in serious dramatic moments, some players are more concerned with other elements of RPG play. Tastes differ by individual and by group in this regard.
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
edited May 3 at 15:33
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
answered May 3 at 15:24
KorvinStarmastKorvinStarmast
86k22271463
86k22271463
7
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
add a comment |
7
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
7
7
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
I might also add that "immersion" is not something that every player values highly. While an immersive atmosphere can be nice, particularly in serious dramatic moments, there are plenty of players who are more concerned with all the other elements that go into an RPG.
$endgroup$
– Kyle Doyle
May 3 at 15:27
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle Thank you, and folded in your suggestion. :)
$endgroup$
– KorvinStarmast
May 3 at 15:33
11
11
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
$begingroup$
@KyleDoyle some of my players very much value Consistency (gained from taking a moment to think about things) over Immersion (not stopping the action). We try to keep Immersed, but would rather take a short (a few seconds to a few minutes) break than force GM and/or players to come up with a "knee-jerk" reaction that may not be appropriate.
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:00
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, I wouldn't say so at all.
Speaking from a player's perspective, whenever the GM has to take a moment to think it's not too jarring at all.
These things happen!
Players recognise that it's not possible for a GM to have considered and prepared for every and all possibility - even incredibly experienced ones!
If anything it could be compared to a cliffhanger on a TV show - on edge wondering what will happen next?!
Also speaking from a player's perspective, they might even start speculating about that too each other - which depending on you and the situation and the speculations, could even be helpful!
Of course: The exception to this is if you're rude or disparage the players for throwing you for a loop.
As long as you're courteous about it and needing a moment, then it should be fine.
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, I wouldn't say so at all.
Speaking from a player's perspective, whenever the GM has to take a moment to think it's not too jarring at all.
These things happen!
Players recognise that it's not possible for a GM to have considered and prepared for every and all possibility - even incredibly experienced ones!
If anything it could be compared to a cliffhanger on a TV show - on edge wondering what will happen next?!
Also speaking from a player's perspective, they might even start speculating about that too each other - which depending on you and the situation and the speculations, could even be helpful!
Of course: The exception to this is if you're rude or disparage the players for throwing you for a loop.
As long as you're courteous about it and needing a moment, then it should be fine.
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, I wouldn't say so at all.
Speaking from a player's perspective, whenever the GM has to take a moment to think it's not too jarring at all.
These things happen!
Players recognise that it's not possible for a GM to have considered and prepared for every and all possibility - even incredibly experienced ones!
If anything it could be compared to a cliffhanger on a TV show - on edge wondering what will happen next?!
Also speaking from a player's perspective, they might even start speculating about that too each other - which depending on you and the situation and the speculations, could even be helpful!
Of course: The exception to this is if you're rude or disparage the players for throwing you for a loop.
As long as you're courteous about it and needing a moment, then it should be fine.
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
$endgroup$
No, I wouldn't say so at all.
Speaking from a player's perspective, whenever the GM has to take a moment to think it's not too jarring at all.
These things happen!
Players recognise that it's not possible for a GM to have considered and prepared for every and all possibility - even incredibly experienced ones!
If anything it could be compared to a cliffhanger on a TV show - on edge wondering what will happen next?!
Also speaking from a player's perspective, they might even start speculating about that too each other - which depending on you and the situation and the speculations, could even be helpful!
Of course: The exception to this is if you're rude or disparage the players for throwing you for a loop.
As long as you're courteous about it and needing a moment, then it should be fine.
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
answered May 3 at 15:25
anonanon
1,141220
1,141220
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it's not a problem
You can't always be prepared for what your players are going to do. That's part of the fun of RPGs.
In fact, if the time is towards the end of the session anyways, don't be afraid to end it early. I've been in and run many a game where the DM said, "Well, I didn't expect you to do that. So we're going to call it here for the night so I can figure out how this affects things." Doing this is often much better than painting yourself into a corner with a poorly thought-out response.
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it's not a problem
You can't always be prepared for what your players are going to do. That's part of the fun of RPGs.
In fact, if the time is towards the end of the session anyways, don't be afraid to end it early. I've been in and run many a game where the DM said, "Well, I didn't expect you to do that. So we're going to call it here for the night so I can figure out how this affects things." Doing this is often much better than painting yourself into a corner with a poorly thought-out response.
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
No, it's not a problem
You can't always be prepared for what your players are going to do. That's part of the fun of RPGs.
In fact, if the time is towards the end of the session anyways, don't be afraid to end it early. I've been in and run many a game where the DM said, "Well, I didn't expect you to do that. So we're going to call it here for the night so I can figure out how this affects things." Doing this is often much better than painting yourself into a corner with a poorly thought-out response.
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
$endgroup$
No, it's not a problem
You can't always be prepared for what your players are going to do. That's part of the fun of RPGs.
In fact, if the time is towards the end of the session anyways, don't be afraid to end it early. I've been in and run many a game where the DM said, "Well, I didn't expect you to do that. So we're going to call it here for the night so I can figure out how this affects things." Doing this is often much better than painting yourself into a corner with a poorly thought-out response.
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
edited May 3 at 22:18
V2Blast
28.9k5103175
28.9k5103175
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
answered May 3 at 16:20
GrandmasterBGrandmasterB
3,4571316
3,4571316
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
$begingroup$
One problem with this approach might be that it'll provide a disincentive to creative thinking that isn't covered by the rules.
$endgroup$
– MrHiTech
May 3 at 16:44
2
2
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
$begingroup$
@MrHiTech My experience is it gives the GM time to come up with more creative responses. I'm not saying cancel the game 2 minutes in if anything unexpected happens. But if its within a half hour or so of the usual ending time, and the players took a completely unexpected route, there's nothing wrong with ending it early so the GM think about how their actions affect the game world.
$endgroup$
– GrandmasterB
May 3 at 16:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If it is bad form, that's just too bad.
I do this all the time. Literally, I will often say, "Well, that's something I hadn't planned for. Give me a minute to think this through."
Never had a complaint about it.
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If it is bad form, that's just too bad.
I do this all the time. Literally, I will often say, "Well, that's something I hadn't planned for. Give me a minute to think this through."
Never had a complaint about it.
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
$endgroup$
3
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
add a comment |
$begingroup$
If it is bad form, that's just too bad.
I do this all the time. Literally, I will often say, "Well, that's something I hadn't planned for. Give me a minute to think this through."
Never had a complaint about it.
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
$endgroup$
If it is bad form, that's just too bad.
I do this all the time. Literally, I will often say, "Well, that's something I hadn't planned for. Give me a minute to think this through."
Never had a complaint about it.
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
answered May 3 at 15:49
NovakNovak
19.7k53682
19.7k53682
3
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
add a comment |
3
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
3
3
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
$begingroup$
I often combine my need for a "thinking break" with a "comfort break" (i.e. going to the bathroom!). I can take a minute or few to sit and think on what happens next! :D
$endgroup$
– Black Spike
May 3 at 16:01
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It should be fine, unless your game is particularly fast-paced or reliant on keeping the conversation moving.
Players at your table probably already hold up the action for a minute or five every time their turn comes up. It's normal. The GM/DM/ST doing the same to think through the consequences and possibilities of something they hadn't planned for increases the "liveliness" of the setting by having the world respond to the players, verismilitude by making "retcons" less necessary because you don't have to undo hastily made decisions, and gives players a moment where they get to bask in the glow of having "stumped" the GM. It's fine.
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It should be fine, unless your game is particularly fast-paced or reliant on keeping the conversation moving.
Players at your table probably already hold up the action for a minute or five every time their turn comes up. It's normal. The GM/DM/ST doing the same to think through the consequences and possibilities of something they hadn't planned for increases the "liveliness" of the setting by having the world respond to the players, verismilitude by making "retcons" less necessary because you don't have to undo hastily made decisions, and gives players a moment where they get to bask in the glow of having "stumped" the GM. It's fine.
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It should be fine, unless your game is particularly fast-paced or reliant on keeping the conversation moving.
Players at your table probably already hold up the action for a minute or five every time their turn comes up. It's normal. The GM/DM/ST doing the same to think through the consequences and possibilities of something they hadn't planned for increases the "liveliness" of the setting by having the world respond to the players, verismilitude by making "retcons" less necessary because you don't have to undo hastily made decisions, and gives players a moment where they get to bask in the glow of having "stumped" the GM. It's fine.
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
$endgroup$
It should be fine, unless your game is particularly fast-paced or reliant on keeping the conversation moving.
Players at your table probably already hold up the action for a minute or five every time their turn comes up. It's normal. The GM/DM/ST doing the same to think through the consequences and possibilities of something they hadn't planned for increases the "liveliness" of the setting by having the world respond to the players, verismilitude by making "retcons" less necessary because you don't have to undo hastily made decisions, and gives players a moment where they get to bask in the glow of having "stumped" the GM. It's fine.
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
answered May 3 at 15:30
gatherer818gatherer818
17.3k44398
17.3k44398
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It's not a problem, but you can hide it if it matters to you
In general this isn't an issue. If the players have an issue with you taking a moment to figure things out, they likely don't understand how hard the job of DM can be sometimes. It's something every DM has done at some point and you shouldn't be concerned about doing it unless it is happening multiple times a session.
If it happens a lot
If you find that you need to do this fairly often, more than once or twice a session then you may have an issue. I say may and this certainly isn't a hard and fast rule, however if you find that it happens more often than you like you may need to change your DM style. It's a good idea to work out why this happens. Either you are not preparing enough and regularly have to figure out what happens next. Or you are preparing too much and aren't ready for when things go off book.
If it is because a lack of preparation, you can either prepare more content ahead of time or improve your improvisation skills. There are a bunch of questions on this site that deal with both.
If you are pausing because you have prepared too much and the players went off script. You may want to change the way you prepare to be more flexible. Working on your improvisation skills will also help here.
How to hide it
Occasionally a pause at particularly intense moments can break the immersion. But you also need time to think to avoid a mistake. In these cases I like to cut away on a cliff-hanger and get the players to have a conversation between themselves to give me time to think.
If they entire party isn't heavily involved in a particular moment you can ask one of the non-involved players what their character is doing in this instant. Or you can ask a player to describe the last time they felt this scared/excited/etc. It can be a good character development moment without breaking the immersion. The goal is to get the players to drive the conversation for a minute or two while you think of what to do next.
Alternatively if that isn't appropriate in the moment or doesn't suit your style of game, you can launch into a descriptive monologue. Spend a minute or two describing the scene in intricate detail. While you are giving the meaningless descriptions your subconscious will be working on how to proceed with the story. Often I find that once I've finished describing the scene I have figured out a solution without really thinking.
answered 2 days ago
linksassinlinksassin
11.2k13880
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It's not a problem, but you can hide it if it matters to you
In general this isn't an issue. If the players have an issue with you taking a moment to figure things out, they likely don't understand how hard the job of DM can be sometimes. It's something every DM has done at some point and you shouldn't be concerned about doing it unless it is happening multiple times a session.
If it happens a lot
If you find that you need to do this fairly often, more than once or twice a session then you may have an issue. I say may and this certainly isn't a hard and fast rule, however if you find that it happens more often than you like you may need to change your DM style. It's a good idea to work out why this happens. Either you are not preparing enough and regularly have to figure out what happens next. Or you are preparing too much and aren't ready for when things go off book.
If it is because a lack of preparation, you can either prepare more content ahead of time or improve your improvisation skills. There are a bunch of questions on this site that deal with both.
If you are pausing because you have prepared too much and the players went off script. You may want to change the way you prepare to be more flexible. Working on your improvisation skills will also help here.
How to hide it
Occasionally a pause at particularly intense moments can break the immersion. But you also need time to think to avoid a mistake. In these cases I like to cut away on a cliff-hanger and get the players to have a conversation between themselves to give me time to think.
If they entire party isn't heavily involved in a particular moment you can ask one of the non-involved players what their character is doing in this instant. Or you can ask a player to describe the last time they felt this scared/excited/etc. It can be a good character development moment without breaking the immersion. The goal is to get the players to drive the conversation for a minute or two while you think of what to do next.
Alternatively if that isn't appropriate in the moment or doesn't suit your style of game, you can launch into a descriptive monologue. Spend a minute or two describing the scene in intricate detail. While you are giving the meaningless descriptions your subconscious will be working on how to proceed with the story. Often I find that once I've finished describing the scene I have figured out a solution without really thinking.
answered 2 days ago
linksassinlinksassin
11.2k13880
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
It's not a problem, but you can hide it if it matters to you
In general this isn't an issue. If the players have an issue with you taking a moment to figure things out, they likely don't understand how hard the job of DM can be sometimes. It's something every DM has done at some point and you shouldn't be concerned about doing it unless it is happening multiple times a session.
If it happens a lot
If you find that you need to do this fairly often, more than once or twice a session then you may have an issue. I say may and this certainly isn't a hard and fast rule, however if you find that it happens more often than you like you may need to change your DM style. It's a good idea to work out why this happens. Either you are not preparing enough and regularly have to figure out what happens next. Or you are preparing too much and aren't ready for when things go off book.
If it is because a lack of preparation, you can either prepare more content ahead of time or improve your improvisation skills. There are a bunch of questions on this site that deal with both.
If you are pausing because you have prepared too much and the players went off script. You may want to change the way you prepare to be more flexible. Working on your improvisation skills will also help here.
How to hide it
Occasionally a pause at particularly intense moments can break the immersion. But you also need time to think to avoid a mistake. In these cases I like to cut away on a cliff-hanger and get the players to have a conversation between themselves to give me time to think.
If they entire party isn't heavily involved in a particular moment you can ask one of the non-involved players what their character is doing in this instant. Or you can ask a player to describe the last time they felt this scared/excited/etc. It can be a good character development moment without breaking the immersion. The goal is to get the players to drive the conversation for a minute or two while you think of what to do next.
Alternatively if that isn't appropriate in the moment or doesn't suit your style of game, you can launch into a descriptive monologue. Spend a minute or two describing the scene in intricate detail. While you are giving the meaningless descriptions your subconscious will be working on how to proceed with the story. Often I find that once I've finished describing the scene I have figured out a solution without really thinking.
answered 2 days ago
linksassinlinksassin
11.2k13880
$endgroup$
It's not a problem, but you can hide it if it matters to you
In general this isn't an issue. If the players have an issue with you taking a moment to figure things out, they likely don't understand how hard the job of DM can be sometimes. It's something every DM has done at some point and you shouldn't be concerned about doing it unless it is happening multiple times a session.
If it happens a lot
If you find that you need to do this fairly often, more than once or twice a session then you may have an issue. I say may and this certainly isn't a hard and fast rule, however if you find that it happens more often than you like you may need to change your DM style. It's a good idea to work out why this happens. Either you are not preparing enough and regularly have to figure out what happens next. Or you are preparing too much and aren't ready for when things go off book.
If it is because a lack of preparation, you can either prepare more content ahead of time or improve your improvisation skills. There are a bunch of questions on this site that deal with both.
If you are pausing because you have prepared too much and the players went off script. You may want to change the way you prepare to be more flexible. Working on your improvisation skills will also help here.
How to hide it
Occasionally a pause at particularly intense moments can break the immersion. But you also need time to think to avoid a mistake. In these cases I like to cut away on a cliff-hanger and get the players to have a conversation between themselves to give me time to think.
If they entire party isn't heavily involved in a particular moment you can ask one of the non-involved players what their character is doing in this instant. Or you can ask a player to describe the last time they felt this scared/excited/etc. It can be a good character development moment without breaking the immersion. The goal is to get the players to drive the conversation for a minute or two while you think of what to do next.
Alternatively if that isn't appropriate in the moment or doesn't suit your style of game, you can launch into a descriptive monologue. Spend a minute or two describing the scene in intricate detail. While you are giving the meaningless descriptions your subconscious will be working on how to proceed with the story. Often I find that once I've finished describing the scene I have figured out a solution without really thinking.
answered 2 days ago
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answered 2 days ago
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answered 2 days ago
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$begingroup$
Short answer:
If it's important to plot development take the time you need. If it's not important to plot development take it as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and witness the fun that ensues.
Taking the time you need
Sometimes the game takes an unexpected turn and even the GM needs a moment to gather themselves. If you feel you need a moment to gather your thoughts so you can determine what should happen, take the time you need to ensure your making the right decisions.
In similar situations I've said to the players, "ok, that was amazing and totally unexpected. I need a sec to figure out what just happened."
The more you GM the less you'll find yourself doing this. As a player, I've always felt when GMs do this we the players did something clever and and as a GM I make sure to let the players know that they did something clever.
But it depends on the play style
If you're GMing a long narrative campaign that relies on many characters, intertwining story threads and intricate details (which I do almost exclusively), it makes sense to ensure the narrative is aligning properly with the overall story arch.
In a hack-n-slash campaign, or in a hack-n-slash component of a more intricate campaign, it could be a lot more fun to go with your first inclination and just roll with it. I play with a GM who often runs hack-n-slash campaigns and half the fun is the fast paced nonstop thrill of one thing happening after the next. In this kind of campaign a pause could definitely break the momentum of the game.
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Short answer:
If it's important to plot development take the time you need. If it's not important to plot development take it as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and witness the fun that ensues.
Taking the time you need
Sometimes the game takes an unexpected turn and even the GM needs a moment to gather themselves. If you feel you need a moment to gather your thoughts so you can determine what should happen, take the time you need to ensure your making the right decisions.
In similar situations I've said to the players, "ok, that was amazing and totally unexpected. I need a sec to figure out what just happened."
The more you GM the less you'll find yourself doing this. As a player, I've always felt when GMs do this we the players did something clever and and as a GM I make sure to let the players know that they did something clever.
But it depends on the play style
If you're GMing a long narrative campaign that relies on many characters, intertwining story threads and intricate details (which I do almost exclusively), it makes sense to ensure the narrative is aligning properly with the overall story arch.
In a hack-n-slash campaign, or in a hack-n-slash component of a more intricate campaign, it could be a lot more fun to go with your first inclination and just roll with it. I play with a GM who often runs hack-n-slash campaigns and half the fun is the fast paced nonstop thrill of one thing happening after the next. In this kind of campaign a pause could definitely break the momentum of the game.
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Short answer:
If it's important to plot development take the time you need. If it's not important to plot development take it as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and witness the fun that ensues.
Taking the time you need
Sometimes the game takes an unexpected turn and even the GM needs a moment to gather themselves. If you feel you need a moment to gather your thoughts so you can determine what should happen, take the time you need to ensure your making the right decisions.
In similar situations I've said to the players, "ok, that was amazing and totally unexpected. I need a sec to figure out what just happened."
The more you GM the less you'll find yourself doing this. As a player, I've always felt when GMs do this we the players did something clever and and as a GM I make sure to let the players know that they did something clever.
But it depends on the play style
If you're GMing a long narrative campaign that relies on many characters, intertwining story threads and intricate details (which I do almost exclusively), it makes sense to ensure the narrative is aligning properly with the overall story arch.
In a hack-n-slash campaign, or in a hack-n-slash component of a more intricate campaign, it could be a lot more fun to go with your first inclination and just roll with it. I play with a GM who often runs hack-n-slash campaigns and half the fun is the fast paced nonstop thrill of one thing happening after the next. In this kind of campaign a pause could definitely break the momentum of the game.
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
$endgroup$
Short answer:
If it's important to plot development take the time you need. If it's not important to plot development take it as an opportunity to throw caution to the wind and witness the fun that ensues.
Taking the time you need
Sometimes the game takes an unexpected turn and even the GM needs a moment to gather themselves. If you feel you need a moment to gather your thoughts so you can determine what should happen, take the time you need to ensure your making the right decisions.
In similar situations I've said to the players, "ok, that was amazing and totally unexpected. I need a sec to figure out what just happened."
The more you GM the less you'll find yourself doing this. As a player, I've always felt when GMs do this we the players did something clever and and as a GM I make sure to let the players know that they did something clever.
But it depends on the play style
If you're GMing a long narrative campaign that relies on many characters, intertwining story threads and intricate details (which I do almost exclusively), it makes sense to ensure the narrative is aligning properly with the overall story arch.
In a hack-n-slash campaign, or in a hack-n-slash component of a more intricate campaign, it could be a lot more fun to go with your first inclination and just roll with it. I play with a GM who often runs hack-n-slash campaigns and half the fun is the fast paced nonstop thrill of one thing happening after the next. In this kind of campaign a pause could definitely break the momentum of the game.
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
edited May 3 at 16:00
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
answered May 3 at 15:55
lightcatlightcat
5,91612366
5,91612366
add a comment |
add a comment |
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– Someone_Evil
May 3 at 15:25
2
$begingroup$
have you tried taking a bio break instead? We did that on our gaming sessions and created a meme that all good ideas are born on the toilet (because it gives you that minute to think).
$endgroup$
– Tom
2 days ago
3
$begingroup$
Very few of us are professional GMs - most of us work for free
$endgroup$
– Dale M
2 days ago