Lost noob (possibly inane questions)

Hello! I've been hanging out in forums/LFG for a couple of days now and noticed that there's virtually no help for new people that come singly (have no friends and prior arrangements with existing groups/GMs). Entering player's list seems to be useless. Searching for slots on LFG isn't much better, because that list does not update as the slots are filled. (By the way - what is the purpose of listing games there that have -60 (minus!) or so slots?) So the newbs like me are bombarding the forum. Mostly in vain. I do understand the demand and supply. There are precious few people GM'ing and way too many people who want to join a game. Currently the only way to join a game is to host one yourself (way too steep requirement for most) and pick other unfortunates posting requests for 3.5, 4e or Pathfinder games every 15 minutes. Could there be a better way? I have no experience with VT RPG, but I used to play PBEM RPG (story driven). In order not to lose interested newbies (some of which eventually become top notch players even if there was a natural falloff) we had an academy. Volunteers from most experienced GMs ran an academy group for new people periodically. This was both a live introduction (you can watch a YouTube promo clip only so many times...) and a way to find the best potential players for "real" games. Sure, the workload for GM's becomes somewhat higher, but there are benefits too: 1) they get to pick the best players, nurture them and maybe eventually make them co-GMs thus expanding community and reducing the workload; 2) the site gets higher satisfaction ratio and support from new players - once involved they're much more likely to become supporters/mentors/volunteers themselves; 3) the whole community becomes closer together, even though people might play different games - it's easier to ask advice your former "classmate" or mentor at the academy than approach unfamiliar people. Would you think such idea could be beneficial to the roll20? P.S. (OOT - Since I haven't found any group to join, maybe you could take a pity on me and accomodate me somewhere in your world? :) Beggars can't be choosers so I'd try anything that I can start at Level 1. Thank you!!)

While I agree with some of what you said take another look at the Roll20 home page...275,000 accounts! If you divided that by a VERY full groups of 6 players each you would still need over 45,000 GMs! And...well there are just not that many of on here :( This will always be an issue and right now the only thing we can do is try to encourage and build a solid GM core. Because the more that GMs are supported the stronger this site will be. BTW we are dong a series of GM Workshops to help the GMs refine their skills, go grid-less, or dispel myths (like the "way too steep requirements") that many feel :) - [GM] Keaggan

vienastoks said: I've been hanging out in forums/LFG for a couple of days now and noticed that there's virtually no help for new people that come singly (have no friends and prior arrangements with existing groups/GMs). Entering player's list seems to be useless. Searching for slots on LFG isn't much better, because that list does not update as the slots are filled. (By the way - what is the purpose of listing games there that have -60 (minus!) or so slots?) So the newbs like me are bombarding the forum. Mostly in vain... Could there be a better way? Part of the issue is that the LFG system is in a bit of a transition period as the devs work on a process that removes old listings and tries to streamline the whole LFG process. So, until the system transitions fully over, there's going to be the odd game with negative players and phantom listings. However, I can confirm that the system does update properly after a player has been invited to the campaign by the GM after posting in the mini-forums attached to the LFG posting; I just checked my own LFG page, and it's working as expected. That being said, there are people who from time to time specifically run introductory events for brand new players and do try to focus on bringing people up to speed. It's a matter of timing and perseverance, unfortunately, but no different that trying to run or get into a tabletop RPG in the real world. There are things you can do to increase your odds of being accepted into a game. You've already filled out your profile (a big help for GMs). A post in the LFG Forum where you describe what kind of game you're looking for and when you're available can also help (I've picked up some really, really good players that way). Expanding your horizons and trying to get into any game (even if it's not your first choice) can help too - a lot of games happen through personal networking and directly interacting with others only boosts that. Finally, its my hunch that most of the active and on-going campaigns on Roll20 didn't use the LFG features and instead came together through other sites and in person; if that's the case then becoming active on Google+ and other RPG related message boards (like The RPG Site and RPG.net ) can also boost your chances. In any case, good luck!

I guess you're right. The problem as I see it is that 250,000 of those registered might never return after their initial frustration. Re: building GM core. How do you do it? :) I'll try to host a game if only to use all opportunities before abandoning hope. I'm reading wiki and docs, but if there are some screencasts/videos of GM play or setting up a world, I'd be grateful for some pointers. Thanks for your reply!

One thing somebody I knew propossed long ago was that you can volunteer as a GM (this will guarantee you will get players, especially here in Roll20), but then you can require your players to GM ocassionally too if they want to be admitted to your group. This way the 'regular' GM can rest once in a while. You could try that, and maybe begin with a game that has fewer requirements that D&D does. There are also many games that do not require a GM, such as Magic, or Munchkin, heck, even Chess. Be creative! I became a GM many years ago simply because we were a group of friends (around 10 people) and the current GM almost never had time to run sessions... and none of the other players wanted to GM, they only wanted to play a character. So I volunteered, and since then I have almost never again played a character. I enjoy it a lot, but I can understand why most people don't want to venture into GM territory: it requires a lot of effort, and the rewards are quite different. GMs have more responsibility, while players can focus on their character and that's it. By volunteering to be a GM and requiring your players to GM once in a while, you may find out that some of them open regular campaigns of their own and they will probably want you among their players. It is worth the try, don't you think?

vienastoks said: I guess you're right. The problem as I see it is that 250,000 of those registered might never return after their initial frustration. Re: building GM core. How do you do it? :) I'll try to host a game if only to use all opportunities before abandoning hope. I'm reading wiki and docs, but if there are some screencasts/videos of GM play or setting up a world, I'd be grateful for some pointers. Thanks for your reply! By the way, if you would like to join the Heroquest Campaing I am preparing, you are welcome! I would need 3 more players though (preferably newbies), so if you are interested send me a PM. I'd also be happy to share what I know, he he.

The requirements for being a GM actually don't have to be that steep at all. If you don't mind running a pre-made module, there's a free one available on the marketplace. "buy" it, create the campaign, read the background material, and anybody should be able to run it for 4 players (or 5?) with only a day of prep. If that works well for you, and you like the experience of being a GM, just do a google search for "Free D&D Module." Converting the pdf to Roll20 maps & tokens will be a bit more work, but it's mechanical rather than creative, so it's a lot less daunting.

Thanks for all your suggestions! That's what I'll do then. I hope to join one game or another just to get acquainted with the actual mechanics and then try the embarassment of the first-time GM. :)

While Keaggan is running a series of workshops to refine certain GM skills (I happen to be attending one;-), I am considering starting a workshop for new GM's period. It can be a lot of responsibility, take little or a lot of preparation and be downright scary the very first time you DM/GM a game. I am hoping to alleviate all of these pressures for those of you who wish to STEP UP and take on the roll of a Game Master/Dungeon Master. I have contacted Keaggan to see if he wishes to partner with me in this endeavor.

Side note: Building a core of GMs is a personal project of mine (and hopefully Aaron's) and will be an ongoing project. Keep watch as more info to come.

That is actually all I hoped for and more! I'll be watching forums then. Hope to join you some time and learn the tricks of the trade.

vienastoks said: Hello! I've been hanging out in forums/LFG for a couple of days now and noticed that there's virtually no help for new people that come singly (have no friends and prior arrangements with existing groups/GMs). Entering player's list seems to be useless. Searching for slots on LFG isn't much better, because that list does not update as the slots are filled. (By the way - what is the purpose of listing games there that have -60 (minus!) or so slots?) So the newbs like me are bombarding the forum. Mostly in vain. I do understand the demand and supply. There are precious few people GM'ing and way too many people who want to join a game. Currently the only way to join a game is to host one yourself (way too steep requirement for most) and pick other unfortunates posting requests for 3.5, 4e or Pathfinder games every 15 minutes. Could there be a better way? I have no experience with VT RPG, but I used to play PBEM RPG (story driven). In order not to lose interested newbies (some of which eventually become top notch players even if there was a natural falloff) we had an academy. Volunteers from most experienced GMs ran an academy group for new people periodically. This was both a live introduction (you can watch a YouTube promo clip only so many times...) and a way to find the best potential players for "real" games. Sure, the workload for GM's becomes somewhat higher, but there are benefits too: 1) they get to pick the best players, nurture them and maybe eventually make them co-GMs thus expanding community and reducing the workload; 2) the site gets higher satisfaction ratio and support from new players - once involved they're much more likely to become supporters/mentors/volunteers themselves; 3) the whole community becomes closer together, even though people might play different games - it's easier to ask advice your former "classmate" or mentor at the academy than approach unfamiliar people. Would you think such idea could be beneficial to the roll20? P.S. (OOT - Since I haven't found any group to join, maybe you could take a pity on me and accomodate me somewhere in your world? :) Beggars can't be choosers so I'd try anything that I can start at Level 1. Thank you!!) I will be starting up a few games in the near future especially as I am a 'Lost' GM... Keep your eyes open and ask to join, they will be a mixture of Sci Fi, Modern and Fantasy stuff. I'll also be running both campaigns and 'one shot' adventures (one story, no linking to later stories)

I'm working setting up some old system games in the next week or two. These will be geared towards new players to rpgs and/or vtts in general. I can't make them a regular sessons due to school, family, and work.

Thank you, guys! I'll keep watching game listings and try to apply. Some way to track announcements by favorite GMs would be cool...

vienastoks said: Could there be a better way? I have no experience with VT RPG, but I used to play PBEM RPG (story driven). In order not to lose interested newbies (some of which eventually become top notch players even if there was a natural falloff) we had an academy. Volunteers from most experienced GMs ran an academy group for new people periodically. This was both a live introduction (you can watch a YouTube promo clip only so many times...) and a way to find the best potential players for "real" games. Sure, the workload for GM's becomes somewhat higher, but there are benefits too: 1) they get to pick the best players, nurture them and maybe eventually make them co-GMs thus expanding community and reducing the workload; 2) the site gets higher satisfaction ratio and support from new players - once involved they're much more likely to become supporters/mentors/volunteers themselves; 3) the whole community becomes closer together, even though people might play different games - it's easier to ask advice your former "classmate" or mentor at the academy than approach unfamiliar people. Would you think such idea could be beneficial to the roll20? Yes! This is an awesome idea and thank you for breaking it down. Since so many of us GMs share similar ideas so we've been working a project to get this all more organized and focused. A link for all those that are interested can be found here: <a href="https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/9618/gm-academy" rel="nofollow">https://app.roll20.net/lfg/listing/9618/gm-academy</a> .