One Of Those Nights…
We’ve all had them?those nights where nothing you do goes right?well last night I had one of those. Before I get to my plea for help let me explain a bit. I’ve been role-playing for 30 years. During that time I have taken part in many games but for the most part I GM. In fact I probably GM 99% of the time if not more. After every session I go over the details in my mind thinking of how I could have done things better. I’ll then adjust for future session that I run. My players seem to enjoy my games so I must be doing something right. For some reason that skill does not come easy for me on the player side of the screen.
Now?back to last night?
Last night I met with 5 friends to play 4e. This was the first try of 4e for 4 of us?really only 3 of the players and the GM had read any of the PHB. The first thing we did was to divvy out characters. As we had only a short time to play we used all pregens. I took a half-elf cleric of Bahamut. That was probably a mistake as on hindsight I know I like fighters or mages. The session started with a fight that went good for the PC but I had trouble figuring out some of the details so a couple of my moves did basically nothing. For example, I figured I would move up next to a kobold and blast him with a daily power?well that give him an opportunity attack?ok?I’ll shoot first the move?oops?now I can’t give the injured fighter HP as he is too far away?fine?I’ll just do it anyway. My PC was extremely ineffectual. After the fight we went to a city to gather information so that we could continue the adventure. Me and the dragonborn paladin were trying to find out about a death cult that was supposed to be near the town. For some reason every time I went to talk with an NPC I froze up. I’m not sure if it was because of the character I was running or what?!? After the session I could not decide if it was worth staying up late on a work night to game. GASP! That is not like me at all.
So now my plea?
Help me out here players. Does anyone have any advice for getting out of ruts during or after sessions? The advice can be specific to this session (i.e. ?I might have done X?) or long term ideas. I want to improve my playing skills?I can self evaluate as a GM but it is hard for me as a player.
GAME ON!
