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DM prep time with D&D
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<blockquote data-quote="Psion" data-source="post: 2029251" data-attributes="member: 172"><p>I think that D&D with all the options at high levels, indeed, preparation intensive, if you aren't willing to cut corners. And also to hasten to re-emphasize that the higher prep-time versions of stock NPCs in 3.5 are a hindrance in this vein. Crippled OGC also hinders getting computer support for third party books.</p><p></p><p>That said, when it comes to annecdotes about discouraging DMs, I find that locally at least, the situation is not one of a lack of willing DMs. Most announcements on the DC RPG list lately, and in the local game shop, are of DMs seeking players.</p><p></p><p>If you are having problems finding the prep time, I suggest one or more of the following:</p><p>1) Plot your games so as to use less high level NPCs, or classed or templated monsters. Stick to stock monsters. There are tons of creature books out there.</p><p>2) Be willing to take shortcuts when it comes to quickly making up NPCs. It's easy enough to estimate BAB and max skill levels, and make quick assumptions about magic and ability scores.</p><p>3) Prioritize creation tasks by what you think you will need. Don't make combat stats for NPCs you think will never enter combat; don't spend time finicking to the last point the skills of a creature that will only exist for a round of combat.</p><p>4) Seek out and use computer support. Campaign suite, PCGen, Etools... whichever one fits your style or budget best or supports most of what you are using. There are also a variety of freeware tools, like the 3.5 revision of NPCGen, TreasureGen, etc.</p><p>5) Spend less time on ENWorld. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Psion, post: 2029251, member: 172"] I think that D&D with all the options at high levels, indeed, preparation intensive, if you aren't willing to cut corners. And also to hasten to re-emphasize that the higher prep-time versions of stock NPCs in 3.5 are a hindrance in this vein. Crippled OGC also hinders getting computer support for third party books. That said, when it comes to annecdotes about discouraging DMs, I find that locally at least, the situation is not one of a lack of willing DMs. Most announcements on the DC RPG list lately, and in the local game shop, are of DMs seeking players. If you are having problems finding the prep time, I suggest one or more of the following: 1) Plot your games so as to use less high level NPCs, or classed or templated monsters. Stick to stock monsters. There are tons of creature books out there. 2) Be willing to take shortcuts when it comes to quickly making up NPCs. It's easy enough to estimate BAB and max skill levels, and make quick assumptions about magic and ability scores. 3) Prioritize creation tasks by what you think you will need. Don't make combat stats for NPCs you think will never enter combat; don't spend time finicking to the last point the skills of a creature that will only exist for a round of combat. 4) Seek out and use computer support. Campaign suite, PCGen, Etools... whichever one fits your style or budget best or supports most of what you are using. There are also a variety of freeware tools, like the 3.5 revision of NPCGen, TreasureGen, etc. 5) Spend less time on ENWorld. ;) [/QUOTE]
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