Decisions, decisions... if they would make them!

[Lwaxy]

*headdesk*

One of my groups, who has been in this configuration minus one since about 2002 (online) is just done with two campaigns which ran at the same time. I've been GM for one of those campaigns, now the other GM has no prep time left as he's in police training this year, so I've asked about what we want to play next.

The campaigns finished were a Star Trek game (which I played in) and a Gammaworld game. Everyone agrees to do something different now, but that's where the agreement ends.

Some want to play an adventure path, to go from sandbox/episode style to something with a foreseeable end. But they can't agree on what AP. WotBS, Slumbering Tsar (which I don't even have all of yet), Zeitgeist (which isn't all out yet so probably not an option), one of the Sidetrek Adventures Weekly paths, or maybe a shorter one...

Some want to try a Star Wars AU setting, as they've heard about the other one I just finished. What exactly they can't agree on either.

One wants some modern or future setting not affected by existing series.

The others want back to D&D for a bit, totally revamping either the Forgotten Realms or Greyhawk, as I mentioned a few times that I'd like to do that.

And one, the the other GM, doesn't care at all as long as he gets to play.

How to get them to agree to pick one or two options? This really hasn't happened to me before, usually it takes a day or two and it's settled. I even suggested splitting the group for a while, so there can be 2 APs running as about everyone would agree to try an AP, but they don't wanna split the party.


I'm not that comfortable with just telling them what we're going to do. I think I can't decide either, what makes it worse

Should I just randomize it?

 

[delericho]

Pick three options that you would be interested in running - preferably three distinctly different options, perhaps even different game systems. Write each of these up in a couple of short paragraphs.

Then send out an email to all your prospective players giving the three options, and ask them to state a preference.

Give them a week to respond, and then tally up the votes. In the event of a tie, cast the deciding vote yourself (or roll a die, whatever). And go with that.

 

[Nagol]

And keep the number of options offered low!

Intent on spurring discussion and buy-in, I made the mistake of offering 5 choices with a couple having sub-options and induced analysis paralysis followed by splintered choice.

Pick 2-3 games you are interested in running and pitch them to the group.

 

[Bleys Icefalcon]

Pick 3, have everyone vote, and GIVE your vote then and there - your vote counting as two. Not quite picking for them, but too many options on the table, they'll NEVER decide.

 

[FunkBGR]

I hate that. My former group before moving to Oregon would always take forever to decide what to play next, and often times wait until we started a game and then 3 sessions in claim "I've made a huge mistake".

So frustrating!

Anyway, since it sounds like you will be running it, weigh your options with what you'll be happy running. Give them 3 choices from that, and try to incorporate elements of whatever into the game you're running.

Related situation and minor plug - I got an email about a week ago from the player who took over after I skipped town. They just hit this same wall again, and he was asking for advice on what to do. I sold him on the "Way of the Wicked" adventure path for Pathfinder. He ate it up, and took it to the group, who also immediately resonated with it. Since it's a similar situation, I thought I'd mention it.

 

[Lwaxy]

Yeah good advice, I did that and gave them 3 choices. Otherwise we indeed won't be anywhere close to deciding til Xmas. I think there are just too many things out there to try and they'd want them all Same here though so I went with stuff I didn't yet run.

Way of the Wicked is not an option for this group, as they play fast (rules light on battles) and would go through the few published parts too quickly I fear. Same problem as Zeitgeist.

With some luck, tonight I'll know what to prepare for Thursday Thanks all.

 

[Lwaxy]

It worked, so we're playing WotBS and a Greyhawk revamp (alternating, as before).

They THINK they will be done with WotBS quickly, but we'l see. It's a long story.

 

[Harlock]

It worked, so we're playing WotBS and a Greyhawk revamp (alternating, as before).

They THINK they will be done with WotBS quickly, but we'l see. It's a long story.

Best of luck!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

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[Lwaxy]

Thanks. I'll probably story hour the result. My other SH groups are mostly slow right now and I'm getting bored