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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Ariosto" data-source="post: 5201676" data-attributes="member: 80487">It is, I think, most efficiently a matter of everyone adjusting thinking to a limited scenario -- as in setting up a typical miniatures or board game. When we know we're after something to occupy so many hours, we can consider what is likely to fit the bill.The advice repeated prominently in the 1st ed. AD&D PHB is to have an objective, and that's generally good advice regardless of the adventure. The better defined it is, the easier it is to estimate how long it is likely to take.When we have had to compete with other parties for sessions, our adventures have been well organized. It's been likewise when referees take the lead, as in preparing something for a time slot at a convention. Planning is critical.There is in my experience typically a fair bit of "slack" in the amount of socializing that does not contribute to the progress of the game. It might amount to about a quarter of the time. That can contract or expand, so that precise timing of the game is not relevant to an entertaining gathering.When the players have a clear objective, a "victory condition" for the session's endeavor, that can be something they decisively attain or fail to attain. At the very least, it provides a focus so that -- instead of just wandering aimlessly -- events can be seen to have progressed to a certain point.If it is clear what is unresolved, then it can also be clear what the next step will be. We can anticipate something specific enough to be exciting.</blockquote>

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