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<blockquote data-quote="maddman75" data-source="post: 859151" data-attributes="member: 2673">There are several ways to handle this.&nbsp; Here's a few of my tricks to keep things manageable.- Don't obsess over DCs.&nbsp; Remember that 15 is the DC for a typical task, and make it up from there.- Recruit one of your players to keep track of everyone's initiative.&nbsp; No real reason the DM has to worry about all that.- When making NPCs, don't mess with adding up the masses of skill points.&nbsp; Just figure out how many skill points they get a level.&nbsp; They can have that many skills maxed out (level+3 ranks).&nbsp; For most NPCs, you don't even need this much.&nbsp; For a wizard, he would likely have Concentration maxed, probably spellcraft too.&nbsp;&nbsp; Don't worry about it if he doesn't have anything else.- Just understand the basic engine and make rulings as you see fit.&nbsp; Give them a minute or two to check something, but make clear you are not going to spend all night debating some minor rules point.&nbsp; If they want a debate, contact you after the game.- Are you using minis?&nbsp; IME they really do make the game go faster and reduce arguements.&nbsp; Jsut don't let them obsess over placement and such - come on man, this isn't chess!- Post it notes!&nbsp; These are great for running combats.&nbsp; One for each bad guy.&nbsp; Not only a handy spot for hit points, but you can denote spells, feats in effect, etc. on them.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="maddman75, post: 859151, member: 2673"] There are several ways to handle this. Here's a few of my tricks to keep things manageable. - Don't obsess over DCs. Remember that 15 is the DC for a typical task, and make it up from there. - Recruit one of your players to keep track of everyone's initiative. No real reason the DM has to worry about all that. - When making NPCs, don't mess with adding up the masses of skill points. Just figure out how many skill points they get a level. They can have that many skills maxed out (level+3 ranks). For most NPCs, you don't even need this much. For a wizard, he would likely have Concentration maxed, probably spellcraft too. Don't worry about it if he doesn't have anything else. - Just understand the basic engine and make rulings as you see fit. Give them a minute or two to check something, but make clear you are not going to spend all night debating some minor rules point. If they want a debate, contact you after the game. - Are you using minis? IME they really do make the game go faster and reduce arguements. Jsut don't let them obsess over placement and such - come on man, this isn't chess! - Post it notes! These are great for running combats. One for each bad guy. Not only a handy spot for hit points, but you can denote spells, feats in effect, etc. on them. [/QUOTE]

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