How do you set up a game group these days?

[twofalls]

Yes, I am in an episodic IKRPG that is taking place weekly, but attendance is anemic and the folks who are playing treat it more as a tactical wargame than an rpg, which is fine, but not my style. I'd rather just play warmachine at that point. My local WM/H club is very competitive and practice all year for the Lock'n"Load (big Privateer Press convention at the HQ in Seattle). We all live in Portland, so they drive up there. I love WM, but I am not Mr competitive, so I've not really been playing much (school is the biggest reason). Thank you for the list of sites, I've not really had much luck with such web pages, but who knows, it could happen I suppose.

 

[Ferghis]

I sympathize with you. I was in a similar position at one point, but now have too many games, and might have to drop out of one due to being overcommitted. I got to where I am thanks to those sites. A DM recruited me (and others) via penandpapergames for a local campaign, and that connection opened up a bunch of games. Personally, I've only found online games (as opposed to live ones) through those sites, but I enjoy those too. And to find those, I had to scan through the postings of all the sites every week or two.

That's the only advice I can muster. I have a couple of friends (alas: none are gamers) in Portland, and I'll ask if any of them know of something.

Oh, I almost forgot: craigslist and meetup.com are also good resources.

 

[twofalls]

I did find a link off the pen & paper's web site that you provided to a campaign that is posted on Obsidian's site, and I just sent a message to that DM. Its not Shadowrun, but beggars cannot be choosers.

I appreciate your help and kindness.

James

 

[darjr]

I did find a link off the pen & paper's web site that you provided to a campaign that is posted on Obsidian's site, and I just sent a message to that DM. Its not Shadowrun, but beggars cannot be choosers.

I appreciate your help and kindness.

James

That's awesome!

don't forget local gaming conventions, and Pathfinder Society and Encounters. They have their pitfalls but may be a point of contact for many great gamers.

 

[twofalls]

I've seen encounters games run in local shops, and even tried one once. They seem to cater to a younger crowd, or to people who cannot commit to a campaign. With regards to conventions, there are a couple here in Portland, but the $50+ entry fees are a bit high for a college student living on one income. Good idea, I just cannot capitalize on it.

Thank you darjr.

 

[Ketherian]

If you can't attend the convention, find out if they accept adds or have a table for fliers.
Adds are often cheaper than a membership, and a free flier table would let you put a full page add on a table where everyone gets the information about your game.

Sometimes GMs are given discounts on membership if they run games; and if you're willing to do a bit more work than that most conventions need help and welcome volunteers. The amount of discount on the membership you can get depends on the convention and how much work you're willing to put in.

I tend to network to find players. Friends of friends. If your college has a bulletin board (either old-school or electronic), putting up the info there is always a good place to find locals.

 

[twofalls]

I attend Multnomah University which is a Christian college. While there is nothing unChristian about rpgs and D&D specifically, there are those who are young in the faith or have bound themselves to wrong minded moralistic ideals who believe that it is. I do not make a secret of my hobby in Christian circles, nor of my faith in gaming circles, but I also do not seek the fight, if you understand what I mean. I do not wish to be a stumbling block for either association, as high feelings (as wrong as they are in both cases) tend to arise over the issue. Its a great pleasure to me when I meet other Christian gamers as it allows me to walk a little easier in game sessions. Generally I find it doesn't matter, folks are easy going, but occasionally you meet that militant atheist who is offended by your very presence.

 

[twofalls]

I just learned this morning that Obsidian Portal uses an online map program to locate campaigns in the same manner that Enworld uses to find players. I've found about a dozen different games in my area that are active (and a lot more that haven't been updated for 2+ years) and have sent them all my info. Hopefully this pans out into a seat for me at a good mature game table. Additionally, I was contacted just this morning after signing up for Pen & Paper by a gentleman my age looking to fill a seat. I pray this turns out well! Thank you again for all your help.

 

[Ferghis]

Glad to read of your successes. Hope they all work out, and you have to pick and choose your games!

 

[Starfox]

In my town we have a yearly game con. That is a good place to find or re-find new and old gaming pals and chat about who wants a gaming group. Other than that, its a circle of friends thing. But then, I never had a downtime period, so my circle of friends are largely gamers.

If I found myself alone without gamers, I suppose I'd try to introduce some new people to gaming. Friends, co-workers, people at the pub, whatnot. But I've not actually have to do that in a lont time - maybe it would be much harder now when I'm solidly middle-aged.