Ideas & Suggestions on Larger Groups

[MarkAHart]

In the past, my gaming group consisted of approximately six players and the DM. Typically, we had the usual group turnover when a player would leave and a new player would join. Within the past few weeks, we have added two new players to the fold, for a total of 8 players and the DM.

Our last game became a study in unleashed chaos, with too much cross-talk, people not able to hear the DM talk, etc. This was due, in part, to some elements within the adventure itself. Indeed, our newest players were the quiet ones as they are still working to fit in, etc.

I am interested in hearing other people's ideas, suggestions, and experiences in dealing with larger groups of players. Strategies and tactics are also most welcome. We are fortunate to have an excellent group of people; everyone gets along well, so that's not a problem.

We've just started talking about ways to cut down on the cross-talk, but it would be nice to avoid using strict rules of procedure, handing the "talking stick" back and forth, or raising hands. Everyone appreciates that we all need to work on this, and take better care and be more mindful when another person is speaking, but specific ideas would be helpful in getting things rolling properly.

Thoughts? Tactics you've used successfully (or not)? I know some people out there have truly large groups...

 

[DarrenGMiller]

Okay, I have DM'ed for groups of 12 or more players before. It is tough. There are a few "musts" here:

The table cannot be long and narrow with a DM at one end. Arrange tables into a square so that all players are close to the DM and their cross-talk is lessend since there is a greater distance between them face-to-face.

Have a party spokesman and leader. Let all strategy go through them to him, then to you.

Keep background noise down and eliminate it if possible.

Like it or not, you will need some table talk rules. No speaking sticks, but no talking while another is talking is a good place to start.

This is a difficult path to follow. Good luck!

DM

 

[Xath]

When our groups got beyond 6 people, we'd pass notes if we had OOC crosstalk to say to each other. It cut down on the noise quite a bit.

Also, having people roll out their attack and damage rolls before their turn saves alot of time too.