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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Beginning of the End" data-source="post: 5560605" data-attributes="member: 55271">First question: Are you a player or the GM?If you're a player, create an impetuous character and then have them act accordingly. Group is debating whether or not to open a door? Kick open the door. Group is worried about a hallway? Throw some marbles down there and start prodding with your 10-foot pole. (You don't have to throw caution to the wind; you just have to be decisive and willing to act without a group consensus.)If you're the GM, the first thing I'd recommend is talking to the group about it: Do they think it's a problem? Do they wish thing were moving at a faster clip?If they perceive a problem, then there are several things you can do:(1) Timer in combat. Barring extraordinary circumstances, everybody gets 30 seconds to make a decision. (I don't find a literal timer works all that well because circumstances do vary; but when it feels like someone is merely dithering, start a 5 second countdown. If they haven't made a decision, they're delaying. Go to the next person and continue resolving actions until they have made a decision and are ready to act.)(2) Prompt them for decisions. (Don't make decisions for them. But when they're out of combat and it feels like the debate is just going in circles or they're dithering, just ask: "So... what are you doing?")(3) Add wandering monster checks and track discussions in real time. You've been talking for 10 minutes? I'm making a check. (It may take a couple of encounters, but once they realize you're not bluffing and their delays are having consequences, they'll figure out how to stop delaying.)(4) Another important question to master: "Is there anything else anyone wants to accomplish?" If so, great, you can now resolve it. If not, then you're free to hit the fast forward button and say, "Okay, so you hang out in the inn for three hours and then (something happens)."Some of the stuff <a href="http://thealexandrian.net/wordpress/591/roleplaying-games/random-gm-tips-running-combat">here</a> can also help on your side of the screen.Yup. That's a problem that can be solved with #3: "So... what are you doing?" That's usually all it takes to refocus the group.</blockquote>

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