Our humble group of players has steadily rose from 6 (this is including the DM) to about 9. With one more joining us at the beginning of the new year. With 9 people to DM for, things will start to slow down considerably, especially when it comes to combat. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions on how to run a smooth game or even speed up combat when there are a lot of players to deal with.
Need advice to speed up combat...
- Thread starter FlimFlam
- Start date
fett527
First Post
Many groups when they get that large will use a timer (hourglass usually) to keep things moving in combat. An amount of time is selected for how long a player can take to make his/her decision on what they are going to do for the round. If they don't explain in time they lose their turn.
SparrowThirteen
First Post
Wow. 9 players
1: Use that map, a good map answers many questions so that you don't have to.
2: Write down initiatives where everyone can see them.
3: Have your side of the battle planned, and ready so that your actions go quickly (lead by example).
4: Fire through the initiatives, the quicker you are moving, the quicker your players will move.
All other options start becoming draconian, but with a group that large, your players might appreciate it.
1: X seconds of consultation == a full round action, move on to the next player.
2: An action, once stated, is taken. (No recalculation of perfect routes, no assists from other players "don't do that!, do this!")
As I said, these last two are pretty heavy handed, but the first four will be enough to move things a little snappier.
1: Use that map, a good map answers many questions so that you don't have to.
2: Write down initiatives where everyone can see them.
3: Have your side of the battle planned, and ready so that your actions go quickly (lead by example).
4: Fire through the initiatives, the quicker you are moving, the quicker your players will move.
All other options start becoming draconian, but with a group that large, your players might appreciate it.
1: X seconds of consultation == a full round action, move on to the next player.
2: An action, once stated, is taken. (No recalculation of perfect routes, no assists from other players "don't do that!, do this!")
As I said, these last two are pretty heavy handed, but the first four will be enough to move things a little snappier.
We use a plastic grid (1 inch squares) as our battle-matt. We bought plexi glass and drew the lines on with a sharpie. Works very well, I definately suggest those who use grids to try this. Since it is clear, we can place cut-out stuff under it (like grass, chasms, rooftops to simulate a town, etc.).
We also have an initiative board that everyone can see. Who ever is sitting closest to the DM controls it (moves people in initiative for Refocus and Delays when ever it happens).
We also have an initiative board that everyone can see. Who ever is sitting closest to the DM controls it (moves people in initiative for Refocus and Delays when ever it happens).
Last edited:
SparrowThirteen
First Post
That map setup sounds sweet. How much does a good sized piece of plexi go for these days?
I know this isn't exactly what you were looking for but it may be worth a thought...
If you have time and can schedule it and it wont destroy your campaign, maybe try splinting the group in to 2 so each is smaller.
It would be a little more work for you, but depending on how your running the campaign you could pull a comic twist. Have one group end up in an alternate universe doing the same adventures as the other group. THe only thing that would be diffrent is how the deal with situations and the results of their actions.
Or
Develope a second goal for the campaing to send the second group to complete. With possibly an occasional meeting of both groups to catch up / trade info items or fight the big bad guy thats been causing all the problems the groups have been taking care of.
Sorry if this is no help, just kinda poped in to my head so I figured I would throw it out.
JDragon
If you have time and can schedule it and it wont destroy your campaign, maybe try splinting the group in to 2 so each is smaller.
It would be a little more work for you, but depending on how your running the campaign you could pull a comic twist. Have one group end up in an alternate universe doing the same adventures as the other group. THe only thing that would be diffrent is how the deal with situations and the results of their actions.
Or
Develope a second goal for the campaing to send the second group to complete. With possibly an occasional meeting of both groups to catch up / trade info items or fight the big bad guy thats been causing all the problems the groups have been taking care of.
Sorry if this is no help, just kinda poped in to my head so I figured I would throw it out.
JDragon
