Re: Perhaps you guys could be of some help
Protosift said:
Well, I am currently awaiting the Core Book's arrival, and would like to get a campaign going. Evidently we have some members of this board with Directing experience. would it be too bizarre to ask those with experience to give me some genral Buffy-specific advice on running the game, and keeping the feel right. i'm not completely sure, that anyone in my area would be interested in a agem with a typical Scooby gang, but i would like to maintain the feel of the series.
I would also appreciate if anyone could tell me what the supplements really add to the game-I'm not sure how much money I'm going to be willing to spend on another game right now, but our D&D game is on hiatus.
-Protosift
"Delusions of grandeur are my forte."
I haven't Directed many episodes yet, but a few things I've noticed:
1. Encourage one-liners and other bits of humor for the players in-character - especially during fights. If your players are a bit slow to respond, have some Guest Stars nearby for humorous bits (which can be a bit easier for you; since you know who will be involved in the fight to some degree, you can tailor one-liners based off demon special abilities ahead of time)
2. Use the combat maneuvers. Punching and kicking gets broing fast. Sure it happens in the show, but jump kicks, groin shots, and other tricks happen too - if the Cast doesn't use them, have the baddies use them to show how cool they are.
3. Don't dwell on any fight that is not plot-important, especially in a series with a Slayer. Maybe run a round or two, but unless the Cast is in a bad position then, say they finish off the vamps (or whatever) in a few more rounds. This gives you more time to focus on non-combat stuff (This is assuming, of course, that the entire Cast isn't combat machines)
4. Non-combat stuff shouldn't only be research. Many settings for the Buffy RPG are in a modern (or near-modern) setting - use it. Give students tests in game, adults work deadlines, families have in-laws visiting, etc. Every now and then, something demonic or supernatural can be related to those, but more often they should be completely normal... it can make for some interesting role-playing if your Cast are trying to hide their vamp-hunting activities from more mundane folk.
As for supplements, the Director's Screen is really good for combining all of the main tables together, and the book included is pretty helpful at designing episodes. The Slayer's Handbook is good if you have a Slayer in the Series, but not necessary. I haven't gotten Monster Smackdown yet, so I can't comment on it.
And yeah, check out the Eden Studios Buffy RPG Forums... they're quite helpful.
