Once a Month Sessions - HOW?

Rechan · Aug 28, 2009

The information everyone has provided has lead me to the conclusion this kind of game is not for me.

Thank you folks, for those that have contributed to the discussion.

Jeff Wilder · Aug 28, 2009

I hate monthly campaign games. It's so difficult to remember things from session to session and almost impossible to slip back into character in any meaningful way. The one more-or-less monthly game I play, I play the most stereotypical dwarf cleric on the planet, for just that reason.

I'm not sure how to phrase this delicately, but ... well, I don't believe that people can't set aside a bi-weekly block of six to eight hours. People can do so, and people can then plan around their commitments. People simply choose not to do so. They place gaming at a lower priority than, say, attending a cousin's wedding, or going boating, or whatever. I'm obviously not talking about actual urgent issues, which of course someone should blow off a game for. I'm talking about choosing not to make a commitment of time to the game, because it's just not that important.

And you know what? That's fine. Gaming is really important to me, and I can absolutely understand how it's not as important to most people. Just do me a favor and be up-front about it. "I'm really not interested in a bi-weekly Friday night game, because I'd rather spend that Friday out at the clubs." Not, "I just don't have time." Because for the vast majority of people, that last statement just isn't true.

S'mon · Aug 28, 2009

Rechan said:
What I need is a concrete how-to. Because unless I can conceivably see how I can do it, I'm with Mercurius: a monthly game looks like it'd not really satisfy me.

Can you run a 3-encounter Dungeon Delve in 1 session? If you want more roleplay, make some of the encounters easier, so they're quicker and you have more space for other stuff.

I dunno - have you ever read a short story by Howard or Leiber? Have you ever read a 7-page D&D adventure? I think WoTC still have their free 3e adventure downloads up ("The Burning Plague" et al), most are around that length. Old (pre 100) White Dwarf magazines are a good source for short 1e AD&D adventures to convert.

You do I think need around 4 hours of actual dedicated play time for 4e, though other game systems play quicker. So, not so much goofing around maybe.

jdrakeh · Aug 28, 2009

Jeff Wilder said:
I'm not sure how to phrase this delicately, but ... well, I don't believe that people can't set aside a bi-weekly block of six to eight hours.

When you game with doctors, attorneys, government contractors, and other people who have careers (as opposed to jobs), it's much easier to believe. I have also had several gamer friends who drive trucks — they were only in town for two to three days every four or five months. There are actually quite a few career paths that prohibit time-intensive hobbies (such as role playing) in this manner.

The Ghost · Aug 28, 2009

Jeff Wilder said:
I'm not sure how to phrase this delicately, but ... well, I don't believe that people can't set aside a bi-weekly block of six to eight hours. People can do so, and people can then plan around their commitments. People simply choose not to do so.

Well, in one of my gaming groups I am the only one who works a traditional 9-5 type job. Everyone else works in hospitals, law enforcement, shipping/warehousing, and retail. They often do not know what their schedules will be. And in many cases getting together once a month for four-to-five hours is the only way we can game.

In general, I do agree though that monthly games are not as enjoyable as weekly or every other week. But if thats the only gaming you can get in... do what you got to do.

S'mon · Aug 28, 2009

jdrakeh said:
When you game with doctors, attorneys, government contractors...

government contractors?!

fba827 · Aug 28, 2009

I realize the OP (Rechan) has already decided this wouldn't work for him (which is sort of what I was mainly going to say -- you have to limit adventures to make them largely self contained but with open plot threads and good notes to carry from session to session.. but if you only have 4 hours it isn't going to work well at all).

But, having said that, here is a link to a previous thread on a related topic for anyone interested ...

http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/234161-can-once-month-game-work.html

Stuntman · Aug 28, 2009

The campaign that I am DMing has sessions only once or twice a month. Nothing wrong with the frequency. It's just a matter of ensuring everyone can make it. I find the pace is pretty good and the frequency is about as often as I can handle with other things going on in my life right now anyway. We even switch to another DM to give me a break as well.

I don't think it about gaining a level after every X days in real time. I find we are having fun even though it took 6 months to reach level 3. The other campaign just started and we are still at level 1. I find that 4E makes low level play pretty fun. No one is complaining it took 6 months to reach level 3. Heck, when I played in 2E 15 years ago, we played every week and it took us over 6 months just to reach level 2 and we still had a blast.