Questions about D&D Encounters

[GameDoc]

I am looking for specifics on Encounters that would help me decide whether to run a group at my FLGS. I get the basic premise, that it's a short 1-2 hour session played out like episodes of a tv season, so you don't have to stop halfway through the adventure and pick up next week.

I am more curious about the obligation on the part of the DM and Organizer. How much paperwork and planning is required? Why can it only be played on Wednesday? What happens if a blizzard, blackout, or tornado hits your town forcing a cancelled session, and you get a week behind? etc., etc., ...

Basically, can you guys sell me on it (or off of it)? What should I consider before making a decision?

 

[thewok]

Encounters is a single encounter per week. That's it. The current season, Keep on the Borderlands, is a 20-week season (i.e. 20 encounters).

Prep work for DMs is minimal. The adventure is already done for you, and they provide you with maps and tokens. You're just there to play the monsters and explain the rules. There is a bit of RP interaction with NPCs, but, in my experience, that's usually pretty glossed over due to the format of the event. Our DM brings his personal minis to use instead of the tokens, and in case players need a mini for their character (I'm the only one who brings his own mini for the game).

The Organizer would need to make sure to 1) schedule the event, 2) provide the space to play and 3) report attendance to WotC.

I think they want you to do it on Wednesdays for the same reason the want Friday Night Magic on Fridays--consistency. I don't know if it's actually required, as I've heard of some group playing on Thursdays, and some places may have need for multiple groups, but not the space to run them simultaneously.

Your best bet is to hit up the WotC site and join the Encounters group. Then you can ask your questions there.

 

[Rydac]

GameDoc I'd say go for it. There is a new season starting on February 9th that runs 13 weeks.

Like thewok said prep is minimal. Paperwork should be likewise. Players and DM put their name and DCI/RPGA number on a form which we give back to staff member at our FLGS and they report to WoTC via software for this purpose.

Yes, the Wednesdays are for nationwide consistency, and don't sweat it if some event causes you to miss a week. Just do a double session the following week.....I had to do this the week I went to Gencon for example.