[RPGA} Can Anyone Explain This to Me?

[Gospog]

Ok, I really need a clear, concise explanation here. (please)

I took the "GM test" and became an RPGA Herald some time ago, as did my wife.

The last convention I attended was supposed to have RPGA games, but they got cancelled.

As a result, the Living Force games we're signed up for at GenCon will be our first RPGS games ever.

I have a lot of questions, and NO ONE has given me a straight answer to any of them yet. If anyone here could spare a minute to answer any of them , I'd really appreciate it.

1. Do we need to bring characters to each event?

2. If so, what level characters? None of the scenarios specify.

3. If everyone brings his or her own character, (as it appears to me), won't everyone be a different level?

4. I have my RPGA card handy, but my wife lost hers. Will she need it to play? Just the number, perhaps?

I'm sick of searching the RPGA site only to be linked to the Star Wars RPG page at Wizards time and again, and not finding any relevant info.

Sorry for the frantic tone of my post, but I am feeling extremely frustrated by this whole process.

Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Creamsteak]

I don't know any of those answers. All I can figure out about the RPGA is that they are tied up in a beurocracy of some-kind, and don't appear to really be a gaming community.

 

[Taren Seeker]

Here's how living games work:

Yes, you make a 1st lvl character yourself, using the char creation guidelines for the game you want, in this case, the documentation shoud be at the Living Force section of the RPGA website.You take this char with you to any Living Force game you want to attend. Eventually, after you have gained some levels in that PC you may want to create more so that you have a choice in what you want to play. Players having a "stable" of characters to choose from is very common in Living Games.

You are correct in that there will be a wide range of PC levels at the event. At event muster Game Marshals will try to sit you with ppl close to your level. Make sure you tell whoever is running the muster that you and your wife are 1st lvl, and don't be afraid to be insistent that you not be seated with a bunch of lvl 8's or something. It depends on the scenario, but usually they are "tiered" for a range of levels, so basically the adventure will scale upwards to challenge a table with a higher average level. This could mean that you would be at a table far above you and you will become nothing more than a cheerleader. Also during muster, don't be afraid to advertise your level and class type so that you may be able to fill in holes in unbalanced tables.

After completing each module, you will have to do some paperwork (type varies again by campaign) and your DM will tell you how much XP and/or loot you receive. The DM will also need to sign off on your paperwork.

Your wife only needs her RPGA number.

Hope that helps. BTW, I've heard that Force is a very well run campaign. I bet it's a good choice for people starting out in the Living genre.

*edit* Here is the address for the char creation guidelines for Force. BTW, I agree, they reshuffled the RPGA section of the website and it ain't easy to find the Living Force section anymore.
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=rpga/downloads#lf

and here is the home of living Force

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=starwars/swlfwelcome

 

[Taren Seeker]

I don't know any of those answers. All I can figure out about the RPGA is that they are tied up in a beurocracy of some-kind, and don't appear to really be a gaming community.

This is just really wrong. The RPGA is a bureaucracy yes, but each game has a community.

 

[Gospog]

Taren Seeker,

You have saved my again!

Thanks for the quick response, the facts and the links.
I feel A LOT better.

Will you be at GenCon? I'd like to shake your hand.

If not, please accept my virtual thanks.

Now the only stress is what character to play. As I have only ever GMed Star Wars D20, this is a delightful torture indeed.

Thanks, again!

 

[Taren Seeker]

No worries Gospog, glad I could help. You'll be able to find lots of helpful folks on site as well. I know one of the people who run Force and she's a doll.

And no Gencon for me this year. Maybe next.

PS: Again? Was there a 1st time?

 

[Gospog]

Posted by Taren Seeker:

PS: Again? Was there a 1st time?

Sorry, bad Star Wars quote.
I know Jar Jar is universally reviled, but my wife and I feel that he has some of the best quotes from Star Wars, when taken out of context.

"You saved my again" is a favorite. (he said it to Qui Gon)

So please forgive the Jar Jar reference, but the gratitude is sincere.

 

[Gospog]

Ok, I sent off an E-mail to the RPGA, hoping to discover my wife's membership number, and I should be able to whip up two character by Wednesday.

I feel better already!

Thanks again.

 

[Taren Seeker]

ah....I wouldn't expect a reply from the RPGA for that. Usually they are pretty good with me for correspondence, but this is the busiest time of year for them.

You're better off just getting her a new number. Memberships are free, so just sign her up again.

 

[Piratecat]

Tom, give me a buzz on monday; I'll answer any more questions you have!