Well, there comes a time in every GM's life when (s)he realizes (s)he can only go for so long without some gaming, and I've just gotten to that point.
I think I want to try an IRC game. I have some potential players of my own (not currently members of this forum, mind you), who would be interested in joining (all depending on schedule times). There's about 4 of them, and they're all really nice guys who'd love to get some gaming in.
Also, I've noticed that there's been some interest in Pathfinder going around, and I thought I'd try and give those interested a taste of the system firsthand. It would be a homebrewed setting, something very simple and easy to pick up with little effort.
Here's the hard part for me: I'm addicted to grid combat. Battlemats have been a staple in my gaming for many years now, and I hate to say it, but I've come too far with them to just leave them behind so easily. Waaaay back in the day I went gridless, but times have changed now. I suppose I could try and do without it (Steerpike has done quite nicely without one for his CE IRC game as far as I can tell), but I was also interested in looking for some sort of online grid that everyone could access... it wouldn't even need to be elaborate, just something I can easily move pieces on. My fear is that I've been going for so long with grid combat that going without one would somehow trip me up, and I want to give people a great first experience, obviously.
So, if anyone had any tips for going without a grid or point me in the direction of an online tool, that'd be awesome. Also, I'd like to know who might be interested. I'm not saying this thing is right around the corner, but as is, it looks like wednesdays might work best for me, though I'm totally flexible for other schedules. Let me know!
PS: Just some info about me, in case anyone is curious: I've been DMing (or GMing) for about 10 years. I've ran three and a half-ish massive campaigns that often spanned multiple years (at most 3 years), sprinkled with hundreds of one-shots, short campaigns, and other random escapades thrown in for fun. I usually run with about 4 players, but recently I've been in a group of 5. I've done a short campaign with 8 players before. I also like long walks on the beach and dry martinis.
Maptools will probably get you what you need. I know of some games that use Maptools for the grid/combat, and use IRC for social scenes and miscellaneous die-rolling. (Alternately, I've heard of Maptools/Skype combos, too.)
I'd definitely be interested in playing Weave. I've been aching for a game as well for some time now.
Also wanted to try the Pathfinder mechanics; especially the Ninja class! Haha
When I finished the post, my thoughts immediately jumped to "Pym is definitely gonna wanna be a part of this." :P
I'll suggest maptools if you need grid combat. It also has a dice roller in the game and you can program macros if you are interested in that.
You can also do the talking in Maptools. Using IRC with Maptools seems pointless. One or the other is more efficient and I, personally, loved Maptools when I used it.
Interesting! Thanks guys, I'll give it a look and see if I can make it go.
I have 2 other players who will be joining you, Pym. Anyone else is still welcome to hop on board if you wish!
If not, that's totally fine: 3 players allows for a lot of individual face time. :)
Ok, for the starting tally, it looks like we have Llum, FreakinAwesomeHorse, MagnusPym, and 2 of my local group. Better turnout than I expected!
EDIT: Looks like TMG will be joining us!
I would love to play in a regular game again if it worked with my schedule. That isn't likely, though. My best bet it probably Australians.
Alrighty ladies and gents, we're on for this Wednesday at 8pm-10pm EST. We'll nail down character relations, backstories, who everyone is, and some minor mechanical bits like Hero Points and traits.
Until then, feel free to PM me any questions or concerns.
Might be a little bit late to our first meeting tomorrow night, everyone. At most, a half hour. I'll have a definitive answer earlier tomorrow.
Just some schedule hiccup; it should be a one-time issue.
I'd be interested in playing
Well hello, Mike. :)
Hey, you're aware that I'm not going to be able to stay on for two hours this week cuz of my tests that I told you about, right?
Yep, no worries! It shouldn't be too much of an issue. If you're available to hop on now, we could roll your stats to get that out of the way.
I can message you anything you missed, but we're just going over some basic stuff and we aren't getting into the game just yet.
Yeah I can do that, but you'll have to tell me how to get on to IRC
Sure! It's extremely simple: Go to the IRC tab at the top, click it, and just click to log in, and BAM! You're in! I'll be waiting with some of the players.