I tend to find all the weird players no matter my screening process. I have found the Drizzt players, people that keep calling me on skype randomly. Try to do things in game that is just really uncomfortable for every player. Im pretty good and telling them to leave but what methods have you found that you use to find good players.
Well if you're fishing for players online, you're bound to get whatever bites when you cast out an invite. Looking for a more curated player experience is easier when you do live games at home with friends or at local game stores.
That being said, gamers are a weird bunch and you'll probably never find a general consensus on what a "good" player even is. Best of luck weeding out the creeps though.
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"The mongoose blew out its candle and was asleep in bed before the room went dark." —Llanowar fable
I already run a bunch of live games and online games with people i know but Deployments happen so its only like every other year we can play frequently. Internet in iraq is a *****.
Easy way would be to write up a simple roleplaying prompt and see how each of them would react. If you are doing skype games and such have them send a video so you can review their speaking mannerisms and general tone. Also if there is something you don't like players to do, make it very clear to them.
Rules
1. Don't call me randomly on skype
2. Keep the game PG-13
3. No player infighting
4. Other rules pertaining to things that creep you out
My process for recruiting new players has always been to meet them prior to having them at a session, whether that is heading down to a local game shop and chatting, or bringing in a person met at school/work/social gathering/known by a friend or player I've already got.
But then, I don't play online. If I did, I'd still try to use a similar approach - spend some time chatting with a person, or exchanging emails, get to know them a bit (especially focusing on what they want from playing a game and whether that fits with what my group's game offers or not) before spending any game time with them.
I've found that having a pre-discussion about what kind of things aren't going to be allowed/enjoyed goes a long way in keeping any weirdness I run into from impacting any actual game.
I don't know what to tell you weird is part of the package. Maybe if you were more specific I could help but like my BEST player has in the past said some of the most uncomfortable stuff ever and eventually if its not making anyone else uncomfortable or crossing the line to much you get use to the weird.
Based on your posts/location, I'd like to start by thanking you for your service.
Addressing your concern, I've always used a manifesto of sorts and review it anytime I have a new player joining. I review it in the first 5-10 minutes that the entire group is assembled to reassert our common purpose.
This is an inclusive gaming environment. If you are made to feel uncomfortable in any way, please speak up immediately or at the session's debrief so that we can maintain an inclusive environment.
If you make others uncomfortable, you will be asked to modify your behavior. If you are unable to do so, you will be asked to leave.
As DM, I will make expedited rulings when game rules are in dispute mid-session. You agree to follow my ruling until we can reach a group consensus in the session debrief.
As DM, I am here to narrate, adjudicate, and serve the party so that we can participate in a collaborative storytelling experience. I am always willing to listen to feedback and ideas to improve the story or the experience for the group.
As a group, we will most likely have a common medium of communication. You agree to follow the group consensus regarding frequency and content.
Thanks for your support Scoreched Sinner, I have to agree with you there about those rules. I have kinda talked to people in messages about session 0 things but it hasnt ever been with the full group and it has alwasy been me sending a message and usually I get back "sure that works" or something along those lines. In a few days I am going to finally be doing my first ever session 0 with all the players. So far I have talked with almsot all of them 1 on 1 and like all the players. It took a few days to sift through those that were looking to join my game but I think it was well worth it in the end.
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I need a good signature :s
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I tend to find all the weird players no matter my screening process. I have found the Drizzt players, people that keep calling me on skype randomly. Try to do things in game that is just really uncomfortable for every player. Im pretty good and telling them to leave but what methods have you found that you use to find good players.
I need a good signature :s
Well if you're fishing for players online, you're bound to get whatever bites when you cast out an invite. Looking for a more curated player experience is easier when you do live games at home with friends or at local game stores.
That being said, gamers are a weird bunch and you'll probably never find a general consensus on what a "good" player even is. Best of luck weeding out the creeps though.
I already run a bunch of live games and online games with people i know but Deployments happen so its only like every other year we can play frequently. Internet in iraq is a *****.
I need a good signature :s
Easy way would be to write up a simple roleplaying prompt and see how each of them would react. If you are doing skype games and such have them send a video so you can review their speaking mannerisms and general tone. Also if there is something you don't like players to do, make it very clear to them.
Rules
1. Don't call me randomly on skype
2. Keep the game PG-13
3. No player infighting
4. Other rules pertaining to things that creep you out
My process for recruiting new players has always been to meet them prior to having them at a session, whether that is heading down to a local game shop and chatting, or bringing in a person met at school/work/social gathering/known by a friend or player I've already got.
But then, I don't play online. If I did, I'd still try to use a similar approach - spend some time chatting with a person, or exchanging emails, get to know them a bit (especially focusing on what they want from playing a game and whether that fits with what my group's game offers or not) before spending any game time with them.
I've found that having a pre-discussion about what kind of things aren't going to be allowed/enjoyed goes a long way in keeping any weirdness I run into from impacting any actual game.
I don't know what to tell you weird is part of the package. Maybe if you were more specific I could help but like my BEST player has in the past said some of the most uncomfortable stuff ever and eventually if its not making anyone else uncomfortable or crossing the line to much you get use to the weird.
Based on your posts/location, I'd like to start by thanking you for your service.
Addressing your concern, I've always used a manifesto of sorts and review it anytime I have a new player joining. I review it in the first 5-10 minutes that the entire group is assembled to reassert our common purpose.
Thanks for your support Scoreched Sinner, I have to agree with you there about those rules. I have kinda talked to people in messages about session 0 things but it hasnt ever been with the full group and it has alwasy been me sending a message and usually I get back "sure that works" or something along those lines. In a few days I am going to finally be doing my first ever session 0 with all the players. So far I have talked with almsot all of them 1 on 1 and like all the players. It took a few days to sift through those that were looking to join my game but I think it was well worth it in the end.
I need a good signature :s