There has been a pretty decent influx of new members to The Kalamazoo Dungeons & Dragons Meetup Group. I've also gotten quite a few messages from members wanting to play. All that's missing is someone to run campaigns for people to play in. We need DM's!

I want you to consider running a campaign. Even if you don't want to commit to an ongoing game that will last for years, or even months, why don't you think seriously whether you'd be willing to referee a series of a few sessions for people to play in? You could start with just a simple module that you run as a pick-up game at an upcoming monthly meeting, just to try your hand at it. I think that once you try it, you'll like it and want to continue.

Don't be afraid you won't have time or talent to compose an adventure. There are lots of ways to get your foot in the DM door without having to write anything. If you have the time to read the module before the session you're going to run we can find a way to put a published adventure in your hands and you can be an instant DM. In fact, I suggest just this method to anyone. After struggling to be a DM with my own material, this is what finally worked for me! If you do want to give a go as an adventure author, there are people here who can help you get your start, I'm sure.

So, how about it? Why don't you come to the next meeting and see who wants to play in *your* next game? I'll bet you get some bites. Let me know if you want help or advice and I'll be glad to help. Post your questions to the message boards and I think you will get a lot of help.

Cheers,
-Kevin

Kevin as a followup to our discussion at the Plainwell gameday I should be able to help pick up some of the DM slack starting next month. I would start at this weeks meetup but unbeknownst to me my wife had made plans for my birthday and the tickets are not refundable .

From your experience Kevin what do you think people might prefer a 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 rollover table.

From your experience Kevin what do you think people might prefer a 3.0, 3.5 or 4.0 rollover table.

3.0 is probably out. I see mostly 3.5 books in our members' libraries. I think people are slow to buy the 4.0 books and 3.5 is probably going to remain strong for at least the near term. The Pathfinder RPG puts a wrinkle in things too, and I think there might be a portion that stick with the 3.5 rule set base and go down the Pathfinder fork. It's certainly an attractive option for me. Have you seen the Pathfinder RPG rules?

Back from my Birthday adventures and yes Kevin I have had a change to check out Pathfinder and I like what I see. It definitely gives an option to those people who want to stick with 3.5.

I looked through my stuff yesterday and from what it looks like I have a few options as far as running a rollover table

Each option would take 2+ sessions but I am open to running what I can

1. The 4 part Ruins of Greyhawk mod for LG. This is a great series of adventures that scale from 1 to 4 and have enough well thought out parts to make people feel that the accomplished something at the end.

2. A continuation of the Keep on the Shadowfell 4e mod event. This could help scratch the itch for anyone looking for an easy intro to 4e.

3. Start the Age of Worms story arc from Dungeon mag. This arc has more twists than a pretzel and really puts players to the task.

4. The first LFR mods should be out at the end of August and with all regions to pull from there are sure to be some great adventures.

3. Start the Age of Worms story arc from Dungeon mag. This arc has more twists than a pretzel and really puts players to the task.

I'd like to play in this, and I would if it were run.

Actually I have a question... if one DM's at the meetup group and it turns into a weekly game, is there a place that the group meets at to play, or is that considered the responsiblity of the DM? I ask because the place I have isn't the biggest or best for gaming ;P

Gary

I'd imagine the group could meet up anywhere - kinda like how we monthly-meet at the coffee shop. If it's going to be someplace where you could be getting in the way of business, check with the owner/manager to make sure that they don't mind you taking a table for a few hours, but otherwise game away!

While I think the DM should make sure that a good meeting place exists, they should not have to host it themselves.

... is there a place that the group meets at to play, or is that considered the responsiblity of the DM?

Where to play is a dilema. I usually play either at Video Hits Plus (where we have our monthly meetings,) or at the Crow's Nest, over Fourth Coast Coffee, or during the school year at the weekly WMGG meeting site in the Bernhard Center. Fanfare has table space occasionally, but you need to arrange with them in advance and they probably can't be your option for every week. The Game Shop might be under new management soon, and I'll bet the policy of the new owners will be more accommodating that the previous.

Generally, the DM should have the last word on where to game, but it's in everyone's best interest to help find a place to play. If one of your players decides he/she is comfortable with your group of players coming into their home, they might offer it up. In that case, though, for every session you will need to check with your host to confirm that they are willing and able to host that day. It is also CRITICAL, at that point, that you don't invite anyone to join your game until and unless you check with your host. Some people are picky about who they let into their homes.

How does that saying go "If you build it they will come". In all my time as a Gm/Organizer I have found out that at least 75% of getting a group together is finding a place where everyone is comfortable. The sad thing to say is some people view gaming as a "closet" hobby and are not very comfortable doing it in public places. Sometimes you have to push people out of their comfort zones to make things happen.

Speaking of space Kevin how many people does the Crows nest hold? I have never been there, is it nice and how is the parking situation? The best gaming spot I have seen in Michigan so far was at Evolution games in Lansing. It is a coffee/game shop with a play area for kids thrown in so it is family/SigO friendly.