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THREAD: In long term play, the GM/facilitator is often responsible for more than just the narrative experience. Looks like many GMs are burdened with the job of scheduling people, sending reminders, and retrieving latecomers. #ttrpgs >
I'm thinking of the deeply committed GM. The one that spends forever planning each session and wants to make a memorable experience for everyone.
The GM is often saddled with administrative tasks like play sheet management, record keeping (gold, loot), on-the-fly rule research, and session summaries. And don’t get me started on hosting, food, and snacks! Gah! >
Great GMs anticipate player's needs and strategize solutions. They monitor more than just dice rolls. They keep an eye on the energy of the group. They read the room while weaving a story. #DnD >
The amount of labor that goes into a long-term story game is staggering. HOURS of prep time can sometimes go into a session! But don't forget to set aside some time to go grocery shopping and, oh, scroll back forty messages in the chat to double-check everyone's dietary needs. >
These extra sprinkles of unseen cognitive labor stack up. Fast.
There's an opportunity to improve the GM's play experience a bit. If players offer to take ownership of these admin tasks, that leaves more space for the GM to focus on the big stuff. >
"I'd be happy to help if they'd just ask me. Whatever they need." But /actively/ offering to help with a specific task is different than waiting to be deputized. #ttrpg >
It bums me out to hear the familiar tavern tale of a GM whose players flaked last minute. It was one such tale that inspired this thread, actually. Hats off to you, GMs of the world, and thanks for all the work you do. Behind the screen and behind the scenes. /thread
