Game Mastering: Managing Your Group

A game master has to wear several hats. You are the storyteller, unfolding the plot for your players. You are the supporting cast, interacting with your players and providing them aid and information. You are the adversary, challenging your players and giving them something to strive against. The most important role you play, however, is den mother. It's your job to make sure that everybody gets along and nobody get left out. One of the best ways to do this is to limit the number of people in your group.

I have never played in a game where having more than five players ended well. It may be possible for some gms to do it, but I've never met one. The problem comes from the fact that the more people you have in a group, less each individual person is doing. Add to this the fact that you have to split your own attention between each of the players, and running a game efficiently gets exponentially more difficult with every person you add. More people also means more potential schedule conflicts, and as we discussed last week, these are the death of games.

How do you do it? How do you keep a reasonable number of people in a game, when every time you turn around somebody is asking to join? Learn to say no. Be firm but kind. Explain to them that your game is full, and that you aren't comfortable adding another player. I know what you're thinking. "But Eric, what if a g-g-girl asks to play in my game." Steady on, lad. Do exactly as above, and make sure to look at her face the entire time. If you can swing it, get her phone number. Then take a quick lap around the block and a cold shower. You could probably use the exercise.

If a large number of people are asking to join your game, offer to start up another campaign. This is especially good if you have people who are new to role playing, as it lets them get a feel for the game without having to deal with experienced players giving them nasty looks for sullying their table. Hey, I think I just found my next post topic.
See you in 48. Mav out.