Post by Tim B on May 6, 2020 14:37:29 GMT
It’s back! SPARKS Online Memorial Gamedays are here!
We’re running 6 slots (Pending getting enough GMs to actually do it)
9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM, and 7 PM to 11 PM, All times in CST, on May 23rd and 24th (Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend)
SPARKS definitely, LOTE is pending the test play on May 9th.
We need GMs! Email met at Tim@Bruns.com and let me know before Thursday 5/14:
• What slots will you be able to attend?
• What slots will you be able to run?
• What events do you feel comfortable running on Roll20?
o These should be modules the GM is very familiar with, as they will need to make all the handouts and other presentations in Roll20.
• Have you ever run a game with Roll20? If not, have you ever run a game online?
• If you would prefer video or not want players with shared mics, please let us know ahead of time. I’ll mark games appropriately. Note, we will not require video, but you can make your game video preferred. You can however require players have their own mic if that’s important.
• If you have not and need training, or just want it on Roll20, Craig or I will setup a few classes to show how to run games on Roll20. I will also have a tips document.
• If you want to play, I need everything I need from players as well.
o GMs get a higher priority in getting because we can’t run the days without GMs.
o Last event, we had 2 players who didn’t get a chance to play a slot because we were full. We would have had more if several GMs hadn’t offered to run more.
• Don’t just reply to the email, reply to me directly please.
Want to just play? That’s fine too. Email me at Tim@Bruns.com and let me know preferably before 5/14:
• What slots will you be able to attend? (This is important to avoid over/under scheduling events, and a few players weren’t clear on this last time)
• What events have you played OR can you play? Broken down by primary and replay character is fine.
o Without this, I can’t promise you’ll be able to play any events.
o If you sent this to me last time, just let me know, as I can use that list and know what people played.
• Do you have a phone number you’re willing to give out to your GM? And if so, what is it?
• Note: There will NOT be any special events online for now. Don’t ask. The council will continue to examine this as we run more of these.
• Don’t just reply to the email, reply to me directly please.
There will only be as many games as I can find GMs for, and they will only be scheduled based on what players tell me they can play. Players who email me ahead of time will get first serve on selecting the games they wish to play. We will try to spread things out as much as possible to make sure as many people can play as much as they want. I will aim to have a schedule posted on 5/14.
I’ll handle signup like we did last time, meaning GMs and players who registered ahead of time will get first choice for events starting form when I post the schedule at 5/14 till 5/19. On 5/20, I will open up signups to players who did not preregister as well. IF I have to start bumping people, the priority is GMs, then Prereges, then late reges. I will however, try to spread bumping around when possible, so everyone gets a chance to play just a bit. Final signup ends on 5/21 at 7 PM CST, so I can email GMs with their players info so they can send out game invites in advance. Registration after that point are closed.
There’s a lot of extra prep work involved, so please help out by following these instructions.
Also, there will be some rules.
• Events will be prescheduled. No open events, and no walk ups. If you have not registered by the registration deadline, games are closed.
o Tables will aim for 5 attendees, max of 6. No more than 6 players under any circumstances for online play.
o Players who are unable to follow this rule may find themselves excluded from future online events (council discussion pending)
o IF you can’t attend a game, please let your GM and the Con Coordinator know. We understand stuff happens, but try to be considerate if possible.
• GMs will be using Roll20 and Discord for chat.
o GMs should schedule a time to go over how to GM using Roll20 and Discord. Experience with Roll20 GMing also works.
• Video is not required (not everyone has a camera, and they’re nearly impossible to get at the moment), but
• GMs and Players will be required to have a stable internet connection (no voice cut outs), and equipment that will prevent things like echo, feedback, or other issues such as a headset or a podcasting/recording microphone, and not just a built in laptop mic or a phone for chat on Discord.
• No sharing chat equipment is highly discouraged. GMs can choose to not allow this at their discretion.
• Players who have not played an online game will be required to arrive for their game 15 minutes prior to have a quick tool training session.
• Players should otherwise be ready at least 5 minutes before their game starts to work on technical issues BEFORE the game starts.
• GMs reserve the right to boot problem players, be it a technical or behavioral problem. The Con Coordinator can follow up on this, but for each game the GMs decision is final. These should hopefully be exceptions, not the rule.
o These disruptions effect everyone’s game in a negative way, and can cause timing issues as well. This rule is intended to prevent issues that can ruin the game for everyone involved.
o Constant disruptions by players or abuse of this by GMs will be handled by the Con Coordinator and possibly the Council.
• Players understand that the GM will need to be provided with player emails, as they will need to email setup information and later advancement sheets.
o GMs will reach out to players sometimes after 7 PM CST on 5/21 (Thursday), and before 5/23. They should copy in the Con Coordinator with each of these game announcements so the Con Coordinator can help players find games they’re in if there are issues.
• All Rolling will be handled on Roll20 by everyone but the GM. The GM can handle their rolls however they wish.
o LOTE Rolling will be handled separately if LOTE is allowed. Information on that is pending.
• There will be a form fillable advancement sheet provided. It will need to be emailed to the GM immediately after the event, but can happen after the slot ends.
o GMs will not be signing them till later, just emailing them is enough to provide the GM with a snapshot.
o GMs can initial them digitally, or simply accept them. There is NO requirement to mail them or have printouts signed. We are trying to save paper, and putting trust in our players. Don’t abuse it.
• There is NOT going to be a group marshaling area, so pay attention to your emails! Be aware the Con-Coordinator is also possibly running games, so don’t expect immediate answers, but do feel free to email him with questions during the event.
• Online SPARKS games are only allowed under explicit allowance by the council, much like any other gameday. We’re still hammering it out, so the rules may change. This does NOT give everyone license to run SPARKS games online anytime they wish.
Again, I’m sorry if these rules seem strict. We’re doing out best to make sure the games are enjoyable, and players get a chance to play. The last gameday had a few issues we hope to iron out, so we appreciate any feedback you provided. We are working to improve this experience, and to make sure it’s the best event it can be, and that means we need player cooperation. These events are difficult to coordinate, and require extra work by GMs, so be patient and considerate as you join in and have fun. Let’s make these events great together.
- Tim
We’re running 6 slots (Pending getting enough GMs to actually do it)
9 AM – 1 PM, 2 PM – 6 PM, and 7 PM to 11 PM, All times in CST, on May 23rd and 24th (Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend)
SPARKS definitely, LOTE is pending the test play on May 9th.
We need GMs! Email met at Tim@Bruns.com and let me know before Thursday 5/14:
• What slots will you be able to attend?
• What slots will you be able to run?
• What events do you feel comfortable running on Roll20?
o These should be modules the GM is very familiar with, as they will need to make all the handouts and other presentations in Roll20.
• Have you ever run a game with Roll20? If not, have you ever run a game online?
• If you would prefer video or not want players with shared mics, please let us know ahead of time. I’ll mark games appropriately. Note, we will not require video, but you can make your game video preferred. You can however require players have their own mic if that’s important.
• If you have not and need training, or just want it on Roll20, Craig or I will setup a few classes to show how to run games on Roll20. I will also have a tips document.
• If you want to play, I need everything I need from players as well.
o GMs get a higher priority in getting because we can’t run the days without GMs.
o Last event, we had 2 players who didn’t get a chance to play a slot because we were full. We would have had more if several GMs hadn’t offered to run more.
• Don’t just reply to the email, reply to me directly please.
Want to just play? That’s fine too. Email me at Tim@Bruns.com and let me know preferably before 5/14:
• What slots will you be able to attend? (This is important to avoid over/under scheduling events, and a few players weren’t clear on this last time)
• What events have you played OR can you play? Broken down by primary and replay character is fine.
o Without this, I can’t promise you’ll be able to play any events.
o If you sent this to me last time, just let me know, as I can use that list and know what people played.
• Do you have a phone number you’re willing to give out to your GM? And if so, what is it?
• Note: There will NOT be any special events online for now. Don’t ask. The council will continue to examine this as we run more of these.
• Don’t just reply to the email, reply to me directly please.
There will only be as many games as I can find GMs for, and they will only be scheduled based on what players tell me they can play. Players who email me ahead of time will get first serve on selecting the games they wish to play. We will try to spread things out as much as possible to make sure as many people can play as much as they want. I will aim to have a schedule posted on 5/14.
I’ll handle signup like we did last time, meaning GMs and players who registered ahead of time will get first choice for events starting form when I post the schedule at 5/14 till 5/19. On 5/20, I will open up signups to players who did not preregister as well. IF I have to start bumping people, the priority is GMs, then Prereges, then late reges. I will however, try to spread bumping around when possible, so everyone gets a chance to play just a bit. Final signup ends on 5/21 at 7 PM CST, so I can email GMs with their players info so they can send out game invites in advance. Registration after that point are closed.
There’s a lot of extra prep work involved, so please help out by following these instructions.
Also, there will be some rules.
• Events will be prescheduled. No open events, and no walk ups. If you have not registered by the registration deadline, games are closed.
o Tables will aim for 5 attendees, max of 6. No more than 6 players under any circumstances for online play.
o Players who are unable to follow this rule may find themselves excluded from future online events (council discussion pending)
o IF you can’t attend a game, please let your GM and the Con Coordinator know. We understand stuff happens, but try to be considerate if possible.
• GMs will be using Roll20 and Discord for chat.
o GMs should schedule a time to go over how to GM using Roll20 and Discord. Experience with Roll20 GMing also works.
• Video is not required (not everyone has a camera, and they’re nearly impossible to get at the moment), but
• GMs and Players will be required to have a stable internet connection (no voice cut outs), and equipment that will prevent things like echo, feedback, or other issues such as a headset or a podcasting/recording microphone, and not just a built in laptop mic or a phone for chat on Discord.
• No sharing chat equipment is highly discouraged. GMs can choose to not allow this at their discretion.
• Players who have not played an online game will be required to arrive for their game 15 minutes prior to have a quick tool training session.
• Players should otherwise be ready at least 5 minutes before their game starts to work on technical issues BEFORE the game starts.
• GMs reserve the right to boot problem players, be it a technical or behavioral problem. The Con Coordinator can follow up on this, but for each game the GMs decision is final. These should hopefully be exceptions, not the rule.
o These disruptions effect everyone’s game in a negative way, and can cause timing issues as well. This rule is intended to prevent issues that can ruin the game for everyone involved.
o Constant disruptions by players or abuse of this by GMs will be handled by the Con Coordinator and possibly the Council.
• Players understand that the GM will need to be provided with player emails, as they will need to email setup information and later advancement sheets.
o GMs will reach out to players sometimes after 7 PM CST on 5/21 (Thursday), and before 5/23. They should copy in the Con Coordinator with each of these game announcements so the Con Coordinator can help players find games they’re in if there are issues.
• All Rolling will be handled on Roll20 by everyone but the GM. The GM can handle their rolls however they wish.
o LOTE Rolling will be handled separately if LOTE is allowed. Information on that is pending.
• There will be a form fillable advancement sheet provided. It will need to be emailed to the GM immediately after the event, but can happen after the slot ends.
o GMs will not be signing them till later, just emailing them is enough to provide the GM with a snapshot.
o GMs can initial them digitally, or simply accept them. There is NO requirement to mail them or have printouts signed. We are trying to save paper, and putting trust in our players. Don’t abuse it.
• There is NOT going to be a group marshaling area, so pay attention to your emails! Be aware the Con-Coordinator is also possibly running games, so don’t expect immediate answers, but do feel free to email him with questions during the event.
• Online SPARKS games are only allowed under explicit allowance by the council, much like any other gameday. We’re still hammering it out, so the rules may change. This does NOT give everyone license to run SPARKS games online anytime they wish.
Again, I’m sorry if these rules seem strict. We’re doing out best to make sure the games are enjoyable, and players get a chance to play. The last gameday had a few issues we hope to iron out, so we appreciate any feedback you provided. We are working to improve this experience, and to make sure it’s the best event it can be, and that means we need player cooperation. These events are difficult to coordinate, and require extra work by GMs, so be patient and considerate as you join in and have fun. Let’s make these events great together.
- Tim
