Last minute details

[Josh Ervin]

We'll be using Maptools version 1.3.b70, so make sure that's the version you're running. I'll be on Skype by 6:30 Central at the latest, and I'd really like to start playing at 7:00, so arrive accordingly :)

 

We all seem pretty familiar with Maptools and 4E, but there are just a few things I wanted to mention to make things run smoother:

1.       In my experience with Maptools, something that really helps keep everyone on the same page during combat is to announce your actions while you’re taking them, including move and minor actions, and when you’re finished with your turn. It seems obvious, but I’ve played with groups where people just click buttons without pointing out who they’re attacking or double move or run without saying so – if you’re not looking at Maptools at that exact moment (perhaps checking your character sheet, notes, etc) it’s very easy to lose track of chances to make opportunity attacks, keep track of how many actions someone has left, whether someone is done with their turn, etc… so just remember, communication helps.

 

2.       I like to keep a pretty open/lenient atmosphere going – If you forget to do something on your turn, (“crap I meant to mark that guy/I forgot I had a +5 damage bonus!/etc”) I’ll usually allow retroactive fixes (within reason). I certainly make mistakes or don’t notice things from time to time, so please point out if I forget something, especially if it would help the PCs. One thing I have real trouble with is remembering to turn off ongoing effects that stop at the end of someone’s turn, so if that Beholder shouldn’t be dazed anymore and I haven’t noticed, pointing that out would be greatly appreciated.  I will certainly endeavor to do the same for you.

  

3.       When it comes to area attacks that affect multiple targets, I generally go left to right or clockwise. It’s still very helpful to point out which target is “Target #1” before you click the attack button, as this prevents a lot of confusion.

 

4.       I’m not a big fan of encounters whose objective is “Kill all the monsters before they kill you”.  Most of my encounters’ objectives tend run along the lines of “rescue/protect/kill the NPC”, “retrieve/destroy/hide the MacGuffin”, “stop/complete/undo the ritual”, etc.  As such, many encounters run a little higher (level+2 or level+3) than average, but only because I’m not really expecting you to stand there and annihilate every single enemy on the map (you certainly are welcome to do that, but don’t complain if you’re running through surges faster than you would expect).

 

I'll see you guys tonight.