Pacing a game session

[Jynx]

Hi everyone!

I'm bummed...
I've been playing in a 2e game for about 7 years now. The last year I haven't attended very many games for personal reasons, but in the past 3 months I've made a real effort to attend. It's the campaign where my JYNX character was created, died once and is still around to tell tales. I've had a blast and have a wonderful character history. The character sheet comprises of a folder filled with all sorts of tidbits gathered from my 7 years of play. I went from a level 1 thief to a level 9 thief / 5 cleric / 5 illusionist. It's been a great ride with 9 players over the years, 3 of which have been together with me and my DM for the past 5 years. My DM is a great friend and got me back into the gaming world so I do so enjoy visiting and getting to game.

The problem... the pace is slower than auntie Virginia trying to cross a street with her walker and pet turtle.
I LOVE role playing so much that at times it prevents the rolling of dice to the point where at times we don't even need them for an hour or so. It just seems that since my departure from the group over a year ago, they have become so indecisive in what they want to do, where they want to go, etc... . They spend way too much time trying to convince NPCs while 'in character' - again - ROLE PLAYING - something I love, but to a point really! Last week we spent about 35 minutes trying to befriend some crazed lunatic desert dwellers from attacking us. We wanted to convince them we weren't out to kill them or raid their treasures. The bard in the part spoke in character for what seemed like an eternity. In the end we got their attention and they accompanied us into the pyramid and we explored the entire thing (well at least the first level of a possible 2 levels) with ZERO encounters. Each room took about 1 hour to investigate.

I don't know... maybe it's just me. Maybe I complain too much. I just find the pacing is too slow. I only get about 3-4 hours every 2 weekends to play D&D and I hate to waste an entire session and not roll one dice or do anything significant. The adventures I run tend to be fast paced with lots of action. I prefer to skip all the boring in betweens as much as possible, or fast forward them where ever possible, in order to get to the real stuff. Think of INDIANNA JONES and the red line going across the map to skip to the next scene. I'm not saying I just want combat, but any action is better than none.

So, with all that said, I'm wondering what your experiences are and how you prefer to run or play in games.

BTW - in 5 years I leveled only 7 times, even though I played on average 4 times a month for 4-5 hours per session. What is your experience with that?

Oh yeah... I'm bummed because I want to continue, sooo badly, but don't think I'll be going much more again. I think time is too precious to spend 4.5 hours at a game table counting the seconds till it's time to go home. Then leaving and find out that not only did they start before you, but they continued into the wee hours of the morning. {sigh}

[anglefish]

I feel for you. I have the same problem.

The last time I played in our Traveller/Paladium mash up, it was very indecisive about where to go and what to do. The players were trying to outthink where some terrorists may try to find us. We sat there for five hours and I finally had to leave. Then I was told that we fought of space pirates for an hour after I left. (I tend to think the GM decided my leaving was a que to have something happen.)

The game was the only time to see some old friends, but game was so cerberal for bunch of bounty hunters and ex-military characters. Part of it is that when the GM thinks you've really screwed up, he make you pay -- hard. Which would be okay if it didn't take days to make up a charcter in his homebrew.

I felt like maybe I just couldn't be a player anymore, but others have said that's just the style for the GM and the players.

On the other hand, one of the new players in my 4-person CnC/Freeport game says her PC has gottne more done in three session of my game as compared to the three months her other PC has had in an 8-player 3.5 game.

[Lord Dynel]

Gosh, Jynx, it sounds like you and your group may have grown apart. Whatever the reason they're doing what they're doing, they're doing it because they want to play that way. If they're starting before you get there and continue playing long past you're gone, it seems like you're a speck on their radar. They're the main game and their happiness is what's paramount.

Of course, I could be totally wrong. I'm only speculating from what you've said in your post. And I could be massively wrong. I don't know. It just seems like, from what you said, it may be time to leave the group. The only other thing to do would be the obvious - talk to them and express your concerns/complaints. That may help. Good luck, hoss.
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

[Buttmonkey]

Jynx wrote:
BTW - in 5 years I leveled only 7 times, even though I played on average 4 times a month for 4-5 hours per session. What is your experience with that?

My mind is officially boggled. That's just nuts. Consider that your PC has leveled a total of 16 times. That means in the first 2 years you leveled 9 times, but only 7 in the next 5 years. That's a drop from 4.5 levels per year to 1.4. Even considering your limited play for one of the last 2 years, that's still a massive drop in advancement. And it's not like you are talking about a 25th level PC here. Picking up low levels in secondary classes should zip by in an experienced party.

As for the slow pacing in general, I'd suggest you talk to the DM about it before abandoning the group. You may not be the only frustrated participant. If people deal with the problem head-on, it may be possible to save a great gaming group. On the other hand, you may have to move on, but at least try to fix the situation first.

[Jynx]

Buttmonkey wrote:
My mind is officially boggled. That's just nuts. Consider that your PC has leveled a total of 16 times. That means in the first 2 years you leveled 9 times, but only 7 in the next 5 years. That's a drop from 4.5 levels per year to 1.4. Even considering your limited play for one of the last 2 years, that's still a massive drop in advancement. And it's not like you are talking about a 25th level PC here. Picking up low levels in secondary classes should zip by in an experienced party.

sorry... should have been more clear. The first 5 years of play I leveled 7 times as a Rogue. Since the adventures in the last 2 years have dealt out more XP (because of being higher in level) my sub classes of Cleric and Illusionist which only started two years ago, have leveled consederably faster than my rogue class initially did at lower levels. The Rogue class has slowed down to just 2 levels up in that time period as well.

Buttmonkey wrote:
As for the slow pacing in general, I'd suggest you talk to the DM about it before abandoning the group. You may not be the only frustrated participant. If people deal with the problem head-on, it may be possible to save a great gaming group. On the other hand, you may have to move on, but at least try to fix the situation first.

Done that - several times. At best it gets him annoyed at my constant complaining and makes me feel like I'm just being too picky. That's why I'm curious if the game is 'meant' to be this slow or if others get more out of their games than I do. My experience as a player hasn't been with anyone else, so I'm somewhat unsure. As a DM I don't have a pacing issue, I have a player gone missing issue - LOL, but that's an entirely different discussion...
I'm simply curious as to other peoples experineces and preferneces. Partly because my groups (as DM) over the years have been incapable of sitting through a full game without getting alot of action. There seems to be no middle ground - which is where I'm sitting.

Ahhhhh bahumbug! It's just frustrating is all!

[moriarty777]

Jynx... the solution is simple.

Someone give us an 8 day week to devote the extra day towards gaming.

A couple of extra regular players would also be helpful!

The City State of the Invincible Overlord awaits!

Seriously though -- this isn't fun when you find yourself gaming but bored out of your mind. I know you've thought about starting up a campaign again yourself but we both know there is no substitute for being able to play once in a while.

Will talk to you later...

M
_________________
"You face Death itself in the form of... 1d4 Tarrasques!"

Partner to Brave Halfling Publishing
http://www.arcanacreations.com

[Jynx]

moriarty777 wrote:
Jynx... the solution is simple.

Someone give us an 8 day week to devote the extra day towards gaming.

A couple of extra regular players would also be helpful!

The City State of the Invincible Overlord awaits!

Seriously though -- this isn't fun when you find yourself gaming but bored out of your mind. I know you've thought about starting up a campaign again yourself but we both know there is no substitute for being able to play once in a while.

Will talk to you later...

M

Thanks Pat!

Just to be clear.... I'm not talking about our occasional games.

This past weekend was one of those game sessions I've talked to you about many times before. I came away from it with nothing but frustrations. You gotta come over this week and let me solo or somthing!

LOL!

[anglefish]

moriarty777 wrote:
Jynx... the solution is simple.

Someone give us an 8 day week to devote the extra day towards gaming.

Will talk to you later...

M

... or play with a lot more characters in a shorter time period.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ach0yUoLE&NR=1

[moriarty777]

Jynx wrote:
Thanks Pat!

Just to be clear.... I'm not talking about our occasional games.

This past weekend was one of those game sessions I've talked to you about many times before. I came away from it with nothing but frustrations. You gotta come over this week and let me solo or somthing!

LOL!

Hehehe... I know whose game you were talking about. If I ever wound up in a player in that game, I'd probably end up doing something 'crazy' for the lack of action or the sheer inaction of the party. Course those things usually end up badly for all those concerned but it prevents me from getting bored!

Not too sure what's happening this weekend yet but we can definitely start tackling that sucker next weekend at the latest. I'll give you a call before Friday once I figure out what's happening.

M
_________________
"You face Death itself in the form of... 1d4 Tarrasques!"

Partner to Brave Halfling Publishing
http://www.arcanacreations.com

[Lord Dynel]

Jynx wrote:
sorry... should have been more clear. The first 5 years of play I leveled 7 times as a Rogue. Since the adventures in the last 2 years have dealt out more XP (because of being higher in level) my sub classes of Cleric and Illusionist which only started two years ago, have leveled consederably faster than my rogue class initially did at lower levels. The Rogue class has slowed down to just 2 levels up in that time period as well.



Done that - several times. At best it gets him annoyed at my constant complaining and makes me feel like I'm just being too picky. That's why I'm curious if the game is 'meant' to be this slow or if others get more out of their games than I do. My experience as a player hasn't been with anyone else, so I'm somewhat unsure. As a DM I don't have a pacing issue, I have a player gone missing issue - LOL, but that's an entirely different discussion...
I'm simply curious as to other peoples experineces and preferneces. Partly because my groups (as DM) over the years have been incapable of sitting through a full game without getting alot of action. There seems to be no middle ground - which is where I'm sitting.

Ahhhhh bahumbug! It's just frustrating is all!

Man, it sounds like you're in a rough spot, hoss. I think if it was me, I'd probably leave. Especially if you've explained yourself to the DM and he hasn't done anything to alleviate your concerns. I wish I had better advice, because I know 2nd Edition AD&D groups don't grow on trees.
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.

[Buttmonkey]

I'd advise leaving at this point as well. Let the DM know and be polite ("Hey, I don't want to be a d**k or anything, but I'm just not having fun at the pace the game is going. Rather than keep nagging you about it, I'm going to bow out at this point. This just isn't the game for me. You guys have been great and I wish you all the best.").

[Lord Dynel]

Buttmonkey wrote:
I'd advise leaving at this point as well. Let the DM know and be polite ("Hey, I don't want to be a d**k or anything, but I'm just not having fun at the pace the game is going. Rather than keep nagging you about it, I'm going to bow out at this point. This just isn't the game for me. You guys have been great and I wish you all the best.").

Agreed. I'd hate to do it, too, but sometimes these things are unavoidable. Buttmonkey show a good example of how it could be done tactfully.

Good luck, Jynx, no matter what happens.
_________________
LD's C&C creations - the witch, a half-ogre, skill and 0-level rules

Troll Lord wrote:
Lord D: you understand where I"m coming from.