Miskatonic University Podcast MUP EP 314 – GM Like a Pro: How to Condense Scenario Run-times
Jan 7, 2025
Keeper Chad, a seasoned RPG writer, and Evan Perlman, a community content creator, share expert insights on condensing game scenarios. They discuss the importance of respecting players' time and mastering GM skills through brevity. Techniques like estimating scene lengths, employing quick rulings, and using the 'big red button' for pacing are explored. The duo emphasizes maintaining emotional depth even in short formats and suggests using compact scenarios for events like conventions. Their practical prep tips offer a path to smoother, faster-paced gameplay.
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Episode notes
Runtime Depends On Table And Keeper
- Scenario runtime depends heavily on table habits and keeper style rather than page count.
- Convention-style brisk play shortens runtime, while open-ended groups can make any scenario much longer.
Condense To Respect Players' Time
- Do condense scenarios when players' available time is limited or online attention wanes after three hours.
- Use shorter formats to respect players' time and make recruiting easier for sessions.
Queen Of Night Eight‑Hour Failure
- Keeper Dave tried to run Queen of Night in a single eight-hour session and it failed due to complexity.
- He ended up cutting content and forcing a final confrontation to finish within time.
