New GM; Fantasy Game; needs help b4 2nd session

[KevinJ]

Originally Posted by DwarvenHeart

I made a very poor attempt to sum up my original problems. I'm very confident that if I commit to these (and additional items on the 2do list) tasks, my 1-shot will be very fun. I think some data organization and experience is all I'm missing at this point. :)

What do you use to keep track of info?

I use two pieces of paper for each important NPC. The first is their character sheet, statted out like a PC. The second is for background and notes. It's one thing to have disads, it's another to have written notes about how NPCs will react to given situations. You don't have to be a Coward to avoid combat. I also include appropriate notes about motivations and knowledge.

If the NPC Sir Smedley Higgenbottom knows about fine art and the plot involves an art theft or scam he should get a 'roll' to figure things out, but not as the mouthpiece of the GM. There are times when, during the game, something occurs to me that I hadn't see before, and if the PCs are stuck I will use an NPC to deliver the solution I myself hadn't foreseen before play began.

You already admitted that you don't have a lot of GM experience and much of that only comes from running games, and that translates across all game systems. Running the game system also helps in ways that don't translate from one system to another.

One other thing, post your OOC rules from #2 on the back of your GM screen so the players can see it during the game.