From:	Joseph Casey CS91 <jcasey@**.STRATH.AC.UK>
Subject:	Help on GameMastering
Date:	Wed, 15 Feb 1995 15:22:00 +0000

Being,as I mentioned, a rookie GM at ShadowRun, I
wondered if there were any secrets or tips which
any of you might be able to offer to lead to less
stressful runs.
Problems I've had so far involve keeping
track of initiatives for everyone...I can manage
it but it seems to slow the game down a helluva
lot having to roll and note everyones initiative.
Also combat tends to get tedious after a few rounds
if people don't start to die fast. I have tried to
pepper the fights with some NPC roleplay but this is
not too easy. Any tips on incorporating roleplay from
NPC's during a battle.
The richest part of the runs so far have been
the interactions with NPC's prior to or after battle
but never during. Is the game always like this...if so
I will probably steer the players away from getting
involved in fights.
I've been told that combat and other player
actions speed up as the players get used to the rules.
I do hope this is true...I'm eager for more than just
a ShadowStroll around Seattle.
Please help with any tips or tricks to being
a better GM and staging better runs.
cheers all,
Jo.