u/MrTactician

If a player misses a session (reason unimportant), does SPG have an order of things that happens next or is it entirely up to the GM what happens?

For example, in my current unpaid games I have a strike system based on players missing sessions. Could I use said strike system when I begin hosting games on SPG or do I need to follow a set of rules?

Hello potential new friends! I'm aware of the sheer amount of posts like this, but please allow me to take the floor for a few minutes if you'd be so kind.

About me: TTRPGs

1. I've ran a few campaigns and numerous one shots, in both D&D and Pf2e. I understand and appreciate the demanding role of being a GM. Roughly 80-90% of my time playing TTRPGs is as a GM, but I love it so please don't pity me! Giving D&D a try 6 years ago was one of the best decision I've made.
2. I'm a dedicated and passionate player that prioritizes the game heavily. Life happens of course, but I have an excellent track record for attending games and I expect the same from everyone else. I vastly prefer games where people aren't leaving early or failing to attend regularly, as scheduling is the number one killer of campaigns.
3. I prefer non-linear games. I like when there's always something to do and a clear plot, goal or theme is in mind, but how and when we tackle it is purely up to us as the players.
4. I take the game seriously and will respect the bread crumbs you GMs leave us players. I also take notes often and enjoy brainstorming with fellow players, in and outside of game time.
5. RP is the most important aspect to a good campaign for me, followed closely by combat. Exploration is the necessary pillar that makes the other 2 work seamlessly, but on its own is usually not the most intriguing aspect for me.
6. I have a lot of free time as I care for my wife full time, so scheduling with me will be very easy. My availability is on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the GMT time zone.
7. I enjoy making builds with informed decisions that push a certain power fantasy, and enjoy working with fellow players to help their fantasies be a reality too. I've played with many of the gameplay archetypes; martials, tanks, ranged casters, buff casters, healers, party faces etc.
8. I highly value the "flavour is free" and "rule of cool" styles of playing. If I want to take a certain mechanical feature but don't like the flavour/RP implications, allowing me to flavour it differently goes a long way in my books. For example, flavouring a spell to have an aesthetic it doesn't ordinarily have, like a fireball instead being described as an explosion of holy energy or hellfire!
9. Foundry is my preferred VTT as it's simply fantastic, but I'm open to other VTTs too, as long as it's not Roll20.
10. I'm not comfortable being on camera until I get to know people first.

About me: Personal anecdotes

1. I'm 28 years old, and often the leader/party face of the group. I tend to play with shy and quiet players so I am comfortable in this position, but I'm also fine with others taking the lead too. Everyone should have their moment in the spotlight!
2. I am a loud and passionate person, but I'm also quite socially aware, you have to be as a a good GM! I apologize for interrupting others, and let others speak when I do so. I have a good sense of how others are feeling at my tables, and always advocate for communication.
3. I try to keep the energy high with jokes and banter, and I will always try to make sure everyone is engaged and having fun in a sociable manner. I sometimes nudge my fellow players to get a word in if I notice them being particularly quiet or being interrupted.
4. I enjoy learning about the rules and pride myself on being able to help the game run smoothly even as a non-GM. I'm often considered the tech support in my groups, and have happily helped many folks with running Foundry smoothly with troubleshooting and recommendations.
5. I tend to play tanks and supports in both video games and TTRPGs. I like protecting others and enjoy fulfilling my power fantasy of being a reliable ally that will always have your back. In combat I find the thrill of melee combat to be very enticing so I will usually play a character capable of being on the frontlines, though this isn't a golden rule.
6. I don't use AI of any kind and never will, as I find it actively detracts from the uniquely human art of collaborative storytelling that TTRPGs thrive in. If your table uses AI, especially for artwork or story ideas, then you'd be better off finding someone else to join your table.
7. I can't play without free archetype anymore, please consider using it, your players will thank you. I also very much enjoy ancestry paragon and gradual ability boost, and would love to use the heroic crafting rules as a player because I currently use them in my games and found it to be a great way to make crafting more usable.
8. I don't enjoy playing in evil parties, it's just not for me I'm afraid. I can work with morally grey though, and I'd even say it's what I prefer. Moments where our decisions really matter ethically can be really fun to engage with.
9. I'm a team player! I treat every player character like they were my own, your crits are just as exciting as my own, and I react accordingly when they succeed or fail, or have a dramatic backstory moment. In combat I'm always looking to help each other shine and strategize together.
10. I highly value visual and auditory elements when playing, and find that too much theater of the mind can really hamper a game's immersion for me. I always appreciate stuff like handouts, closeups of token artwork and maps for key locations.

About you and your group

1. If this is just "something to do" for you or your table, that is valid, but it is simply not the table culture I'm looking to engage with. I'm seeking a group of players who are as excited to play as I am, and who truly love the hobby! Bonus points for being active inbetween games, it would be awesome to be social outside of game days and make genuine connections.
2. I won't stick around if there are bigoted people who are racist, sexist, anti-LGBTQ+ etc. Empathy is a valuable trait, and it is unfortunately sorely lacking in this day and age. If just the act of reading this statement is making you cringe or giving you "the ick" then please just do us both a favour and go away.
3. I expect everyone to stick to and honour a schedule that is agreed upon 99% of the time. Obviously exceptions must be made occasionally, but I am a firm believer that this is how a game thrives instead of slowly fizzling.
4. Healthy communication should be frequent and welcomed. If a disagreement happens or constructive feedback is offered, be open, honest and let go of stubborn egos. Remember, we're all here to have fun!
5. I will write elaborate and detailed backstories for my characters, games where those backstories are indulged and made part of the ongoing story are vastly superior to those where the GM is simply telling a story at you instead of with you.
6. I expect everyone to engage in every aspect of the game, not just some of it. If you are a primarily RP or combat focused player then that is valid, but we will simply not mesh well if you aren't engaging until your favourite activity is happening. Not paying attention when you're not in the spotlight is a huge red flag.
7. Sharing the spotlight is a crucial skill as a player! Try to remain self aware and realize when you're not letting others get a word in. Prompt others to speak up when they're being quiet, and politely apologize and allow them to speak when accidentally speaking over people.
8. If I am joining an existing game then please work with me on how my characters are going to be introduced, I can't reasonably implement an immersive mode of doing so on my own!
9. Rules disputes should prioritize player fun first. Sometimes a quick Google search is warranted, but it shouldn't be left to linger long and a decision should be made swiftly.
10. I've had plenty of experiences with newcomers to TTRPGs, and I'm now seeking more adept players who know what they do and don't like, and those who know what separates a good player from a great one. The ideal table for me would include cool like minded attentive team players who know their stuff, are dedicated to the game, engage in RP unapologetically, and want to create memories together.

If you read this far you either skipped to the end or you're dedicated enough to read a post that I put a lot of effort into, I sure hope it's the latter!

I know I'm asking for a lot here, but I'm not just looking for just any ol' table anymore, I've done that for a while now. I'm looking for the table. It might take a while, but all the best things in life do!

If it sounds like I'd mesh well together with you/your group then please do DM me so we can begin our journey!

Thank you for your consideration, enjoy your day and tell your loved ones you love 'em <3

Hello potential new friends! I'm aware of the sheer amount of posts like this, but please allow me to take the floor for a few minutes if you'd be so kind.

About me: TTRPGs

1. I've ran a few campaigns and numerous one shots, in both D&D and Pf2e. I understand and appreciate the demanding role of being a GM. Roughly 80-90% of my time playing TTRPGs is as a GM, but I love it so please don't pity me! Giving D&D a try 6 years ago was one of the best decision I've made.
2. I'm a dedicated and passionate player that prioritizes the game heavily. Life happens of course, but I have an excellent track record for attending games and I expect the same from everyone else. I vastly prefer games where people aren't leaving early or failing to attend regularly, as scheduling is the number one killer of campaigns.
3. I prefer non-linear games. I like when there's always something to do and a clear plot, goal or theme is in mind, but how and when we tackle it is purely up to us as the players.
4. I take the game seriously and will respect the bread crumbs you GMs leave us players. I also take notes often and enjoy brainstorming with fellow players, in and outside of game time.
5. RP is the most important aspect to a good campaign for me, followed closely by combat. Exploration is the necessary pillar that makes the other 2 work seamlessly, but on its own is usually not the most intriguing aspect for me.
6. I have a lot of free time as I care for my wife full time, so scheduling with me will be very easy. My availability is on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the GMT time zone.
7. I enjoy making builds with informed decisions that push a certain power fantasy, and enjoy working with fellow players to help their fantasies be a reality too. I've played with many of the gameplay archetypes; martials, tanks, ranged casters, buff casters, healers, party faces etc.
8. I highly value the "flavour is free" and "rule of cool" styles of playing. If I want to take a certain mechanical feature but don't like the flavour/RP implications, allowing me to flavour it differently goes a long way in my books. For example, flavouring a spell to have an aesthetic it doesn't ordinarily have, like a fireball instead being described as an explosion of holy energy or hellfire!
9. Foundry is my preferred VTT as it's simply fantastic, but I'm open to other VTTs too, as long as it's not Roll20.
10. I'm not willing to pay for any games right now, and I'm not comfortable being on camera until I get to know people first.

About me: Personal anecdotes

1. I'm 28 years old, and often the leader/party face of the group. I tend to play with shy and quiet players so I am comfortable in this position, but I'm also fine with others taking the lead too. Everyone should have their moment in the spotlight!
2. I am a loud and passionate person, but I'm also quite socially aware, you have to be as a a good GM! I apologize for interrupting others, and let others speak when I do so. I have a good sense of how others are feeling at my tables, and always advocate for communication.
3. I try to keep the energy high with jokes and banter, and I will always try to make sure everyone is engaged and having fun in a sociable manner. I sometimes nudge my fellow players to get a word in if I notice them being particularly quiet or being interrupted.
4. I enjoy learning about the rules and pride myself on being able to help the game run smoothly even as a non-GM. I'm often considered the tech support in my groups, and have happily helped many folks with running Foundry smoothly with troubleshooting and recommendations.
5. I tend to play tanks and supports in both video games and TTRPGs. I like protecting others and enjoy fulfilling my power fantasy of being a reliable ally that will always have your back. In combat I find the thrill of melee combat to be very enticing so I will usually play a character capable of being on the frontlines, though this isn't a golden rule.
6. I don't use AI of any kind and never will, as I find it actively detracts from the uniquely human art of collaborative storytelling that TTRPGs thrive in. If your table uses AI, especially for artwork or story ideas, then you'd be better off finding someone else to join your table.
7. I can't play without free archetype anymore, please consider using it, your players will thank you. I also very much enjoy ancestry paragon and gradual ability boost, and would love to use the heroic crafting rules as a player because I currently use them in my games and found it to be a great way to make crafting more usable.
8. I don't enjoy playing in evil parties, it's just not for me I'm afraid. I can work with morally grey though, and I'd even say it's what I prefer. Moments where our decisions really matter ethically can be really fun to engage with.
9. I'm a team player! I treat every player character like they were my own, your crits are just as exciting as my own, and I react accordingly when they succeed or fail, or have a dramatic backstory moment. In combat I'm always looking to help each other shine and strategize together.
10. I highly value visual and auditory elements when playing, and find that too much theater of the mind can really hamper a game's immersion for me. I always appreciate stuff like handouts, closeups of token artwork and maps for key locations.

About you and your group

1. If this is just "something to do" for you or your table, that is valid, but it is simply not the table culture I'm looking to engage with. I'm seeking a group of players who are as excited to play as I am, and who truly love the hobby! Bonus points for being active inbetween games, it would be awesome to be social outside of game days and make genuine connections.
2. I won't stick around if there are bigoted people who are racist, sexist, anti-LGBTQ+ etc. Empathy is a valuable trait, and it is unfortunately sorely lacking in this day and age. If just the act of reading this statement is making you cringe or giving you "the ick" then please just do us both a favour and go away.
3. I expect everyone to stick to and honour a schedule that is agreed upon 99% of the time. Obviously exceptions must be made occasionally, but I am a firm believer that this is how a game thrives instead of slowly fizzling.
4. Healthy communication should be frequent and welcomed. If a disagreement happens or constructive feedback is offered, be open, honest and let go of stubborn egos. Remember, we're all here to have fun!
5. I will write elaborate and detailed backstories for my characters, games where those backstories are indulged and made part of the ongoing story are vastly superior to those where the GM is simply telling a story at you instead of with you.
6. I expect everyone to engage in every aspect of the game, not just some of it. If you are a primarily RP or combat focused player then that is valid, but we will simply not mesh well if you aren't engaging until your favourite activity is happening. Not paying attention when you're not in the spotlight is a huge red flag.
7. Sharing the spotlight is a crucial skill as a player! Try to remain self aware and realize when you're not letting others get a word in. Prompt others to speak up when they're being quiet, and politely apologize and allow them to speak when accidentally speaking over people.
8. If I am joining an existing game then please work with me on how my characters are going to be introduced, I can't reasonably implement an immersive mode of doing so on my own!
9. Rules disputes should prioritize player fun first. Sometimes a quick Google search is warranted, but it shouldn't be left to linger long and a decision should be made swiftly.
10. I've had plenty of experiences with newcomers to TTRPGs, and I'm now seeking more adept players who know what they do and don't like, and those who know what separates a good player from a great one. The ideal table for me would include cool like minded attentive team players who know their stuff, are dedicated to the game, engage in RP unapologetically, and want to create memories together.

If you read this far you either skipped to the end or you're dedicated enough to read a post that I put a lot of effort into, I sure hope it's the latter!

I know I'm asking for a lot here, but I'm not just looking for just any ol' table anymore, I've done that for a while now. I'm looking for the table. It might take a while, but all the best things in life do!

If it sounds like I'd mesh well together with you/your group then please do DM me so we can begin our journey!

Thank you for your consideration, enjoy your day and tell your loved ones you love 'em <3

Hello potential new friends! I'm aware of the sheer amount of posts like this, but please allow me to take the floor for a few minutes if you'd be so kind.

About me: TTRPGs

1. I've ran a few campaigns and numerous one shots, in both D&D and Pf2e. I understand and appreciate the demanding role of being a GM. Roughly 80-90% of my time playing TTRPGs is as a GM, but I love it so please don't pity me! Giving D&D a try 6 years ago was one of the best decision I've made.
2. I'm a dedicated and passionate player that prioritizes the game heavily. Life happens of course, but I have an excellent track record for attending games and I expect the same from everyone else. I vastly prefer games where people aren't leaving early or failing to attend regularly, as scheduling is the number one killer of campaigns.
3. I prefer non-linear games. I like when there's always something to do and a clear plot, goal or theme is in mind, but how and when we tackle it is purely up to us as the players.
4. I take the game seriously and will respect the bread crumbs you GMs leave us players. I also take notes often and enjoy brainstorming with fellow players, in and outside of game time.
5. RP is the most important aspect to a good campaign for me, followed closely by combat. Exploration is the necessary pillar that makes the other 2 work seamlessly, but on its own is usually not the most intriguing aspect for me.
6. I have a lot of free time as I care for my wife full time, so scheduling with me will be very easy. My availability is on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the GMT time zone.
7. I enjoy making builds with informed decisions that push a certain power fantasy, and enjoy working with fellow players to help their fantasies be a reality too. I've played with many of the gameplay archetypes; martials, tanks, ranged casters, buff casters, healers, party faces etc.
8. I highly value the "flavour is free" and "rule of cool" styles of playing. If I want to take a certain mechanical feature but don't like the flavour/RP implications, allowing me to flavour it differently goes a long way in my books. For example, flavouring a spell to have an aesthetic it doesn't ordinarily have, like a fireball instead being described as an explosion of holy energy or hellfire!
9. Foundry is my preferred VTT as it's simply fantastic, but I'm open to other VTTs too, as long as it's not Roll20.
10. I'm not willing to pay for any games right now, and I'm not comfortable being on camera until I get to know people first.

About me: Personal anecdotes

1. I'm 28 years old, and often the leader/party face of the group. I tend to play with shy and quiet players so I am comfortable in this position, but I'm also fine with others taking the lead too. Everyone should have their moment in the spotlight!
2. I am a loud and passionate person, but I'm also quite socially aware, you have to be as a a good GM! I apologize for interrupting others, and let others speak when I do so. I have a good sense of how others are feeling at my tables, and always advocate for communication.
3. I try to keep the energy high with jokes and banter, and I will always try to make sure everyone is engaged and having fun in a sociable manner. I sometimes nudge my fellow players to get a word in if I notice them being particularly quiet or being interrupted.
4. I enjoy learning about the rules and pride myself on being able to help the game run smoothly even as a non-GM. I'm often considered the tech support in my groups, and have happily helped many folks with running Foundry smoothly with troubleshooting and recommendations.
5. I tend to play tanks and supports in both video games and TTRPGs. I like protecting others and enjoy fulfilling my power fantasy of being a reliable ally that will always have your back. In combat I find the thrill of melee combat to be very enticing so I will usually play a character capable of being on the frontlines, though this isn't a golden rule.
6. I don't use AI of any kind and never will, as I find it actively detracts from the uniquely human art of collaborative storytelling that TTRPGs thrive in. If your table uses AI, especially for artwork or story ideas, then you'd be better off finding someone else to join your table.
7. I can't play without free archetype anymore, please consider using it, your players will thank you. I also very much enjoy ancestry paragon and gradual ability boost, and would love to use the heroic crafting rules as a player because I currently use them in my games and found it to be a great way to make crafting more usable.
8. I don't enjoy playing in evil parties, it's just not for me I'm afraid. I can work with morally grey though, and I'd even say it's what I prefer. Moments where our decisions really matter ethically can be really fun to engage with.
9. I'm a team player! I treat every player character like they were my own, your crits are just as exciting as my own, and I react accordingly when they succeed or fail, or have a dramatic backstory moment. In combat I'm always looking to help each other shine and strategize together.
10. I highly value visual and auditory elements when playing, and find that too much theater of the mind can really hamper a game's immersion for me. I always appreciate stuff like handouts, closeups of token artwork and maps for key locations.

About you and your group

1. If this is just "something to do" for you or your table, that is valid, but it is simply not the table culture I'm looking to engage with. I'm seeking a group of players who are as excited to play as I am, and who truly love the hobby! Bonus points for being active inbetween games, it would be awesome to be social outside of game days and make genuine connections.
2. I won't stick around if there are bigoted people who are racist, sexist, anti-LGBTQ+ etc. Empathy is a valuable trait, and it is unfortunately sorely lacking in this day and age. If just the act of reading this statement is making you cringe or giving you "the ick" then please just do us both a favour and go away.
3. I expect everyone to stick to and honour a schedule that is agreed upon 99% of the time. Obviously exceptions must be made occasionally, but I am a firm believer that this is how a game thrives instead of slowly fizzling.
4. Healthy communication should be frequent and welcomed. If a disagreement happens or constructive feedback is offered, be open, honest and let go of stubborn egos. Remember, we're all here to have fun!
5. I will write elaborate and detailed backstories for my characters, games where those backstories are indulged and made part of the ongoing story are vastly superior to those where the GM is simply telling a story at you instead of with you.
6. I expect everyone to engage in every aspect of the game, not just some of it. If you are a primarily RP or combat focused player then that is valid, but we will simply not mesh well if you aren't engaging until your favourite activity is happening. Not paying attention when you're not in the spotlight is a huge red flag.
7. Sharing the spotlight is a crucial skill as a player! Try to remain self aware and realize when you're not letting others get a word in. Prompt others to speak up when they're being quiet, and politely apologize and allow them to speak when accidentally speaking over people.
8. If I am joining an existing game then please work with me on how my characters are going to be introduced, I can't reasonably implement an immersive mode of doing so on my own!
9. Rules disputes should prioritize player fun first. Sometimes a quick Google search is warranted, but it shouldn't be left to linger long and a decision should be made swiftly.
10. I've had plenty of experiences with newcomers to TTRPGs, and I'm now seeking more adept players who know what they do and don't like, and those who know what separates a good player from a great one. The ideal table for me would include cool like minded attentive team players who know their stuff, are dedicated to the game, engage in RP unapologetically, and want to create memories together.

If you read this far you either skipped to the end or you're dedicated enough to read a post that I put a lot of effort into, I sure hope it's the latter!

I know I'm asking for a lot here, but I'm not just looking for just any ol' table anymore, I've done that for a while now. I'm looking for the table. It might take a while, but all the best things in life do!

If it sounds like I'd mesh well together with you/your group then please do DM me so we can begin our journey!

Thank you for your consideration, enjoy your day and tell your loved ones you love 'em <3