Hello Adventurers,

This week we will cover the true BBEG (Big Bad Evil Guy), SCHEDULING. All Dungeons and Dragons games require scheduling. It is difficult to get multiple people in the same place at the same time every week. Here are three tips to help defeat the BBEG: scheduling! 

Dungeons and Dragons is a game that requires an entire group of people to meet for multiple hours each session. It is important to remember not to get frustrated with your party members or Dungeon Master if scheduling doesn't work out. There will always be obstacles when trying to decide on a time. Make sure that when you talk to your party about what dates everyone can do, and make sure everyone is on the same page. Make sure to communicate with your group and set expectations!

I recommend that when playing your first session (also known as session 0), to talk about the time commitment that a D&D game can be, especially if your group plans to play often. Bring up if your schedule will be changing soon, like if you are a student and your classes change each term, and how flexible your schedule is, like if you work and your schedule changes every two weeks. It is important to be realistic with yourself and your team on how often you can play so that everyone is on the same page about availability.

There is no reason not to use technology to your advantage. Two of my favorite ways to set up and establish a game time are through When to Meet and Discord. When to Meet is a website that allows you to set times you are available and share those times with others to see when availability overlaps. The best part about this site is that it configures the set time to different time zones for people playing online. Allowing for players in different time zones to see what time works without having to mess around with the calendar itself.

I also recommend setting calendar dates with reminders on both Discord and your preferred calendar application. This makes sure that everyone is aware of the game and can not schedule other overlapping events. Discord is a great tool for running D&D games and communicating with players. I recommend setting an event if your table has a Discord channel so that everyone can see when you are meeting and how often.

The biggest and most important tip I can give is TALK TO YOUR PARTY!!! The best way to beat the monster of scheduling is by having constant, open communication about when you are and when you are not available to play. No matter what tools you have at your disposal, no one ever really knows what is going on in the lives of others. Be kind and talk with your friends about when they can play and also how they are doing. Being on the same page is the only way you all can continue the adventure, and it will strengthen your friendships and your party in turn.

That is all for this week, so stay safe, defeat evil, and make memories with your party that bards will sing of for years to come! If you enjoy this newsletter and think it will benefit a fellow player, please forward Contact Other Player to your friends and fellow players!

Best, Capital “W”, Wishes,

Millicent