OK, time is creeping closer to the start of the BE campaign I am going to run and I have a question (or two) for other BE gm’s out there:
How many players do you have in your games and how long (on average) are your sessions (assuming 1 maneuver/session)?
I ask becuase my group is going to consist of myself and 6 players. I know we will probably be slower than normal at first while we build familiarity with a new game. But my concern is that (once we’re up to speed) everyone get their allotted number of building scenes (at a minimum). I am just looking for some ballpark numbers to see if our average session length (5 hours, not counting what I call the ‘warm up’ and ‘cool down’ periods at the start & end of the session) is going to be enough to get through 1 maneuver with that many players.
I am aware the players can (and I imagine probably will) combine building scenes. And unless I missed something I know there is nothing saying the players have to each use their available color and interstitial scenes. But I do imagine with the ‘scene squeeze’ that we will probably use all the building & conflict scenes we can.
Assuming we have 4 figures of note (two per side) and 6 players: Per maneuver I expect to be looking at 3 conflict scenes (the average of 2-4), 4 player building scenes (assuming some combinations occur), and 1 gm building scene (assuming I use a figure of note to start a conflict scene). I’m not sure what to expect for color and interstitial scenes from the players, though I anticipate using both my 2 (total combined) per sesssion.
Most games seem to assume a gm and 4 or fewer players. I am lucky enough (or is it cursed…) to have to limit my games to no more than 6 players and myself, and in my experience I have to do at least some adjusting for that many players.
Four players. 3x human FoN, 1x human extra dude. I’m GMing, 3x Vaylen FoN.
Each session runs about 4 hours. We’re getting one maneuver/session, due to (maybe overlong?) interstitials. Until the players find their feet, I’m only pushing one GMFoN’s agenda per maneuver, and having my other two do low-key stuff, or nothing, with their scenes.
Good luck with the BIG game. I’m also looking at running a 6-player game, but we’re thinking about a full-on 3v3 hatefest, with an impartial GM to referee the proceedings.
My group is 4, 1 GM and 3 players, but as of late we’ve only had 2 players. Assuming Duels of Wits for conflict scenes, or perhaps simpler Firefights (2 units, no wacky stuff like vehicles and whatnot), we’ve been able to finish 2 maneuvers in 5-6 hours. The second one drags a bit because we’ve had a week to plan stuff for the first one, and 10-15 minutes to plot for the second one.
The last session saw a major Firefight, and that took about 4 hours for one maneuver. I’d expect with the number of players you have that a big part of your job is going to be pushing the game forward, keeping momentum. Plan quick, focused scenes for your FoN and your players will hopefully follow suit.
With 4 players and a GM new to BE (although most had at least played BW before) we were able to get through most manuevers from start to finish in just about 2.5 to 3 hours. With that many players you’re likely going to need to use the optional conflict scenes fairly often.
Also, why only 4 FON? You should have 6 from World Burning, and you’ll definitely want all 3 of the ones on your side to oppose that many players. You should also burn up a Lieutenant type for each of them, to help you not get stomped in the Infection rolls.