Simplifying for a First-Time GM?

[uliwitness]

Hi,

I'm very familiar with Stargate lore, but have never DMed, and thought Stargate might be a good way to begin, as I'd have 15 seasons of TV to fall back on when I need to improvise. I've played a few sessions of DnD 5e and the Star Wars RPG, but there the DM told me what I had to do when it came to mechanics.

But when I am the GM, all these rules with CRs and DPs and all that feel overwhelming to me. How would I ever remember all of this existed, not to mention run a game without constantly disappearing in the rulebook for minutes at a time?

Does anyone have recommendations for simplifying the game? Do you all just have great memory that you can remember all this? Am I just not cut out to be a GM? Are there mechanics one can leave out for the first few sessions, or ones one should focus on that make for a "good enough" game until I'm familiar enough that I can learn the rest?

Thanks,
-- Uli

[Inquisitor Sciurus]

Game Master Screen. It’s a fold up screen with handy rules references on one side, and a pretty picture for the players to look at on the other side. You prop it up before you and can quickly find common stuff on it.

Otherwise, experience. You get better at remembering the details with practice, and similarly you get more comfortable just winging it and improvising.

Just trust in yourself. You’ll do ”good enough” as long as you and your players are having fun.

Edited July 28, 2021 by Inquisitor Sciurus

[uliwitness]

I take it there are no pre-made GM screens for the Stargate RPG yet?

[Inquisitor Sciurus]

I doubt it. If you look in the store there is the official one up for pre-order.

 Some gm’s like to make their own. But, I haven’t seen anyone making one available yet.

[1001100x02]

 

[uliwitness]

On 7/30/2021 at 10:17 PM, Inquisitor Sciurus said:

I doubt it. If you look in the store there is the official one up for pre-order.

Cool, thank you! Will keep an eye on that one then.