SESSION 3 - This is the first time I have run a Pathfinder2e session with no combat. The players had subdued two people affected by a curse and took them to a location to figure out if anything could be done to cure them. Maybe it is the collaborative story, maybe it is the players, but I love that we can spend 45 minutes with the spotlight on one character and their mid-term goal with other players gasping and exclaiming, sometimes chiming in with moments they contribute. It has me thinking about how to build this culture and norm at the table. In this case it might have worked because the curse is part of two other players backstories and a third narrowly avoided exposure. We did have a norm at the table about wanting to share time to allow the deep RP, but I have had that at other tables that didn't work. The players are getting better about signalling when their moment is done (another post) which I think is helping. Anyway, it is going great and my worry is on understanding how to recreate these moments.

FROM A PLAYER: "The DM brought up a concern with me that he didn't feel that the goals structure we were working with had made a significant impact in the game up until now. My response to that was twofold: First, if viewed as a narrative in the way you would look at a book, you would be correct; few goals have even been touched on, and even fewer seem to have made any progress. However, this isn't a book, this is a game. The important part isn't the accomplishment of the goals or even notable progress, but the pursuit of them through gameplay. Our experience as players is different and separate from the story being told, and the goals structure has already had significant impact, even if we haven't seen any conclusions yet." I think the insight is that goals are impactful before they are accomplished in motivating character decisions and presenting choices.

That was a very insightful interview. I love the idea of a ttrpg book club. Sort of a different beginners box

I love the setup. I have gone away from using a screen (other than my laptop), but the idea of having a display screen is awefully tempting.

@Mark Petersen We started running paint nights when we are missing someone for an important session. I learned a lot from some of the real artists in the group.

@Tristan Fishel No hits to the face yet, but we did have one bounce out.

An edited down version of a session -1, session zero, and 3-5 session campaign would have been so helpful in helping me and my players get an idea of what it should feel like at the table. More and more of my players (particularly younger) listed to actual plays to learn systems and styles of play.