Lesson Two: Numbers and Rolls

As I said before, battle systems, which GMs normally deal with, vary greatly. Across the board, though, they tend to use dice/RNG rolls to determine if actions succeed or fail. I personally use HibkiKuze's system of using a d20 (20-sided dice) for hits and misses, with 5 or below being a miss- of course, this can be altered by buffs/debuffs.

I suggest not creating stats for enemies to start off with, and instead judge based on attack tier (-dyne, etc.) and health. Percentages is a pain for me, but good if you don't want to implement a HP system. I suggest dividing it into fractions: for example, 6/6 means an enemy can take 6 base level spells, 3 mid-level spells, etc. But that's just me. As for players... let them have the "honor system" at first. Even experienced GMs trust players to be honest with what their characters can dish out or take. However, don't be afraid to put your foot down if someone spams Armageddon or something.

Also, don't worry if all this system stuff is confusing! It takes a while to get used to, and you'll eventually develop your own style. Besides, not all GMs have to use a battle system- especially if they're more narrative or exploration-based.

So, I know how to GM narrative stuff, seeing as it's basic and simple, but explain combat in depth for me please.

Lesson Three: Liam's Update System

This needs a section of its own. Trust me, it's a godsend, and works for any GM. I'll explain how it works in a step-by-step process.

Step One: Let players type their actions. If one player is taking WAY too long, feel free to move onto...

Step Two: Type "Update." Just that. Unless you're feeling generous, do not count actions posted after said "Update" post.

Step Three: Describe the actions' results, and then cycle back to step one.

It's simple, yet it keeps you from having to edit your response if another user posts while you're typing. Especially in large parties. Give Liam some love.

Well, that answers my question.

Lesson 3.5: Combat In-Depth

Utilizing Lesson Three's Update system, you can GM combat. All you need is a moveset for the enemies and hp values if needed.

A boss should be able to take a lot of punishment before going down, just an fyi.

I'll introduce my personal system, based on Hibki's, since it may be easy for beginners to use.

For hits and misses: use a d20. 5 and below is a miss, 19 and 20 are crits (for phys/gun) or a status effect (for certain elemental spells).

For HP: This is something that takes practice to balance. Basic tier attacks do 50 damage, medium tier does 100 damage, heavy does 150, etc. Tailor enemy HP to fit the damage potential of the party. I find it's best to give bosses over 2000 HP, maybe even over 3000.

For Statuses: This is a weird one. For insta-kills, it's a 20% chance at base, 40% at mid tier, and 60% for Die for Me! I tend to assume that buffs/debuffs always hit. Finally, low and medium chance of status follows the same rules as insta kills- although you may want to buff the chances for that.

Well now I know. This is useful. Now I don't need star for the TV world RP!

Lesson Four: Narrative

This is arguably the easiest system. It's action-based, as in the players must make clever decisions to move forward. They can explore, or even battle without needing a system- you just need to be the one telling the story.

A plan is very important for this. Make a plot and/or area that grabs one's attention! Strive to be creative! Imagination is your only limit.

Puzzles are fun, too. And a map may be needed depending on the area.

Lesson Five: Commitment and Q

PSA: typing the "and" symbol cuts off your post rip

A shortened version of my last post cause laziness:

-GMing can take hours. Be prepared!
-Cut things short if needed. Real life is very important too!
-A hiatus is sometimes necessary. A happy GM is best!

Questions and comments may now commence!

Explain the rolling system for me again. How do buffs work with those?

Ah, rolling. With buffs/debuffs, I mean the Suku- variety. A Sukukaja would bring the "miss range" for enemies up to 7 or below, while improving accuracy for the user by lowering the miss range to 3 or below. The inverse goes for the Sukunda.

Oh, this makes sense. I believe I can GM now! If I have any more questions, I'll ask you over discord.

Alright, and good luck!

Thanks!

Meowvelous work, Cait!

Thanks! I am pawsitively flattered.

boop cause have a little free time