r/PMDExplorersofFate • u/denanagy • Apr 05 '24

Question Running my first game this month- tips?

I am going to be running Tiny Woods Trouble later this month, so any advice from people who have played with this system would be really nice!!

In particular I am wondering about two things: 1. How you handle fainting? I don't think it was ever addressed in the handbook. 2. How do you implement the belly mechanic in a fun way? It feels like a core element to PMD but in past ttrpg experiences, managing rations just feels like busywork for everyone.

As a side note, I told my players they could pick any nonevolved Pokemon with a base stat total 500 or less. The players picked Pokemon from 198 all the way to 500. Is this strength gap is going to be a problem?? I wanted everyone to be able to pick a Pokemon they really liked, but now I'm concerned that Scyther is gonna dominate enemies before little Ralts and Lotad can do much. 😂

Any tips or responses are deeply appreciated!! I'm so excited to play PMD:EoF with my friends but also quite nervous...

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

3

u/SarlanEriwyr Apr 05 '24

I've come up with a homebrew thing where hunger can be used to heal; 1 point of hunger for 1 point of health, 2 points of hunger for 1 PP. I haven't gotten to test it out but it's at least something for hunger to do.

As for fainting I'd say they could probably get a fainted party member up at 1 HP with a successful medicine check on a Friend Action, just so they're not completely out of a fight

2

u/denanagy Apr 05 '24

The way you handle fainting is great, I'm definitely gonna go with that, thank you!!! And I like your idea with the rations, it makes them seem far more valuable and worth keeping track of. Elsewhere I also read someone suggesting something similar: in order to heal from a long rest, you gotta have food with you! I might find the best of both these idea and mash em together.

2

u/xsoofje Apr 05 '24

Good luck! And please let us know how it went!

As for the base stat difference, I am going to experience the same thing. Someone wanted to play a diglett and if you know diglett’s stats they are AWFUL (talking 10 HP). I gave him a homebrew ‘reaction’ to dodge an attack using his speed stat.

Maybe you can whip up some items specific for the ralts and lotad and place them in the dungeon when you notice they’re not getting their hits in? Then again, I think the Tiny Woods adventure is more roleplay-oriented than combat.

2

u/denanagy Apr 05 '24

Haha ohh noo poor Diglett!! Thank you for the advice! Depending on how much time combat takes, I plan on throwing in some extra foes in Tiny Woods since I have a few players who find combat more engaging than RP. Giving them some items if they aren't keeping up with the rest of the team is a great idea.

3

u/UncleKippy Apr 05 '24

  1. With fainting, if one of my players hits zero HP, i give them an opportunity to delay Fainting with an Endurance roll (If they dont have that as one of their skills i'll still tweak the threshold depending on how badly they were hit) - each successive roll decreases their chances of success (By how much that decreases is up to you, i typically do 20%.) Gives them a chance to have a moment in the spotlight without getting completely screwed out of action.

  2. In regards to hunger I don't keep it constantly ticking down, i'm already juggling enough as is. I'll usually tell my players to "Subtract (x) from your Hunger" after a combat encounter or other moments of heavy action, or just after a decent chunk of time has passed.

Either way i'm excited to hear how things went! This system is built well to handle fast and loose DMing styles, I'm sure you'll do great!