Storytelling for Vampire By Wassail Preparing to run a chronicle Before you create your first game in WON and invite some players, you should take a moment to figure out some of the variables that will be a constant factor in the game for which you’re about to be the judge and jury. Preparation 1. Evaluate your players What are your players capable of? Are they roleplayers or combat junkies? Do they want short, concise games or long, multi-scene epics?  Will you be satisfied by how they react to the situations you propose for them, or will they be bored and whine for more monsters?  If your styles don’t mix, you may want to think twice about running a game, as it may end up being very unsatisfying for all involved. Preparation 2. Evaluate yourself What are you capable of? Have you had experience refereeing vampire games before or is this your first time?  Do you know how to use the tools?  Can you script events, create new chronicles, use the tools effectively? Will players be waiting as you have to figure something out? Don’t be afraid to run small, simple games or even just a scene, just to use it to increase your familiarity over the tools.  As you become more familiar with the tools, you will be able to add some nuances, some touches that make it even more interesting.  But if you start out biting off more than you can chew, it can fall down flat on its face. Preparation 3. Evaluate your group Are you about to run a game for a group of strangers?  If so, you’re going to want a general story anyone can fit into.  If the players are people you know, and more importantly characters you know, you can organize situations that will matter to them.  Will you have a hard time getting everyone together at the same time? Will you be playing long or short sessions?  If you have a deadline in mind (bedtime at 11:00) you will have to know when to begin to wrap things up or move things along.  Will your game emphasize group cooperation or individual stories linked together by common elements?  If it’s going to emphasize the group, you’re going to have to worry about scheduling things so everyone is online at the same time.  If it’s individual stories, then you can do individual scenes whenever someone’s online. Preparation 4. Evaluate your collective technology Take into account player’s computers and internet connections.  If you have people with slower connections and / or slower computers, you may want to limit the number of actors you bring to the game.  The more information you present, the more bandwidth that will be required. Go to Storytelling Vampire Part 3