Hey folks, long time lurker, first time poster. Over the past year I've gotten really into the game, I was GMing for my two brothers a relatively small but still really fun game (I played an NPC crew member so it wasn't just the two of them on a ship). I was really enjoying it, and felt like I just got into the swing of GMing when one of my brothers decides he no longer wants to play. That's fine, obviously it isn't for anyone, but right now I have a big RPG size hole that I'm looking to fill.

I've heard about people looking for and playing games, be it DnD, Star Wars, what have you, online, but I am really hesitant. I've only played DnD a few times and Star Wars a few times more than that, and only with close friends and family. The idea of throwing myself out into the wilds of the internet is pretty daunting. And as much as I enjoyed GMing for my brothers, I really don't feel comfortable trying to start GMing for a bunch of strangers.

In short, if anyone has experience playing or looking to play online about what to look for, dos and don'ts, and so forth, I would greatly appreciate it!

First, a clarification question: Are you looking to possibly play with folks via voice chat? Or are you looking for play-by-post (PbP)? The former is more similar to being around the table with folks (and faster-paced), but it also requires you to "throw yourself into the wilds of the internet" more, as you put it, because people can at least hear your voice if not see your face. PbP is less time-consuming and allows you to stay somewhat anonymous, but it's also much slower in pace, and anonymity leads some people to be really flakey and just drop out with no warning. Any idea what kind of experience you're looking for?

That's a great question! I haven't put much thought into it. Your descriptions make a lot of sense. I think I'd be down for trying either, but I'd be up for at least trying to play via voice chat despite being a bit more daunting, since it would allow a more regular style of play. But a pbp sounds better than nothing at this point, haha.

There is a pretty robust Discord server complete with ongoing games you can look into joining. I don't have a link offhand but I bet someone far more helpful than I will come along any minute with it for you. 🙃

I've run some Discord games in the past with friends and it works pretty well. There's a Dice app that makes it easy for rolling and calculating results. Only thing I miss over in-person games is seeing the people when something big happens but it's the next best thing when you can't find a local group.

You should also know that there are numerous PbP games played on these very forums.

I second both of these. Lots of pbp here and that server is great.

Thank you all very much for your help and advice!

Since i’m Kind of in the same boat as the OP right now had another similar question.

Basically, what does it take to GM online? How proficient are you expected to be?

2 minutes ago, slope123 said:

Basically, what does it take to GM online? How proficient are you expected to be?

There are several options, but the only one that matters is that you have a minimum of a Class I GM license with a O (online) endorsement. I can provide such for only $30 (US); just PM me with your credit card information.

<<<Just kidding. There's no standards for GMs, and I do not want you to give me your cridit card information . I suggest knowing the rules well and having some familiarity with your players, but that second part is hard with online play. If nothing else, I suggest being very upfront and strict with the rules for such a game because they form a consistent base of reference for your players and their expectations.>>>

53 minutes ago, HappyDaze said:

There are several options, but the only one that matters is that you have a minimum of a Class I GM license with a O (online) endorsement. I can provide such for only $30 (US); just PM me with your credit card information.

<<<Just kidding. There's no standards for GMs, and I do not want you to give me your cridit card information . I suggest knowing the rules well and having some familiarity with your players, but that second part is hard with online play. If nothing else, I suggest being very upfront and strict with the rules for such a game because they form a consistent base of reference for your players and their expectations.>>>

Okay, i’d probably be a player in a few games before I try GMing, but this information is very helpful. I’m pretty solid on the rules it;s just the other stuff that’s tricky. (Mainly because all my players seem to want to be railroaded )

1 hour ago, HappyDaze said:

There   are several options, but the only one that matters is that you have a minimum of a Class I GM license with a O (online) endorsement. I can provide such for only $30 (US); just PM me with your credit card information.  

Card number 5555 5555 5555 5555. Expires 05/55. That 3 digit security code or whatever is 555. Pin is, of course, 5555.