Mustering on Social Media Simplifies Organized Play

A decade and half ago, sheesh has it been so long, when I first participated in organized role-playing games via the RPGA's Living Greyhawk, we used an email group to sign up for modules. We knew the module, who was playing, who was running, and the PCs. A very nice set up if you ask me.


When LFR roared upon the scene, things were less formal. However, it was circle of friends and acquaintances. Word of mouth sufficed in gathering all the information above.


Flash forward to Adventurer's League and Shadowrun Missions. The Shadowrun Missions table has been fairly consistent. Generally one table progressing through the storyline and occasionally a second table of replays aimed at newer players. We've had the same players and while a character may be switched out it feels like an ongoing campaign within an organized play framework.


Adventurer's League is the Wild West in comparison. While the module is posted on social media, there have been times a DM was not known until the day of. Players and prospective DMs would arrive unaware of the module and tier. Last year, the store that runs the events attempted mustering via social media. Initially, I felt it worked well. I signed up. Stated character and level and then showed up. Still some players simply didn't use the social media page to sign up in advance. Gradually, the situation advanced to the Wild West situation describe. The store would have to muster table come start time. Delaying the game considerably.


Finally, the store decided a minimum sized table was required or else there would be no organized D&D or Shadowrun that week. First week was a learning lesson. Game was cancelled. Second week, we had a table. The store treated those signees, of which I was one, as one mustered table and anyone who just showed up as another. This upcoming session, it appears we have our minimum table so we shall see.


It's too early to tell if more players and DMs will adopt the new social media mustering approach. Would be very nice if it wasn't just 'oh so-and-so plus myself have signed up so we'll be one table'. A larger pool allows more interactivity such that the players and their character choices can influence the table mustering. Plus, one can prep for the 'familiarity' with each other the modules often presume. Too often I have sat at a table and not known the name, race, or class of a fellow PC! Given time constraints that does dampen play quite a bit. Heck, playing continuing modules with same characters create such familiarity! That's one of the hallmarks of the Shadowrun Missions events. Would be nice if the D&D 5E Adventurer's League could achieve similar results.


Till Next time,


Happy Gaming!