I don't want to GM anymore

Sevorak

Not sure if this is best here or in CF, but I'll go with here since I'm asking for advice.

I've been running an Exalted game for a small group that I met through my LGS for the past month or so. I was pretty wary of running a game to begin with, since I have very little free time between all the other stuff I have to do and I don't like being the center of attention, but I got talked into it. This is the first time I've really run anything longer than a couple sessions.

I was right to be wary, because running the game is feeling like more and more of a chore. I feel like I'm forcing myself to come up with a plot and NPCs that will entertain my players, at least one of which seems to be a min/maxer, and it's not really fun anymore. I'd much rather be doing anything else rather than statting out enemies or brainstorming story ideas, since they blew through what I had prepared in only a few sessions.

How do I tell the group that I don't want to run the game anymore? I feel bad because they all seem to be having fun and are into it, but I just can't force myself to keep running it if I'm not having fun. We're supposed to meet up for a session on Saturday after a couple weeks off due to my weekends already being booked, but I just have no desire to run it.

Enc

I'd throw one last killer game and then just flat out tell them all at the next meeting. Something like this:

"Hey guys, This will be the last game I'm running. I've prepared an awesome closure to our plot so far and I hope you all enjoy it. After this, though, someone else will have to take up the mantle. I'm just not that into it anymore."

Then throw one hell of a game that they will enjoy, and be done. Honest and direct is the way to go. And if you can close it out with one last, best game, all the better for your relationships with your friends and everyone's enjoyment.

kedinik

You could always kill them all off.

3drage

Give them the typical breakup line....it's not you, it's me.

naporeon

kedinik wrote: »

You could always kill them all off.

Easier said than done, in that system.

As for the OP, assuming you want to keep playing -- not running -- with these guys, I would suggest finding someone else to run another game, and then start alternating with your group. This will give you a little time to wrap up your game, while taking some of the time pressure off. Ending your game gracefully, and not all-of-a-sudden, will help keep everyone happy, making playing with them in the future a much easier prospect.

If you don't intend to keep playing with them once your game is over, though, I would recommend what a previous poster said, and just come up with a good way to quickly end the game. Just be straight up with them.

Arsenic Canary

As a long-time GM of Exalted, let me tell you that you shouldn't feel bad. Exalted is a bitch and a half to plan for and run even under optimal conditions. If you're not into it, it's just going to get worse.

Enc has the correct answer here, I think: declare your intent, and go out with a bang. If any of your fellows take umbrage with your decision, invite them to pick up the reins.

Darksier

May be time to try a new game setting/system. Or just take a vacation from GMing for awhile. I recommend some Fantasy Flight Board Games. My group occasionally plays Descent or Twilight Imperium when I need to recover.

As for a different systems I'd suggest Warhammer Fantasy RPG 2ed and Eclipse Phase. Both allow a GM to get by with minimal bookkeeping. You focus more on setting up the narrative and challenges. Stats are limited and easy to make generic for npcs...not like the players will ever know. Oh and if you hate min/maxers those systems are pretty good in that no matter how strong a player is they are still very much mortal.

DVG

Don't beat yourself up about it. Becoming a really good game master takes a lot of attention and time and, well, it isn't always the most appreciated thing.

Since you're not really feeling it anymore, open it up to the group that you don't have the time or desire to GM the game any longer, but if someone else wanted to try their hand at GMing, you have some campaign notes and could help them get started. The group gets to continue their campaign but you get to step down from the top job. Otherwise just try to help them go out with a bang and get back to doing something that's fun for you.