TOPIC: Thoughts and experiences from a 1st-time volunteer

I have played TD for four years and, as most of you know, have been very involved since last year. But this is the first time I volunteered and I wanted to share my experiences in case you are considering volunteering as well.

I was a part-time volunteer and was assigned one 7-hour shift in the training room (Underdark Combat) and another 7-hour shift in combat room #5 (Underdark Puzzle). As far as I understand it is unusual for me to be a combat DM for my first volunteer year, but I did express interest in it, was willing to thoroughly prep well ahead of GenCon, and have shown a thorough knowledge of the rules of the game. I'm also quick at doing math in my head which helped.

Before I get into my thoughts, if you went through either of my rooms while I was volunteering I'd love to hear feedback on my performance, either posted here on via PM. I always appreciate constructive criticism.

Now, the highlights:

1) It was cool to help out, see behind the scenes a bit, etc.

2) It was cool to meet and help out new players.

3) It scratched some of the TD itch without me having to spend money on a run.

4) It will really make me more aware and appreciative of the volunteers that help me out on my runs.

5) It was a fun challenge, fast-paced, etc, and I learned a lot.

6) I had the group of GeekDad columnists go through my DM room.

7) I had a lot of fun messing with the players if they killed off my monster too quickly.

8) Really makes me appreciate the value of arriving 30min early for the run AND bringing a pre-built character.

And the lowlights:

1) I ignored the advice to wear comfortable shoes but it was more exhausting than I expected, especially as combat DM. My math skills weren't as quick by the end of the shift too

2) Training was a bit light and rushed, but I was not the norm (two different volunteer activities, newbie, AND on the Golden Ticket run).

3) In the training room when experienced players literally talked over me when trying to teach the new players, or added in excessive detail, or gave out incorrect information.

Second Most of the above 1-5 and especially #8. Sorry to the coaches i've unknowingly tortured in the past.

Kirk, for your lowlight I would consider a decent set of hiking shoes/boots while volunteering. I tried sandals once and then never again. Be amazed at how much on your feet and pacing you do even in a single room.

As my 5th year volunteering, don't wear sandals!

I wore a fit bit this year and ended up walking 18K steps (not all true dungeon that day) and about 5K was just working the epilogue room!

I forgot one more lowlight that is probably applicable to some of us (I might have been this person in the past too):

3) In the training room when experienced players literally talked over me when trying to teach the new players, or added in excessive detail, or gave out incorrect information.

It's really cool to hear volunteering from another perspective. As a Hostess I don't do anything in the Dungeon and I've been volunteering a few years now. As a volunteer I appreciate those people who are able to come in at the 30 minutes early mark or come all together at once and courteous (which most are even when they don't want to sign that waver yet again). And I have no idea where I was going with this, but I'm glad you and everyone had a good time.

Kirk, I thought you did a great job in both roles. During our run you weren't afraid to admit you didn't know the Nightmare AC/HP yet. You had us slide anyway while you reviewed the card, so it didn't slow down combat at all.

Don't be afraid to let the people know it's your job, and they don't know if something has changed.

Shaman wrote: Don't be afraid to let the people know it's your job, and they don't know if something has changed.

Saw this and had to correct as both a player and as a training room coach (my job this year) regarding how the monk handles 2 handed slides. Had to correct both 'veteran' players and coaches who said to use two hands.

Never be afraid to correct bogus information. Just be sure you are right before doing so. Being able to point to a reference is like pulling out Marshall McLuhan à la Woody Allen in Annie Hall.

Some thoughts from a long time Volunteer and now an AC:

1. Training was shorter than I would have liked this year, and I find the hard part is covering the Important topics, without rehashing Everything... I'd love to separate New DM's from experienced ones, so more in depth training can be delivered to the folks who need/ want it most.

2. I have surprisingly found that great socks make as much if not more difference than good shoes. I recommend Keen socks myself, others have sung the praises of Smartwool. While not cheap (I regularly pay $20 for a single pair) the added Arch support, and padding only where my foot touches the ground make a HUGE improvement.... though let's face it... 7-8 hours on your feet is going to suck some on concrete no matter how you mitigate the impact.

3. Diet: Bring bottles for Water, and if you want some sort of flavor additive so you drink enough. Snacks... Especially some protein (man does not live on Carbs alone)

4. Communication both with your other room DM's, your adjacent room DM's, your NPC's, and your Party... I cannot say it enough, you will get back what you give... if you're grumpy, they will be too, if you're excited, they will be too. Be the DM you wish to see.

I myself had a lot of fun as well... Was a first time volunteer and full time combat DM, which while challenging was a ton of fun.

If you plan on volunteering in the future these are the things I would focus on.

1. Make sure you can stand comfortably for 8 hours at a time. It was a real challenge to stand while your dogs are howling, and still remain entertaining and able to do simple mental math.

2. Learn all you can about the tokens.

3. Make it fun for everyone you can when you have a group. Be animated, and keep them engaged.

4. Run combat swiftly. Not too many things worse then getting push damage because the DM could only get 2 rounds of combat in.


Things I would like to see improved.

1. The sound system in my Thursday night runs and Saturday night runs made it difficult to hear the 1 minute warning and the end of room. I had seasoned people in my room not hear it, nor when I had an NPC in the room, neither of us could hear it either. Most of the time I had to look at the light changing color to notice when the rooms were to change, and if you are running a combat at the time, it is not noticeable at all. Weird to say the most stressful part of the whole thing was if the Horns of Gondor have sounded, but it was.

2. A chair available in each room, that would be accessible so long as the room was complete. Not a must by any means, but it would have been helpful.

mike coon wrote: 4. Run combat swiftly. Not too many things worse then getting push damage because the DM could only get 2 rounds of combat in.

Yeah, that's probably the biggest complaint as a player, so I tried to run it fast once I got comfortable. But then if I felt like they were going to destroy the monster quickly I'd slow down and give more color.

mike coon wrote: 2. A chair available in each room, that would be accessible so long as the room was complete. Not a must by any means, but it would have been helpful.

I used the token bucket, but not ideal