The STs realize that long drawn-out combats are one of the most un-popular aspects of the game, in fact, when we did our last poll, about 20% of you all listed it as your least favorite thing at game. However, for some reason, every time there is even a whisper of combat, it seems the other 80% come running, and then complain about how long it takes.

So, I am giving some advice based on the combats I have run and witnessed on how you the players can help the STs and have a smoother, faster combat.

Don't Be There if You're Not Supposed To

This applies IC and OOC. IC, if everyone swarms the castle looking for glory, you're all gonna breach the Masquerade and the bad guys are gonna get away in the confusion. You'll lose status and the Sheriff and Masquer will be mad at you. OOC, if your Character isn't there, you'll only suck up the time and attention of the STs and the players who need to be focusing, plus, you're not watching this on PPV, so go RP.

Don't Be There if You Don't HAVE To

Combats increase in time more and more for every person. There's more actions, more complications and more distractions, so if you aren't SURE you should be going, consider helping defend Elysium, cover the Masquerade or get blood for the returning wounded, or any number of useful and status-worthy things.

Beware the TIME BUBBLE

Remember if you start even a couple of minutes after the first group/person to go fight, you're likely to miss the battle, as a single combat round is only 3 seconds in game time, but take 30-45 minutes in real time, and Most combats last fewer than 15 game seconds. So, consider spending your time Rp-ing rather than waiting around and asking the ST the gamer equivalent of "are we there yet?"

Now that I've tried to talk you OUT of going to the Combat, if you still just gotta go, try to follow these guidelines.

Be Organized

Have your Character Sheet out, and all your Equipment Cards out, and make sure they're all stamped BEFORE you get there. Know your basic die pools, like Initiative, Attack, Defend and Soak...don't make the ST do all the math. If you don't know how to use your dots, spend some time with an ST or Combat Advocate during Peacetime to learn.

Pay Attention

Be quiet and listen to the ST and the other players so you know what's going on. If you're talking when other people are taking their turns, and make the ST tell you what just happened, you're dragging out the combat time.

Stay Put

Stand where the ST asks you to. There are usually a lot of things the ST is trying to keep track of, and in an imaginary space, if you start wandering around, it makes keeping track of the what's going on hard for both the ST and the other players. Plus, if you wander too far, the ST might have to track you down to talk to you.

Be Ready

If you have followed the guidelines up till now, and are standing in your spot with your character sheet out, and you've been paying attention so you know what's going on, this one should be easy. When the ST asks you a question, have the answer ready. The questions are almost always "What's your Initiative?" or "What's your Action?" or "What's your Die Pool?" and you'll know in advance based on the situation which one its likely to be. However, lots of time is lost waiting for players to fish out their sheets or cards, decide what their action is or do simple math in their heads (write it down if you need to).

Don't Argue

This doesn't mean don't ask questions, or point out mistakes ( cause goodness knows the STs are only human and do make them sometimes) but once the ST has heard your point and made a ruling, DROP IT. If you think the rule is horrifically unfair, approach an ST, Combat or Player Advocate AFTER the Combat is over. You aren't likely to get a ret-con, but the STs will be more willing to listen to all your arguments. If you waste everyone's time arguing in the middle of combat, you just make tempers hotter and loose the sympathy of the ST and your fellow players.

These last two are THE biggest wasters of time that I've seen, so be mindful of your own actions. Value the time of the STs the other players and yourself and do what you can to cut down on Combat and leave time for more of what you really come here for--the Roleplay.

Kaine - Former Head Vampire Storyteller