Thanks VectorSigma. It can get a little rough in there. I've had to edit out some minor chastisements. But yes, I run a real tight ship. 16 children! I'm a
photo retoucher. Not a teacher. But I have my own children and good behavior is rewarded generously
Thanks to
Johnn Four's GM newsletters and website, I formulated a point system, contracts and assigning jobs for players in each group. We alternate between Wizards' Star Wars and MSH every week.
Yes I'm familiar with The 99. Very cool stuff. I actually want to integrate some of those characters in a future campaign. But time is soooooo limited.
So I'm squeezing in GM training for some of them through mandatory rules quizzes. If this club grows any larger–which I think it will–training some new GM's is mandatory. Not all want to GM. However, I want to have 2 games running at the same time and eventually let them run the show! We have ambitious goals for our club.
You'll start to see how I have them check the Feat chart and figure out what's allowed. I want to work something out with the school to keep this going in the summer.
I actually gathered heroes from the Secret Wars adventure and let them choose from that pool. I wanted to start with Secret Wars, but I changed my mind because I wasn't sure if a bunch would drop out. However, all have stayed. So the regular adventures, like Breeder Bombs, doesn't have enough slots for everyone. You'll see me do alot of ad lib! Also, some of the children are "veterans" from last year. So they were allowed to make their own characters. Now they are helping the new ones. Eventually, I think they will all have their own heroes.
Yes, I am intentionally working at this school to help the children stay out of trouble and learn about teamwork. Also, I attend religious services at the mosque connected to the school. I also do other civic and volunteer work with them in the northside of Chicago. So I'm familiar with them. When I ran it by the principal 2 years ago, he saw me do a demo and was sold. I have 100% support of the staff. It's Amazing!
Nearly all of my players were born to immigrant parents. So there is a huge cultural gap which they are forced to bridge. Stuff happens in those gaps–especially for Muslim American youth. So before each game we briefly review review religious ideals that are relevant to the game and their eventual graduation into adulthood. I don't allow them to kill anyone without severe consequences. Those who incline towards firearms and punching NPCs find themselves in situations where they cannot use them "properly" and they must resort to using their brains and not brawn. I use the Karma system ALOT.
I hope that helps answer your questions. I plan to have Ch. 2 of the Breeder Bombs up tomorrow if I can squeeze it in between work. I'll be sure to post here!