RPGaDay2018, Day 30 – Share something you’ve learned about playing your character.

Share something you’ve learned about playing your character.

What an odd question. Ah well, they can’t all be winners.

To be honest, I’m not sure how to answer this one, because I can barely remember the last time I played in an RPG, rather than running one.

So, I’ll go with a lesson I’ve learned about playing NPCs, instead: No detail is established as fact until it comes out during play. So elements of the NPC’s backstory, their motivations, their plans, even their personality — I may have notes on any of these, but I’m free to change them at any time to better suit what’s going on, as long as it doesn’t contradict something already established as fact. They don’t become “real” until they’re played.

The PCs are suspicious of the NPC’s true motives? Listen to what they’re saying — maybe they’ll float a good idea. Take it, and run with it. The players are reacting to an NPC as if he’s annoying? Cool — making him *purposefully* annoying, as a comedic foil.

Nothing is established, until it is. Roll with it.

 

RPGaDay2018, Day 29 – Share A Friendship You Have Because of RPGs

Share a friendship you have because of RPGs…

Well, most of them, to be honest. But top of the list, and the obvious choice for this post, has to be Laura.

We met at the college gaming club, Kansas University Gamers And Roleplayers (KUGAR) in 1990/1991. We became friends and part of the same playing group (this is in the days before there were as many women openly gaming, so we heard from other members of the club that our group was the “cool group” because we had “The Girl.”). We started dating in 1997, moved in together in 1998, and got married in 2006. So we’ve been married 12 years, been together 21 years, and have known each other for 28 years. And all because of RPGs.

Together, we’ve played D&D, Vampire, Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who, The One Ring, Golden Heroes, Boot Hill, Cyberpunk, and more. She created UnderWorld with me, and has been working on Thrilling Tales and Far West as well. Partners in gaming and partners in life.

And if that doesn’t establish our Geek Bona Fides, check this picture, from 15 years ago at the KC RenFest. Deep Nerdery.

 
 

#RPGaDay2018, Day 28: Someone Who You’re Thankful For

Today is a bit a mouthful “Share whose inspiring gaming excellence you’re grateful for.”

REALLY ODD PHRASING aside, I’m going to answer this by calling out two folks: Matt Harrop and Aaron Rosenberg.

Aside from the fact that they definitely qualify under the “gaming excellent” measurement (I can’t forget Ghrezdd the Wizard or a Vampire on Roller Blades), the simple fact of the matter is that I would not have the career that I have, had the two of them not encouraged and collaborated with me to produce our first RPG in 1993: Periphery.

Everything I’ve done professionally for the past 25 years is all their fault. :)

In all seriousness, I’m very grateful.