RPG Etiquette: Arguments
Author - Crusergirl
Editor - Pseudomuse
This is really geared more toward GM’s than players. But all parties involved can learn something from how to deal with arguments during or outside of a game.
RPG Etiquette: Patience
Author - Crusergirl
Editor - Pseudomuse
Patience during a game is key. Especially when you are with a large group of people. The GM has to wrangle a number of people. Taking care of dice rolls, plotlines, and god forbid rule checking. When among a bunch of people it can get really tedious waiting for everyone to make their move. Especially during a battle. Here are a few things to help you combat impatience.
“Yes, and…” Basics
Author - Singer of the Lost
Editor - Pseudomuse
(Note: This is Part 1 of a Three-Parter)
When you’re in a roleplay scenario, there is always a bit of improv involved. Whether or not there is a plan, you may not know exactly what’s coming next. You tend to get good airtime flying by the seat of your pants.
The biggest principle of improv is “Yes, and…”
The idea is to say yes to whoever you’re sharing the stage with—agree to the things that they have set forth. Then “and” the things—build off of them to create more complexity in the scene.
RPG Etiquette: Powergaming vs. Metagaming
Author - Crusergirl
Editor - Pseudomuse
Originally I was going to do a more elaborate article about metagaming but in my research I came across a term I haven’t heard before called power gaming. It seems like it’s a growing problem among RPGs so I though I would address it here.
Writing with “Yes, And…”
Author - Singer of the Lost
Editor - Pseudomuse
Note: This is Part 2 of a Three-Parter. Part 1 is “Yes, and…” Basics
In text-based RPGs, chances are good that you have a lot more to to say yes to than two improvisors stepping out onto an empty stage. You have character profiles, setting descriptions, history and complex interactions. With all this information to build from, it gets a little more complex.
Remember: Your characters have conflicting personalities, so they may not always agree—and that is awesome! “Yes, and…” does not mean everyone always has to agree. It means acknowledging what’s real in the setting (like characters who might hate each other) and then building from it.
When you are writing a post for a game, then, there are two steps you should be aware of. First, you should be aware of the “Yes”—acknowledging what is happening in the setting and storyline. Second, you should be aware of the “And…”—moving that storyline forward.
Are there any other rpg and tabletop related blogs on tumblr?
I’m sure there are quite a few! I follow, personally, the following rpg and tabletop related blogs:
http://seenontabletop.tumblr.com/
http://ddemotivators.tumblr.com/
and http://biowareconfessions.tumblr.com/
Hopefully you find that they are a good source of entertainment!
~pseudomuse
RPG Etiquette: Starting on the right foot.
Author - Crusergirl
Editor - Pseudomuse
Starting a new RPG can be lots of fun. Sometimes you get to meet new people. Other times it just ends up being you and your friends bonding with an evening of dice rolling. Either way when jumping into a game it’s good to be prepared. Here is a little checklist of things to have before arriving on game night.
Troubleshooting with “Yes, And…”
Author - Singer of the Lost
Editor - Pseudomuse
Note: This is Part 3 of a Three-Parter. Part 1 is “Yes, and…” Basics. Part 2 is Writing with “Yes, And..”
When you are writing your fabulous “Yes, and…” posts, you will at times encounter problems. Many players aren’t fully aware of this improv concept, and all players are imperfect human beings who are doing this whole game thing as a hobby.
Mistakes happen. Just remember to make it work.
When an actor forgets a line or a waitress can’t come into her shift because her son is vomiting across the floor, those around them make it work. In a game, everyone is there to have fun, so there is no point in blowing things out of proportion. When a problem arises, players are at their best when they keep a level head as they identify the problem and look for the simplest, most effective solution.
Here are some possible problems that may arise and ways to address them.
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