Welcome to my newest blog. In this blog I will be discussing the essential elements of Game Mastering a Role Playing Game. From AD&D, to Traveller, to DnD 5e and beyond, Ill share insight, experience and try to create thought provoking discussions in order to develop the skills to be a successful memorable, and entertaining game master.
My first topic will be the basics, what type of player are you and your group, and the group dynamic.
First, what is the purpose of an RPG? Storytelling escapism, acting, all are elements. Its a social interaction. (But if its a social interaction, why are so many gamers anti-social??) The first question you need to ask when assembling players for a game, are what are their expectations? The unspoken truth is that an RPG is a pact, an agreement between the GM and the players, and also between players...but that agreement is never discussed. Why not? I believe the GM owes the players at least a run down of his/her expectation of the players, the game, the setting. Agreed. some this may begin the initial campaign sell, but how often to players share their expectations with each other? Its tough as a GM meeting one players needs, let alone several differing or incompatible expectations!
When you go to a meeting at work, there are generally an accepted set of norms. I posit that an RPG needs the same type of ground rules. One person talks at a time, no cell phones, whatever. Taking it a step further, some GMs may express that they expect characters to die. Players however may expect that barring some catastrophe, their characters will survive and be heroes. What happens when these expectations are not discussed and at odds? Unhappiness. The FUN factor becomes zero, and players walk away, or the GM packs up and finds another group.
So.... Do the homework on the front end. Openly discuss expectations before rolling characters. Discuss the number of sessions you intend to play, the style of the game, table and die rolling conventions, etc. It will pay off in the end, hopefully with a group of gamers who 1) can respect each other, and 2) perhaps can build friendships that go beyond the game table.
Thoughts?
