RPG Reflexions
Here are some thoughts I've been having about RPGs.
Number one, have fun, it's a game not an obligation. Now we all have bad days, so one bad experience shouldn't dissuade you from giving a game another chance, but if you're no longer looking forward to a weekly gaming session something's wrong. Changes need to be made, maybe you're not into your character, ask the Storyteller if you can change characters. Maybe you're not getting the experience you want from the game, talk with the Storyteller and let him know about your concerns and what you want out of the game. I'm sure she/he will do their best to accommodate your interests.
The biggest obstacle to gaming enjoyment is the disruptive player. Now as a player and a Storyteller I like a spot of friction when players are in character, it adds spice and conflict to the game. But sometimes a player just doesn't get it, they act stupid or contrary and constantly break the flow of a story and spoil the actions and goals of other players for no reason. Or maybe they're a good player, but they neglect basic hygiene or they are perpetually rude, unduly coarse, high or drunk. For these types a private candid chat about their behavior will usually remedy the problem, if not, a one last chance and then goodbye has to be the answer. For the former, maybe a little gentle coaching is needed. As a Storyteller I will step in and stop their character from performing an action that is out of character with an explanation why they wouldn't do such a thing. This is very rare, usually I'll let the players hang themselves. If I can't get through to the disruptive player I will ask them to leave the game. I won't let them be an impediment to a good time.
Now the Storyteller must have a good time as well. The worst thing for me is when a story or a campaign gets stale. (This usually takes the form of writer's block for me, or I'm just bored with the story or setting.) Now the players might be having a good time, but if I'm not and RPing is becoming a chore not a pleasure it's time for a change. Might be that I just need a break and suspend the game, or the tale may be played-out and needs a conclusion.
Try alternating games. (We do this at the Sandbaggers Game Club www.sandbaggersgameclub.org/, but we a blessed with about 25 members and 4 or 5 gaming groups.) My Friday night group alternates between Robert Thomson's D&D Pathfinder 4windsgaming.livejournal.com/ and my own Deadwood 1876 historical western rpg. This allows us needed breaks and accommodates those times when one or another can't make it. We also break up the sessions with occasional one-shot RPGs. These are great for running at Conventions (such as MisCon www.miscon.org/ or Montana Game Faire www.montanagamefaire.org/) or special occasions and the club is a great place to play-test them for content and time.
A SGC sponsered game at MisCon. We provide
adult beverages, soft drinks and snacks, as well as prizes.
Number one, have fun, it's a game not an obligation. Now we all have bad days, so one bad experience shouldn't dissuade you from giving a game another chance, but if you're no longer looking forward to a weekly gaming session something's wrong. Changes need to be made, maybe you're not into your character, ask the Storyteller if you can change characters. Maybe you're not getting the experience you want from the game, talk with the Storyteller and let him know about your concerns and what you want out of the game. I'm sure she/he will do their best to accommodate your interests.
The biggest obstacle to gaming enjoyment is the disruptive player. Now as a player and a Storyteller I like a spot of friction when players are in character, it adds spice and conflict to the game. But sometimes a player just doesn't get it, they act stupid or contrary and constantly break the flow of a story and spoil the actions and goals of other players for no reason. Or maybe they're a good player, but they neglect basic hygiene or they are perpetually rude, unduly coarse, high or drunk. For these types a private candid chat about their behavior will usually remedy the problem, if not, a one last chance and then goodbye has to be the answer. For the former, maybe a little gentle coaching is needed. As a Storyteller I will step in and stop their character from performing an action that is out of character with an explanation why they wouldn't do such a thing. This is very rare, usually I'll let the players hang themselves. If I can't get through to the disruptive player I will ask them to leave the game. I won't let them be an impediment to a good time.
Now the Storyteller must have a good time as well. The worst thing for me is when a story or a campaign gets stale. (This usually takes the form of writer's block for me, or I'm just bored with the story or setting.) Now the players might be having a good time, but if I'm not and RPing is becoming a chore not a pleasure it's time for a change. Might be that I just need a break and suspend the game, or the tale may be played-out and needs a conclusion.
Try alternating games. (We do this at the Sandbaggers Game Club www.sandbaggersgameclub.org/, but we a blessed with about 25 members and 4 or 5 gaming groups.) My Friday night group alternates between Robert Thomson's D&D Pathfinder 4windsgaming.livejournal.com/ and my own Deadwood 1876 historical western rpg. This allows us needed breaks and accommodates those times when one or another can't make it. We also break up the sessions with occasional one-shot RPGs. These are great for running at Conventions (such as MisCon www.miscon.org/ or Montana Game Faire www.montanagamefaire.org/) or special occasions and the club is a great place to play-test them for content and time.
A SGC sponsered game at MisCon. We provide
adult beverages, soft drinks and snacks, as well as prizes.