A random post about roleplaying
A recent discussion with some friends about roleplaying brought up some interesting issues. One of which was how roleplaying groups operate.
I started roleplaying in early 1987 with Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. I had wanted to learn Dungeons & Dragons but at the time didn't know anyone else who played. That original group and every group I have ever played with since plays a certain way (not counting the purely for fun games currently on alternate fridays). We have always been storytellers rather than immersive roleplayers. Put on the voice and the mannerisms of the character from time to time but it is the telling of the story that mattered. Characters were not railroaded and could do their own thing (sometimes going, as we called it, Off Book ). But the GM had prepared or read through the story so unless there were issues where the characters/players couldn't see why they would be involved, we played because it was the story being told. After all, if the story is there being told by the GM why wouldn't you go along with it?
Now other groups play more immersive roleplaying. Almost everything is in character especially interaction between one another, just just the NPC's. Characters discussed and solved, rather than players and through them the characters. Characters don't always go along with it just because there is a story being told. They need real motivation and a reason for doing what they are doing. The same can still be done via the storytelling approach.
I have tried this in the past but it never sat right with me as a player. I tend to find it difficult as I can't think straight as the character. But if it works it works.
The reason for this discussion was while talking about the Call of Cthulhu campaign that I am running. I have always had a desire to run a lengthy decade long campaign (1920-1930) using all the decent scenarios that I have for the game plus a handfull of homebrew stories. I envisioned it much like Supernatural - an overarching plot plus lots of not so heavy plot stories. I think the game is working nicely (bar one story that really didn't work in hindsight) however it seems to be apparent that our group is split slightly in the above distinctions. Half of the guys seem happy to follow the story and see where it goes. The others are likewise happy but want a more roleplaying experience especially from the other players, which I can kind of understand.
Before I start my next chapter/scenario I am going to have to really sit down and work out how to please both sides of the table. As the GM I am much more storydriven as well, which may be one reason why I really don't like the twinky nature of a lot of RPG game mechanics these days. For me it is more story than anything else. I am going to have to change my outlook as well to keep everyone happy.
For those roleplayers among my friends here, what are your thoughts and prefered playstyles?
I started roleplaying in early 1987 with Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay. I had wanted to learn Dungeons & Dragons but at the time didn't know anyone else who played. That original group and every group I have ever played with since plays a certain way (not counting the purely for fun games currently on alternate fridays). We have always been storytellers rather than immersive roleplayers. Put on the voice and the mannerisms of the character from time to time but it is the telling of the story that mattered. Characters were not railroaded and could do their own thing (sometimes going, as we called it, Off Book ). But the GM had prepared or read through the story so unless there were issues where the characters/players couldn't see why they would be involved, we played because it was the story being told. After all, if the story is there being told by the GM why wouldn't you go along with it?
Now other groups play more immersive roleplaying. Almost everything is in character especially interaction between one another, just just the NPC's. Characters discussed and solved, rather than players and through them the characters. Characters don't always go along with it just because there is a story being told. They need real motivation and a reason for doing what they are doing. The same can still be done via the storytelling approach.
I have tried this in the past but it never sat right with me as a player. I tend to find it difficult as I can't think straight as the character. But if it works it works.
The reason for this discussion was while talking about the Call of Cthulhu campaign that I am running. I have always had a desire to run a lengthy decade long campaign (1920-1930) using all the decent scenarios that I have for the game plus a handfull of homebrew stories. I envisioned it much like Supernatural - an overarching plot plus lots of not so heavy plot stories. I think the game is working nicely (bar one story that really didn't work in hindsight) however it seems to be apparent that our group is split slightly in the above distinctions. Half of the guys seem happy to follow the story and see where it goes. The others are likewise happy but want a more roleplaying experience especially from the other players, which I can kind of understand.
Before I start my next chapter/scenario I am going to have to really sit down and work out how to please both sides of the table. As the GM I am much more storydriven as well, which may be one reason why I really don't like the twinky nature of a lot of RPG game mechanics these days. For me it is more story than anything else. I am going to have to change my outlook as well to keep everyone happy.
For those roleplayers among my friends here, what are your thoughts and prefered playstyles?