Aftermath
Well, it's been a busy time since Pheno. My experience of the three day roleplaying game convention had it's up and downs. I got exposed to a very different crowd of roleplayers and roleplaying styles. It was challenging and at times not that much fun. But this has pushed me to reflect on what drives me to play and what I'm looking for. I've never had much cause to apply the Forge discussions on gaming agendas but Pheno has been a perfect opportunity to examine the differing aims people have for their games.
RPGMeetup forums have seen a lot of activity regarding Pheno, ranging from discussions about the Pheno experience and systemless games, to issues around terminology and gaming agendas. There's been lots of new voice and hopefully some more gaming to be done.
I should be starting up a game of The Mountain Witch, to be played over a few sessions. Spoilt! I'm looking forward to though I'm not sure I'm completely prepared. But then I over-think things.
I really dug an article that Karl. It's talks about brilliantly simple idea: basically integrating pre-game warm ups (reminiscent of Improv Theatre) with character creation. Kinda of doh! moment for me. Improv theatre warm up are something I really enjoy. I find they really get me engaged, confident and energised. They're something I've been wanting to work into my gaming for awhile and I now I can see how.
The article was specific to playing a Mouse Guard game but I think it's easily adapted to other. I'm considered trying this for The Mountain Witch. I'm also considering trying in for my Burning Empires game but we're already upto our seventh session so I'm not sure if it work that well or if the other guys will see it as a worthwhile exercise. I think it would, particularly the 'See it' exercise for this game, because I'm not sure I have clear image of what the other player characters look like, even this far into the game.
And yes, I'm consumed by this hobby of mine. I've compared to the sport mania so common in Australia. I'm pretty sure I'm still a functioning part of society. Only time will tell, I guess.