OOC: Putting together a primer

[doubting_tom]

I brought this over here because this is more Cam-centric and I didn't want a debate on my other LJ.

Topic of conversation:

"If an RST was putting together a primer on how to get involved in plot and steal the keys to the plot bus, what suggestions would you make for it?"

Go.

Comments

[myfallenwings]

1. It all starts with Character Concept~ When a player is making their character they need to be aware of the setting and how they will fit into it. Playing the moody loner is a good way to get isolated in a game with a high level of social interaction, especially if you don't bring anything else to the table

[shadechronicles]

When you make a PC include hooks for STs toplay with. Family, friends, people your PC is involved with, as time goes on, add appropriate NPCs during downtimes etc. Not major powered retainers, but people your PC will take risks for, then take those risks.

Playing things safe can keep a pc around a long time, a long boring time.

[pater_familias]

at character creation : leave open ended scenes/stories/background details for STs to play with.

during play :

spread the plot you already have around.. in sharing, you encourage other players to have their pcs share with you.

become valuable to the important/established pcs..
play the venue.

follow leads.

dont wait to be handed plot. find some. create some. follow some.

dont always ask permission ICly from other pcs to follow leads.. sometimes just follow them and come back with a report/findings/etc..

[ravens_lair]

Make alliances and build coteries outside of your home domain; the wider-spread, the better.

Once you have a decent handle on where you think the plot-bus is going, take the wheel and steer it and see what happens; be pro-active instead of re-active. This makes the ST's work for it then instead of turning to the next page for their prepared next phase of the kit. It's a bit more dangerous, sure, but the results usually make for awesome story. How do I know? A nationally famous little black bird told me... and that one is far from done; stay tuned for the ensuing shell game... it's going to be top-notch.

[pen_dragon]

A large part of it, I think, can be phrased simply:

Don't be afraid to take the Starring Role. Most people, I would think, would not want to be in the spotlight/main role position. It's incredibly fun, however. ;)

[khourytamarisk]

I suppose there's also something to the idea of "Let other people have their chance at 'the Starring Role.'"

Many STs and players get into ruts of letting the same people "be the star" over and over again, even when others are making valid "star" concepts/PCs. This may partially be due to stereotyping people into roles that they typically play, or due to the fact that some people simply have a more dynamic IC/OOC personality. Regardless, everyone deserves their chance to stand in the spotlight and shine, especially if they normally do not get the chance. All wallflowers do, eventually, dance.

If, however, someone desperately does not want to be "in the spotlight," their wishes should be respected as well, but I'm fairly certain it will be obvious as to which players/PCs want to be "stars" and which do not.

[pen_dragon]

*nods* I daresay Common Sense should be the guiding light, but we all know what that is.

A merit no one takes ;)

[khourytamarisk]

Unfortunately, Guiding Light is a bad "soap opera," and is a perfect example of the convoluted situation that Requiem is at the moment. ;P

I really do wish players and STs would use Common Sense, but many people simply do not possess it when it comes to "their plots" or "their PCs."