Simmer down there, now!
20 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
I have found that the pressure of constantly putting something up on here that is “educational” has deterred me from posting as often as I ought to. That being said, expect more mundane updates and thoughts to be mixed in with the “good” stuff.
Today, I was thinking about a little problem I’ve had while gaming as a player in the past. Sometimes, you find yourself in a group that absolutely jives together. Everyone gets along, everyone knows their part, and everyone is excited and eager to play their characters and do their thing. Everyone has the same outlook on the game — it’s for fun. We take it a little seriously — after all, we don’t want to go casting fire spells on ourselves and kill half the party — but for the most part, we’re very relaxed. That’s how I like to game.
I’ve discovered, however, having played in some other games with different types of people, that not everyone shares my mentality. There are those who would vehemently disagree with one of my previous posts about distractions in gaming. They would argue that none of that extra “stuff” (drawing, beads, etc) should be allowed at the gaming table. Game is game! We talk game, breathe game, eat game, sleep game. Sorry, that’s just not for me. I appreciate a good game as much as the next person, but I have so much to do in my daily life to devote 6 hours of undivided attention to it every week.
I have found myself in a situation somewhat recently (and I’ve been in this situation before, it’s only because it’s sort of happening now that I’m thinking of it) where a fellow player is very into and attentive to the game. That’s cool. When we’re in a battle, and the GM calls on me for my action, I like to think about it for a second. I glance at my sheet, consider possibly changing up what I usually do (I’m the bard, I pretty much open up and sing every combat), and then I give the GM my decision. I like to make my own choices, and while I won’t say that the other players can’t — while in character, mind you! — give me suggestions on what to do, I will say that I abhor being told or commanded.
I found myself snapping at a fellow player a couple of weeks ago because he did just that. As soon as the GM said my name, I would look down at my sheet and have no sooner taken a breath to reply than he breaks in, telling me exactly what I should be doing. “Heal me. Sing this. Do that.” Players, if you do this to your friends, please recognize that you do, and stop. Especially if your friends are veteran gamers. It is MY character, thus MY choice, not yours. And you know how, when you tell a small child that they have to wash their hands, they will find some excuse to do the opposite? No one likes to be told what to do and have their power of choice taken away.
If you’re a beginner, and want that sort of help, that’s totally ok — you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for it. But, overzealous players, bear in mind that you should wait for a player to ASK for assistance before you unwittingly force it into their faces. It’s just not cool. Now, my fellow player and I have since worked this difference out because we talked about it afterward. He apologized, and I explained to him why that sort of thing makes my patience run thin. We haven’t gamed yet since, but I suspect things will become less tense in future combat experiences.
Remember, the game is teamwork. Yes, suggestions are good, and yes, if you have a character that is a leader of people who follow you willingly, shouting out orders in character is a perfectly acceptable thing to do. But, don’t give unsolicited opinions on how best someone should play their character or make their choices. If you force too much upon them, it ceases to be their character, and instead becomes an extension of you. Often, this will cause the affronted player to quit the game, which is unfortunate.
In other news, I have finally acquired a PS3 and Dragonage. I realize I’m about 2 years late, but hey, better late than never, right? Time to go play in the Fade.
See you all later this week (I promise)!
~Kristy
Things to consider when creating a character
30 May 2011 3 Comments
The first rule of character creation: less is more.
The simpler you keep everything for your character, the more the GM can play with it and help it to develop later. I’m not saying you shouldn’t put thought or time into a backstory, but it’s important that you don’t fill in all the blanks, and leave something for your GM to take some ownership of. Surprises are fun, surprises are what make a game! If you fill the holes with concrete, there won’t be anything left for your GM to do.
When creating a character, I find that this really helps:
Step 1: Determine the basics.
-What is your character’s passion? (ex: What does he/she want from life? What is their main desire? To be loved? To be feared? This should be a state of being rather than a position or occupation, such as ‘to be a king.’)
-Why does your character desire this passion? (Choose between 1 and 3 good reasons for why your character desires the state of being you have chosen. Ex: Your character’s passion could be “to be respected.” Why? Because he wants to be a king? Because he wants to get closer to his sister who doesn’t respect him? The possibilities are endless. This is where the more “material” wants come into play.)
-What is your character’s virtue? (Is there a trait that redeems your character? Something that makes him or her stand out as an individual? For example, a virtue can be something such as honesty.)
-What is your character’s flaw? (This flaw should not be material. Ex: ‘a scar over his right eye’ is not the kind of flaw we’re looking for. We want something that’s a character flaw – something as obvious as greed or as unexpected as being naïve.)
Step 2: Think a little more.
-What are the origins of the passion, desires, virtue, and flaw? (Now is the time to consider a little bit of back story. Remember though: simplicity is the key to creating a character that can grow. Don’t lock yourself too tightly into anything – remember that a character is a shared entity between you and your GM!)
-Time to prompt your brain! (I call these ‘one word wonders.’ It’s amazing what kind of thoughts or ideas a single word can prompt. Consider these when you’re fleshing out background.)
-Name? -Fears? -Adulthood? -Kids? -Triumphs?
-Age? -Pets? -Favorites? -Hates? -Failures?
-Race? -Friends? -Dislikes? -Antics? -Food?
-Family? -Birthmarks? -Relationships? -Habits? -Games?
-Education? -Scars? -Hobbies? -Peeves? -Inspiration?
-Hopes? -Youth? -Skills? -Motivations? -Idols?
These are simply suggestions and guidelines, but they have definitely helped me with my creations in the past (both for characters and for NPCs)! Hopefully you can find something in here that will help you! Everyone enjoy your holiday, and for those of you who are remembering lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you.
