Today’s article is going to challenge people, because it’s about vulnerability- no, not the kind you take double damage from, but the kind where you make yourself flat-footed for your friends, and they do the same for you. This is all about emotional vulnerability. Now, don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a self-help manual. This is about how to be a better player at the table (and the GM is definitely a player as well!). To connect as friends, we *need* to create emotional openness. That won’t come easily to people, because we shut that stuff down in most Western society. But by forming bonds, and stretching the boundaries, we create a community with our friends. So, I start with silly voices. Pick something everyone can relate to, and associate with- a hunchbacked gravedigger named Igor. People would be disappointed without a “yairssss, marster!” Sing Goblin raiding-songs (Pathfinder has some great ones). Throw on an outrageously exaggerated thick accent for a Dwarven King! Because when people start talking back, *in character*, you’ve earned experience points as a GM. Don’t laugh or ridicule people, make it a space where all of the players can share that openness with each other and share in the joy of play. This touches on my article from a couple of days about ambience in the room, and will be difficult if you’re in a crowded game shop, but you can make it work. Have the chutzpah to carry it off (roll +Charisma)! If you’ve got observers, whether they’re people interested in the game, or just coming along to be the driver, ask them to participate too. Get them to be a shopkeeper first, or a Goblin- something that doesn’t matter if it goes off-script. Someone else sitting there and judging makes everyone else less open, so ask them if they can do you a favour and just help out with this bit... you may make yourself a new player! The endnote of this rant is this: people who participate in something together share that experience. If only one player is ‘roleplaying’ and everyone else is ‘rollplaying’, you’re really going to struggle getting anyone to commit to being vulnerable together. Be the first one, lead the way and leave a safe path for everyone to follow. It may reward you! (Originally posted on Game Masters Stash on 25 February 2018) Categories All Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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