RPGaDay 2016 Week 3 (and a bit)
I've been beavering away at work (both work week, and freelancing) over the last week or so, as well as putting some creative time towards the scenario I am working on. As a result, I've neglected posting about #RPGaDay2016 for some time. I'll be rectifying this over the next few paragraphs.
Day 13: What makes a successful campaign?
In my eyes, this is having a known goal in mind for the finale. Whether that is defeating a specific monster, evil villain, or achieving some other form of goal, the campaign will end up working towards this. Everything else in between can meander about, as long as there are always clues or events that refocus back on this end point, however distant it is. Therefore, how you get from the start of the campaign to the ending is a bit of a moot point.
This viewpoint might be born out of my current penchant for running investigative games, where there is always a larger mystery to be solved. However, I never really enjoyed the meandering fantasy campaign where there was no distinct goal. I like knowing that there is something that I am striving to complete.
After this though, the success of the campaign is brought out by the GM's ability to prep their sessions, tie everything in together, and the players' abilities to immerse themselves in an imaginary world.
Day 14: Your dream team of people you used to game with?
This is a tough question, as I've gamed with quite a few people in the past. I definitely think that my friend Graham would be a good choice, as he always gets into character and has a good eye for investigation. Greenwood as well (ran a brilliant Shadows of Esteren campaign that faded out too quickly). I'd add them into the team from my Eternal Lies campaign, as we all used to game together in the past. Good times.
Day 15: Your best source of inspiration for RPGs?
I don't think I have a single 'best' source. I pull inspiration from all over - supplements, TV series, movies, books, the news. Anything that sparks my interest I will try to make a note of and then incorporate it into a campaign or adventure. I've got a little notebook for writing down these ideas when they come to me, usually as seeds for adventures. If I pick up on them later, they will get transferred to a larger notebook that I use for fleshing out storylines or adventures.
Day 16: Historical person you would like in your group? What game?
Easy. H.P.L. Game would be Call of Cthulhu. I think Lovecraft would have to be the Keeper for it though. And we'd all end up insane...
Day 17: What fictional character would best fit in your group?
Bob Howard from the Laundry files. He's got the kind of sarcastic humour that I can appreciated.
Day 18: What innovation could RPG groups benefit most from?
Playing RPGs online is an excellent way to meet new people and game. But it doesn't beat sitting down at a table to play. So, what if in the future, virtual reality allowed you to do that? Wouldn't that be neat.
Failing that, teleporters so you can get to your game in a jiffy, wherever you are.
Day 19: Best way to learn a new game?
Reading the book to get the gist of the rules and then playing the game usually. Playing is the only way to really understand how mechanics work and interact. Failing that, reading through the rulebook and running character generation and a few simulations of skill checks or combat is the next best thing.
Day 20: Most challenging, but rewarding system you have learnt?
This one easily goes to Ars Magica. It took a while to get my head around the system and the magic, but once I did it allows for excellent roleplaying and an amazing freeform spell system. However, the combat is a bit clunky, although the death spiral does emulate real combat and fatigue fairly well. It is also the system used for the longest campaign I've ever been a player in (currently standing at 60+ sessions!).
Day 21: Funniest misinterpretation of a rule in your group?
I don't think there has been one, off the top of my head... How lamentable.
Day 22: Supposedly random game events that keep reoccurring?
My character deciding that going off on a quest is the best thing in the world while playing Pendragon. Either that, or him getting lost in the woods on said quests.
Day 23: Share one of your best 'Worst Luck' stories?
This probably has to go out to John from our Eternal Lies campaign. Whose character wandered into Dallol. By themselves. Then proceeded to try and interview the cult leader. By themselves. They pulled a gun on them. Without backup. And then ran into an enclosed room with no windows to escape from and nothing but a sacrificial pit in the middle. Alas, poor Felix Key, we knew you well.
To add insult to injury, his severed head was thrown back towards his camping companions, who then proceeded to burn part of the village down. Mainly the bit that still had his decapitated body in...
Day 24: What is the game you are most likely to give to others?
Trail of Cthulhu, because Gumshoe is my favourite system at the moment, and Kenneth Hite is a genius, especially when it comes to Cthulhu gaming.
Day 25: What makes for a good character?
A good balance of both strengths and weaknesses. It is often a character's flaws that make them stand out from the crowd.
That brings me about up to date! I'll be hoping to finish off the month with the answers to the last few questions that have been set, and hopefully some other gaming related posts that I am working on as well.