Mantis "Blue nine divine DOS iris / Mesh life intellectrovirus"
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My page concerning the most intense RPG ever. Other Systems I play from time to time Systems and goodies from my own ingenious mind

Some thoughts on Role Playing

A friend of mine described Role Playing Games as 'the ultimate vacation'. I think he is correct, as it sure is the most relaxing way of transgressing the limitations of everyday life. A good troupe is required to get the most out of it, of course, but then again, it is unlikely that anyone would remain in a troupe he is not comfortable within.

Role Playing Games are a very misunderstood issue, as it seems. Most folks are obviously unable to understand the concept of taking on another identity, of living several lives at once. True enough, no one can separate a fictional character he/she is playing from his/her core personality, but the difference in traits is what makes Role Playing so rewarding. That is, of course, only my own opinion, but if you are concerned about my overconfidence and egomaniac views, take a look at the Neural Pathways section and cover in awe. Anyway, the best moments in role playing for me are when I am unable to predict what my character will do next, when he/she is torn loose from my core personality construct and takes on a life of his/her own. These moments are rare, but they so fascinating that they fuel my imagination for months. Same thing goes for me as a referee, or game master, or whatever. It is most rewarding when I et surprised by my own plot. This happens frequently, because as players are, they always take the least likely course of action, forcing me to come up with explanations for NPC behavior that suddenly give the whole adventure a new twist. This way, some NPCs that had no planned significance suddenly turned out to be crucial points in some hidden plot underlying the obvious one, giving rise to a whole new set of adventures. But then again, until now I have played only with excellent players.

Another issue : it is remarkable that most players take on a certain style of character, and even as systems change and characters die and new ones are created, the style persists, always subject to subtle changes and modifications. This probably constitutes some sort of perfected 'alter ego', something the player would want to be. I'm not talking about the surface behavior patterns of the character or his/her outfit, but about the style of play. Reaction to stress situations and puzzle solving approaches are both unique to a given player and only slightly influenced by the character he/she is playing. But the style displayed is often not what the player would exhibit in his/her everyday life, but rather something underlying mundane behavior conditioning, since it is a game and consequences are only carried by a fictional personality. It is an interesting thought to use fantasy RPGs in psychological therapy rather than the old fashioned 'Be a Tree', 'Now be an ANGRY Tree'. It might give clues about hidden agendas in a given person. But this is nothing I would divulge in, neither would I ever fear that I am giving my troupe a good look at my innermost abyss. I just want to have fun, right ? And so should you too.