Wally DM

Whether you’re about to join your first role-play game or you’re looking to get a bit more out of your existing sessions, this article briefly highlights the most important considerations of play. Every player is able to effect the enjoyment of the entire group through positive framing, respectful communication, and shared goals. Understanding these considerations may elevate the experiences of you and your fellow players.

Match Making

The first and most important step is to make sure a game works for you and is worth pursuing.

Scheduling is critical. If a game runs every Friday evening at 6 but you don’t get off until 8, you’re going to struggle regardless of how perfect the game is otherwise. When an opportunity to join a game presents itself consider things like travel time, game frequency, game length, and expected campaign length. Ask questions so you know what you’re signing up for.

The setting is the world in which the game takes place, this could be high-magic medieval, feudal Japan, alternative pasts, weird-future, as well as existing worlds such as Terminator, Fallout, etc. The style of the game is often related to the setting but has a huge effect on the tone and interactions that the players should both accept and adopt. Don’t bring a clown to a gritty survival game, don’t bring an alcoholic trucker to the super-hero battler, and don’t bring Crime-Puncher to the Toon game. Furthermore, make sure you make a character that is both willing and able to join the other Player Characters (henceforth PCs) on the adventure the story is telling.

You’re more likely to have a good experience when you’re playing with a group you’re already comfortable with, like friends or family. But really, any game can be fun if you’re playing it with the right people. That said, you can’t make new friends without making new connections and a common interest like a setting or game is a great way to do so. Take some time to talk to the person running the game – ask about their general play-style to make sure it is compatible with your goals.

Learn the Basics (and then Stop):

Whenever I’m about to play a new game (or even a character different then what I’m used to), I brush up on the basics of that system. This is usually pretty straightforward – many games have quick-play guides, there’s tons of short videos online, and most players are happy to explain the basics. The core information is usually just a few pages to skim in a player’s handbook.

After that I would verify how my character’s specific abilities work and possibly add that to a character sheet or quick reference to review during play, along with page reference numbers for when a detailed read is needed. For example, “(Grappling) PHB156”, “(Mount) MM234”, etc.

Do not bother to read the entire rule-book, as that’s the GM’s responsibility. They may change how some mechanics work at their table based on what works for them. Subsequent situations and rule interpretations will be explained to the table as needed so you can save yourself that bandwidth.

Do not ruin the magic of the world by familiarizing yourself with every possible enemy you might face. Don’t worry about remembering unimportant future details that won’t apply for months – just re-review later when you need it.

Ask your contact what you should bring to your first session. In live games dice sets, paper, & pencil are pretty standard but some tables might want printed character sheets, a model, or a specific phone app installed for rolling or keeping track of your character’s resources. Bring fresh doughnuts or danishes to your first session unless you know someone has a specific restriction. Hungry players can be grumpy or distracted so bringing snacks shows that you’re willing to contribute while easing the burden of your host. Online games usually only require access to a VTT and a link to a character sheet for approval but make sure you verify beforehand.

Respect

Effort – A GM has embraced a specific setting and style for their game. You do not have to share the same level of interest as them, but a small amount of effort to familiarize yourself with it will impart a greater understanding of expected interactions, tone, and plot. The game itself will be more rewarding if you’re able to recognize the tropes, twists, and story beats. This also means paying attention during the game. Phones and other handheld devices should be silenced and away unless specifically needed; music and TVs in the area should likewise be off to minimize distractions at the table. Non-players present should be aware of the time and space needed for the game.

Time – Game sessions are dependent upon the players’ agreement to set aside specific time slots for each other, as well as proper communication when something changes. Show up on time. If you’re going to be late, make sure the group is aware once you know about it. Some games only run if everyone is present or otherwise is some threshold is met. Nobody wants to wake up early and drive an hour out of their way just to find out the session needs to be cancelled because not enough players showed up for the game.

When you’re playing the game, you can minimize lost time by planning your next turn in advance. Consider the map, the positions of allies/enemies, your movement, and your resources. Decide on a general course of action: “I will shoot at the target with the lowest health then move back into cover”, “I will stealth up to the lookout and pitch him over the castle wall”. Pick a second option just in case something changes before its’ your turn: “If my ally goes down before my turn I’ll move full speed forward and teleport us both to safety”, “If the enemy tries to flank our position I’ll blow the explosives we planted beforehand”. You can even take the time to double check the wording on an ability or spell in the meantime if doing so is not distracting to the rest of the table.

Feelings – Role-play games can be awkward. Nobody wants to feel embarrassed over a silly character voice, guilty over a failed roll, or stupid because of some sub-optimal decision in combat. A GM might have spent 10 hours preparing a game for their table only for some minor criticism or rules argument to make them question whether the effort of doing so is worth their time. Remember that everyone at the table is opening themselves up in order to share their time together. It is worthwhile to maximize your fun to foster a positive table environment. Practice active listening and avoid interrupting others (particularly during spotlight scenes). Encourage by example, helping others without criticism, and keep the focus on the game itself outside of breaks.

Game-Play

Fit – Create an interesting character that makes sense in the shared world of the setting. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should pick something odd. The most common protagonist in fantasy stories is some type of “human fighter”; this shows that even common choices are not inherently mundane. You should be an active contributor in the shared story of the setting you’ve agreed to play, so you are mostly free to build and play a character that you enjoy that fits within the general expectations of the world. However, there’s a difference between bending expectations and ignoring them. Good characters have both merits and flaws and you should embrace both equally. Create a background appropriate for your PC level – leave room for failure and growth. Establish goals and try to recognize challenges to overcome and walls to reset your progress. Form complicated bonds with both NPCs and other PCs in your game; these will make your character interconnected with others and add depth to the stakes presented in the shared world.

Spotlight – This is the opportunity that naturally manifests during play to highlight the individual party members’ contributions to the story. This may be as simple as giving a character the sole opportunity to fulfill their party role, such as a rogue describing their careful diversion to pickpocket a prison guard. Otherwise it could be that another PC gets the lion’s share of a role-play scene with their long-lost daughter. Or even allowing the DM space to say goodbye to a favorite villain giving their last, grand monologue before the final battle and their likely demise. Being aware of these opportunities creates an environment at the table where all players’ scenes and contributions are treated with respect. When your spotlight moment comes around, you’ll benefit from it as well.

Chance – Usually determined via dice, chance represents the twists of fate that turn group story-telling into an actual game. If there’s no chance of failure, there’s no a game at all. Failure doesn’t have to be bad if you embrace low rolls as necessary and even valuable. A funny quirk of fate, a misremembered fact, a minor slip-up, a sudden distraction, a flash of an opponent’s luck or skill, or a flaw in your defense are part of an evolving story. There’s no need to sulk as the numbers on the rolled dice don’t need to negatively effect you. Even if a beloved character dies, that’s just the ending of one story that frees you up to start another. It’s the possibility of failure which sweetens success.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll experience more rewarding role-play as well as a hidden, greater prize: lasting friendships. Remember: as long as you’re having fun, you’re winning the game.