#RPGaDay2024, The other topics… Days 19 to 24

Welcome back to the speed round. It’s time to catch up on days 19 to 24. Regular daily posts have all been on the themes of the alternative prompt challenge list by Skala Wyzwania. These are my shorter answers to the regular prompts. I hope you find them enlightening.

19: Sensational session – What makes a sensational session? It’s a session where everyone playing, GM, and players have fun—where everybody is engaged and has something significant to do. People pay attention, engage with each other, respect other’s opinions and decisions, and allow others to shine.

20: Amazing adventure – What makes an amazing adventure? It is an adventure that provides the player’s agency, which is fun, engaging, and exciting for everyone, GM and players alike. An adventure that considers the character’s motivations, wants, and expectations, where the characters are the main characters, not mere observers, however lowly or lofty their roles may be. They are the main characters.

21: Classic campaign – A classic campaign is one everyone at the table enjoys; if they are having fun, the campaign will likely be remembered fondly. Whether short or long, a campaign where all involved, players and GM alike, collaborate to tell a compelling story is far more satisfying than one person’s showcase others get to visit. Some players want to be all-in on creating the world, while others are more concerned about their characters. As a GM, collaborate with them, use what they give you, ask for input, and don’t dismiss what they bring. Some games have mechanics that encourage this more than others, but we can all pitch in to make our campaigns more memorable.

22: Notable non-player character – A notable NPC is one the players remember, one that supports the characters, shares information, and is a motivation, be it a hated opponent or beloved ally. But most of all, a notable NPC never outshined the characters. I’ve said it before, and it’s worth repeating: Game Masters, never fall in love with your NPCs; they are not “your character,” they are the supporting actors to the main characters, the player’s characters.

23: Peerless player – A peerless player is engaged, understands the rules, helps the GM and fellow players have fun, and is always ready for adventure. We are not perfect; we are not machines and have good days and off days. No one is perfect, but as long as we strive to be respectful, inclusive, helpful, and fun, we all aspire to be that peerless player.

24: Acclaimed advice – Don’t sweat the small stuff! You will forget the rules, and some sessions will be better than others. Know this will happen, accept it, and don’t beat yourself up about it. Strive to be better. Learn from your mistakes. RPGs are games, and they are meant to be fun, focus on the positive, and overcome the negative. Play, and don’t get lost in preparation or hesitation. Roll the dice and go for it.

I got philosophical this week, but the advice is heartfelt. I hope you find it useful.

Want to know more about  #RPGaDay? Check out David Chapman’s Autocratik blog post for RPG a Day 2024.