by Sherry Law

Created on: May 07, 2008

"Mommy, Mommy...Joey won't play right." As a parent, I can't begin to count the times I heard this or something similar coming from the mouth of one of my kids or their friends. When they were playing a board game or a recognized sport, it was pretty easy to determine where the fault was - either the rules were being followed or they weren't. But when you have a group of six or seven elementary school children playing a game of make-believe, exactly what rules are you supposed to enforce?

Much the same thing can confront the Game Master during an RPG. Though there are guide-lines for role playing, many of them are not written down, but rather are a courtesy that we have come to expect from other players. Here are some tips for having a good experience during any role-playing game:

1) Stay in character - Your weakness and strengths are not the same as your character's. While you may be motivated by money, your character may be motivated by revenge or the desire to just stay alive. Different motivations will lead to different reactions to the same event. Remember, you are not in the game; your character is, so react appropriately. Along with staying in character, comes learning to think as your character would think. If you have a PhD in physics, but your character is a strong-but-not-too-bright knight, remember this and don't solve problems or riddles that would stump your knight. This is actually harder than it sounds, but give it a shot.

2) Listen for details, both from the GM and the other players. Little details can give you clues that you might need later on in the game. They can also be used to take the game in an exciting but somewhat unexpected direction.

3) Allow your character to evolve based on the events in the game. Your character may become wiser, or stronger or more self-assured during the game. This is acceptable - it is a normal part of life to change throughout your life. Sudden or dramatic personality changes for no reason, however, would not be normal and should be avoided.

4) While no Game Master expects to keep complete control of where the adventure might lead, avoid taking the game in a TOTALLY different direction. Drastic alterations in the story line should be avoided unless there is a logical reason for it.

5) Make sure to engage the other character in the game, but don't speak for or direct them. Basically, it's ok to acknowledge them or ask them a question, but not to say "... and so-and-so did (or said) blah-blah-blah". You have your turn and they have theirs. If you've already stated what another character is doing, you've basically taken their free will away.

6) Try to fit in with the group you are playing with. If you are a guest or are new to the group and used to quoting the rules, but you notice that this group is pretty laid-back and has a tendency to let things slide, try to follow suit. On the other hand, if you're used to bending the rules to suit yourself, but this group plays by the book, it is best to do that. If you're not happy with this group, there's probably another one close by.

Remember that RPG's are supposed to be fun. Play the game and don't be afraid to make mistakes. So what if you enter the wrong tunnel or open the wrong door. Even if your character gets killed, there will be another game tomorrow. Win, lose or draw; relax, enjoy the game and have some fun.

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