Author: Axel (---.inform-ac.com)
Date: 01-23-2002 00:13
Finally! Somebody starts a discussion on the internal workings of a gaming group. I hope to see some interesting views on this.
However, allmost all of my players would have disagreed with your basic assumption: roleplaying for them is not so much about getting things done. Their first priority is to play their characters, and the adventure is more of a backdrop for them.
My stile of GMing is geared towards that approach: some action, some mystery, lots of investigations, with lethal danger a rather rare occurance. This creates the freedom for 'inefficient' play: they are not going to die because of less than optimal strategies.
I am happy with this approach. A well-coordinated group, with everybody geared towards maximum efficiency in his tactical role, would be much less interesting to GM for.
We tend to have shortish campaigns, just half a year or so of playing. One of the reasons for this is that at the beginning, all the PCs are unknown to the other players and PCs. They have shady connections, mysterious friends or are just too plain and nice to be honest. This usually results in some mutual distrust among PCs, that is resolved over time. Obviously, the well-geared approach does not work at this stage. However, once everything is clear, and the PCs are friends and not merely travelling together, things are just that bit less interesting.
Anyway, great topic for a column,
Axel
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