Introduction

This page is intended to give an overall sense of what kind of game we’re trying to play, and what techniques we plan to use to help facilitate that style. These are not to be confused with hard-and-fast rules, but rather a statement of intent to help guide the game.

Game Style

Our style of game is built around player fun and collaborative storytelling to create a cinematic experience that should feel like a serialized television action/comedy/adventure. We want jokes, we want excitement, and we want engaging characters who feel like they fit into the world created by the DM but are not passengers on a ride. Player characters should impact the game world, player choices should dictate the direction, and player creativity should help drive the narrative. To achieve this, we intend to follow the guidelines below as best as we are able.

DM Guidelines

The Dungeon Master (DM) should:

1. Keep the focus on the players at all times. No DM PCs, no “story-vital”, tag-along, or “voice of the DM/gods” NPCs, and no major character development or outcome without full buy-in by that character’s player. The one exception is natural consequence of player or character choice.
2. Craft the narrative around the PCs. Character choices, backstories, and interactions should inform the way the plot unfolds.
3. Encourage players to aid in the worldbuilding by giving them a chance to provide descriptions of people, places, and things their character(s) would know about. Prompt players to describe their characters’ actions in detail, and search for the “zone” where scenarios become collaborative back-and-forths rather than “player rolls, DM describes.”
4. Strive to say, “yes” as much as possible. If the answer feels like it should be “no,” try to find a creative compromise or solution that feels like “yes.”

Player Guidelines

The players should:

1. Stay in character while performing game actions. Find a character “voice” (not necessarily a “funny voice” or accent, but something that suits the character) and use it whenever playing “in character,” even during mechanical actions like describing which spells or attacks to use. Use first person pronouns, lean into character flaws and bonds, try your best to perceive events as your character would and respond accordingly.
2. Remain engaged, even during “background” scenes (i.e. sequences that focus on other characters’ interactions or conversations), and during other players’ turns in combat. Be prepared for your turn before the DM calls your initiative order. Take notes, learn your character’s mechanics and abilities, and ask questions that your character would ask.
3. Be descriptive, and be creative. Don’t rely exclusively on the DM to fill in the flavor and detail of the world. Describe your actions using specific details and flavorful, thematic phrases. Search for opportunities to be creative and take the prompts given by the DM and run with them.