Peerless Player: How to Roleplay the Easy Way- Take it seriously but have fun.

Ultimately, no matter what anyone else might say, we play roleplaying games to have fun. I’ll say again, if we’re not having fun, why are we here? I love dice and all, but there has to be something to do with them.

Getting together with friends, making characters, doing cool stuff in character, eating snacks, and yelling “Huzzah!” when something amazing happens- that’s why we play RPGs. Yes, we could have the same moment playing a lot of other games, but RPGs are special. The group is coming together to create a story. As someone on YouTube used to say, “It’s about the friends we made along the way.”

Disclaimer: Statements expressed in this article are strictly my opinion. If you disagree or have a different opinion, that’s okay. I’m not an expert on everything. I’m not always right. I’m just writing from my experience as I know it. Your mileage may vary.

Yes, fantasy tabletop gaming is super serious business.

Well, as long as we’re serious about having a good time. Yes, take the game itself seriously. Show up on time, character leveled up, ready to play. Trust me, GMs love that.

Yes, learn the rules to the game. It’s not Calculus or Early Phoenician History. Yes, you should have a good understanding of the rules or at least the ones that apply most to your character.

Does your character cast spells? Learn the spells, how casting works, and think about when a good time might be to cast what. That way when your turn rolls around you can have a cogent plan of action. Your fellow players as well as the GM will love you for it.

You’re only limited by your imagination.

Or at the very least whatever your GM will allow. Hopefully your GM is a benevolent dictator and will say, “No, but…” or “Yes, but…” to some of the wackier player ideas.  Sometimes there is just a hard “No.” GMs have their reasons, usually revolving around fairness to other players or just not wanting to see the whole game to descend into chaos more than usual. That new skill you hastily scrawled on a napkin at the bar two nights ago might seem like a good idea, but the GM might not agree.

On the other hand, cool but reasonable backstories and thoughts that make the session more interesting are things the GM loves to see. (*I’m the king of getting the party in more trouble as a player. GMs love me and I haven’t been duct taped to a tree outside yet.)

It’s not a funeral.

Have fun with it! Do the funny voices for your character. Say something off the wall that your character would say. Maybe even crack a joke occasionally if it’s character appropriate. Roll with some of the comedic punches. Wear that lampshade on your character’s head with pride. Fly your freak flag high!

As long as you’re not intruding on the fun of the rest of the players at your table, go for it! Let it all hang out (proverbially.) Do things in character that might seem a bit silly later.

Sure, take the more dramatic moments of the game seriously. Say what your character would say during the very grim affair such as the death of a party member. Most characters would know how to be respectful in front of elders or royalty. Your whole party doesn’t have to be comedy relief during every second of the game, but don’t be afraid to cut loose and have fun when it’s appropriate.

Maybe not “peerless” but definitely top notch is fine.

No one is perfect. No one is the Universe’s gift to RPGs. Anyone who says that might have some serious ego issues and desperately needs to look inward.

The same goes for anyone who tries to tell you “No jokes. We’re serious about our gaming here.”

At that point maybe it’s time to consider another gaming group. But, as always, do what works best for you. If you want to hang with a group who all act like bards ready to bust out into a dirge any time- go for it. If you join a group with the wackiest bunch of cartoon cutups ever and that’s cool- go for it. Just have fun with the game however it makes you smile.

Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.