Player secret unveiled: The system doesn’t matter.
Some people may like to make a big deal out of this as if there were only one true way to roleplay and their way is the only way. Don’t believe it for a second. You, yes you, can be amazing in any RPG system. Think of the system as just a set of general guidelines, a foundation on which the actual character is built.
In a future article, I’m planning to discuss how I can walk into any TTRPG convention game and run or play in it without knowing anything about the rules at all. Much the same way a good improv actor can bounce from one character to the next, someone with a solid, basic understanding of roleplaying can pick up any character and run it with just a few notes.
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I may be cast out of the Secret Society of Game Masters for telling you this.
Yes, it’s good to get to know the game system one is playing in well enough to know what to roll if the GM asks for one. If you have a solid grasp on the most basic d20 game mechanics such as the ones presented in Dungeons & Dragons or Pathfinder, other games really aren’t that hard to figure out. Most solid game systems can be explained at their core mechanics level in five minutes or less. It’s usually a simple matter of, “Roll these dice. Get this number or better.”
The rest is pretty cut and paste from one game system to the next. Here are what weapons do for damage and how your character takes damage. If you have any understanding of combat in any other game, dealing and receiving damage are pretty straightforward concepts.
Spells and magic usually aren’t for first day, first time roleplaying game enthusiasts, but if you learn one spell/psionics/superpowers system in one game, you can probably fill in the blanks pretty fast when it comes to other games. It’s usually a play on “I want ______ effect, so I need ______ability. I’ll probably need ______skill check and expend ______ resource. Obviously low level starting character probably don’t have access to anything too wild.
Now, take everything you know about game mechanics and toss it aside.
The only things that matter on any character in any game are only vaguely quantified by the game system. The true heart of any character relies on a description of their basic personality, appearance, demeanor, attitudes, and some basic abilities. A little basic background helps, too.
Take Bobert the Human Fighter for example. He’s about five feet tall, and the smallest member of the family. He has brothers and two sisters. He’s eager to learn, but not the brightest tool in the shed. He tries hard, but really he is only truly in his element with a sword and shield in hand. He’s fiercely loyal, caring, and compassionate. He has numerous scars from various humiliating defeats and bullying. He prefers to keep his armor and clothes exceptionally clean.
I could surmise that Bobert is the runt of the litter in almost every situation and that’s how I’d play him. He’s kind of a meager guy. His bravado comes out in situations where his friends are in danger, but any other time he’s probably going to let someone else do most of the fighting. He’s sensitive and really shines during interpersonal situations. He’s a good listener and can act as a confidant to other party members. He might even know secrets about people that he keeps to himself unless circumstances are dire.
Bobert’s Strength is slightly above average with the rest of his rolls for attributes being nothing special. His dump stat was likely Willpower. He’s got some Charisma, but not outstanding enough to be a minstrel or a leader of other kin. The character fits into the group through connections rather than abilities. As a player I can define some of those relationships on the fly as we go or write them down beforehand after talking to the other players.
Honestly, it’s as easy as it looks.
(*Please try to look more excited than this.)
After you’ve played any roleplaying game for a few sessions, you’ll probably have enough understanding to expand into other characters and possibly other game systems. Maybe your personality is archetypal and carries over into any character you play. If that’s what you like, cool As long as they’re all your characters at home or a convention game where nothing was specified- great. If personality, descriptions, and backgrounds are on the pregenerated character, however- it’s best to work with them as written.
You can always ad lib, read between the lines, and improvise anything on the character sheet that wasn’t written down. In other words, if I look down on the character sheet and see Bobert can’t swim, it won’t keep him from grabbing a hunk of driftwood to act as a flotation device. Or maybe he’ll tie a rope around his waist before awkwardly belly flopping in to go save a friend. Maybe Bobert can’t shoot a bow, but he can pick up a rock or a torch.
Beyond understanding just a few basics, anyone can jump into a system different from what they’re used to and be in character for a vast majority of the game. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and have help clarifying mechanical issues. If it’s going to be a game you anticipate on playing for any length of time beyond one or two sessions, learning the rules is a good idea, or at least how they pertain to your character.
The only other major ingredient to the secret sauce is confidence.
Yes, learning the statistical part of any game system can be a huge benefit and comfort at the table. However, just being able to pick up a character and play the game goes a long way. Having characters from movies, TV, books, and stage plays that you know well is good thing. Sometimes my characters’ personalities are a mash of different characters from other games, anime, and TV.
The other key is just to let go and relax. Have fun with whatever character you’re playing. It’s not a competition. No one is keeping score on how well you roleplay. The best way to really learn is just to jump in and do the darn thing. Yes, watching Actual Play Podcasts, etc can be very enlightening. But there’s no wrong way to roleplay as long as you show up, play your character, and have fun.
Thank you for being here today with me. I appreciate you. Please embrace the things that bring you the most joy.
Jeff's Game Box 