I see a lot of fantasy TTRPGs embracing the “Grimdark” atmosphere.
I’ve said before it’s just not (always) my jam. I like running games where the average Non Player Character is dare I say “happy” most of the time. Things don’t always have to be an ominous, overcast shade of gray all the time. Now that grimdark-ish, spooky month is over, I think we are possibly overdue for some levity.
Some games such as Warhammer Fantasy RPG, most horror games, and a good number of dystopian, post-apocalyptic games embrace the grim and the dark. The average citizen on the street has a hard life in these settings. Poverty, loss, lack, disease, and other negative things influence everyone’s life on the daily. Most people would gladly hop on the first interstellar vehicle out off that rock if they could.
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.
Where the escapist meets the fantasy.
Personally, I find real life to be a bit, uh… much some days. Not to mention I have a very vivid imagination. Top that with ridiculous social anxiety with serious depression, and I don’t need my fantasy game or any other game time to be riddled with sadness and despair. I play roleplaying games to get away from all the junk for a few hours.
Tabletop roleplaying games shouldn’t take the place of actual therapy. Yes, they can be used in therapy or even have plenty of therapeutic value. I think a lot of us play these games just to relax and live the dream for a few hours.
Some people run laps. Others play dodgeball. A few make macaroni art. We play games about imaginary elves with sticks. Whatever floats your boat as long as no one is getting hurt.
From a GM’s perspective, contrast is a good thing.
How do we know darkness if not for the light? How do we know good if not for evil? Just like things can’t be all rosy and wonderful 24/7, they can’t be a total downer every day of the week. No, I’m not into cozy gaming, either. If there’s no danger, conflict, or action, I’m just going to excuse myself and go play a nice boardgame.
We’re seeing a lot of TV series and movies doing the “What if Superman or the entire JLA went rogue” storylines that were popular in the comics several years ago. Apparently thanks to comics’ embracing the multiversal timeline idea, we’re seeing a resurgence in that medium again as well. I don’t know about y’all, but I want Superman, Batman, Spiderman, and Captain America to be good guys. If the good guys aren’t wearing white hats, how do we know they’re really good?
That’s why when I run ICONS, I’m adamant about players representing the Avengers or JLA type super teams as a force of good defending the world. That’s why when I run a fantasy game, I want there to be some warm, happy, fun, fuzzy villagers that make people laugh and remind us there is positivity and light in the world.
If I have to start inserting Muppets as a Kin into every game, I’ll do it!
Someone made Muppets as a playable race for the ampersand game several years ago. As someone who used to be a Muppet style performer and cameraman, I think that’s amazeballs. I’m totally down for sentient Muppets, otterkin, and anthropomorphic raccoons. Why, because they’re cute and that goes a long way around here.
What’s one thing that instantly sucked me into Dragonbane? The short answer is I wanted to play Daffy Duck as a fantasy hero. Okay, that other famous duck, too. My goal in life is to do the Duck Season, Rabbit Season routine with a player.
Am I saying you have to do this in your game?
Don’t be absurd. I hope everyone does insert some levity into their game, sure. Am I going to send the RPG police after you to come take all your dice and gaming books? Nope. That, and there are no RPG police despite whatever the one cabal of wizards tries to claim. Run/Play your game your way.
I say time and time again, do what works best for your group at your table. If you think a super serious game where everyone sounds like their next moment could be their last, then go for it. Please don’t punish people for having fun. If the whole group is cool with that even as a cathartic one shot, go for it. Likewise, it’s probably best to keep the humor at a minimum in a grimdark game if that’s what everyone has agreed to. If the intended mood of the game is supposed to be somber and overcast, it’s probably best not to attempt comedy relief.
The tone of any given game is set early on, probably at Session Zero, maybe even by the game itself. Obviously the perilous world of Warhammer 40,000 is a lot different than a lighthearted romp through a Miyazaki style fantasy game of Fabula Ultima. Some games such as Fabula Ultima encourage players to determine what kind of campaign world before the game gets underway. Some games might just have the sad built into them, such as Mutant: Year Zero, Vampire: the Masquerade, or Battlestar Galactica RPG. Satire and comedy come with Toon, Paranoia, or Teenagers From Outer Space.
A lot of games fall more into the middle ground. Obviously the ampersand game can be played either way, usually a little of both. Cypher System games can swing wildly in either direction. Most generic or universal systems can be run/played either way. I’m not a big horror comedy guy, but I hear it can be done.
However you play is fine. I think maybe the most important thing is we’re playing tabletop roleplaying games and having fun. If you derive a deeper, more meaningful, possibly cathartic experience from roleplaying that’s great. Me, I’m just here to run a game about Elves and Mallards maybe battling a dragon. Whatever we end up doing, let’s just relax and have fun for a while.
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 