This is a general information thread on what a RP storyteller is, what power they have, the neutrality of the position, and other information regarding controlling a Role-Play (RP for short). A Storyteller goes by many other names: Game Master, Dungeon Master, and Narrator. While I'm sure there are more, I would like to refer to this position as taking on the role of the Game Leader or simply GL for short. The reasoning is that a leader is someone who leads those who decide to follow them, rather than rule them like a master would. Master also indicates great skill, something that is varying in scope to most who take on the role of a GL. Some are great, don't get me wrong. But no one is perfect and everyone is different. "So what is a Game Leader?" A Game Leader is a person who acts as an organizer, rule maker, moderator, and general guide for a RP. "Could you be more specific?” The Game Leader prepares the Role-Play for the players and the characters they play (known as player characters or PCs). The fate of the PC's are in the Game Leaders hands, as they can make or break the success of the PC’s however small it may be. The Game Leader also has a majority control of the non-player characters (NPCs) of a story and provides a general backdrop for what is going on and the makeup of their environment. Taking a quote from Wikipedia, a Role-Play can be “described as a play, in which the players are the lead actors, and the GL provides the stage, the scenery, the basic plot on which the improvisational script is built, as well as all the bit parts and supporting characters.” The Game Leader has a lot of choices that dictates how he or she describes the world. They can provide maps and give out stats for loot, create a back story for the situation, or even let the players control the descriptions of places and what kind of adventures they seek (with moderation from the Gamer Leader). A good Game Leader is really flexible, able to make a RP fun and challenging while adapting to player actions. To do so, they must make sure that the game is balanced much like a video game or a board game must be. PC’s should not always get their way, but you as a GL should never create an obstacle that is an unstoppable killing machine that wipes out all the PC’s. That can break a RP in two ways. For one, they would want to quit. Trust me on that one. Secondly, it is unfair. The enemy should always be hurt in some way or form. Be it by outwitting it, outgunning it, or whatever creative method the PC’s can come up with. With all that said and done, I have always looked to the four major “hats” of Game Leaders whenever I want to detailed reference to the kinds of GL’s you can be. The four major "hats": (Wikipedia / Edited) Author: The GL plans out (in the loosest sense) the plot of the story of which the Player Characters will become heroes (or villains, or rich, or whatever); creating (or adapting, or just choosing) the setting, populating that region with villains and other NPCs, and assigning them any necessary backgrounds, motivations, plans and resources. Director: During a game, while each of the other players typically controls the actions of one of the Player Characters, the GL decides the actions of all the NPCs as they are needed. The GL may also direct a particular "NPC" that travels with the party but this may occasionally be open to abuse since the Game Master having a "pet" NPC may compromise his neutrality. Referee: In most Tabletop RPGs, the rules are supplied to resolve conflicting situations (avoiding the "Bang! You're dead!"/"No, you missed!" quandary). The GL is expected to provide any necessary interpretation of those rules in fuzzier situations. The GL may also approve or provide House Rules in order to cover these corner cases or provide a different gaming experience. Manager: The least officially prescribed portion of GLing, and thus the part that takes people the most by surprise. The GL is typically the one to organize the game in the first place, find players, schedule sessions, and figure out a place to play, as well as acting as a mediator and having to balance the needs and desires of all participants — sometimes having to divine the real desires of indecisive or self-deluded players. To be a great GL, you should wear all these hats to some extent and never just one. Remember, you must be flexible and all of these “hats” have something that is important for any GL. “Where can I start?” That statement is the first step. It shows that you have a want to do it, which is always a good sign. Now that you have the will, you just need the people. The most effective way to learn about Role-Plays is to seek them out, read them to see what other GL’s did right or wrong, and join one if you can. Learn from them, and make a few friends while you do so. By the time you let the world know you are wanted to start a RP, you’ll have a few buddies who might want to jump in. And Bingo! You are a GL for a RP! Congrats! Thanks! No problem, mate. Just have fun and try your best! Think I missed something? Have anything to add? Add your thoughts and experiences here! Give those interested advise if you can, and remember to Role-Play responsibly!
