Miniatures gaming is not my only gaming hat, in fact it is not even the type of gaming that I am most dedicated to: that would be roleplaying games. So thinking about what I'd like to post up on my blog on that particular subject I thought I'd start with a reliable GM tip that has done me proud many times.
A good friend of mine gave me a good piece of advice far back in the distant mists of my GMing days. It was the "Three Things" rule. The Three Things in question are brief descriptions of scenes that your players would like to see in a mission (adventure - whatever you happen to call it).
- One should be all about your character - be selfish - this one is all about you baby!
- One should be team related - what would you like the team to have to face?
- The third can be about anything - about you, the team or something I've not thought of.
Some examples:
- A fight scene you would like ("On a rooftop in the rain" or "zero-g fight in space station with knives only")
- A chase you'd like ("Grav bikes charging down a series of alleys" or "a foot chase through a corporate office")
- Some personal development ("A marriage/relationship scene for my character" or "A death in the family")
- A comedic scene
These examples are not exhaustive, but are merely illustrative. As a GM when I am running a mission I will attempt to weave these scenes into the mission - no guarantees - but the players will see them or something very close/analogous to them turn up from time to time and this always gives them a thrill. They recognise the cues and then leap head first into the opportunity with great gusto.
Why do I do this? Roleplaying is about the memorable moments - thinking a bit about these three scenes will help me get a handle on what you'd like your character to experience and how you would like them to evolve.
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