Like the Pros do

For the newbies among us ... a word about the importance of research.

A role-playing game is fun because it stretches you, makes you learn new things & figure out how to apply them. It's similar to an actor preparing for a part, or a writer who needs to create something new. Research is key.

For example, in KTDARPG our world has no electricity. One of our players figured out a way around that stricture -- solar power. But she's not a solar-power-expert. She had to read up on it, see what components were involved, how to use that in the game to the advantage of her tribe. And it worked! (And, damn, some of us wish we'd thought of it first!)

Another good example: no medicines. Which means we're thrown back onto traditional meds, herbs & natural remedies. Ok, so we don't have an herbal expert among us. That means the players dealing with that part of our world had to do research, find out what herbs grow where/how, what parts of them you use & what each one is good for.

There are lots of other examples I could point out. How those among us who had no clue how to use weapons figured out the right way to use a sword or choreograph a fight. How to get (or make!) supplies like booze or candles or boots. How long tinned food really lasts. How to farm & harvest. How to bargain. How long it takes to find our you're actually pregnant. What to do to treat chicken pox. The list goes on and on and on ...

When we talk about "making it real in the game," what that means is knowing whereof you speak. We all have some areas of expertise -- and we work off each other to make our world come alive through out imaginations.

So don't stint on the research, guys! If you're having your character go someplace you've never been before? Make sure you know what you're talking about. It brings your character to life & helps the rest of us play our parts.

-Chyna