Body ParaIn this episode of Wizards Respite Sanctorum, hosts Ash and Zachariah dive into a candid discussion about the challenges GMs face and their wishes for player behavior that would enhance the TTRPG experience. Drawing from personal experiences and feedback from the TTRPG community, they explore how players can help create a more engaging, respectful, and fulfilling game environment.
Player Engagement at the Table
Ash and Zach stress the value of players engaging with one another in character, explaining how this can bring the story to life and foster a more immersive atmosphere. They discuss techniques to encourage this behavior, such as having NPCs interact with multiple characters at once to prompt more in-character discussions. The hosts also highlight the role of “character voices” and other role-playing techniques but acknowledge that players don’t need to be theatrical to stay in character. Even describing a character’s body language or explaining their thought process can add depth to interactions. The hosts recommend that GMs recognize and reward players who actively engage in character, whether through experience points, in-game advantages, or narrative rewards, to inspire others to follow suit.
Respecting Fellow Players
Respect at the table extends beyond the GM; it involves paying attention to other players’ moments and recognizing the significance of their contributions. Ash and Zach share stories of times when a player’s pivotal character moment was overshadowed by side conversations or distractions. They argue that when players remain attentive and react to others’ in-game actions, it enhances the narrative and shows mutual respect. Acknowledging each player’s moments—whether dramatic, funny, or tense—helps maintain the collaborative spirit that makes TTRPGs unique. The hosts emphasize that creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves contributes to a more inclusive and rewarding game experience.
Character Growth as a Storytelling Element
The hosts delve into the concept of character development as a fundamental aspect of compelling storytelling. They encourage players to allow their characters to evolve based on the experiences they encounter during the game. Character arcs, changes in perspective, and evolving motivations not only make for a more engaging story but also add layers of depth to role-playing. Ash points out that static characters can sometimes hinder the narrative, while Zach shares examples of players who fully embraced their character’s growth, leading to powerful and memorable game moments. The episode explores how character growth can manifest in different ways, from subtle shifts in behavior to significant changes in beliefs, and how these transformations can serve as the heart of a campaign’s narrative.
Responsibility and Commitment
Ash and Zach touch on the frustrations GMs face when players don’t show up without notice. They acknowledge that life happens, and there are legitimate reasons for missing a game. However, they stress the importance of communication, urging players to inform their GM as soon as possible if they can’t make it to a session. This courtesy allows the GM to adjust plans or reschedule if necessary, ensuring the rest of the group isn’t left waiting or forced to improvise. The hosts recount experiences with players who frequently arrived late, left early, or consistently missed sessions, sharing the strain it put on their games. They argue that being upfront about a lack of interest or changing priorities is better than stringing the group along, as honesty allows the GM to find a replacement or adapt the campaign accordingly.
Taking Notes
Forgetting key details or plot points can disrupt the flow of a game and diminish the group’s overall enjoyment. Ash and Zach encourage players to take notes during sessions, even if only jotting down the essentials like character names, important locations, or significant events. They discuss how note-taking not only helps players stay engaged but also reinforces their understanding of the story. This practice can also alleviate some of the pressure on the GM, who otherwise has to repeatedly remind players of previously established information. Ash shares stories of games where players failed to recall critical information, leading to confusion and missed opportunities in the plot. They suggest that GMs help foster a note-taking habit by occasionally rewarding players who keep detailed logs or by recapping previous sessions and prompting players to fill in the gaps.graph
Other Shows
Wizard’s Respite Sanctorum
Astral Drive
TMNT and Other Strangeness
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The Last Tea Shop. A solo TTRPG playthrough. Written by Ash Alder and narrated by Zachariah Van Sluyters
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