Both sides of the GM screen have something to teach you.

I don’t get to be a player often. When I do, I always try to use that chance to learn something in order to improve my GMing. I observe how the GM reacts to the players’ decisions, how they provide descriptions, and how they handle combat. I’ve learned a few things this way. By the way, you can also do that by watching streams and and actual plays.

I believe the most significant thing I’ve learned from playing a character is the importance of balance among the three pillars of adventure. Sure, combat is fun because during combat you get to use all bunch of abilities. However, no matter how well the GM handles combat, there will be a time when you’ll want to do something else. Well, the trick is to provide this something else before the player realizes they want it. And that’s what I mean about balance.

Even as a Battle Master Fighter, which was the last character I played, I really enjoyed the social encounters in the adventure. In fact, during the last part of the adventure which was full of combat, I found the banter between the characters really refreshing.

I also need to point out that this balance doesn’t only mean providing combat, exploring, and social interaction as separate options. It means to be able to merge all three in order to provide more options on how characters can tackle situations. Every situation doesn’t have to end up in combat. You can talk, or even explore, yourself out of it.

And that’s my answer for today’s question. My question to you is going to be a bit more specific. What have you learned about interacting with other players by playing your character?

Tomorrow is the last day of RPGaDay 2018 and I’m going to be sharing why I take part in it.

So until then, have fun!