The Rules of Ron 2

Posted on by Ron McClung
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My Gaming Philosophy

  1. HAVE FUN! – This has been always my rule #1. I try to cater to all players, and establish a portion of the game that they can relate and attach too. Sometimes that’s bad, other times it works.
    1. “FUN Factor” COROLLARY: If I am not having fun, no one is having fun.
  2. Make a Story – In RPGs, we gather together as RP gamers to make a story. I expect the players to be a part of a story as much as I am.
  3. The Story & the Characters are the most Important Thing: I tend to focus on the story more than the character, but I am working on a balance. I want to Story to be good, but also pleasing to the players, making them feel like they have a part in it.
  4. I am here to play a GAME! – This applies on many levels
    1. It’s JUST a Game. – Remember that in the end, it really doesn’t matter, don’t take it so seriously.
    2. I am not here to test out my theatrical ability and Oscar-winning dramatics, nor show how much self-angst I can exhibit. I like the feel of a game, by using the game mechanics of the system. Roleplaying Games ARE NOT ONLY Theatrical Improv. If I wanted Theatrical Improv, I would have been an actor. I want to play the game, and I like to feel like I am playing the game.
  5. Use the Game Mechanics & Rules Appropriately: The rules are there as a guideline, to make it a game (See rule #4) for everyone. However, the rules can get in the way of the story, and when they do, that’s when the GM should improvise something.
  6. Balance Action with Roleplay: Because I play Science Fiction primarily, there is always the element of violence, combat and action in my game. I like to run a game like I would direct a movie. The combat usually will drive the Story, and usually is not totally senseless. I don’t like hack-n-slash at all. I want a story and a roleplay element to a game. I might have 1 or 2 combat sessions for every 2 or 3 6-hour session.
  7. Challenge the players at some level: I like to present a challenge of some kind. May it be a roleplaying challenge, a puzzle, or a big-bad ass monster to beat, at some point in time in a session, I like to challenge the players. I like to try a little of everything in these challenges, to see how people react. I like the players to get creative with them.
  8. No Stats-Mongers or Rules-Lawyers: I don’t horde a bunch of stats in my head. I don’t know the Maneuverability of a Victory Class Star Destroyer off the top of my head. I will look it up when I need it. I also don’t know every detailed rule, and if it’s not easy for me to find or remember, then I have the right to make up my own rule. NEVER say to me “But the rules don’t have that or say that…” I do not tolerate rule-lawyers in my game, and penis-envying Stats-mongers.
  9. Stats and Attributes of the Character Matter: This goes along with the philosophy of a game. I like to see a character, not only roleplayed well, and with a good background, but also well laid out with numbers on paper. There are basically 3 aspects of a character that are important to me:
    1. Background – Of all things, I like a 3D, meaty character that I can draw ideas from.
    2. Roleplay – How the players acts as the character is very important to me. It helps me feel more comfortable when I get into all the characters I have to play.
    3. Character Sheet – I like a neat and tighty, well laid out character sheet that shows everything about the character, as well as equipment he’s carrying, etc. My favorite character sheet is one with a character sketch or two of the character.
  10. Moderate Stuff-Hording is Tolerated: I do only Science Fiction, with the occasional horror RPG. I allow characters to enjoy having their “stuff” as long as it adds to character concept and/or the Story. One of the aspects of Science Fiction that I like is the technology. You can’t have science fiction without it. So, at times, “stuff” tends to be a part of my games. I try to keep it down to the character level when I have a mixed group, however.
  11. Don’t Argue or Confront me, be Civil. You can bring up a problem you have with the way I am doing things or a rule I am using, if you bring it up in a civil tone. I don’t want my games to be stressful for anyone. I am not always the final word on things. I like to come to an agreement for the whole group for things like rule-conflicts, plot- problems, and the like.
  12. Complain in private: You want to bitch and moan about things, tell me I suck as a GM, tell me that I just don’t get it… tell me in private, not in front of the group, in-session. E-mail me or call me. Let’s work things out and if you want to leave, let’s do it in a civil manner so that it doesn’t ruin the game session or the campaign.