Topic: RPGs
For some time now, I have been working on a homebrew sci-fi setting utilizing the Savage Worlds RPG system. The setting is called This Empire Earth (TEE). I've got more than 35 pages in setting description and lots more I have swirling around in my head. Despite having a rather robust document, it seemed incomplete. I've had some worries about the game in that I'm putting a metric assload of work into it and really have no idea whether or not the players will buy-in. I mean, I think they will... but you never know. So, I really want the first game night to go particularly well.
Nearing our scheduled November game, I realized that I didn't have enough yet to run the first game. But I also knew that if we didn't get together this weekend, it'd be after New Years' before we'd have another chance to get together.
Then it hit me. Sandbox! I should totally run it as a sandbox game. Traditional role playing games are designed by the game master with zero input from the players in regards to story and game world. The player's creative opportunities are presented in the design of their character and in the manner in which they direct the character to interact with the GM's designed world. I'm an old school gamer and have never been part of a sandbox game before. In fact, I've only recently had my mind changed on the value of such an activity.
This time last year? I'd have turned my nose up at the notion as too free-form and loosey-goosey. Get outta here with your long hair, rock-n-roll music, and reefer! God-cursed hippie gamers...
I'm a total control freak. Even my Predictive Index frequently mentions that I am most comfortable in situations where I can predict and control outcomes and will work to ensure that my environment affords those opportunities.
Sharing the creation of the setting has always been off-limits for me. But that damned Lucias Meyer from the Podge Cast and his KtNG sandbox game have changed my mind.
Clearly, those guys are having a big time.
So, I announced to the boys that in lieu of a game Saturday night, we'd be getting sandy! We started off with a meat burning, each of the fellas brought whatever meat they wanted to sling on the grill while I provided a large supply of my Regionally Acclaimed Santa Fe Mashed potatoes, salad, and my sugar-free chocolate cream pie that you'd never believe is sugar free.
Once the boys arrived, the cry went out: "Cook the meat, Mother Bitch!"
Salad. Really, what was I thinking?
Like myself, Gary and Rodger have never participated in a sandbox game before. Josh and James have in their other gaming group. After dinner, I described what I wanted to accomplish.
There are three areas that I felt could really benefit from their attention:- The overall setting itself and the opportunities it presents;
- Player character races; and
- The first game.
"Wait a minute," Gary interrupted, "We'll be doing your job!"
"Exactly!" I bobbed my head. And we got started...
I would characterize it as an unqualified success. The guys gave me tons of ideas - and frankly blew me away with their idea for a player character race. Seriously badass. They gave me tons of insight into the kind of game they want to play.
At the end of the night, I had my buy-in.
I am have been excited about the setting I'm writing for awhile.
Now I'm freakin' giddy.
Gary really grooved to the opportunity to play an android or robot...
From left to right: Josh,James, Gary, and me.
Ohhhhhh yeahhhhhhh...
We pulled more than three pages of notes from the brainstorming session. Getting fresh eyes on the setting was terrific. Seriously, this sandbox thang is the bomb-diggity. I will do this again.
I will be posting the specifics from the brainstorming session throughout the week.
Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net
Twitter + AronHead
www.EvilBastard.net
Twitter + AronHead
Posted by Aron Head
at 6:18 AM CST
Updated: Monday, 24 November 2008 6:17 AM CST
