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Chuang Tsu on the pitfalls of RPG theory.

Started by Yamo, September 02, 2006, 06:30:48 PM

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Yamo

September 02, 2006, 06:30:48 PM
Quote"Chao Wen played the lute, Shia Kuang kept time with a baton, and Hui Tsi leaned on a stump and debated.

Each of these three masters was nearly perfect in his own art. Their names will be remembered forevermore. Because they excelled, they were distinguished from others. Because they excelled, they wanted to enlighten others through their art. They tried to teach what could not be taught. This resulted in obscure discussions as to the nature of 'hardness' and 'whiteness.'

Their sons followed in their fathers' footsteps all their lives but accomplished nothing."

Not too shabby for a dude from the fourth century B.C. :)
In order to qualify as a roleplaying game, a game design must feature:

1. A traditional player/GM relationship.
2. No set story or plot.
3. No live action aspect.
4. No win conditions.

Don't like it? Too bad.

Click here to visit the Intenet's only dedicated forum for Fudge and Fate fans!

Settembrini

#1
September 02, 2006, 06:41:33 PM
I'm with you, or Chang Tsu for that matter.
If there can\'t be a TPK against the will of the players it\'s not an RPG.- Pierce Inverarity

droog

#2
September 02, 2006, 07:58:51 PM
And Confucius say: "Man with hand in pocket not necessarily on the ball."

That shit never gets old!
The past lives on in your front room
The poor still weak the rich still rule
History lives in the books at home
The books at home

Gang of Four
[/size]

JamesV

#3
September 03, 2006, 07:25:57 AM
Man who cooks carrots and peas in pot is unsanitary?
Running: Dogs of WAR - Beer & Pretzels & Bullets
Planning to Run: Godbound or Stars Without Number
Playing: Star Wars D20 Rev.

A lack of moderation doesn\'t mean saying every asshole thing that pops into your head.

Settembrini

#4
September 03, 2006, 08:57:44 AM
@  droog: the simile of people doing different stuff is also used by noone esle than old time theoristician bankuiai on his blog. there he does it with ball and ballgames. Still, it's true.
If there can\'t be a TPK against the will of the players it\'s not an RPG.- Pierce Inverarity

JamesV

#5
September 03, 2006, 09:09:55 AM
Oh, I agree as well, I just happen to like Confucious puns.

Man who stands on toilet is high on pot!
Running: Dogs of WAR - Beer & Pretzels & Bullets
Planning to Run: Godbound or Stars Without Number
Playing: Star Wars D20 Rev.

A lack of moderation doesn\'t mean saying every asshole thing that pops into your head.

Lawbag

#6
September 03, 2006, 10:57:50 AM
wise man say "Chain still swinging, seat still warm."
"See you on the Other Side"
 
Playing: Nothing
Running: Nothing
Planning: pathfinder amongst other things
 
Playing every Sunday in Bexleyheath, Kent, UK 6pm til late...

RPGPundit

#7
September 03, 2006, 01:42:39 PM
Basically, Chang Tzu was a pretty wise guy.

Its what I've been saying: to become a better GM, you can't make up some artificial way or get there by talking about it. You have to go and GM.
To have a good game session, you can't try to force a good game session to happen; you have to just roleplay it.

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joewolz

#8
September 12, 2006, 09:23:58 PM
Quote from: RPGPunditBasically, Chang Tzu was a pretty wise guy.

Yes, he was.

Quote from: RPGPunditIts what I've been saying: to become a better GM, you can't make up some artificial way or get there by talking about it.

Half true.  I think you really can become a better GM through discussion and reading.  I know there are several "how to GM" section in various books that have helped me a lot, as have discussion boards like this.  Can you get to be an excellent GM (like me and a lot of us around here) strictly that way? Absolutely not, you have to practice...it's like any other skill.

Quote from: RPGPunditYou have to go and GM.
To have a good game session, you can't try to force a good game session to happen; you have to just roleplay it.

Absolutely true.
-JFC Wolz
Co-host of 2 Gms, 1 Mic

beejazz

#9
September 13, 2006, 12:18:43 AM
GMing isn't theory. GMing is good posture, a strong voice, self-confidence, a no-nonsense attitude, and the ability to hold players' attention.

On that note, it's gameplay and story and all that that most GMs need help with. By themselves (hell, even together) these things don't make a good GM.

Just a thought.

Reimdall

#10
September 13, 2006, 12:27:37 AM
Quote from: beejazzGMing is good posture
I prefer

Two degrees forward from 90 for enthralling description

Three degrees away from 90 for challenging invitation

180 on the floor when they start throwing shit at me
Kent Davis - Dark Matter Studios
Home of Epic RPG

Ennie Nomination - Best Rules, Epic RPG Game Manual
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beejazz

#11
September 13, 2006, 12:36:07 AM
Quote from: ReimdallI prefer

Two degrees forward from 90 for enthralling description

Three degrees away from 90 for challenging invitation

180 on the floor when they start throwing shit at me

Now, if you did the same thing in a deep, booming voice you wouldn't have this problem, lol.

This is exactly my point though... You can learn some fucking amazing stories, but no one is going to teach you how to tell them.
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