Five Things about Writing Fictional Cultures

Here are five things I’ve learnt about writings cultures over the years:

1) Cultures are not monolithic.

Ballgowning as Primary Unit of Gameplay: You mean it doesn’t just happen?

So, from the discussions following the post on Immersion, I’ve noticed that players seem to quite like feels[1].

Writing Plot for “Big” Games

Keeping one’s players entertained seems easy enough when there’s only five of them and they’re walking a linear path through a set of predetermined encounters. First they meet some lost villagers, then some bandits, etc, the classics. They are always interacting with non player…

Fig Leaves: Nothing To See Here

Sometimes, in a game, there would be some out of character aspect that needs to be given an IC lick of paint.

It can be some kit and a name for the crew who are serving dinner or a reason for why the event is taking place at a scout camp. It can be…

Core Unit of Gameplay: What Are Your Players Going to Do?

So, I’ve written setting.

I’ve filled the sky with ships of airy steel and swarmed the seas with gods of every colour. Horizon to horizon, I’ve created nations and empires, each with distinct and intricate…

But Why? — Motive in Live Roleplay

Warfare is nothing but a means of negotiation between states. War breaks out even when there is no hatred. Territory, resources, or interests that you are determined to own. Ideology, religion, pride. Wars are fought over those objectives all the time…Anger and hatred…

What To Wear: Costuming as Information

Costume Briefs are often associated with games that have exacting and intimidating costume standards, but looking individually stunning is perhaps the least important aspect of a costume from a game design point of view[1].

Immersion: An Imperfect Model

So, I want my game to be immersive.

Much like PvP and player-led before it, “immersion” has become one of those words, increasing dilute of meaning. We can all (apparently) agree that is deeply desireable not just in our live roleplay games but also…