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Message: <blockquote data-quote="AbdulAlhazred" data-source="post: 9637372" data-attributes="member: 82106">This is all extremely dynamic. In fact I would go so far as to say that the single most salient reason that Narrativist play is not the vast majority of all RPG play is squarely attributable to the fact that it demands commitment and high levels of player engagement at the table.I'll use my 1KA PC as an example. Clearly character build is pretty engaging, I have to establish four key things. First my character's drive has to be defined, with choices being things like loyalty, honor, ambition, wealth, etc. This is a highly focused game, so there are limited choices. Next I have to establish my bond with each other PC, or possibly NPCs, usually 3 total. I left my 3rd one open as there were 2 other PCs. These can be written as anything, but obviously collaboration with other players is needed. So that's first, and goes beyond the minimal 'roll it up' where a player can just make desultory choices. We also picked roles and allegiances, which is roughly class, and rings (abilities).Now in play, I have to actively embody this character. I'm the widow of a Ji-Samurai of Iga, loyal to the Iga Sokoku Ikki, in conflict with the forces of Oda Nobunaga. Immediately the GM gives us some establishing scenes to define our bonds. I interact with Suetsuna (years ago). We are propelled into a fraught situation where he aquits himself well, I remark that I admire him as an honorable man, and end up with a +1 there (bond mechanics can compel characters if the bond gets too strong).Several rolls happened here, the +1 came from a consequence of one of them where I ended up rolling low on something or other to do with Suetsuna. My point is, every scene is replete with choices bearing directly on who I am in character. Nobody is forcing me down any path. When spotted by Suetsuna I try to escape. When I see a priest threatened, I act to stop Oda from hurting him. I decided what the bond with Suetsuna is. There's nothing passive going on here at all. I don't know what will happen, and maybe in some situations my character can't act exactly as I would like, but the choices are mine, who she is, it's up to me. Dice just help us.</blockquote>

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