Thank you, sir! I think this was a really interesting episode. We initially selected the topic of relationships as a nod to the Valentine's season, more or less... but the discussion got kinda deep. It shouldn't have suprised me, given the way my particular panelists all tend to place a significant emphasis on relationships with their characters (in the broad sense, meaning relationships of all kinds... friends, rivals, professional relations, romantic interests, etc.). As we discussed it, it occurred to me that how PCs relate to NPCs and other PCs is really the backbone of the immersive roleplaying experience. After all, when it comes to expressing characterization through roleplaying at the table, the most common means (at my table, anyway) is conversation... which inevitably defines the parameters of a relationship. Granted, some aspects of relations between characters typically become a background pursuit - because they don't necessarily have much to do with the principle story of the campaign - but they obviously matter a great deal to the player(s) involved. Of course, we also play traditional RPGs like D&D and Savage Worlds, which generally focus on adventure and actionable conflict... there are certainly indie games out there that bring the microscope down hard on character interaction and relationships.
Incidentally, Morrus and I kept dancing around a recording schedule to try and get some air time for him before the Kickstarter ended, so I'd hoped to have an interview episode this week. I think we're gonna let it pass at this point... with only a few days left, a podcast really isn't the best way to get the word out, and I imagine he's got his hands full. But I think I'm still gonna try to get him on for an interview some time soon... I think we'd still find plenty to talk about after the Kickstarter's behind us.
