Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Arilyn" data-source="post: 7415172" data-attributes="member: 6816042">Yes, there's been repetitive arguments and loops, but I believe that overall, the discussion has been interesting and thought provoking. I've learned some things, thought more deeply about how rpging happens, and have been engaged enough to do some more digging into Story Now.The mistake I made earlier was assuming that I had been mixing Classical play with Story Now elements. My players had lots of agency, and made decisions which could take the story in any direction. They could even add elements to the fiction. Other times, I set up more traditional play. What could be more narrativist than that? If players weren't feeling creative, no problem, they would have my story to fall back on. This is a sound style of GMing, and will probably continue to be my preferred style, but it is not Story Now. It is in fact, as Ron Edwards describes it, simulationist. My table is simulating story. If I set up, even a loose framework of renegade outlaws rebelling against an evil king, my players are going to dive in and further those tropes. There is an assumption ahead of time of where this particular story is going, even if details are fuzzy, and the players will have buy-in. Even if the players do something unexpected, like joining the king's forces, the story is still about corrupt nobility vs. champions of the down-trodden. If I do a more sandbox style, the story and themes are still set up ahead of time. Players know they are wandering adventures seeking a variety of dangers, and probably accumulating wealth. A pre-set trope.Story Now has limited world building, just enough to establish place, as there has to be some practicalities. Theme is not pre-determined, as it arises during play. The choices the players make at the moment determine the story and theme. The GM should be putting on the pressure in each scene, so players must make those decisions, which will shape the theme and tone. It doesn't necessarily mean constant physical danger. The questions can also be moral ones, or  anguishing ones, where there is no clear choice, and someone will suffer no matter which way you go.The important take away is that Story Now is not inherently better. Even Ron Edwards makes no value judgement, despite his reputation. All rpgs tell stories. How you tell them is a subjective choice. So, a very long winded post (normal for this thread) to just say, I learned stuff!</blockquote>

Verification