I gave serious thought to the main question for Day 17--the fictional character that might fit well in my most current group--but in this case I can't think of anything clever or insightful. It would be a good chance to game with Judge Dredd or Batman--or better yet to bring Sailor Mercury or Lara Croft to life--Does Ric Flair count as fictional or real? In any case not much to say here, so I'm going alternate today.
What are good ways for the group to support the host on game night?
Here are some things that can help the host--and everybody else by extension--that should be self-evident but for some reason or another are not always.
* Bring All Play Materials: Just like work or school. Bring all of your stuff and don't assume that the host has a bunch of extras for you to play with. Everybody forgets things from time to time, but at least you should have dice, pencil and character sheet.
*Update your character before the session: Unless it's session zero and you have no clue what you are doing, you should do all the maintenance on your character at home. Even if it is a new campaign you should try to have a general idea of the setting for the game and the type of character that you want to play.
*Help new players when you can: I'm assuming the 'host' is the GM. That's not always true. I have to run games at the host's venue because I live far away from everyone else and there is a baby in my house. In any case the GM has a lot to do already. If you have never run a game, give it a shot and you'll see. You can help the GM out whether he is hosting or not by helping new players. If you know the game well, then sit with a newbie and help him/her. It will make the session go much more smoothly.
*Chip in for food or bring snacks: If food is being ordered then chip in--if nothing else bring some drinks which almost anybody can afford. If you really are short--let somebody know in private. I've never heard of any group shaming someone who can't afford to buy in, but if they start to assume you are a moocher it might bring some tension to the group.
*Be on your best behavior/know your surroundings: Some places are better for loud, boisterous gaming than others. If non-player wives, babies--or parents for you youngsters--are living with the host, then you had better be quiet or expect to find a different venue. If you are playing in a coffee shop or non-gaming specific bookstore don't act in a way that gets you kicked out.
*Clean up: Finish the session with enough time to clean up. If you are running long then be prepared to stay late. Don't leave any kind of a mess--especially if the mentioned above wives and/or parents are around--even if the host protests and says it's okay. Trust me, on the long term you had better keep it clean.
*Be responsible for your material: Keep an eye on all of your paraphernalia. The stuff isn't cheap. A lot of people are very protective of their stuff. Be sure you keep track of everything that belongs to you. If your stuff comes up missing; it often leads to resentment. Make sure you have everything before you leave the session. Who knows what may accidently get thrown away, vacuumed up or eaten in a household full of wives, moms, babies, and pets that don't know any better.
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