This is an easy prompt to answer. What is the most critical thing about RPGs be they one-shots or decades long campaigns? It's critical that everyone have fun. Sometimes that's called the number one rule and I don't disagree. I've learned a few more things in my years of play that could be critical to a successful campaign.
1. Session Zero--the one where everyone defines what the game is going to be about and what characters they want to play. You should have one and get all that stuff out of the way to save you from headaches in the future.
2. Communication--throughout the campaign the group should be communicative about what is working and what's not. What is fun for the player and the DM. It always goes back to rule one. If you are playing with people that you know, most of the time this is easy. If you play a lot of online games or other "league" type games wherein you don't really know everyone, it's a good idea to let someone know if something is offensive to you. It's a snowflake thing, but the 'X' card is good. No explanation needed, just throw up the 'X' and the group--who should all be trying to have fun with each other--should back away from the offensive material.
3. Beware of holidays and long breaks--as a school teacher I find winter and summer holiday to be the bane of my groups. As much fun as RPGs are, it's easier to not play than it is to play. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. If it's not fun for you, then certainly take a hiatus or give it up completely, but if it is a hobby you enjoy, don't let complacency and laziness rob you of the joy of playing.
4. Be good to your DM/GM--we're in a symbiotic relationship and everyone should be kind to everyone...especially if you are all friends, but the DM/GM is putting in a lot of work. If you don't believe it, give it a go yourself and you'll appreciate a good DM/GM more. It's actually a lot of fun to run, but you really do have to put a little time in if you want to be a good one. I think even the best improv guy out there needs to prep a little bit and often it's the DM/GM who hosts to boot. So clean up, buy a beer and snacks and take care of him
That's enough for today. Tomorrow's prompt is focus.
1. Session Zero--the one where everyone defines what the game is going to be about and what characters they want to play. You should have one and get all that stuff out of the way to save you from headaches in the future.
2. Communication--throughout the campaign the group should be communicative about what is working and what's not. What is fun for the player and the DM. It always goes back to rule one. If you are playing with people that you know, most of the time this is easy. If you play a lot of online games or other "league" type games wherein you don't really know everyone, it's a good idea to let someone know if something is offensive to you. It's a snowflake thing, but the 'X' card is good. No explanation needed, just throw up the 'X' and the group--who should all be trying to have fun with each other--should back away from the offensive material.
3. Beware of holidays and long breaks--as a school teacher I find winter and summer holiday to be the bane of my groups. As much fun as RPGs are, it's easier to not play than it is to play. A body at rest tends to stay at rest. If it's not fun for you, then certainly take a hiatus or give it up completely, but if it is a hobby you enjoy, don't let complacency and laziness rob you of the joy of playing.
4. Be good to your DM/GM--we're in a symbiotic relationship and everyone should be kind to everyone...especially if you are all friends, but the DM/GM is putting in a lot of work. If you don't believe it, give it a go yourself and you'll appreciate a good DM/GM more. It's actually a lot of fun to run, but you really do have to put a little time in if you want to be a good one. I think even the best improv guy out there needs to prep a little bit and often it's the DM/GM who hosts to boot. So clean up, buy a beer and snacks and take care of him
That's enough for today. Tomorrow's prompt is focus.
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