Allergic Reactions
I've been trying to get back into the swing of writing more, which of course means I need to find things to write about.
A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with a core member of my gaming group, not to mention the father of another member of my gaming group, over the issue of his having increasingly allergic reactions to being in my house. He's got issues with pet dander, and I recently added a second pet to my house. He is especially allergic to cats, and very soon I'll be adding those to my house as well. The upshot is that in a matter of months, he and his son will no longer be able to game about my house.
This isn't a huge deal--there is another venue where we can gather to game--but I've gotten used to having access to all my gaming supplies when I run a game, such as miniatures, terrain, etc. not to mention a kitchen where I usually make dinner. When my friend isn't coming to a session, I can still play at home, but it has me thinking about styles of play. I tend to be pretty prop-heavy when it comes to gaming. Having a layout depicting everything is particularly helpful when it comes to players who struggle to focus and follow gameplay. I have spent a huge chunk of time building a modular dungeon which could prove downright unwieldy when it comes to gaming someplace other than my home.
All of this will, I suspect affect the culture of the gaming group. It will become less tabletop-wargamey/boardgamey and more "theater of the mind." This will prove a challenge to those who are used to doing their action, whipping out their phone, and then checking back in when they are reminded it is their turn.
Thoughts? Your own experiences with low-weight gaming?
A couple of weeks ago I had a conversation with a core member of my gaming group, not to mention the father of another member of my gaming group, over the issue of his having increasingly allergic reactions to being in my house. He's got issues with pet dander, and I recently added a second pet to my house. He is especially allergic to cats, and very soon I'll be adding those to my house as well. The upshot is that in a matter of months, he and his son will no longer be able to game about my house.
This isn't a huge deal--there is another venue where we can gather to game--but I've gotten used to having access to all my gaming supplies when I run a game, such as miniatures, terrain, etc. not to mention a kitchen where I usually make dinner. When my friend isn't coming to a session, I can still play at home, but it has me thinking about styles of play. I tend to be pretty prop-heavy when it comes to gaming. Having a layout depicting everything is particularly helpful when it comes to players who struggle to focus and follow gameplay. I have spent a huge chunk of time building a modular dungeon which could prove downright unwieldy when it comes to gaming someplace other than my home.
All of this will, I suspect affect the culture of the gaming group. It will become less tabletop-wargamey/boardgamey and more "theater of the mind." This will prove a challenge to those who are used to doing their action, whipping out their phone, and then checking back in when they are reminded it is their turn.
Thoughts? Your own experiences with low-weight gaming?
I wish I could help more, since most of my wargaming is solo or 'on the go' as it were. Unfortunately, there is no 'right' answer. Prop-lite, as you put it, can be a very freeing and rewarding experience, but everyone seems to do it differently. I think more than anything, you'll have to find a way to use your narrative style without the extras you're accustomed to.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck, and hope you have fun!
I've been thinking a lot about the "kit" I would bring to an off-site gaming session and what would be in it. It's kind of a fun exercise.
ReplyDelete