thread: 2005-05-03 : Creating Theme
On 2005-05-05, Kat Miller wrote:
I just wanted to say thank you.
I think I got it now (which means I probably don't, but I THINK I do and thats the important part)
This Explains why some of the FFRP between me and My SO has been flat. Some of it is really good. Emotionally turmoil-y good. I was playing a throw away character- She only had name when it was necessary- She was the Kings "Chambermaid" and had been so for the last 16 years since his wife had mysteriously died. She just discovered she was pregnant. Her issue is the Man that she idolizes vs. the Child she wants to have. Her Dynamic Situation- the king is possessive and he loves her (just not publicly) The scene started with Me announcing my resignation.
The next two hours of play were full of urgency Because er love of the King includes that of his Reputation and she's wiling to protect him from himself if need be but she can't bare to give up a second child (which is when the King learns that she gave away her first one 16 years ago.)
This was back story play. The play was supposed to center around the 16 year old that the Chambermaid gave away. Her issue is she just discovered that her real mother comes from the Great country to the east, she's been living a Cinderella lifestyle as an Inn Drudge. Her choice to stay or go? not really conflict-y. We played out a flat hour of her challenging the overbearing Drunken Inn keep and getting Smacked Down then she was whisked away by the young son of the Inn Keep and even being captured by slavers didn't help much. The Story was flat. It lacked theme.
SO thank you. Cause this stuff is not intuitive. I've been gaming a long time, and with some people you click and everything works itself out giving the illusion that good play is natural. Ive played with enough different people and have shifted the power of play in enough different direction to strongly believe that good play is a skill, and anything that you learn which improves your skill can only benefit everyone you play with.
-kat
whim@enter.net
