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 Upcoming Arcs - 2026
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:11:12
A new episode has been added to the database: Upcoming Arcs - 2026
 New Game Showcase: Breathless Frightmare Edition
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:10:46
A new episode has been added to the database: New Game Showcase: Breathless Frightmare Edition
 Book 2 Ep74: The Vapour Vaults
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:10:21
A new episode has been added to the database: Book 2 Ep74: The Vapour Vaults
 S3 E24 - The Case of Transcendence
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:08:57
A new episode has been added to the database: S3 E24 - The Case of Transcendence
 Reply: General Role-Playing:: Re: QOTD APR 14: For GMs: Are fully-fleshed out player characters preferred, with backgrounds, motivations, and a cool portrait, or are just the basics and let the characters develop over the campaign?
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:07:15

by VanillaCokeMule

Depends on the experience level of the player largely speaking, though I do encourage my players to put effort into it as it really helps players engage with the game before they even start actually playing. If the player is experienced then I do expect that level of effort from them, but if they're new then I give a little grace as character creation can be daunting and a lot of things won't make sense until you see them in action during the game.
 549: To Kill a Mummy Lord
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:06:00
A new episode has been added to the database: 549: To Kill a Mummy Lord
 973 - Curse of Nineveh 13
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 17:05:02
A new episode has been added to the database: 973 - Curse of Nineveh 13
 Reply: General Role-Playing:: Re: QOTD APR 14: For GMs: Are fully-fleshed out player characters preferred, with backgrounds, motivations, and a cool portrait, or are just the basics and let the characters develop over the campaign?
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 16:55:33

by PandoraCaitiff

As a GM I'd like my playes to have characters drawn in broad strokes. Motivations are good. A hint of a background in a couple of sentences. Maybe a handful of strong opinions or beliefs.

I dont want fully realised characters with novel-length detailled backstories. That limits everyone's options going forward.

And I'm a big believer that if it doesn't happen at the table, then it's not 100% definite. (Parts of character creation that interact with the rules, such as a Cyberpunk lifepath, are assumed to be at the table, even if it was done over voice chat, or individually)
 Reply: General Role-Playing:: Re: QOTD APR 14: For GMs: Are fully-fleshed out player characters preferred, with backgrounds, motivations, and a cool portrait, or are just the basics and let the characters develop over the campaign?
Posted: Tue, 14 Apr 16:47:52

by NormandyWept

Lux_Bux wrote:

I would rather not to have to wade through four pages of history, but if someone goes to the effort of writing it, then the least I can do is read it

I agree with most of what Lux Bux said, except here I'd go further and say I am not reading it. It should be a few sentences at most so you can just tell everyone at the table.

The most interesting part of the player characters' story should happen during our game. Going in, we basically just need to know what we would for a character in a novel, a film, or a TV show, i.e. mostly "vibes": appearance, demeanour, how the player introduces them.

As well as ensuring we don't have to do lots of homework, this also allows players to work out a bit better who a character is by playing them, which I know I appreciate as a player too. Sometimes you get a feel for personality through play you didn't quite have nailed down beforehand, or you find connections to something in the story and/or setting.