Commandment 1 - The Bard
Right from the start, I knew this would be a crucial area to focus on. As a Game Master, I find myself constantly lost in thought, weaving myths and legends within my game world, "The Yonder Vale." This imaginary realm is my escape, a canvas for my creative spirit, a place where ideas blossom and stories unfold.
The first commandment of Game Mastering, "The Bard," emphasizes the crucial role of storytelling in creating an engaging and memorable gaming experience.
A Bard, by definition, is traditionally described as a poet, particularly one skilled in composing and reciting epic or heroic verses. This perfectly captures the essence of the Game Master's role. It's not just about narrating events; it's about weaving a tapestry of words that transports players to another world.
A strong Game Master understands that storytelling is the foundation of any successful TTRPG campaign. Strip away the rules and dice, and what remains is an incredible story born from the collective imagination of you and your players.
For anyone starting their journey as a Game Master, my favorite piece of advice is this: "You are the world and everything in it." This might seem daunting at first, but when you truly embrace this concept, you unlock the true power of your role – to be the referee for the ridiculous and wonderful moments that your journey will inevitably unfold.
Now, let's explore how we can cultivate these storytelling skills. Here are three key takeaways that I believe you can undertake to develop your storytelling abilities as a Game Master:
Immerse Yourself in Storytelling:
Read widely: Explore diverse genres of fiction, from fantasy and science fiction to historical novels and even graphic novels. Pay attention to how authors build suspense, develop characters, and create vivid imagery.
Watch films and TV shows: Analyze how directors and screenwriters use cinematic techniques to tell compelling stories. Pay attention to pacing, dialogue, and the use of music and sound effects.
Listen to podcasts and audiobooks: Immerse yourself in the art of spoken word. Pay attention to the storyteller's voice, pacing, and ability to create atmosphere.
Practice Descriptive Language:
Choose a mundane task: It could be anything from brushing your teeth to making a sandwich, I like to do this whilst making a cup of tea.
Tell the story: Using vivid imagery, evocative language, and a touch of the absurd, describe this mundane task as an epic adventure. Turn this everyday activity into the most epic adventure that you can.
Make characters – your kettle, your teacup, even your teabag – and describe how each step affects the senses.
Tell Stories Out Loud:
Share your "epic tales" with friends and family: Recite your tea-making saga with dramatic flair, using different voices for the kettle, the cup, and even the teabag itself.
Record yourself: Capture your performance on video or audio. Analyze your delivery – did you effectively convey the emotion and personality of each character?
"Stage" your tea-making: Create a theatrical performance. Act out the tea-making process, incorporating sound effects, dramatic pauses, and even puppetry (using socks or small toys to represent the kettle, cup, and teabag).
Do this without shame: Embrace the ridiculous! Let your imagination run wild. There are no wrong answers. The goal is to have fun and explore the power of creative storytelling.
So, there you have it – the first commandment of Game Mastering: "The Bard." Embrace the power of storytelling, cultivate your imagination, and don't be afraid to let your creativity run wild. Just like the kettle in our "Epic Tea-Making Challenge," let your imagination "hiss and spit," bubbling with ideas and wild twists. And remember, the most important ingredient in any great story is a touch of magic, a dash of absurdity, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Happy gaming!
Daniel Jacobs - Director - Game Masters Guild Ltd
