Commandment 1 (PART 2) - The Bard and Beyond

In our previous post, we delved into the first commandment of Game Mastering: "The Bard," emphasizing the crucial role of storytelling in creating an engaging and memorable gaming experience. We discussed the importance of weaving captivating narratives, building immersive worlds, and, let's be honest, even perfecting the art of the epic tea-making session.

However, upon reflection, I realized we didn't fully explore the essence of being "The Bard" itself.

Let's go back to the definition of 'A Bard'. In essence, they are traditionally described as poets, skilled in composing and reciting epic or heroic verses. Think of Jaskier from The Witcher, perfectly portrayed by Joey Batey in the Netflix series. While many of you likely adore the books and games we’re focusing on the series (stay with me here), I want to focus on something unique about Jaskier.

We witness Jaskier's relationship with Geralt of Rivia evolve beautifully. Geralt, the stoic Witcher, is a tough nut to crack, but Jaskier has the patience to chip away at his gruff exterior and crack him. As their adventures unfold, our Bard becomes an unexpected font of knowledge, gaining a broader perspective of the world through a unique form of intuitive understanding. Jaskier seems to tune into the very fabric of the story, learning to read the subtle cues of the world around him.

Jaskier's superpower isn't flourishing swords or manipulating magic; it's his uncanny ability to navigate the narrative itself. He possesses a unique talent for influencing the flow of events through the power of words. He can charm his way into information, predict unforeseen outcomes, and even subtly nudge fate in their favor. Jaskier seems to almost negotiate with the narrative as the story plays out.

He learns to read the subtle cues, anticipate the unexpected, and guide their journey with his words. Ultimately, Jaskier becomes more than just a traveling companion; he becomes Geralt's unlikely advisor, his voice a constant counterpoint to the witcher's grim pragmatism. He becomes a living testament to the power of words, a walking proof that the line between reality and narrative is often blurred, and that sometimes, the most potent magic resides not in swords or spells, but in the art of storytelling itself. Jaskier with a few choice words can poetically paint immense failures as herioc successes. He is the fictional definition of the glass being half full.

Now, imagine the Game Master as a Bard. How can you harness this perspective during a high-stakes encounter when the dice haven't rolled in your adventuring party's favor? Picture this: that relatively small band of thieving goblins you thought would be a mere speed bump is now gleefully wreaking havoc upon your renowned group of adventurers and mercenaries.

Much like the bard, navigating this scenario hinges on knowing your players inside and out, and their characters even better. We've all been there. Motivation has dwindled, combat drags on with no end in sight, and our characters find themselves cowering behind a burning carriage, hope flickering like a dying candle.

This is where we, as Game Masters, need to channel our inner bard. Ask yourself: What strings can I pull? What motivates my group of friends? What shared experiences can I draw upon to reignite the group's spirit? What tools are at my disposal? How can I use the compelling character backstories we’ve crafted that offer a wellspring of motivation for overcoming adversity? How can I, like the bard, bestow the gift of inspiration?

Answering these questions requires us to deviate from the script, to adopt a more player-centric approach. It reminds us that the story truly shines when our player characters are thriving, not merely surviving.

Now, let's talk about those Bard players. As a Game Master, I've always found Bard players to be a unique and challenging breed. You see, just like their in-game counterparts, these players possess a remarkable ability to think outside the box, to find creative solutions where others might see only obstacles.

As they level up, their in-game Bards become more and more proficient, developing a repertoire of tricks and devices to navigate any situation. They can easily charm their way past guards, compose convincing lies, and even manipulate the very fabric of reality with their words to create a safe haven in an alternate reality so the party can wine dine and rest up mid combat… (I promise, I'm not bitter)!

This, of course, can make things quite interesting for the Game Master. These players, with their sharp wit and improvisational skills, often bring those qualities to the table. They're the ones who can anticipate your plans, find loopholes in your carefully constructed puzzles, and turn a seemingly dire situation into an unexpected comedic masterpiece.

It's a constant game of one-upmanship, a delightful dance between the Game Master and the player. They challenge me to be more creative, to think outside my own box, and to constantly refine my own storytelling abilities. Ultimately, these players enrich the gaming experience. They push me to be a better Game Master, forcing me to adapt, improvise, and always be one step ahead (or at least, one step behind!) their ingenious schemes.

So with that in mind, my advice to all of you Game Masters out there that have a pesky Bard in your midst. Perhaps the point has always been not to try and beat them, but to join them!