Hey Gauntleters! Rach here with another community question post inspired by the Apocalypse!
MC Principles. How much attention do you pay to that list in the MC section? Do you reference it often? What’s the most useful lesson you’ve taken from the MC Principles in a PbtA game?
I think the big thing about mc principles are that they’re foundational. The goal isn’t to be able to attribute specific principles to specific decisions. I don’t whip the out like a move saying “time to make my move but never say it’s name.” They’re more of back if the head ideas that always guide my choices. If the voice in my head ever says “that’ll break this principle” it means I’ve strayed too far, which is important, but that’s more of the emergency measure. I guess my biggest lesson from them is that they are a line of thought I should adopt, not rules to follow.
I think the big thing about mc principles are that they’re foundational. The goal isn’t to be able to attribute specific principles to specific decisions. I don’t whip the out like a move saying “time to make my move but never say it’s name.” They’re more of back if the head ideas that always guide my choices. If the voice in my head ever says “that’ll break this principle” it means I’ve strayed too far, which is important, but that’s more of the emergency measure. I guess my biggest lesson from them is that they are a line of thought I should adopt, not rules to follow.
In games I don’t know, I reference it constantly. In games I know, I don’t, but only because I’ve internalised it. I think one of the biggest mistakes new PbtA GMs make is assuming they don’t need it, because they already know how to GM.
In games I don’t know, I reference it constantly. In games I know, I don’t, but only because I’ve internalised it. I think one of the biggest mistakes new PbtA GMs make is assuming they don’t need it, because they already know how to GM.
I reference it before and after each session to to keep me fresh. (or I try to, anyway)
I reference it before and after each session to to keep me fresh. (or I try to, anyway)
Listening
Listening
I try to keep a print out of that page in front of me at all times when MCing. I’m doing good if I don’t have a lull to look at it. But, it is there if I have to pause and order my thoughts. Most useful bit? Barfing. I have a pretty good imagination that I need to remember to share with others. 🙂
I try to keep a print out of that page in front of me at all times when MCing. I’m doing good if I don’t have a lull to look at it. But, it is there if I have to pause and order my thoughts. Most useful bit? Barfing. I have a pretty good imagination that I need to remember to share with others. 🙂
I find I really need the principles (and moves!) in front of me, especially when they’re clearly distinct from other PBTA games.
I find I really need the principles (and moves!) in front of me, especially when they’re clearly distinct from other PBTA games.
I make sure that not only do I have a copy handy, my players have a pdf or printout as well. I tell them it’s part of their job to call me on it if I stray.
I make sure that not only do I have a copy handy, my players have a pdf or printout as well. I tell them it’s part of their job to call me on it if I stray.
I keep it nearby to peruse during downtime and remind myself of what is possible so I don’t rely on the same old favorite techniques every time.
I keep it nearby to peruse during downtime and remind myself of what is possible so I don’t rely on the same old favorite techniques every time.
I try to keep them close so I can remember to MC Apocalypse World, not just GM another post-apocalyptic game.
I try to keep them close so I can remember to MC Apocalypse World, not just GM another post-apocalyptic game.
Justin Ford that’s the best reason, I can get in a rut and need to remind myself to mix it up.
Justin Ford that’s the best reason, I can get in a rut and need to remind myself to mix it up.
I’ve tried to internalise the principles that apply broadly to any PBTA game, and refresh myself on a specific game at the beginning of play. For a first session, I’ll read them aloud, as a sort of promise to my players on what behaviour they can expect from me.
Principles felt like explicit permission for me to treat MCing as an exploration at the table, to not worry about being ready and to think on my feet. For me, the Principles of a game embody how a game should feel.
I’ve tried to internalise the principles that apply broadly to any PBTA game, and refresh myself on a specific game at the beginning of play. For a first session, I’ll read them aloud, as a sort of promise to my players on what behaviour they can expect from me.
Principles felt like explicit permission for me to treat MCing as an exploration at the table, to not worry about being ready and to think on my feet. For me, the Principles of a game embody how a game should feel.
I try to follow the principles in other games. I find I am a fan of the characters even when playing D and D
I try to follow the principles in other games. I find I am a fan of the characters even when playing D and D
When I run a PBTA game, it’s there in my notes or on my screen so I have that reminder in the back of my head. Having done that, many of those principles bleed into my other games as reminders of how to run an engaging, story-oriented game.
When I run a PBTA game, it’s there in my notes or on my screen so I have that reminder in the back of my head. Having done that, many of those principles bleed into my other games as reminders of how to run an engaging, story-oriented game.