Starfox
Hero
I recently had a discussion in another forum where my discussion partner tried to support his ideas by emphasizing the skill of his play group, and how, with such skilled players the Pathfinder rules fell apart (this was about caster balance). I didn't come up with this counter-argument then, but as I mulled over it I decided to analyze what really constitutes skill at role-playing.
Role-playing is a form of entertainment. It is a social activity where a group of people spend their leisure time in a fun way, that potentially also has a chance to also be educational and develop social skills. But fundamentally, it is entertainment. Anything else is extra. So, what skill contributes to this activity? Rule mastery? Yes, insofar as a more smoothly running game is likely more fun. But rule mastery is only a vehicle to the true goal; to have fun. So, skill at role-playing is the ability to make you and your companions at the gaming table game have a good time.
A kind of rules-mastery that creates a functional game is a plus. A kind of rules-mastery that creates obstacles to a fun game is a hindrance, not an asset.
A player/GM who full of fun and jokes around and makes everybody feel included and have a good time is an asset. A primadonna who is just as entertaining, but who makes other players shut up, is a hindrance.
World design that... I think you get the point by now.
Role-playing is a form of entertainment. It is a social activity where a group of people spend their leisure time in a fun way, that potentially also has a chance to also be educational and develop social skills. But fundamentally, it is entertainment. Anything else is extra. So, what skill contributes to this activity? Rule mastery? Yes, insofar as a more smoothly running game is likely more fun. But rule mastery is only a vehicle to the true goal; to have fun. So, skill at role-playing is the ability to make you and your companions at the gaming table game have a good time.
A kind of rules-mastery that creates a functional game is a plus. A kind of rules-mastery that creates obstacles to a fun game is a hindrance, not an asset.
A player/GM who full of fun and jokes around and makes everybody feel included and have a good time is an asset. A primadonna who is just as entertaining, but who makes other players shut up, is a hindrance.
World design that... I think you get the point by now.