Knowing Your Role in an RPG

Is your fantasy life getting stale? Do you think you'll fall into a coma if you go on one more "find-the-item" quest? Perhaps mowing down orcs is becoming a little passé? Same old maps, same old critters, same old plotlines. What's a gamer to do?

A wise gnome once told me, "Before you can truly enjoy your game, you must first know your gaming style." (Okay, I made that up.) But it's true! If your DM keeps pitting you against hordes of bugbears, when what you'd really like to do is jump into the political machinations of the realm, it could be time for a change. Don't be afraid to ask your DM to come up with a plotline tailored to your character and your interests. You might be surprised at how accommodating they can be. But before you ask, make sure you know what you really want.

Here are some examples of different gaming styles to help you get started on your soul-searching. The recommended games are simply suggestions, and are by no means an exhaustive list of what's out there. Experimentation is the merriest road to satisfaction!

(1) The Hack-and-Slasher. Maybe you've got more than your fair share of testosterone. Maybe you have some unresolved anger issues. Or maybe you just like killing things. Either way, there's nothing quite as satisfying as watching your enemies fall before your mighty blade. Try asking for more combat; this is probably the easiest change for a DM to incorporate into their game. For a quick-and-dirty hack-fest, the 'Diablo' game series never goes out of style.

(2) The Politician. Diplomacy, usurpations, and backstabbing treachery -- these are what you live for. Perhaps you relish the idea of putting another player on the throne, and then controlling them like the puppet they are. Or maybe you'd like to be an ambassador, wowing another culture with your knowledge of their intricate customs. Intense political rivalries can be more challenging for a DM, if their world doesn't already include a fully fleshed-out political system. Luckily, many do. White Wolf's 'Vampire: the Requiem' is a hotbed of political intrigue. If you'd prefer something a little more medieval, there are always contending forces to be found in D&D's 'Eberron' campaign setting.

(3) The Investigator. An unsolved mystery that needs an answer? A lost relic with cryptic clues as to its whereabouts? You're so there. Riddles and ciphers are the meat and bread of your gaming style. Your DM will either be very pleased by your request for more puzzles, or they will have a stricken look before they smile politely and scribble some hasty notations. Your preferred style might be a little more unusual than the first two examples, but a good DM should rise to the challenge for the depth and flavor it will bring to their campaign. Chaosium's 'Call of Cthulhu' setting has plenty of potential puzzles (and potential insanity) for you, but puzzles can be incorporated into almost any setting.

(4) The Questor. You're a valiant adventurer, on a quest for... Truth? Justice? A rare component for a spell? The object of your quest isn't as important to you as the quest itself. You like structure and clear goals. As long as you have something to do, you're satisfied. If you hate wandering around, vaguely lost and wondering what to do next, try asking your DM for more linear plotlines. This might go contrary to their instincts, as Wizards of the Coast warns DMs not to "lead players by the nose". Your request could also alienate others in your party who prefer nonlinear plots. If this is the case, ask your DM to come up with a handful of side-quests for your PC, or check one of the many quest-laden MMORPGs.

Do you recognize yourself in these examples? If you don't, all is not lost; these are just some archetypical playing styles. It is a rare gamer that falls into only a single category 100% of the time.

Make some notes, even mental ones, about what you've learned. Think of some elements you would like to experience in a game. Then either let your DM know what they could do to help, or try running a game of your own. Whatever your choice, take heart! The end of your boredom is surely nigh.