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Chapter 15: Conducting the Game
Atmosphere
The setting in which the game is played can
have a substantial impact upon the enjoyment of
the participants. While different groups prefer different
gaming atmospheres, here are some suggestions:
Choose a quiet place where interruptions are
unlikely to occur, such as a good room or a garage
with a comfortable temperature. Some groups prefer
a temperature slightly cooler than ideal so that
players are not apt to fall asleep.
Anything suggestive of medieval times is a
tremendous aid in setting the mood. Common
choices include candles, a candelabra, incense, or
possibly even supplying mead and tankards! Some
gaming groups even display replicas of medieval
weapons, hanging them on the walls near the gaming
table.
Proxemics
Use space wisely. Generally, the Aedile
should be seated higher than the players, so that
when the Aedile speaks, the players literally look up
to the Aedile. 1 method of accomplishing this is
for the Aedile to sit on a stool, while the players sit
in regular chairs.
Should a particular player be suspected of
dishonest dice-rolling, which among players should
be visible to all anyway, this type of player may be
requested to sit close to the Aedile so that this may
be observed and handled if necessary.
Condiments
As gaming is a time-consuming social event,
a majority of gaming groups pitch in and get a pizza
and beer or soda. While tastes may differ from group
to group, most games last for several hours and
snacks become nearly a necessity.
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Game Mechanics
When Dice Contradict Reason
On occasion, the results of the dice may
contradict reason or other rules. There is no easy
answer for this dilemma, other than the fact that
the Aedile must deliberate carefully. Altering the
results of the dice can be a slippery slope and a bad
habit to begin. Whenever possible, the results of
the dice should be accepted, taking the good with
the bad. After all, if people can pick or choose
whether or not to accept the results of the dice,
then there is no reason to roll them at all! Dicerolling
exists so that events occur according to probability,
and when possible, need to remain that way.
Logic, on the other hand, must also be exercised.
Character Creation and Choice
Character creation has been considered carefully.
The same rules that apply to the character of
a player apply also to Aedile characters. Therefore,
the average player character is not superior to the
average Aedile character. In this game, realism is
applied uniformly to all characters, so all characters
are created with the same method.
Characters have enough depth that they are
likely to be good at some things and bad at others.
The realistic depth of a character is what makes them
fun to play.
A consequence of realism is that players have
little choice regarding character creation. However,
if an Aedile needs an aspect of character creation
to be altered so that it is consistent with their campaign
or plot, then the Aedile may change what is
necessary. For example, an Aedile may declare that
race should not be determined randomly, and that
all characters must be human because the plot needs
all human characters. This remains realistic because
characters still do not get to choose their race, just
as no creature in reality got to choose its race. Although
an Aedile may alter anything to fit their campaign
or plot, it is recommended that as little is
changed as possible. Changes may not be made
without the approval of the Aedile.