ROLEPLAYING GAMES
The best known ‘rpg’ is
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS which comes in several varieties the best of which is described at AD&D HOMESITE. The rules may at first seem quirky but they are intended to promote the amateur dramatics which are the heart of the game, over and above any wargaming aspect. The game is consequently often criticised by wargame-oriented players for its lack of ‘realism’; this must however be an oxymoron applied to a game based in fantasy genres!!!The quality of the game, as is true with all RPGs, depends on that of the players in general and the Game/Dungeon Master in particular. It can be a real pleasure to play in a well-attuned group; the worst D&D games tho are akin to being roasted over a slow fire. Make your excuses and leave!
Equally good games include
CALL OF CTHULHU, which has its own CTHULHU WEB RING;PARANOIA, TRAVELLER, TOP SECRET, GANGSTER and RUNEQUEST.
There are enjoyable games set in STAR TREK and STAR WARS universes; also in PIRATE, SAMURAI and GUNSLINGER genres.
Modern day gothic vampire-oriented and 'cyberpunk' games appeal to more borderline [and younger!] tastes. They suffer the drawback that their genres, despite Buffy etc, are less familiar and therefore role playing inspiration is less.
LIVE ACTION ROLE PLAYING usually involves bashing each other with weapons of polyethylene foam, sometimes indoors, sometimes out. There are large camping gatherings in the Summer, in the UK Midlands and elsewhere.
As at May 2000 the LHE runs an ADD campaign set in the world of Dragonlance, with infrequent one off adventures in other genres.
FURTHER RPG LINKS: