JDemlow

How about awarding a "Victory Point" to players when they do some interesting/memorable RP? Keep a League Table of VPs, with whoever's at the top having the title of "Current Campaign Winner" or some such.

I gave that a shot one time and it led to some hurt feelings. I enjoy that sort of thing as well, but if someone goes a few sessions without being awarded anything, it can lead to some interesting conversations, so I avoid it. I like it a lot as a PC though.

Perhaps, it should be noted, that playing to win, and getting into character and engrossed in the setting, are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

I totally agree, but allow me to elaborate as it applies to my specific situation. I'm running CoC, which from what I've experienced as a player, a GM, and a fan of Lovecraft, is supposed to be very deadly, and as a general rule, people are supposed to avoid combat and guns (even if they have them). What I meant by "win", is more of the D&D 4e, balls and chunk, conquer and kill approach (this is maybe only 10% of the time, so it's not a game killer, it's just super annoying). After all the hard work that goes in to running a game, I feel like they could make more of an effort to understand the ins and outs.

I am totally willing to accept my share of the responsibility in the situation, and like I said, it's not life or death. I would just like to avoid it.

Thanks again for all the great comments. It really helps.

In general, the purpose is to have fun - no qualifications necessary. That is first and foremost. Now, as to what "fun" is differs from person to person. So, for some, the "fun" of any game is "to win".

That said, trying to "change" your players' concept of fun is not a great idea because, in all likelihood, it will lead to trouble. Your best bet is to lay out what your expectations are, and have everyone else involved lay out theirs. And, of course, you may find that what someone says and what they really mean are not the same. That's life.

Fair enough. Thanks for the input. I appreciate it!

Hey all! New guy here. Love the forum and love BRP!

I wanted to use my first post to talk about something that has been bugging me. What is the purpose of playing RPGs? I am running a classic CoC campaign and also a modern Delta Green campaign, and I have a couple PCs that (it seems to me), feel like the purpose of play is to "win" the game.

I feel like the purpose of play is to have lots of fun by role playing in an interesting and stylized fashion, so as to create many interesting and memorable scenes. I feel like I want the players to change their play style to suit the game, but I also don't want to puppet them just to see the scenario play out. Is there a delicate and appropriate way to address this? Anyone have a similar experience.

I really want everyone to get the most fun out of each session, but I don't want to railroad anybody either.

~ J

Hey Puck! Lansing represent!!!

Welcome James!

Sounds like you've jumped in at the deep end - some say its the best way to learn how to swim! There are many experienced GMs around here, so don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions; hopefully you won't mind getting a wide range of answers.

Out of curiosity, which review did you see on YouTube?

Thalaba

I think it was "Game Geeks" by Kurt Weigel (apologizes for any SP errors). I ended up looking up a bunch more stuff on BPR after that, but I'm pretty sure that was the first thing I saw on the internet specifically mentioning BRP.

Hi everyone!

My name is James and I have been gaming for a little over two years (I know, barley anything compared to what I've read on this thread).

I was introduced to gaming by some friends who were playing Pathfinder and decided to invite me. I really enjoyed being a PC, but when the GM moved to Europe, the game fell apart. Without anyone to GM, I decided to step up and give it a shot. I didn't know about "game systems" per se, but I knew I needed to be able to put a game together on the fly.

I saw a review of BRP on YouTube and thought that was right up my alley. I was really impressed with how intuitive it is. After a little research I came across CoC and was hooked. I love the horror movie genre and can't get enough of CoC (I am currently GMing two weekly games). I am super interested in getting my hands on RQ, Elric!, and Stormbringer. Oh! I also have the new Rome publication and am looking to run a game set during the Punic Wars. Maybe I've bitten off more than I can chew ;o)

So from Michigan, here's me saying I love BRP!

I'd suggest keeping combat to a minimum, perhaps using it as the climatic conclusion to some scenarios - a battle or assassination attempt for example. BRP can be lethal and healing wounds takes time. Using long distance travel or campaigning seasons can help pace the adventures so that PCs have time to recover.

That's what I'm told. I think I have the type of players who will avoid conflict in general, but you never know!

If you know your history, the 2nd Punic War can be a fantastic basis for lots of internecine feuding amongst the senate members, and political intrigue between Rome and its wavering client city-states. So I'd suggest focussing on the ambitions, stupidity and treachery of the leading figure of the time - lots of roleplaying and political manoeuvring, with the PCs starting as loyal clients before being tempted (or driven) to seizing power for themselves. Throw in the occasional battle to keep the combat junkies happy and some sea voyages which narrowly survive bad storms, pirates or Punic fleets.

This is my favorite period of Roman history. The game is practically writing itself at this point! I am so pumped for this game!

Hi all! First time posting.

I just picked this one up and am going to be using it to GM for the first time. Really looking forward to it! It is my favorite period in history, and I'm planning on running a campaign during the second Punic War. If anyone has any advice, I would love the input!