Bring characters to the table that deepen players' investment in everything that happens next.
There's nothing worse than trying to introduce a character you think is going to kick off the adventure with whoops and hollers, but ending up with everyone leaning back, getting hungry, and talking about the cool movie they're gonna watch once this game is over. In this episode, we're going to learn to create characters that engage. Characters that get players to lean in. Take notice. All of a sudden they care where the story is going because this new character is a part of it.
To show us how to do this is the wonderfully talented Geoffrey Golden, a narrative designer that's worked for Warner Bros, Disney, Capcom, and more, created some awesome products like the Wet Hot American Summer TTRPG, and is starting down the path of creating polished and engaging adventures on The DM's Guild for folks like us.
In the Strategy Stateroom, we learn how to make these lovable characters. It's a great conversation full of tips and strategies that follows a basic path. First, how to introduce the character. Next is creating their story, and how much of it to actually use. Finally, how to create that investment through their failures and successes, and how to elicit that help they need from the players.
Then we head to the Heroes Stage to learn more about Geoffrey, and what he's working on. He's been a creative whirlwind from a very young age, and it sounds like there hasn't been a break since. If you want a taste of his work, check out the following:
Target Run, a 5e sports comedy in the tradition of Caddyshack and The Mighty Ducks! In our opinion, this is a really fun adventure with those classic underdog vibes, and the design is one of the most DM-friendly that we've come across. If you want a light-hearted one-shot, this is it.
Worst Movies Ever Played, an actual play podcast where Geoffrey and two other comedians improvise terrible 80's VHS movies.
Adventure Snack, a newsletter that provides micro "choose your own path" adventures with much wilder premises than you'd expect.
If you want to keep an eye on Geoffrey Golden and what he's working on next, follow him on Twitter @geoffreygolden.