First published 2024
Game masters face a weekly challenge that would daunt any actor: creating and performing dozens of distinct characters while managing everything else at the table. Clint McElroy tackles this theatrical demand head-on, offering concrete methods for developing memorable non-player characters with distinct personalities, quirks, and emotional depth. The book addresses practical concerns like getting inside villain psychology, building character arcs that serve the story, and using roleplay to advance narrative goals. Contributors including Michael E. Shea, Keith Ammann, Shanna Germain, Luke Gygax, Ginny Di, B. Dave Walters, and Bob World Builder share field-tested techniques for theatrical game mastering and creating genuine character connections during play. The guide transforms the overwhelming task of managing multiple personalities into an organized craft with over 100 pages of actionable advice.
Genres: fantasy, non-fiction, gaming, guides
Vibes: instructional, practical, thought-provoking
Tropes: advice, how-to
120 pages · Paperback · Kobold Press