There are many different types of journeys in a game, but probably the most recognizable is the type of path that allows the group to go forth and do. Either they must piece together a mystery and go after the bad guy or they are on a collective quest to find the magic MacGuffin. It’s the actions that transform their character through experience points as opposed to internal conflict. They simply “level up.”

Leveling occurs along the journey and opponents become tougher and magical items more powerful. The cleric becomes more cleric-y, the wizard, wiser in the ways of magic, the rogue more stealthy, etc. Often, characters begin with the aptitudes for whatever role they want to play. But what of the supernatural creatures? The werewolf before he was bitten. The vampire when she was a mortal. The zombie prior to its inevitable search for braaaaaiiiinnnnsssss?

An article I read recently talks about this phenomena and, in my humble opinion, the title is fantastic. Do it Live! discusses ways to play through that transformative process and points to Scenes of the Embrace. My work was not the first product to be released for Vampire: the Requiem in this format. Scenes of Frenzy by Will Hindmarch was the first!

I really liked the fact that the writer talked about multiple types of characters, including superheroes, too. I feel the concept is a strong one and one that is definitely powerful because the quest is character-centric. The only challenge, as the writer aptly points out, is making sure that the other players have something to do in the story. After all, that puts the emphasis on “a” character at the table if not handled correctly. Still, why not play through tragic fall of an innocent mortal-turned-supervillain or a non-believer-turned-cultist?

One such experience I’ve had with this phenomenon is through the game All Flesh Must Be Eaten. In it, you can craft or play in any world you like, but you usually start out as a mortal fighting zombies! The game doesn’t end when you get bit, however, for you’ll find yourself on the other side of the fence. You get to play as a zombie. In that scenario, the process isn’t as extended as it might be from mild-mannered librarian turned SOOPER EBIL, but it’s still there and makes the game more powerful. You don’t die, after all, you become UNDEAD.

This topic of conversation reminds me of some games we playtested with the extraordinary Jason L Blair. His ideas on roles at the table are some of the best I’ve seen and experienced in a game. I can only hope to see more form him on that, because that concept is so strong it would make these explorations a lot of fun.

Mood: UN-sinkable
Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Um… *looks away*
Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Housework and a walk
Yesterday’s Projects: The Day JobTM
In My Ears: Dance for Life by Drew Seeley and Adam Hicks
Game Last Played: Battle Nations (I HAZ A BATTLE RAPTOR ZOMG!)
Movie Last Viewed: Ella Enchanted
Book Last Read: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Notebooks
Latest Artistic Project: Cross-stitch
Latest Release: Redwing’s Gambit for Bulldogs! the RPG