Co GM Roles
Jun 8, 2017 22:51:47 GMT -8
Post by Deleted on Jun 8, 2017 22:51:47 GMT -8
We've all heard of the the Co GM who is the adversary (runs all the combats), but what are some other roles a Co-GM can take on? I had a few ideas.
If an rpg is a production, then a co-gm could easilly take on the role of stage manager or art director. You tell me about the NPC's, I find art or pictures to bring to the table. While the normal GM runs the game, I manage the music and lights. I might also take notes during the session. In a way, you are the wearer of hats that distract the main GM from running the game. One of the cool parts of this kind of situation is that the Co GM can be a player. This works best in an online game where the tools exist for a quick image or music search, but has applications for people around actual tables as well.
It's a role I've performed from time to time, putting in the behind the scenes work to make the game pop. This is especially great for the player who isn't always involved with the game, and is fine with that. "My Librarian gets left back at base while you all go monster hunting? No biggy, that gives me some time to dedicate to the running of the soundboard and finding pictures for the NPC's in the last few scenes."
For me, I think this is my favorite form of gaming. I get to play in the game while still feeling like I am a contributing part of the table. I don't just show up and bring myself. I've grappled with the guilt of being only a player, then I've grappled with being apathetic about running as a solo GM. To me, this removes both of those problems.
So what hats have you worn when you co-GM'd? Has anyone else taken on a 'part-time' GM role (which is what I'm calling when you do some GM duties as a player)?
If an rpg is a production, then a co-gm could easilly take on the role of stage manager or art director. You tell me about the NPC's, I find art or pictures to bring to the table. While the normal GM runs the game, I manage the music and lights. I might also take notes during the session. In a way, you are the wearer of hats that distract the main GM from running the game. One of the cool parts of this kind of situation is that the Co GM can be a player. This works best in an online game where the tools exist for a quick image or music search, but has applications for people around actual tables as well.
It's a role I've performed from time to time, putting in the behind the scenes work to make the game pop. This is especially great for the player who isn't always involved with the game, and is fine with that. "My Librarian gets left back at base while you all go monster hunting? No biggy, that gives me some time to dedicate to the running of the soundboard and finding pictures for the NPC's in the last few scenes."
For me, I think this is my favorite form of gaming. I get to play in the game while still feeling like I am a contributing part of the table. I don't just show up and bring myself. I've grappled with the guilt of being only a player, then I've grappled with being apathetic about running as a solo GM. To me, this removes both of those problems.
So what hats have you worn when you co-GM'd? Has anyone else taken on a 'part-time' GM role (which is what I'm calling when you do some GM duties as a player)?