NEWS: When GM Kenstrom starts out a post with “I am not mad, I am not annoyed, but I am disappointed.” It bears a lot of weight and is a definite must read. Yeah … it’s time for a reality check for where your roleplay goes, and how far it goes!
Text of Discord Post follows:
GM Kenstrom
Share Shovels, Don’t Throw Sand
on 13 March 2023 2:59 PM
from the Official GemStoneIV Discord Forums
in towns/Lies of Athalia Aricia Malwind CategoryI am not mad, I am not annoyed, but I am disappointed. We’re not even 3 events into Chap 2 and I’m already seeing people riled up. I will try to clarify a bit, maybe it’ll help, maybe not. But I will be clear on somethings. First and foremost, the stage is big enough for everyone. As a player I spent 10+ years hating old storylines and their inclusivity and it was very, very difficult for me to get involved or keep up. As a GM that became my personal mission to allow freedom and inclusion for all, except for those who purposely try to ruin people’s fun. Emphasis on purposely. People can disagree without intentions being malicious. To answer the “views” of the Landing population, it’s not so easy to do. The “townspeople” of Wehnimer’s are no doubt as fickle at times and changing as Americans. There can be trends, fads, feelings, and they can evolve. The “mindset” of the townspeople during Chaston’s war is likely to be way different than their mindset during times of peace. Nobody puts townspeople into a corner, haha. Or a box.
Which is why I never make big sweeping things like that, since the tide and feelings of “town” can change, as they should. But I do use my NPC’s and mood messaging to help give a true “pulse” at that moment in time. Thadston speaking for the people, is likely the best source. Amos speaking for the people, we all know his agenda is money, so he’s less true than someone like Thadston. Mother speaking for the people, even more sus. Most “town” people want peace, and freedom. They can be equally happy to welcome new neighbors, while still be sus of them. But none of that should keep Imperial PC’s from roleplaying how they want too, and none of that should keep Thorn PC’s from roleplaying how they want too. I am tired of opening Discord and seeing angry people on a weekly basis. Some will tell you it’s a storylines fault, and I’m sorry, but I strongly disagree. My style of storytelling has not changed in 10 years. I build moments of unity and victory, and I build moments of tension and conflict. Sometimes it bends further in one direction, but that’s designed sometimes to engage and create urgency. I have never in my 13 years of being a GameMaster seen so much vitriol, finger pointing, and arguments.
I don’t even know who to address, or how anymore. I look one day and XX is upset because of XX. I turn around and two days later now XX is upset because of XX and XX. The tragedy of it all is I am genuinely sorry people are frustrated. I want everyone to enjoy themselves, and I want everyone to behave in a manner that allows them access to a corner of the sandbox, without keeping anyone else out of the sand. Discord has allowed for a new measure of communication beyond anything the game had 10 years ago, but I think also some people take things way too personal and need to stop blurring lines. That’s not the storylines fault. That’s not my fault, that’s not Thandiwe’s fault. At the end of the day, sometimes we just need to acknowledge we own our actions, and our words, and we owe it to others to be kind and put our knives down.
If you are pro-Empire, you absolutely have the right to roleplay annoyance when anti-imperialists speak up or act out or throw around letters. But don’t take it personal when encountering opposite views. If someone is directly harassing you in private messages or in-game messages and not doing it in a public setting (characters arguing) then there are means to address that, and you should.
If you are anti-Empire, you absolutely have the right to roleplay fear and resistance against the imperial expansion and speak out against it. But don’t take it personal when encountering opposite views of those who support the Empire or disagree with your character. If someone is directly harassing you in private messages or in-game messages and not doing it in a public setting (characters arguing) then there are means to address that, and you should.
But what I will not tolerate, is sour attitudes and pointed insults that are pushing away players who actually aren’t taking things personally every other day and just looking to be involved and enjoy themselves. This message isn’t about anyone specific, because honestly like I said, I have no idea who to even talk too, or address. So yes, this message is general, and I know that’s not always a good approach, but I think this message should be heard by everyone, because our community as a whole benefits when we all get along, pursue enjoyment of ourselves and others, and help add to the story, not diminish it and peoples experience.
We all need to ask ourselves, what are we doing to harm or help the player community? Are you propelling your character without diminishing others? Good. Are you working to support other characters knowing we’re people behind them? Good. Are you taking time out of your day to bug or disparage others in private or public channels? Stop. Do you blur the lines between IC and OOC feelings? Stop.
This isn’t me mad, this isn’t me calling out anyone. Because we all have a responsibility to help foster a good player community. Ask not what your storyline can do for you, but what you can do for your storyline. Please, let’s all try to go forward with some measured grace and kindness. We’re all humans trying to have fun and develop our characters. It’s roleplay, not ruleplay. Our characters can vary, have opinions, have feelings, but let’s not take things personal or make things personal. Everyone is welcome in the sandbox. Build your own castle. Share a shovel. Just don’t throw sand. I love you all.
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