22nd Jun 2021, 6:00 AM in Magical Mystery Cure
Honestly, it can feel difficult. Stopping the flow, putting the onus on your players to make a decision and take responsibility for the table when they might not be prepared for that, facing the possibility you'll have to reverse and improvise a different path… It doesn't come easily or naturally when you're coming in with no heads-up or practice or resources. That's why there's so much emphasis lately on making group dialogue and consent checks a regular habit, because it takes time and practice and more than a little stumbling at first.
Anyway, Spudventures is back from its hiatus! And so is our D&D 5e campaign, The Forgotten Ones!
Session 29 — The Return: Podcast | Video
Transcript:
Rainbow Dash: Ugh, fine. Just tell us who we all got switched with.
DM: Uh… Well… Hmm. This might be a good moment for a quick time-out.
Rainbow Dash: Wha?
DM: Is everyone okay with this twist? Obviously, I really like these kinds of gimmicks. Ones that challenge you on a roleplaying level and highlight contrasts between your characters. But… we've seen how these can be really harrowing as well. So, if this is actually way too annoying or unpleasant to go through, please tell me. You're not going to ruin my plans; I can go with a backup that's much less mind-screwy.
Rainbow Dash: Well, um… I wasn't really mad like that. I'm cool with this happening out-of-character.
DM: You sure?
Rainbow Dash: I… kinda like getting mad at this sorta thing. I dunno. Like, I wanna get pumped up to figure it out and beat it. That's kinda what I'm here for. Sorry if that's kinda confusing.
DM: I think I get it. Somewhat.
Fluttershy: Do we… realize it's happening? Are we compelled to act a certain way?
DM: What would you prefer?
Fluttershy: Um, I'd prefer that we are aware, and, well, not under any severe mind control.
DM: Done and done.
Fluttershy: Thanks.
Applejack: Ah mean, heck, we basically asked for it, you gave us plenty of warnin', and it's temporary. Ah'm cool with this.
Rarity: You know very well I share that love of challenges that expose deep character. To a fault, perhaps. What's more important is that the rest of the group is okay with it, and it sounds like we are.
Pinkie Pie: Crazy things are happening? *Sign me up!*
Twilight Sparkle: Um… I'm actually kind of uncomfortable with this idea. For me personally, I mean. I don't know… Is it alright if I'm… not cursed to swap Cutie Marks and character sheets?
DM: Is everyone else alright with that?
Rainbow Dash: Fine by me.
Pinkie Pie: Go for it!
Rarity: Of course, darling!
Applejack: Might be good to have a control anyway.
Fluttershy: I'm also kind of unsure… but I'll stick with it.
DM: Okay, thanks for letting me know. Phew, this communication thing is *tough!*