I can’t overstate how well weekly short (2-hour) sessions are working for us. And the virtual tabletop. Everyone is tired after work, especially me, and the idea of going BACK out into the world after work is totally implausible. Well, maybe not totally, but it is an impediment. I don’t think we’d have such good attendance in-person. The ability to sit down after dinner, log in, and play for a couple of hours is great.
I introduced the NPC Jinx a couple of games back. I think Jinx is a great example of how Traveller gives you plenty to work with, without having long character sheets full of stuff. The character’s stats are, in words, small and not that strong, good dexterity and endurance, high intelligence, low education and low social status. 4 skills, all at level 1. A belt pouch with some stuff in it, possibly a dagger in his boot, no armor. Because he is clearly inspired by a young Flinx, from the Alan Dean Foster novels, he has a very low level psi talent that he really doesn’t understand and can’t control.
It is easy for me to get into character as Jinx, as I’m currently about 40% through the Pip and Flinx novels. Even without the psi talent he’d be a good NPC. It has driven home the point that good NPCs are perhaps the most enriching thing in an RPG session, and that Classic Traveller gives you what you need.
The players on our campaign are doing things “not on their character record sheets.” By that, I mean they are taking actions that are impactful in the game, clever, and fun, often without resorting to their skills. It’s really great to see.
I have some other ideas to write about, but it is 7:11am and I’ve gotta get ready for work. More later.
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