Haha I love the title! One of my friends i play with is a chaos goblin to a T, always escalating to the most extreme option. I have to ask his reasoning all the time, and you're right i usually find it's some misunderstanding or they think it would be fun
Really good points! My favourite TTRPG experience is with a table that embraces the chaos and the absurd for a hilarious, improv heavy experience at the cost of a safe, calculated and risk-free adventure. Players of games with high risk often fall into 'optimising the fun out of the game' where they favour whatever approach which minimises that risk, which may often be what is the least engaging (think going through a dungeon incredibly slowly, asking the gm if they spot any traps at each step). Not a problem if the table wants to make the most out of the game's mechanics, or are looking for a challenge, but some players, especially newer ones, just want to make a character with a goofy voice that falls face first into fun predicaments. Super valid as well! One thing I would add to help manage the tone of each player is to ask everyone before the first game what they are looking to get from this campaign. Are you looking to have a light hearted laugh with your friends and generate chaotic situations you have to get out of by the skin of your teeth? Or is there a build you've been planning and want to battle test? (these aren't mutually exclusive, but you see what i mean :D) From there you can negotiate a middle ground for everyone to play in, and those chaos boundaries can be understood by all involved! (side note: I am a fan of the phrase 'Talk to your Goblin'. I am imagining a therapy session where a little green fellow is bounding up and down on the Chaise Lounge :3)
Super valid points! I think things like this are very case-by-case when it comes to different groups. My point (whether I made it or not, you be the judge) is to meet in the middle when it comes to players who adore the absurd chaos and GMs who are trying to tell a story. That being said, I think you're right that groups need to discuss this way in advance before a game can begin.
Haha I love the title! One of my friends i play with is a chaos goblin to a T, always escalating to the most extreme option. I have to ask his reasoning all the time, and you're right i usually find it's some misunderstanding or they think it would be fun
Really good points!
My favourite TTRPG experience is with a table that embraces the chaos and the absurd for a hilarious, improv heavy experience at the cost of a safe, calculated and risk-free adventure.
Players of games with high risk often fall into 'optimising the fun out of the game' where they favour whatever approach which minimises that risk, which may often be what is the least engaging (think going through a dungeon incredibly slowly, asking the gm if they spot any traps at each step). Not a problem if the table wants to make the most out of the game's mechanics, or are looking for a challenge, but some players, especially newer ones, just want to make a character with a goofy voice that falls face first into fun predicaments. Super valid as well!
One thing I would add to help manage the tone of each player is to ask everyone before the first game what they are looking to get from this campaign. Are you looking to have a light hearted laugh with your friends and generate chaotic situations you have to get out of by the skin of your teeth? Or is there a build you've been planning and want to battle test? (these aren't mutually exclusive, but you see what i mean :D) From there you can negotiate a middle ground for everyone to play in, and those chaos boundaries can be understood by all involved!
(side note: I am a fan of the phrase 'Talk to your Goblin'. I am imagining a therapy session where a little green fellow is bounding up and down on the Chaise Lounge :3)
Super valid points!
I think things like this are very case-by-case when it comes to different groups. My point (whether I made it or not, you be the judge) is to meet in the middle when it comes to players who adore the absurd chaos and GMs who are trying to tell a story.
That being said, I think you're right that groups need to discuss this way in advance before a game can begin.