August 05, 2003
WISH 58: Metaplot
What do you think of metaplots (plots developed in the rules and supplements published by the game company)? Are they good, bad, or indifferent? Have you played in a game with a metaplot? What was your experience?
The timing is rather good, plans are underway for an online game of Babylon 5 using Open RPG. I don't know if I'll be playing yet, it depends on timings.
I haven't played in a game with a metaplot before, so this will be something of a new experience for me. Lack of experience isn't going to stop me thinking about it though...
Babylon 5 has a well established plot, and RPGs running in the B5 universe concurrent with the TV series have to make a decision between keeping the existing plot or going their own way.
Babylon 5 is a little different from some other systems with a metaplot, the story is already mapped out and events years down the road can be known to the players in advance. This can make things a little tricky as players can predict what is going to happen. ("Lets place bets on how long it takes for the Narn and Centauri to go to war again.") A canny GM could deviate from the plot to throw a few surprises their way though.
There are two things that are likely to lead to characters causing the plot to depart from the established path. The first is close contact between the characters and the people and places established by the series. ("Whoops, I just killed Londo.") Thankfully, this isn't too difficult to guard against. The other danger to canon is when player characters become too powerful; when characters have enough power to shake the foundations of the universe, expect the galaxy to vibrate.
This topic also brings to mind the question: "Should the GM allow the plot to deviate from canon?" If he doesn't, there is the risk that players will feel too constrained, but if he does he could face the wrath of the Canoninity Guardian, a foe more dangerous then the dreaded Rules Lawyers.
BTW: First Post!
Posted by at 09:26 PM. You can comment on this entry.
