6 Rules to be a Great and Desired RPG Player

These six rules to become a great role-player that every GM will love are based on the five basic rules for improv - the art of impromptu, unscripted acting.

1) Don't Deny - Never turn away from an obvious attempt by an NPC to engage your character, especially if it is clearly an entree into an adventure. The GM has put a lot of work into his adventures and to deliberately deny an NPC is to disrespect that prep work.

2) Be decisive - When prompted for action, don't demur or wish wash - act! Don't wait for or ask other players to decide what your character should do. Any action, even a stupid one, is better than inaction. Fortune favors the bold, and a good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow.

3) You don't always have to be funny - Allow yourself to be immersed by the world your GM has created, take it as seriously as you would if it were real. It's certainly entertaining to be silly and funny, but it's also superficial and trivial. Allowing the drama of the adventure to envelope the session is even more engaging and fun, and does high respect to your GM and his prep work.

4) You can look good if you make your party look good - You don't always have to contend to be the center of attention to look good on stage. Just as often, supporting and backing up your party so they look good is a way to make yourself look good as well.

5) Role-play, don't narrate - Always roleplay your character's dialog and interactions, don't narrate them. For example, saying, "Jondyce tells the oracle about the party's encounter with the zombies..." falls flat compared to: "Oh mighty oracle, I shall relate to thee the tragic end of thy cleric in our fight against the foul undead! Upon entering the tomb, we..."

6) Tell a story - Remember that in the end a role playing session is really a collaborative story that everyone is telling together. Always keep in mind that you are helping to recite an epic ballad of mystical adventure and heroism. Use your imagination to contribute to the tale in the most colorful and entertaining way that you can.