5 Reasons Why You Should Dive Into Tabletop RPG Games
This post is all about 5 reasons why you should play Tabletop RPG Games.
What are tabletop RPG games, and why should you play them?
If someone were to ask me why they should play tabletop rpg games, this would be my reply:
Because I can tell you a story that can make you cry, shout for joy, or keep you on the edge of your seat as you wait for the roll of the dice to decide your fate.
I can introduce you to a world full of beauty, danger, life, and death. You will learn to either love or hate me depending on the characters that I play.
Finally, no matter what choices you make in the game, you will craft a tale that you will never forget for the rest of your life.
This and many more reasons are why you should play.
Tabletop RPGs, or role-playing games, are games where players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting, guided by a game master (GM). Through these games, players collectively tell a story, make choices, and experience adventures together.
Now, while I wait for my cloak and hair to stop billowing in the wind I think it's time to more seriously discuss why you should play a game like Dungeons and Dragons, Pathfinder, or RuneQuest.
All of the reasons above are a great part of these game systems, but there are many other more practical motives to want to play as well. Here are 5 less dramatic reasons to play tabletop rpg games.
1. Be Whoever You Want to Be.
Have you ever wanted to be someone else, at least for a little bit? Or how about being a different species, like a dwarf, elf, halfling, or even a gnome?
Best of all, have you ever wanted to be a total jerk or a thief without the real-world consequences? Well, in tabletop rpg games you can do all of this and more!
One fantastic perk of roleplaying is that you can literally be whoever you want to be, and act however you want to. However, that doesn’t mean there aren't consequences. If you choose to be a jerk to the various characters in the fantasy world, then you will likely not make very many friends or allies. Which would kind of suck in your hour of need.
Also if you choose to steal there is a chance that you might get caught and sent to prison or the stocks. But on the other hand, you might get away with it and then own a new shiny object.
However, you may not have the desire to do either of those things, and that's ok too.
The decisions you make in a tabletop rpg should all depend on your character and their personality.
Creating a custom character is one of the first things that you do in the game, and they will act as your avatar when interacting with the game world.
Each player needs to decide their character's personality, their goals, and have a general idea of how their character would act in each situation.
One justification that you will hear a lot from other players when they make decisions is that they did what their “character would do.”
This means that even though that person would never, for example, attempt to pickpocket a rich lady in the market square, their character would.
Being true to one's character can be one of the most exciting parts of tabletop rpg games, and often leads to some of the most intense or hilarious moments in the game.
2. Bonding with Family and Friends
I mentioned in a previous post that playing tabletop rpg games is like watching a movie or reading a book, but instead of watching or reading about the main character, the main character is you.
This is absolutely true. When you play a tabletop rpg you can go on an epic adventure fighting monsters, talk with characters, and make choices that can affect the game world. You are in control.
However, in most cases this type of game is not a solo experience, and to get the most out of it you need to play with other people Once you have a group you play with, the game evolves once more, and instead of the story being just about you, you get to share that story with your family and friends.
Being able to go on an epic journey full of adventure and danger with your loved ones is one of the best parts of a tabletop game, and it's an experience for all ages.
No one is too old to play a tabletop rpg, and I know this from experience.
I have only just recently introduced our tabletop game to my family.
Both my mom and dad are both over sixty and have had no interest in video games, fantasy, or anything like it in the past.
And here I am bright-eyed and innocent, ready to take my family on an epic adventure.
From an outside perspective, there is no way that this group of people would enjoy gathering around a table to play pretend. Well, that's where you would be wrong!
They love it. My parents talk about it all the time, and they often strategize on what to do next in between sessions.
My wife has been a harder nut to crack, but it has been an absolute joy to see her get excited and light up at what is happening in the game.
I will never forget the stories that we have crafted together, and it has honestly been one of the best things I have ever done with my family.
3. Feel Like the Hero We All Need
Everyone needs to feel like a hero every once in a while. Some people may experience that feeling often depending on their career, while others may rarely experience it.
Feeling like a hero means feeling like you made a difference, and that you did something no one else could do. It reminds us that some things are bigger than ourselves, but at the same time makes us feel important.
We all long for that feeling, especially if our lives have grown repetitive and mundane.
A tabletop rpg is one way to break the mold and feel that special feeling.
When you play, you are living in a fantasy world where threats big and small seek to destroy civilization as you know it, and you can choose whether or not to face those threats.
If you choose to fight, you might win and you might lose.
If you lose, then hopefully you will live long enough to train and try again.
However, if you win then you get to have the satisfaction of saving someone's life or maybe saving an innocent and defenseless town from a terrible fate.
There are very few feelings quite like questing for months on end, attempting to put a stop to a villain's dastardly plans, and finally dealing the final blow to save the world from destruction.
We all need to feel important and feel the things we do matter, and if that feeling doesn't come often in real life, then maybe you should give a tabletop rpg a try.
4. Rediscover the Power of Imagination
Imagination. Something that is cherished and encouraged for children, but by the time you become an adult it becomes a dirty word.
For some reason, imagination is frowned upon in adulthood, and you are considered an immature adult if you use your imagination and creativity.
And yet in the same breath, we praise entrepreneurs who have obviously used their imagination to think outside the box to become successful.
Apparently, some types of imagination are approved of while others are not.
One of my main goals with Paladin’s Plight is to fight the stigma of imagination and creativity.
So many people who play tabletop rpg games feel like they need to hide their hobbies from coworkers, friends, and family, for fear of being judged.
From an outward perspective, anyone who plays these types of games must be unemployed, socially impaired, and not adding anything significant to society.
That isn’t right. Everyone should have the right and ability to freely and creatively express themselves without fear of judgment from fellow adults.
Playing a tabletop game is the perfect way to exercise your imagination and express your creativity, and I urge you to never be afraid of doing so.
You get to create a unique character and play in a beautiful fantasy world where your choices matter.
This is the type of imagination that we need more of in the world, not less, and it doesn’t make you immature or any less of an adult to love it.
5. It's Fun!
One of the most obvious reasons to play tabletop rpg games is because it's fun. Which is pretty cut and dry.
When you roleplay and use your imagination you can see and do things that would be impossible in real life. Through these games, you can create unforgettable experiences that you will remember and talk about for years to come
Ready to start your own adventure? Explore more tips on our blog or check out our RPG-themed products to craft your epic story today.
This post is all about 5 reasons why you should play tabletop RPG Games.