This document discusses the history and types of role-playing games (RPGs) and their potential benefits for libraries. It outlines how RPGs work, different styles of gameplay, and tips for running RPG sessions in libraries, including choosing a game system, assembling a group, and providing support for new players. Specific RPG titles are recommended for beginners and different genres. Online and print resources for finding more information are also listed.

1. Dragons in the Stacks Fantasy Role Playing Games in Libraries Cason Snow 3 NOV 2008 ALA TechSource Gaming, Learning, and Libraries Symposium

2. What are RPGs? According to the OED, an RPG is: “ a game in which players take on the roles of imaginary characters who engage in adventures, typically in a particular fantasy setting overseen by a referee.” Two main components System Setting

3. Birth of RPGs 1970s Braunstein Blackmoor Chainmail Dungeons and Dragons

4. Good Old Days 1980s Profusion of games and settings Emphasis on simulationism “ Real life” Genre

5. The Dark Times 1990s Emergence of “storytelling” games Vampire: The Masquerade (1991) Emphasis on narrativism

6. Indie Revolution 2000s Emergence of the “indie” game movement Design and publication of games by individuals, not corporations. Codification of GNS theory Games strongly divided between gameism and narrativism. Division spurred by GNS theory.

7. GNS Theory First proposed by Ron Edwards (2001) Developed out of the Threefold Model Main point of GNS is that the game system does matter to the success of the RPG.

8. GNS Theory Gameism Competition among players with victory conditions that influence gameplay Example game: Rune RPG

9. GNS Theory Narrativism Creation of a story with a recognizable theme, players are “co-authors” Example game: HeroQuest

10. GNS Theory Simulationism Exploration the main focus of play, seeks to create an internally consistent world Example game: Riddle of Steel

11. Why play RPGs in libraries? Personal reasons Improve literacy Improve math skills Improve interpersonal communications Improve leadership skills Improve cooperative problem solving skills Face to face social interaction

12. Why play RPGs in libraries? Library reasons Popular program Clovis Regional Library Has 30 regular attendees Increase circulation Highlight certain parts of the collection

13. How to learn an RPG Apprenticeship Join an existing group Can be difficult to find May not be playing the game you want to learn “ Academically” Read rules and become familiar before playing Having experienced players in group can help and hinder If everyone is new then they will all learn together

14. Running a game First pick an RPG the appeals to you (the GM) System Setting Find a location to run the game Local library ;)

15. Running a game Assemble a group Publicity In the library In the community In local gaming stores Social networking websites Nearbygamers.com Corporate websites White Wolf RPGA Facebook MySpace

16. Running a game Create characters Most core rules have templates or even pre-generated characters to speed initial play. Usually will take the first two sessions. Helpful to have multiple copies of the rulebook.

17. Running a game Play! Many games include a short introductory adventure. Get feedback, encourage involvement Use a campaign wiki or blog Important for players to have sense of ownership in world.

18. Running a game Two major campaign styles Linear style Characterized by a group of adventures run consecutively Emphasis on storyline Less time to set up and run Average group size is six Sandbox style Characterized by open setting Emphasis on exploration More time consuming to set up Accommodate more players

19. Suggested Games Standard fantasy Dungeons and Dragons, 4 th edition Has a very strong program to support organized play in libraries RPGA Wizards Play Network Exalted, 2 nd edition Burning Wheel, Revised Edition

20. Suggested Games Other fantasy options World of Darkness Mage: The Awakening Changeling: the Lost Sorcerer Game of Thrones Riddle of Steel Big Eyes, Small Mouth Dreaming Cities

21. Where do you get RPGs? FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store) Directly from companies Online retailers

22. Online resources News Gaming company websites Gamingreport.com Advice, ideas, discussion Rpg.net Enworld.org Roleplayingtips.com Indie- rpgs.com

23. Print Resources Dragons in the Stacks: an introduction to role-plating games and their value to libraries . Collection Building, vol.27, no.2 2008.

24. Contact Information Cason Snow [email_address] Phone: 815-753-1192

25. GO PLAY