#RPGaDAY2025 DAY 23: RECENT
This is the twenty-third day of #RPGaDAY2025 and today the prompt is recent. In our most recent prompt response, we looked at the word ally and examined it in terms of the villainous villains with their vile villainy, while also taking the time to praise the participants of this event who have been taking the time not just to compose their own responses, but share those of others, too. As we close in on the last week of RPGaDAY for 2025, I think that is worth pointing out at least twice.
Day 23: Recent
When getting ready to start a new “adventure” or what you hope might become a campaign, I find there comes a point where it is hard to think about anything other than the opening moments. What descriptions, context, actions, reactions, and interactions will serve as the push-off point for the leap into play?
Recognizing that narrowing of focus lets us, if we can control ourselves and the enthusiastic anticipation of launching a new game with friends, take a step back to enjoy recognizing what has to have happened in the days leading up to whatever that “official” first moment of play is in a deeper, more realized way.
It’s one thing to say that “Great Scott! There has been a murder!” and thrill to the players stepping into their characters to lead the way to apprehend the villain, and it’s entirely another thing to inhabit the life of the victim for an imaginary day or two.
Where do they go? Who do they avoid? Who do they speak with? Who gets a smile and who gets ignored? What have they been reading, and why that book? Which parts of their living spaces are a mess and which are neat? Is this a normal state for the place or would they, in death, be mortified that the arrival of police reveals the kitchen sink is full of dishes?
What has lead up to that first moment of play?
What mood grips the city? What has the weather been like? What weekend event are people looking forward to?
What makes the elements of now, what they are?
Oh, and are there formless spawn in the subway tunnels….?
See you tomorrow for Day 24: Reveal
Casting Shadows 