If you start out to play Abyssal, it tends to be a bit overwhelming. It's less about the written rules and more about the unwritten nuances. There are all those questions about the inner workings of the Universe, how people interact, what information is available, and millions of other questions that arise during gameplay and can really bog down the experience. A manuscript like this cannot possibly address all these questions. Therefore, let's establish a few assumptions about the characters in Abyssal and the role of the Suit.
The Goal of the Game
Foremost, the goal of the game is to have fun together as a group. It's crucial that everyone enjoy the gameplay within a dark, unforgiving sci-fi horror setting, a world where doom and despair may befall the characters created by the players. There will be triumph, too. But perhaps not for every character.
How should the Suit go about leading the game? The Suit is responsible for crafting the players' experience. In this capacity, he has much influence on the overall experience of the game, so there are some hints to make it a bit easier.
Supporting Player Creativity
The foundation of it all is to be a supporter of the players. If they have good ideas, go with them. If something they want to do does not fit in your story, do not say no; guide them to the alternatives. If they fail, do not set up a roadblock. Try to give them alternatives to keep the story flowing and listen to their decision making.
Decision-Making and Consistency
To keep it all consistent, explain your decisions in a few words. During a game session, the Suit is the final arbiter of what is possible. Try to keep discussions out of actual gameplay. Clear it up after the session ends or between sessions.
Adapting to Player Choices
Do not fear to deviate from the plot you prepared for the session. Sometimes, listening to the players, things, and plans come up that are extremely cool and fitting. There is no harm in going with the flow; wing it. Encourage improvisation and be prepared to alter your plans to accommodate the evolving narrative. This approach will make each session unique and exciting.
Balancing Challenges
Balance the difficulty of your obstacles. Gauge your players’ abilities and adjust challenges accordingly. Offer hints or modify scenarios if they become too difficult, but also be ready to ramp up the challenge if players are breezing through. The key is to keep players engaged and feeling competent without overwhelming them.
Handling Game Knowledge and Realism
Keep in mind that this game is about corporations, espionage, and the occult. This is something most of us will have no experience with. We cannot even tell how a mobile phone works, let alone how a stellar projector works. We have to go with the intent of the players; the characters will have the knowledge of how to do it. The characters are trained professionals in the end. A better approach is to ask players about their goals for their characters, and then the Suit can determine the applicable rules.
Character Integration and Development
Aim to integrate the characters into your storyline while allowing room for their evolution. Encourage the players to explore their characters’ motivations and desires, and incorporate these elements into the storyline. When guiding players, offer choices rather than directives, allowing them to shape their path within the framework you provide.
Respecting Player Sensitivities
Another important thing to consider is respect for all the players. Sometimes Abyssal may touch on themes not everyone is comfortable with. Try to discuss this before your journey starts, so everyone can enjoy the plot you come up with and feel safe. Consider discussing this individually with players, as some may hesitate to speak in front of the group. Another way would be anonymous votes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Suit’s role in Abyssal is multifaceted and requires a blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking. By following these practical strategies, The Suit can create a game that is not only enjoyable and challenging, but also a memorable journey for all involved.
Comments