What is a collaborative TTPRG check-in, and why is it important? These check-ins are when players together, or a GM and a player, take time to talk about the game they are playing. It’s a great opportunity to brainstorm ideas for the story ahead, as well as talk about character development.
We’ve employed these TTPRG check-ins throughout our nearly eight years of playing. We did it when we had a very large group at the table, and we do it even more now with just the two of us.
These can be formal, sit-down occasions with note taking. Or they can be more informal text messages whenever you’re free. It depends on the schedule of the people involved, and how much you want to cover.
These check-ins are so important for the game to be what everyone wants it to be. For everyone to have fun at the table. And to tell a mutual story together.
Here is what we recommend discussing during your check-ins:
- Character Development – This is a very broad topic. But you should talk about what you want the future to look like for your character. This can evolve as the game carries on, and the plot affects your character. It’s great to talk about where their mind is at, what they are feeling right now, and what you’d like to explore with them next.
- Character Backstories – You can touch base about how to involve your character backstory in the next section of the campaign in either a major or minor way. This gives your character agency and motivation to go on quests.
- Battles – You can talk about enemies you’d like to fight and interesting encounters you’d like to have. Combining ideas helps battles not to feel repetitive and gives everyone their dream fight. A giant anaconda in a swamp? Battling a yeti while escaping an avalanche? A pirate ship battle? All of it is possible if you share your ideas!
- The Overall Plot – Obviously this depends on how much players and GMs are involved together in the story. Some players want to know nothing and be completely surprised. Other times they like to collaborate with the GM on what they’d like to see. Be respectful of everyone’s ideas. A player who is so invested in the story they want to brainstorm, and a GM who wants to surprise players so much they keep secrets, are not bad things. They are good things. And they can work together to both get what they want.
Passion for the story you are telling together is a wonderful thing to have. That’s why sharing ideas collaboratively is good for everyone. Just remember to be respectful of what the GM or other players also have in mind. We can assure you, there’s room for everyone’s ideas at the table.