Person You'd Like to Game With (#RPGaDay2024.30)
Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is “Person you'd like to game with,” and I can’t help but imagine one of the most famous gatherings of literary minds in history: the summer of 1816 at Villa Diodati. Picture this: Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft (soon to be Mary Shelley), and Dr. John Polidori, all gathered around a table—not to share ghost stories, but to dive into a roleplaying game. If you think their real-life discussions were intense, just imagine the kind of campaign these creative powerhouses could conjure up.
Let’s set the scene. The year is 1816, and Europe is experiencing the “Year Without a Summer.” Crops are failing, the weather is unpredictable, and there’s a general sense of doom and gloom hanging in the air. So what do our literary giants do? Naturally, they retreat to a luxurious villa on the shores of Lake Geneva to brood, write, and compete to see who can come up with the most terrifying ghost story. But what if, instead of simply telling tales, they decided to channel that creative energy into a roleplaying game? The stories that came out of that retreat—Frankenstein and The Vampyre—are already legendary. But what if they had a character journal in front of them and a set of dice to roll?
First, we have Lord Byron, the quintessential romantic and master of drama. His character would undoubtedly be brooding, charismatic, and prone to making grand, tragic speeches. He’d probably play some kind of fallen noble or cursed poet, with a tragic backstory that rivals even his own. But let’s be honest, Byron wouldn’t be content to simply play his character. He’d be the one constantly pushing the boundaries of the game, trying to charm every supporting character, and challenging the storyteller at every turn. He might even try to take over the story, turning every session into a melodramatic exploration of his character’s tortured soul.
Then there’s Percy Bysshe Shelley, the idealist and philosopher. Shelley’s character would likely be an intellectual, someone driven by lofty ideals and a desire to change the world. Picture a wizard or scholar, someone who spends more time in dusty libraries than on the battlefield. Shelley’s role would be less about combat and more about solving puzzles, uncovering ancient knowledge, and debating the ethics of their actions. He’d be the one trying to reason with the villain instead of just fighting them, or suggesting they overthrow the local government in favor of a more just society.
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, on the other hand, would bring a sharp mind and a deep understanding of humanity to the table. As the creator of Frankenstein, it’s easy to imagine her playing a character who grapples with the consequences of their actions, perhaps a scientist or inventor who’s created something they can no longer control. Mary’s role would likely explore themes of responsibility, creation, and the nature of life itself. Her character might struggle with the moral implications of their work, facing the very monsters they’ve created. And given her ability to craft a narrative that has resonated for centuries, you can bet she’d bring that same level of depth and emotion to her roleplaying.
And then there’s Dr. John Polidori, the man behind The Vampyre and often overshadowed by his more famous companions. Polidori would probably choose a character that’s a bit darker, perhaps a rogue or a mysterious figure with a hidden past. He’d bring a gothic edge to the game, with an interest in the macabre and the supernatural. His character might be the one with secrets, the one who’s always one step ahead, or perhaps the one who’s hiding a dark curse. Polidori’s involvement would likely add tension and intrigue, keeping the other players on their toes and adding layers of mystery to the story.
But beyond the characters they’d create, imagine the dynamic at the table. You’ve got four incredibly strong personalities, each with their own ideas and styles of storytelling. Byron would be pushing the envelope, Shelley would be philosophizing, Mary would be crafting intricate narratives, and Polidori would be adding elements of horror. It wouldn’t just be a game—it would be a battle of wits, a creative collaboration where every session could result in something legendary.
Of course, with such a group, the roleplaying sessions might take a few wild turns. Perhaps Byron would get frustrated with the rules and start making up his own. Shelley might propose a completely new campaign mid-session, inspired by some philosophical debate. Mary might take over as the storyteller and lead them through a gothic horror story that leaves everyone questioning the nature of existence. And Polidori? He’d be there in the background, quietly steering the game into darker, more mysterious territories.
In the end, playing a roleplaying game with Byron, Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and Polidori would be less about the game itself and more about the experience. The creativity, the intensity, and the sheer genius at the table would make for an unforgettable campaign—one that would probably be talked about for centuries, just like the stories they actually created during that fateful summer.
So, when I think of the person I’d like to game with, it’s not just one person—it’s this entire legendary group. Because sometimes, the best stories are the ones we create together, and who better to do that with than some of the greatest storytellers in history?
