I love how the path to Carlos’ confidence runs *through* role-play. That is so f’n relevant to me that this strip is as sobering as it is entertaining.
Grey sleeve. I’d guess either Sam or Brett, since they were both wearing grey under their jackets last time we saw them on the way to the game.
Since Sam doesn’t seem like the most socially-adept person ever, it’s possible he went through a similar confidence crisis the first time he sat in the infamous “GM Seat Of Power” (said in a deep echoing demonic voice) and would know how to handle it now. So likely to be him passing on some wisdom here 🙂
Yeah, maybe I just have more experience of one of the GMs in a game I’m playing in, who seems to enjoy throwing challenges at us a little TOO much (often complete with evil chuckles), hehe 😉
Never, ever downplay your abilities. When you walk in and say, “Don’t expect much,” people won’t respond in the way you want them to when you kick ass. Good on Sam for giving him that pep talk.
My reminder to myself is “it’s a fantastical world where the most powerful humanoid* in existence is a man whose power is to bake cakes. It doesn’t have to make sense.” I don’t think I could’ve gotten as far as I have if I had tried to run a campaign with established lore and a reasonably sensible plot. I decided the macguffin is a cake of ultimate power, and I ran with it.
* – possibly most powerful being, I just haven’t decided yet.
Hey, complete aside, but I just saw a review of the card Kaiju Inc. Recognized the art immediately. It was well received and the art style was specifically mentioned as excellent. Congrats, Brian.
Reminds me of a short blog post by The Bloggess called “Just Pretend You’re Good At It”. It’s in her hilarious book Furiously Happy – all about coping with mental illness and life in general. Anyway, “Just Pretend…” is the advice that Neil Gaiman gave her when she was failing at reading her own book out loud for the audio version. She eventually got it tattooed on her arm where she could look at it when she needed help.
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!["Wow this one is a talking head comic, huh Brian? And let's talk about how you draw [fill in the blank]"](https://d20monkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/20170524.jpg "\"Wow this one is a talking head comic, huh Brian? And let's talk about how you draw [fill in the blank]\"")
HOVER-TEXT: “Wow this one is a talking head comic, huh Brian? And let’s talk about how you draw [fill in the blank]”
~Please Don’t Poop Here~
Let’s talk about how you draw Carlos because I think it’s great.
I think it helps to ramp up the emotion like any good close up.
I love how the path to Carlos’ confidence runs *through* role-play. That is so f’n relevant to me that this strip is as sobering as it is entertaining.
100% agreed- you caught this perfectly Brian!
Huh, never thought about it that way. Good Guy Sam and his A1 advice.
I roleplay as various adults all the time. It’s extremely useful.
Likewise.
That’s actually the Secret of Adulthood.
Fake it till you make it. And fake it after you make it too.
Yeah ive been there and just focusing on telling the story and having fun was how I was able to work through my nerves.
I’m assuming it’s Sam handing him the note? Or at the very least, Sam’s note?
Grey sleeve. I’d guess either Sam or Brett, since they were both wearing grey under their jackets last time we saw them on the way to the game.
Since Sam doesn’t seem like the most socially-adept person ever, it’s possible he went through a similar confidence crisis the first time he sat in the infamous “GM Seat Of Power” (said in a deep echoing demonic voice) and would know how to handle it now. So likely to be him passing on some wisdom here 🙂
that’s deep echoing nacient game master voice
Yeah, maybe I just have more experience of one of the GMs in a game I’m playing in, who seems to enjoy throwing challenges at us a little TOO much (often complete with evil chuckles), hehe 😉
Roleplaying greatly improved my RL bluff skill (aka “lying”) ^^
Never, ever downplay your abilities. When you walk in and say, “Don’t expect much,” people won’t respond in the way you want them to when you kick ass. Good on Sam for giving him that pep talk.
I love Carlos. My friend is writing a paper right now on tabletop RPGs as therapy for kids with social anxiety. His argument is basically this comic.
Woo! Karthun in the house! Great work Brian!
And Tracy!
Good luck, Kiddo!
This is going to be great! I have faith in you Carlos!
My reminder to myself is “it’s a fantastical world where the most powerful humanoid* in existence is a man whose power is to bake cakes. It doesn’t have to make sense.” I don’t think I could’ve gotten as far as I have if I had tried to run a campaign with established lore and a reasonably sensible plot. I decided the macguffin is a cake of ultimate power, and I ran with it.
* – possibly most powerful being, I just haven’t decided yet.
I’m still hoping for Paranoia.
Good call
That’s it, Carlos. Find your centre.
Well done, sir! It’s good advice to anyone, probably, but especially useful for Carlos.
He’s going to be a great GM. 🙂
That was brilliant!
My half-elf sorcerer, halfling rogue, and dwarven fighter have probably been better people than I am in real life. I can understand how Carlos feels…
Hey, complete aside, but I just saw a review of the card Kaiju Inc. Recognized the art immediately. It was well received and the art style was specifically mentioned as excellent. Congrats, Brian.
Thanks! I just saw that and it always feels good!
Reminds me of a short blog post by The Bloggess called “Just Pretend You’re Good At It”. It’s in her hilarious book Furiously Happy – all about coping with mental illness and life in general. Anyway, “Just Pretend…” is the advice that Neil Gaiman gave her when she was failing at reading her own book out loud for the audio version. She eventually got it tattooed on her arm where she could look at it when she needed help.