Mining Media | Rom-Coms & Romance at the Table

Welcome back to Mining Media where we turn your binging into better TTRPG experiences by missing my chance to say the right thing, then botching the chance I got to redeem myself, then thinking it's all hopeless until the stars align and we're standing across from one another in the first place we ever met... We're talking Romance!  Continuing our February Valentine's theme through to Mining Media, let's talk about the oft-ill-handled but ever so tempting and promising idea of romantic plots in your tabletop RPGs.    I watched a lot of rom-coms and referenced a fair amount of my RPG collection for helpful language and sections of books talking about handling romance responsibly, safely, and carefully, and here's my take-home points for romance at the table: Consent & Communication is non-negotiable. Romance is different for everyone and honest discussions about themes or scenes or anything in between that may come up as one character explores their relationship should be open to the table at all times. Let it simmer. Go slow, let it ramp up over the course of multiple (or many) sessions. Court of Blades uses a progress clock, think of it like that, you may have that spark the first time, but building up that trust and relationship takes time.  Make it messy. Complicate it with NPCs, outside perception of the relationship, missed opportunities when adventure/the mission calls, miscommunication leading to bridges to be mended, etc. Listen to RPG Design Panelcast - Level Up Your Sexy Game <-- This episode is great. Games Referenced:  Apocalypse World 2e Blue Rose Court of Blades Good Society Kids on Bikes Masks: A New Generation Monsterhearts 2e Pasion de las Pasiones Star Crossed Homework: Think about your character and what type of person might draw their romantic side out. How would their behavior change? How would that affect their goals, existing relationships, and more?   Now go put on a rom-com or grab your favorite romance novel and tell me what kind of plot-line your character would want to explore!   ----more---- I made a Ko-Fi if you feel absurdly generous and want to help cover podcast hosting costs & all the upkeep. I'm still working on whether I want to offer anything special over there or just give my extreme gratitude (maybe some stickers or something in the mail) to those who donate, but no pressure whatsoever :)   Where to Follow Rene Plays Games: LinkTree | Instagram | Facebook | BlueSky | Threads | DMs After Dark email: [email protected]   Music in the Episode: From Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/needmospace/afternoon-nap  License code: ZNENRQQPKF9I3LSJ