Why do we do it?

[drcpunk.livejournal.com]

So, why do we play rpgs? Why do we gm rpgs? Or larps or pbems, if you prefer?

I'm not asking for abstract reasons. I'm asking for up to 10 moments in an rpg -- or larp or pbem, if you prefer -- that you point to and say, "That. That's why."

Comments

Why we do it

[selki.livejournal.com]

1) Realizing from a player's portrayal (not being told) that his char could only talk in one-syllable words
2) Boggling the GM (e.g., after we'd killed a bunch of henchmen and were about to fight the big bad guy, our Machiavellian char said to BBG, "You appear to have a staff shortage. Let me tell you about our rates.")
3) One of the players threatening me after he'd realized he'd been humming a song I (my bard) had made up, weeks later.
4) My bard's use of a low-level prestidigitation spell to clean a horrid filthy scrap of cloth (ichor, ooze, etc.) my group was overlooking, and it turned it to be a cloak of protection. Group now refers naturally to my cloak of fashion merchandizing and protection, and to my dry-cleaning spell.
5) Teamwork during combat clobbering enemy in ways our GM had not forseen.
6) After our showy paladin's attempt to bless a dark cursed temple failed, my bard cast the dry-cleaning spell offhandedly on the altar on the way out -- no more effect from former blood sacrifices, atmosphere much lightened. Still waiting for the other shoe to drop (on my bard) from that one.
7) Application of filking to come up with lyrics for my bard (and to amuse/impress my fellow players and GM).

Re: Why we do it

[drcpunk.livejournal.com]

#3 is very cool. #5 happens a lot. Players should come up with things that the GM hasn't thought of, and, for the most part, the GM should probably let these things work (where "work" can also mean "have a chance of working").