Role-playing game – Mythic Scribes Test Site

Skyrim: A Fantasy Writer’s Perspective

Many of us stood in line on a brisk November night, waiting to get our hands on the game that would enslave us to our PC’s and consoles for days to come. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim went on to be named the 2011 Game of the Year, and countless players lost themselves within this fantasy world.

While most players were swept away by the gameplay, the fantasy writer in me was constantly analyzing every aspect of Skyrim, from the storyline to the world and the creatures within it. Such is the nature of the fantasy enthusiast.

I also had very high expectations for this game, after being wowed by Oblivion for years. This is my view on what I saw, and what I would have liked to have seen, in the world of Skyrim.

The RPG Experience to Writing a Novel

by Featured Author

This article is by Terry W. Ervin II.

It is often said, “Write what you know.” This can be a stumbling block for some writers. How do you convincingly write a dastardly or evil character in a novel if you’ve never acted or done such things? That is where Role Playing Game (RPG) experience can benefit a writer.

Whether it’s space adventure (as in Traveller), sword and sorcery (as in AD&D) or even spy and espionage intrigue (as in Top Secret)—okay, you as the reader may be muttering, “Man, those games are old—no, near ancient.” But those are examples of games that I cut my RPG teeth on years ago, and those led to the foundation for some of my writing and storytelling ability. Even games like Diplomacy, Star Fleet Battles, King Maker, Axis & Allies, and yes, even Monopoly, can add a more strategic overview that may be of benefit to a writer.

Role-Play with Mythic Scribes

by Test Administrator

Dice for various role-playing games — No dice required

During my teenage years I discovered the thrill of role-playing. My friends and I became enamored with White Wolf’s World of Darkness games, along with Middle-Earth Role Playing and Dungeons and Dragons. These games opened new worlds to us, and provided us with opportunities to explore the darker side of human nature.

As an aspiring writer, I particularly enjoyed the intricacies of designing and playing a character. The act of placing myself into a character’s mind, and responding as he would respond, helped me to write more realistic, three-dimensional characters. I would argue that role-playing is one of the best exercises for any writer who is interested in furthering their craft.

For this reason Mythic Scribes will be hosting a role-playing contest during the month of October.