THANKS FOR PICKING UP OUR FIRST ISSUE! WE HOPE YOU ENJOY IT! Duvall Gilchrist-montgomery Editor in chief, co-owner
heather bond
co-owner, photographer
brittany campbell columnist
Christina himes editor, columnist
Caleb Gerber columnist
RIKI BOND
VIDEOGRAPHER
KIT HOLLEY LEGAL
Copyright Š 2013 Contents contained within Fan Front Magazine are subject to US Copyright Laws and are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels.Commercial use prohibited.
THE REAL WEARWOLVES OF BEACON HILLS
CON TE N T 03
SOONERCON22 EXCLUSIVE CON COVERAGE
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FANDOM: A PERSONAL REFLECTION
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FEATURED ARTIST: MONIQUE
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THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE
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THE REAL WEREWOLVES OF
BEACON HILLS
BY M ALIN LIL L EVOL D
A modern remake of the 1985 comedy classic, starring Michael J. Fox, MTV’s Teen Wolf was their first – and arguably most successful - foray into the world of scripted series. The first episode aired in June 2011, and the hit show has gained a steady and growing fanbase online since then. Noticeably darker than the original movie, the hit drama show has steadily grown since the first season started – actors and writers growing with it. The third season was renewed for whoopin’ 24 episodes, and with just a few episodes left of the first part of season three, we’re aiming to get you in the loop with a quick look at its characters:
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
SCOTT MCCALL As the eponymous “Teen Wolf”, Scott McCall is the protagonist of the series. Initially introduced as an asthmatic sixteen year old underdog with a penchant for getting in trouble (all thanks to his best bud Stiles Stilinski), Scott soon discovers that all is not well in his hometown of Beacon Hills. After receiving the bite in the first episode, he finds that all his previous ailments are gone – and that he has an entirely new problem on his hands: lycanthropy. Aided by his friends, Scott undertakes a journey of regular teenage problems – like experiencing his first love – and not so regular ones, like how to deal with murderous alphas and how to not grievously injure your best friend while in lycanthrope mode. Sideeffects, of course, are his improved physique – a physique that leads him to really step it up on the lacrosse field, and which earn him the grudgeful attention of Jackson Whittemore, the only guy in town who has a problem with Scott’s sudden winning streak. Played by: Tyler Posey
STILES STILINSKI Mischievous, clever, and curious; maybe not the best combination when you’re son of the local sheriff. As the loyal sidekick to Scott, Stiles often functions as the comedic relief to the more somber characters on the show. Something of a troublemaker, he is fiercely smart as well, and is the first person to reach the conclusion that Scott is a werewolf – as well as the one who’s the most excited about it. The most “human” human on the show, Stiles is usually the source of perspective, though his more cynical edge tends to contrast with Scott’s choices. Albeit he tends to live in moral grey areas, he’s loyal to a fault, and always has Scott’s back – and yet his innate curiosity usually lands him in more trouble than it’s worth. Still, he has his own fair share of troubles: with the supernatural becoming more and more of a threat in town, it soon becomes apparent that his only living parent, the sheriff, is in over his head. Played by: Dylan O’Brien
ALLISON ARGENT Starting out as the new girl in town, she is introduced to the audience – and the other characters – on the first day of school. Scott is instantly smitten, and Allison finds herself charmed with him as well. She finds herself befriended not only by Scott, however, but also by the high school queen victorious: Lydia Martin. Although her relationship with Scott is initially met by some measure of resistance from her other newfound friends, they hold on to their puppy love… and it lands her in more trouble than she’s ever known. The Argent family hides its secrets, even from its children, and she soon discovers that she comes from a long line of hunters – werewolf hunters – right around the time she discovers that her boyfriend is a werewolf. From then on out, she goes against the code of her family to protect her friends, Scott in particular, and she begins using her archery skills for the power of good. Played by: Crystal Reed
DEREK HALE After skipping town a few years back, Derek Hale returns to Beacon Hills – and the burnt-down husk of his old home. Somber and broody, it turns out Derek isn’t just a regular(if shady) guy: he’s a werewolf, and in contrast to Scott, he was born one. His return to the town is part of a chain reaction of what causes Scott to receive the bite in the first place; Derek’s sister, Laura, became alpha when their parents died in the fire that made them leave town six years ago – and Derek has returned to Beacon Hills to solve her murder, though he finds himself ranked as the immediate suspect. With no one to turn to but Scott, he finds himself reluctantly involved with the supernaturally aware teenagers in town whilst reeling from the loss of his entire family. As if that wasn’t enough, it soon becomes clear that he has less than savory ties to the Argents, too. Played by: Tyler Hoechlin
LYDIA MARTIN Queen Bee of Beacon Hills, Lydia is initially introduced as a shallow and stupid – if charming – girl, which makes Stiles’s long-held torch for her seem even more insane. Girlfriend to Jackson Whittemore, it soon turns out that things are rarely what they seem in Beacon Hills. Her supposed stupidity? Nothing but show. Lydia is a genius with an IQ of 170, and while she spends most of her time hiding it, she soon realizes she has to make use of it. Begrudgingly, she ends up befriending the rest of the gang through Allison, and while they keep her in the dark about the supernatural for as long as possible, it soon becomes clear that she needs to be let in on it – especially once it’s known that Lydia is being haunted and possessed. Played by: Holland Roden
JACKSON WHITTEMORE
ISAAC LAHEY
ERICA REYES
Trophy boyfriend of Lydia Martin and the initial captain of the lacrosse team, Jackson is as arrogant as they come: he’s rich, handsome, talented – and he knows it. He makes use of it, too, until Scott becomes a lacrosse wonder overnight; wherein Jackson finds himself as the only sane man in town. The others chalk it up to teenage boys growing up, Jackson sees it as steroids – and his quest for the truth gets him tossed into the mess.
Timid, shy, and skittish is how Isaac is initially introduced; working late nights at the graveyard and with fading bruises. Growing up in an abusive environment, he ends up receiving the bite from Derek, and becomes Derek’s first beta – and something of a friend for Scott.
Introduced as an outcast, Erica is a shy girl with epilepsy. Often bullied for her illness, her selfesteem receives blow after blow – that is, until she receives the bite, and she goes from Hollywood homely to blonde bombshell, which of course gains her the attention of Scott and co. Seemingly more outspoken and impulsive in contrast to Boyd, the two of them strike up a magnetizing friendship.
Played by: Colton Haynes
Played by: Daniel Sharman
Played by: Gage Golightly
WHEN SOMEONE THINKS OF A HUGE CONVENTION, THEY DON’T NORMALLY THINK OF MIDWEST CITY, OKLAHOMA.
Exclusive convention coverage
But they would be wrong not to! Welcome to one of Oklahoma’s longest (and largest!) run conventions, appropriately named SoonerCon. While Oklahoma might not get a lot of recognition for our art and our fan base, we are a thriving metropolis of fan love and art oozing from every corner of the state. From costly to anime to local artists, SoonerCon has it all.
Having mentioned costly; the level of detail that these amazing fans put into their costumes was phenomal. A favorite of mine was the movie quality storm trooper from JediOKC, the Star Wars fan club. I must also give the JediOKC troop some props for the fully functional R2-D2 droid they had rolling around the con. Everyone from kids to adults were loving it.
The first thing I noticed was how BIG it all was! Everything was organized and the staff were so gracious. Everyone was having fun, from the Jedi in the corner to the comic book artists talking to fans.
Oklahoma might be the last place you’d think to see Storm Troopers and wizards, but for us Okies, we love a good larping (live action role playing) as much as the next state!
rapidfire INTERVIEW: WE CAUGHT UP WITH COMIC
Exclusive convention coverage
BOOK VETERAN MIKE KENNEDY
AT SOONERCON22. BY: HEATHER BOND
I’ve been doing that for forty-five years now. What kind of publications have you worked for? The first series I did was a parody book called Chuck the Barbaric. It was kind of a poke at Conan. Then I did a series called Heroines Incorporated which was an all female superhero team. I started working with some mythology series with a group of artists out of Oklahoma City, called Rough Cuts. What do you think about the fan Then I took a break and started doing gallery work, just to change it up, but I never base in Oklahoma? stopped doing comic books. It’s slowly getting back to where it used to be. I’ve noticed it had a lull for a cou- Then, four years ago, I started revisiting ple years, but especially with SoonerCon some old characters, doing some rewritthis year, this kind of harkens back to the ing, and got involved on Facebook with days where it was a really fun convention. the New York Comic Book Artists Guild, I missed last year because I was at Denver and ran into my writer Steven Coffee who Comic Con, so I had to come this year. lives in Dublin, Ireland and we started on Celtic Knights. I also worked with a few What originally got you into comic different writers from England producing horror comics so I’ve been in Worse book art? Case Scenario, Reasonably Priced ComWhen I was a little kid, my uncle and my ics, Weird Zombie Horror and there are mom bought me comic books and I just a few pending projects I am working on loved the way the art looked and so I now. started out tracing what I saw. And eventually I started working on my own stuff.
rapidfire INTERVIEW: ART SUNDAY TALKS ABOUT HIS TIME IN OKLAHOMA AND THE SUCCESS OF HIS UNDERGROUND HORROR CONVENTION. BY: HEATHER BOND
Can you tell our readers a bit about the Underground Carnival? With the Underground Monster Carnival, I started it in Tulsa as the Undeground Horror Fest, then moved it here to Oklahoma City and opened it up more as a carnival with side shows and side acts, and with art shows. Its at the state fair ground, so its got great parking and has all the amenties that you would have if you went to a fair. Basically, I wanted to grow it, and a carnival set it up for me to have many different things. With just the horror (convention) you are kind of locked in a box to a certain point. Monsters are universal.
So, what’s your favorite thing about the fan base in Oklahoma? My favorite thing about the fan base in Oklahoma is that for years we havent had too much. So when we do get a little, it means a lot to us. Now, with the music scene, the movie scene, the convention scene growing, it not only allows us to love it but allows the younger generation to enjoy it and have dreams of doing their own shows, or maybe being a vendor or being a part of it.
creature feature:
interview with horror legend
count gregore BY: HEATHER BOND
dumped by a girl, the whole Dear John letter and all, she took off to Chicago and I traveled with a dog show! About three months between that, I come home and go with some guys to California. I had always wanted to go to California; I always read the photo plays and movie magazines so I took off and went to Hollywood. I was out there for about two years, and then in 1952 a young lady showed up, we started going to together and before it was all over, we headed back to Oklahoma and married in September. We landed in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
What’s the best part about the fan base in Oklahoma? He represents the childhood of many Oklahoman’s. As a TV personality, Count Gregore was the local horror host for the “Shock Theater” television show in 1958. In his twenty years in the entertainment industry, he has hosted such classics as “Horror Theater,” “Creature Features,” and more recently “Army of Frankensteins.”
The fan base in Oklahoma is unlike anything I could ever thought of or have known.
We caught up with Count Gregore at his booth at SoonerCon22 to ask about his most recent en-
Army of Frankensteins is a creation of Ryan Bellgardt. We met up before the script was even written. He called me up very early and asked if I wanted to play an evil scientist. I have always wanted to play a mad scientist, so yes!
deavors and his past success.
How long you’ve been in Oklahoma? I left Indiana in 1951, with a teaching degree in Special Education and Radio/Theater. I got
Can you tell our readers a bit about Army of Frankensteins?
I received the script and was just, “wow!” The sets we shot out of were where the old channel 4 that had been closed, that’s where we set up an operating room to preform my creations. This production is as well done as any movie you’d see in Hollywood.
SOONERCON22
fandom a personal reflection BY: HEATHER BOND
Definition of a Fandom: The microcosm made up of people who are fans of a fiction genre, or of a subgenre, who have their own clubs, conventions and amateur magazines (fanzines), dating back (in some cases) to the early 1930s. Fans are an important part of any series, book, or movie’s success. Fandom is the elite group of fans who take their love for something to a larger (and sometimes obsessive) level. Fandoms have been around for years, huge successes such as Star Trek and Star Wars have spawned super fans who dub themselves Trekkies or Fan Boys. Deep, intense love for fictional characters and settings is not an unfamiliar scene these days. Everything from the relaunching of the famous Doctor Who series, to tv shows like Supernatural, and books such as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter (Ravenclaw Pride!) have come to show us that people need escapism more than ever in this trubulant state of our world.
Works like these register on an emotional level with the fans, and stay with them, sometimes throughout their lives! In some cases, it can even help them through difficult times. I remember as teenager the difficulties I faced with social anxiety; Star Wars was a saving grace to me at the time, before I knew anything about roleplaying or fan fiction I found myself being able to talk to people and have interactions with other people who shared the same interests as me. Before I knew it, we had an amazing roleplaying group, where we could write adventures about our characters. Of course, I also remember the ridicule at being so in love with something that (in their mind) was completely unrealistic and silly. But, it didn’t matter. Star Wars got me through some of my earliest trials and I am still a huge fan because of it.
Later it was Harry Potter, and more recently Doctor Who. Finding a Harry Potter book in my cousins closet, and hiding out in there reading the well worn pages, it instantly struck a chord in me. Its an amazing effect something like a book can have on a person’s childhood or life in general. What an amazing thing it is, to be connected to people halfway across the world, or even in your own town because of a shared love of a fictional world. How fantastic is it to see someone on the street wearing a Harry Potter shirt and feel an instant connection to that person?! Conventions have become another great way to meet other fans! They gained increased popularity since San Diego Comic Con was started in the 1970’s. It is now one of the most popular and highly esteemed cons, tickets sometimes selling out months before the actual convention. The allure of being able to cosplay (the act of dressing up as a favorite character), meet other fans, and the chance to see the very artists, directors, or actors that make up the different fandoms is undeniable. San Diego Comic Con now has an financial impact on the San Diego region of about $162.8 million. That’s a lot of amazing fans! Being a fan is an amazing thing. We experience stuff most people can’t even dream about, and we have an amazing network of friends (even if we sometimes never meet each other face to face) to share it with. Fandom is being a part of something huge, exciting, and all encompassing. So, friends, be who you are, love what you love, and I’ll see you at the next con!
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH COVER ARTIST
MONIQUE MUNOZ As a digital artist, Monique Munoz has captured her favorite fandoms in her own unique and personal way. Selling her prints on sites such as Etsy has garnered her a strong fan following of her own that makes this issue’s Featured Artist a force to be reckoned with!
What got you interest- touched by the characters and So, what’s your inspied got in you digital art? What interested in digital art? story line and so I wanted to ration?
draw tons of art for it. The fandom Iwas also very around small in and Well I first got interested I remember when in I was a kid my Well I first got interested in digitalin art when started playing MS Paint with a mouse grade 6. This quite silly (ha ha) in the best is digital what I would openIinstead doing my math assignments ha ha I went onmom to high school my where I gradually art when startedofplaybrought outside to see way possible. got to around know more art programs. I had own "oekaki"Being board that back small, then, which I usedskunk to drawsniffing on for hours ing in MS Paint with a my a small around with my new table. six. It just went on fromthe there. fan artist would eventually on our front lawn. I thought it mouse in grade This is what get to know each other and art was the cutest thing so I simI would open instead of doing What got you interested in art as a whole? my math assignments! I went trade. I really loved that a lot. ply had to draw it. This was the on to high school where I grad- That being said, I should draw first image I ever drew. What I suppose, I was fascinated with drawing ever since I can remember! I use to sit down as a child and draw or ually got to know more art pro- for it again ! inspires me, even when I was colour for hours at a time. My grandmother and father were amazing at colouring…I remember wanting to be grams. I had own areinthings that bring able to colour likemy them. My"oekaki" grandfather also drew beautiful portraits in ouryoung, basement charcoal…I use toout Secondly, I love drawing Superboard backwishing then, which anme emotion within so me. When stare at them I could Idoused the same. My whole family always motivated to keep drawing it definatural because the storyline is to draw on for hours with my I see or experience something nitely gave me the boost I needed as a kid to continue my interest with art. new tablet. It just went on from one of the best I've seen in years. special I'll have this undeniable It's tons of fun to draw. Primar- impulse to capture it and share What is your favorite fandom to draw so far? there. ily the angels! I loved drawings it with others. MyWhat favourite fan to draw for…..hmmmm…that is such hard question!! ha ha I'll say Tales of the Abyss and andaCastiel's expresgot you interest- the wings Supernatural. Though I haven't drawn for Tales of the Abyss in a long time, holds a special place in sion. The fandom is also great this My game inspiration comes from ed in art as a whole? my heart. I was deeply touched by the characters and story so I is wanted art for it. The at supporting fan line art and which howtoIdraw see tons and offeel about the fandom was also very small and quite silly ha ha in the best way possible. Being that small, the fan artist would I suppose I was fascinated awesome to see and definitely world around me. That sounds eventually get to know each other and art trade. I really loved that a lot. That being said….I should draw for it with drawing ever since I can makes me want to draw more so cheesy, but it's true. again ha ha it! remember! used toSupernatural sit down for Secondly, I loveI drawing because the storyline is one of the best I've seen in years. It's tons of fun a child and the draw or colour Do you toas draw, primarily angels! I loved drawings the wings and Castiel's expression. The have fandom any is also words great at What is your favorite for hoursfan at art a time. grand- to see and definitely makes me want toof wisdom for aspiring supporting whichMy is awesome draw more for it!! mother and father were amaz- art medium? artists? What favorite art ing isatyour colouring. I medium? remember wanting to be able to colour like My favourite art medium is def- Keep drawing, please! RememMy favourite art medium is definitely cheapIt's andcheap the colour possibilities endless!practice, I can really let initelyIt's digital! and the ber to are practice, practhem. My grandfather also drew digital! my imagination run wild by constantly adding or taking away on photoshop of Sai Painter. I also love ink a lot! colour possibilities are endless! beautiful portraits in our basetice! Eventually you'll discover I mainly usecharcoal. it for splatter Other areimagination water colours your and gouache paints. style They flow so I mediums can reallyI enjoy let my ment in I useeffects. to stare own unique through well with water and give this beautiful chaotic look. at them wishing I could do the run wild by constantly adding your experiences because it is same. My whole family always or taking away on photoshop only you that can see the world When are you your most creative? motivated me to keep draw- or Sai Painter. I also love ink a they way you do. I mainly use itmyfor splatter ing so it definitely gave the lot! I'm actually most creative at me night…pass midnight is when mind really shines ha ha I find myself sleeping Otheronmediums needed as a kid conatboost 3-4amIfor a few nights in atorow wheneffects. I'm working a piece. I enjoy You can learn more about are water colours and gouache tinue my interest with art. Monique and buy some of paints. They flow so well with What is your inspiration? her amazing artwork by visWhat is your favor- water and give this beautiful itingsniffing her online I remember when I to was draw a kid my so mom chaotic brought look. my outside to see a small skunk around shop: on our front ite fandom www.etsy.com/shop/LotusKids lawn. I thought it was the cutest thing so I simply had to draw it. This was the first image I ever drew. What far? inspires me, even when I was young, areWhen things that bring you out an emotion are your within me. When I see or experience something special I'll have this undeniable impulse to capture it and share it with others. My favourite fandom to draw most creative? My inspiration comes from how I see and feel about the world around me. That sounds so cheesy when I type for... hmm… that is such a it out ha ha But it's true.
hard question! I'll say Tales I'm actually most creative at of the Abyss and Supernatu- night. Past midnight is when ral. I haven't drawn my mind really shines! I find Do youThough have a shop? for yes Tales ofIt's thehttps://www.etsy.com/shop/LotusKids Abyss in a long myself sleeping at. 3-4am for a Why I do! time, this game holds a special few nights in a row when I'm place in my heart. I was deeply working on a piece.
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE BY: CALEB GERBER
Twenty years ago, The X-Files took one simple statement that planted a seed in pop culture and over the years grew roots that took hold of audiences for generations to come. The show’s success has spurred on the popularity of shows today that may not have gotten a second glance, and its influence shaped almost a decade of television. Today, fans are still craving more from Mulder and Scully, even though the show has been off the air since 2002 and the last movie was in 2008. For those who do not know, The X-Files premiered in 1993 and starred David Duchovny as Special Agent Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as his new partner, Special Agent Dana Scully. With Mulder’s vast knowledge of the supernatural and Scully’s expertise in the medical field, the pair investigated cases across the country and uncovered secrets about the government and each other. Other than the series-long story arc of the possible extraterrestrial abduction of Mulder’s little sister when they were just children, many episodes featured what would become known as the “monster of the week.” These episodes would contain anything from a Loch Ness monster-esque creature to mold that has a mind of its own with a taste for human flesh. Throw in the longest unresolved sexual tension between
the two main characters and it all combines into one of the most engaging shows to ever grace the screens of televisions worldwide. With the technology boom of the 1980s and 1990s, the internet was born and changed the world in ways that no one could have predicted. Before The X-Files, no show had really taken advantage of this fact, but that all changed with the popularity of the series. Fans of the show created blogs, chat rooms, and discussion boards at a volume that had yet to be seen by any other show. This generation embraced technology and this helped promote The X-Files in a way that had never been done before. Now, twenty years later, this is just expected for every television show currently on air. Spoilers and fan theories fueled the online spirit of the show and debates over the exact nature of Mulder and Scully’s relationship could never be resolved. Sexual tension is one aspect that shows tend to get wrong. Obviously, at some point the audience is expecting it to break and the characters will finally express their feelings for one another. It is far too common for a show to break that tension prematurely, all too often leaving the plot floundering in relationship woes. From episode one, there was an immediate feeling that Mulder and Scully’s partnership was destined for something deeper. Throughout the entire series and even the first movie, the audience never gets to see anything more than suggestive glances or a delayed touch until the final episode. The second movie delves more into the relationship between the agents and the payoff was worth the wait. The influence of this show is evident in modern television, especially prevalent in shows such as Supernatural and Fringe. The first few seasons of Supernatural were very similar in structure to The X-Files and featured the Winchester brothers traveling across the country taking down demons, vampires, and other ghastly creatures borne in local folklore. Just like its predecessor, Supernatural featured a series-long story arc that kept the plot moving forward with “monster of the week” episodes along the way. The sibling dynamic added a new element and was able to
work for future television. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and Teen Wolf all owe a small amount of gratitude to the The success of Fringe has been heavily influenced show that started it all. An argument could even by The X-Files and has even been referred to as be made that children’s shows such as Are You the next generation’s version of the show. While Afraid of the Dark? and Goosebumps got a boost more scientific in nature, Fringe tells the story of from the success of The X-Files and helped prea young FBI agent that teams up with a formerly pare the next generation for shows that go bump institutionalized scientist and his son to investi- in the night. gate paranormal and supernatural activity. The show is ripe with shady government officials For now, all that the fans can hope for is that and intricate conspiracies much like The X-Files Chris Carter, the creator and masterful mind bebefore it. The main difference between the two hind The X-Files, has not finished telling his stoshows is that Fringe focuses more on the scientif- ry. Rumors are constantly floating that another ic aspect of the investigations rather than the su- movie may be in the works and both Duchovny pernatural. It is almost as if Scully were the main and Anderson have stated that they are more focus instead of Mulder, but with a little more ac- than willing to fill the shoes of Mulder and Scully ceptance of the unexplained. Overall, while the once again. So far, nothing concrete has come shows differ from each other greatly, it is still evi- about from these rumors and hope still lingers. dent where the foundation was built and is a tes- Until then, there are nine glorious seasons and tament to the legacy The X-Files has left behind. two movies to re-watch time and time again. travel in a different direction with story lines and relationships.
Supernatural and Fringe are the two best examples of the far reaching influence The X-Files has had over the years but other shows have built off the success, as well. The X-Files helped push supernatural and unexplainable events into the spotlight like never before and laid the ground-
What Kind of Gamer Are You? BY: M. STIRLING
What kind of gamer are you? What archetypes do you fall into? Are you a Munchkin? A Thespian? A MacGyver? A “Real Man”? Or do you have some of the bad habits of the Troll, the Fuzz, or the Moral Contortionist? If you’re a Game Master the better question is: Which gamers are in your play group? Who do you have sitting around that table? What are their likes, dislikes, and hard buttons? I am here to help you identify yourself and those around you so that you may create a more understanding environment around your table. First let us get real. We all have bad habits. I am not here to stroke someone’s ego and tell them that they are still a special and unique snowflake. We have flaws, I was real with myself when writing this article and I expect my readers to be mature enough to take a look at them in an unbiased light. So let’s dive into the meat shall we?
The “Real Man” (or Woman) The “Real Man” plays the game with the intent to kill the monsters, and take the loot. They’re happy with little to no role play. Combat is a challenge to these players and they feel the most accomplished. When they barely make it out of a scrape alive create the stories that they regale years later. This is the reason they play. However the “Real Man” has a few flaws. At times they will taunt other players that enjoy a lot of role play. At times they will leave the party and charge headlong without letting other players finish interrogating the prisoners or making sure that the villagers are safe. This can be terribly frustrating for the rest of the party, and the “Real Man” can tend to get bored and unresponsive during lulls between battles. “Real Men” tend to get along the best with others of their kind, Munchkins, and Husks. Thespians, Explorers and Jesters just get in the way of their game. Keep them entertained with
more difficult combat when you need to strike a balance between combat and role play.
The Thespian Thespians see the game as a production. The world is a stage and their character is their grand role. They are similar to the explorer due to their love of fleshed out world and non player characters. However unlike the Explorer they don’t feel the need to see the ends of the earth, they can be just as content with navigating the treacheries of the king’s court, as they can be learning to interact with far off cultures and customs. Thespians present and entirely different set of problems. They love playing their role so much that it can bog the game down. In fact sometimes it can cause in game problems, they could be trying to negotiate with an orc chieftain while his warriors are quietly flanking the party. Thespians don’t dislike combat, but they want to make sure that it is their best option. Thespians get along best with Explorers. But they can find other Thespians overbearing or feel like their spotlight isn’t as big as another player’s. The husk can get on their nerves because when they try to interact, the husk will remain reserved and won’t match their zeal.
The Lawyer “The rules exist for a reason.” This is something you may hear the Lawyer say on a pretty regular basis. They see themselves as the representative of the group when the GM bends the rules to produce a desired effect or to enhance role play. They spend just as much time, if not more than, the GM with their nose in the books finding every rule and loophole that can help the party. However if the GM makes a mistake that assists the party, then the Lawyer will turn a blind eye to this slight since in the long run it helps his clients.
Remember that this game belongs to the GM. For all intents and purposes he is god in the world that he has created. The Dungeons and Dragons’ Dungeon Master’s Guide ™ states that while the rules exist to make the game balanced, that it is ultimately the Game Master’s call. Remember this that when the Lawyer is thumbing through the books to find the rule that the GM forgot about, tell him to put it away, because in the end, it’s rarely worth creating real life animosity for the sake of being right. But keeping this player happy isn’t as hard as it seems. All it takes is the ability for a GM to swallow his pride and accept it on the little things so that the Lawyer can feel like all of his hard work wasn’t in vain. Lawyers can get along with anyone, but they especially thrive with a MacGyver in the party. Between the two of them they can tackle any problem that comes their way. But the moral contortionist and the Jester really get their undergarments in a twist, because they are not as serious as the Lawyer himself.
The Jester This is a game right? Well to the Jester games are meant to be played, they are an opportunity to relax, so why take it seriously? The jester loves the lime light, but not in the way that the thespian does. Jokers want the attention outside of game by cracking jokes and poking fun at the situation. The Joker is good at not letting the game get too serious or too stressful when in dire situations. This keeps the players in good spirits and feeling like even a Dragon or evil wizard is something they can overcome. While the Joker is usually welcome at any table he can cause more problems than even other gamers. By never taking the game seriously they can eventually get on the nerves of the other players when they want to take the game seriously. But this can be even more infuriating to the GM; how can you convey a feeling of dread emanating from a crypt when the joker is making zombie jokes? As a Game Master myself I have had to handle this problem outside of game. By taking the Joker aside and asking him to lay off a bit should cease the issue since
not even the Joker wants to ruin the game for the other players. A well controlled Joker can get along with everyone, because everybody likes to laugh; but the players that take the game more seriously like Munchkins and Thespians can have the shortest fuse when it comes to Jokers. Keep them in check, and keep the game lighthearted.
The Husk The Husk doesn’t do much because they’re, well, husks. They come to the table because their friends are there, or they have nothing better to do. They don’t really want to role play, but they want to feel like they are a part of what their peers are doing. Thespians and Munchkins also find these players to be irritating; they feel that they do not deserve a place in their game if they aren’t going to truly participate. Husks can fill an empty seat at the table, but they can also be taking the seat of a player that better fits the group. Make sure that you figure out why husks are there and encourage them to participate more.
The MacGyver Need a trap disarmed? He can do that. Need a way out of a messy situation? He can do that too. Need a way to get from point A to B? He’s got it covered in spades. But what he doesn’t have is the ability to see into the future, and that’s the one ability he wishes he had. Look at his list of possessions: rope, locks, manacles, marbles, ten foot poles and the kitchen sink. This is what he does best. Most people may think that MacGyvers are a great addition to a party, and while they may be welcome, they aren’t the right choice for every situation. With a MacGyver in the group other players can get lazy, or feel like their character isn’t unique since someone else can just as easily do their job. MacGyvers can also tend to foil a GM’s plans, even if a small pitfall can lead to a more interesting story.
The easiest way to hand these players is to find a way in game to take away their greatest strength, their preparedness. Keep them guessing and on their toes. If other players see the MacGyver get rattled then that may put them on edge, and maybe bring a deviant grin of joy to the GM’s face.
Destructive Archetypes: The Munchkin Munchkins view the game as something they can win. For these players it’s all about the players versus the GM. This can cause the group to implode because he can pit the players against their GM when their GM’s job is to create a fun and interactive experience for their players. Munchkins tend to find the best of all abilities and features for their characters making them in game powerhouses, and this can leave the other players feel inadequate to useless. Munchkins are best left to find other munchkins because they won’t feel fulfilled unless they are the best, which can ruin the game for players that aren’t as serious as they are themselves.
Moral Contortionist Moral Contortionists are a personal pet peeve of mine. These players fluff their stats, re-word abilities and features, and lie about their die rolls so that they can feel like they are accomplishing something. They theory is that as long as everyone is having fun then what does it matter? This can cause fights between players when they are caught, which then can ruin the entire game for the night, and in some extreme cases cause people to quit the game entirely. Talk to these players, if they are not willing to change their ways, then it may be a good idea to ask them to leave the game entirely.
The Troll Perhaps the most destructive of all archetypes; Trolls play these games so that they can grief the other players. But remember that no one
starts out as a troll; some are thespians taking a role to an extreme, or a “Real Man” with a vendetta against the role players of the group. Trolls will steal items from other players, intentionally put other characters into harm’s way or simply make fun of their peers. While they are not beyond redeeming, there can be no tolerance for players that are making the game un-enjoyable for everyone that takes time out of their busy lives to have fun. I said in the beginning that I had to be honest with myself. I am a Thespian and at times I can be a bit of a MacGyver. I love creating a role for myself, but at the same time I hate being caught without an escape plan or contingency. So which are you? Which archetype do your fellow players fall into? With this knowledge how can you improve your gaming environment? I hope this primer has helped you, the reader, gain some perspective. Keep Calm and Roll Initiative.