RPGs: Like Playing Barbie, but with rules

I've been thinking of the best way to inspire YA participation in the 2020 SRC. The owners of the D&D franchise describe the iconic game as “collaborative storytelling” and, as a long-time RPG enthusiast I completely agree. I've hosted probably hundreds of RPG games including Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), Pathfinder (a fantasy RPG similar to D&D), and even a home-brewed RPG based on the video game Fallout that I hosted for Rice University's Owl Con gaming convention a few years ago.

D&D is group storytelling. Imagine YOUR Story in 2020!

FYI: RPG = Role-Playing Game...my daughter, when she was six and we played our first game of D&D, described RPGs as being "like playing Barbie, but with rules."

Ultimately I decided that offering a professional level RPG gaming experience was the PERFECT way to combine the fantasy elements of the 2020 SRC Collaborative theme with the CLSP concept of "Imagine Your Story." The adventure that I've created will be run using the D&D 5e mechanics, but it won't matter whether your patrons are familiar with this system or not. A good Game Master (GM) can guide a group of players through a gaming experience where the rules are almost invisible. It is, after all, a group storytelling experience.

The adventure I've outlined (the details and ultimate conclusion will be added by your YA patrons) includes many of the iconic D&D tropes that have inspired generations of players: underground mazes of tunnels, caves, catacombs, and mysterious subterranean complexes inhabited by mythological creatures, magic-using antagonists, and hoards of amazing treasures that are protected by ingenious and devious traps.

Don't let your patrons miss out on this fun-filled adventure. If you've ever thought about establishing a regular YA gaming night at your LMC, this could be the catalyst that sets it all in motion. A gaming session of D&D might last as short as 2 hours, but the “game” never ends! There is always another abandoned mine to explore, a haunted house to exorcise, an evil necromancer to arrest, or even an ice-breathing blue dragon to hunt down. Get your patrons "hooked" on the most addictive YA SRC program ideas ever!

Of course, I'm still available for your more traditional fun assembly programs if you want a Texas author. Julian Franklin is also available for escape room challenges in your library and a TON of other fun reader reward program and incentive ideas. Google search "Julian Franklin" or click one of the links in this article. You won't regret it.