How do you play World of Darkness?

Vampire: The Masquerade, Werewolf: The Apocalypse, and Hunter: The Reckoning are all separate games. They all follow similar ideas of struggling with balance as you roleplay your role in the supernatural world. Can your vampire control their hunger? Can your werewolf protect nature without going fully feral? Can your hunter stay true to their creed or will they lose themselves to their mission? The way you create your character decides what abilities you’ll have, but the main focus is on how far you and your friends will push yourselves to achieve your goals. 

The Game Master is often called a Storyteller in the World of Darkness, fitting the idea that these games are more roleplay than action. The Storyteller comes up with the narrative, setting a goal for the players to achieve. Along the way, the Storyteller may put obstacles in the players’ way. The players use their powers, and the luck of the dice, to determine if they can overcome these obstacles. But the player characters can also be their own worst enemy. Characters have to balance aspects like their Humanity. If they drink too much blood or fall to their primal rage, they may be lost forever. 

How to Play World of Darkness Online

While this is a tabletop roleplaying game, you don’t actually need a table to play! Digital play has caught on in recent years thanks to the prevalence of video chat. Software like Zoom and Discord let you engage in “theater of the mind” play. Just like at an in-person game, the Storyteller paints the picture with words and lets imagination take over from there. All the players need are characters and dice. 

A virtual tabletop, or VTT, can up the online game. These programs are shared digital spaces that let you and the GM roll dice, display characters, and pull up images to help immersion. Some VTTs have video and voice chat capabilities to make for an all-in-one package. It’s basically like playing at a table, but the table is a screen and everyone doesn’t have to be in the same room. Popular VTTs like Roll20 and Foundry support World of Darkness games with official content packs. These provide GMs with easy ways to show character art and streamline the rules.

How to Find a World of Darkness Group

Your friendly local game store is a great place to look for new game groups. Many have boards where GMs post ads looking for players, and some offer weekly or monthly introduction nights for new games. Gaming communities on social media can also be inviting and point your way. There’s an official Discord server for World of Darkness where you might find new friends. Here at StartPlaying, we have a powerful, easy-to-use search tool for browsing plenty of open games! Finally, if you already have a group of interested friends, you can all play together and learn as you go. You’ll just need one person to volunteer to be the Storyteller.

Why Hire A Professional Game Master for a World of Darkness game?

The role of Storyteller in the World of Darkness can be a tricky one. They must prepare a story that explores the darker elements of the genre, as that’s why a lot of people play. However, it can be easy to slip and get into difficult subject matter that crosses boundaries. A professional Storyteller is aware of the risks of darker stories and can handle them with care. These Storytellers establish limits before the game starts and check in with players. They keep it fun and tense without getting edgy. Many also run beginner-friendly games so that you can learn the rules in a welcoming environment. If you want a fun, safe journey into the World of Darkness, find a professional Game Master. 

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