In Regards to Role-Playing and Mechanic Reinforcement

Mystic Empyrean and Role-Playing Games

Paper-and-pencil style role-playing games have been an important part of game design ever since its introduction with games such as Dungeons & Dragons, which was based off an even older game called Chainmail.  Their relevance to the game design field can be seen in many of their elements, but essentially paper-and-pencil games are notable for their mechanics-heavy systems, person-run simulations, and heavy amount of player investment and interaction within the playing group. And while the former two elements, intricate mechanics combined and utilized via personal interpretation and arbitration, are readily apparent usually from just glancing over the usually many-paged sourcebooks, deep player interactions along with mental and emotional involvement is a quality that has to be more played than read. However, mechanics usually do not enforce these role-playing elements, at least not in a fashion similar to how other behavior is usually enforced in videogames. 

While it is true that one of “the most fascinating [aspects] of the process of role-playing lies in the ability to shift personality characteristics within the parameters of the game environment” (Bowman, 2010, p. 127), this aspect is usually promoted but not necessarily worked into the mechanics, which is where Mystic Empyrean stands out. Character building in the game focuses around the selection of personality traits, with different traits contributing different abilities to one’s character. While similar concepts can be seen in other systems, the only way these abilities can be advanced is through the role-playing of those respective traits. At concluding points in the game, the other players at the table vote towards what trait your actions represented best, which then adds points to that trait. This enforces the player to play the character they have either built or have been dealt to the hilt, even if the personality trait being played is a negative one via positive reinforcement. While many role-playing games do involve role-playing aspects that players can really invest in, Mystic Empyrean is one of the few systems that build its rules around that concept.

Bowman, S. L. (2010). The Functions of Role-Playing Games: How Participants Create Community, Solve Problems and Explore Identity. Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company.