Over the years I have interacted with almost every scenario designer/developer in the business. I like to think that even my thick skull has absorbed a bit of wisdom from those fellas...both do's and do not's. I don't think I have the words to put down on paper the things I have learned or had to unlearn. I'll list a few of the things that pop into my head as I type here.
1.
Enjoy what you're doing. I learned over many years that I simply do not enjoy campaign games as they are currently framed. It's not that I'm right and you're wrong, it's just I prefer Coke over Pepsi.
2.
Make the scenarios ones that you, the designer, will want to play more than once and as both sides. I am aware of the 'modern ASL' crowd's penchant for 'one and done' disposable scenarios. I am ok with that, but that's not for me. I tend to enjoy exploring the intricacies each scenario offers. Some truly are better with age and experience and when I find one of those gems it is a g
ezelligheid moment for me. I want to recreate that feeling I had when I first saw the Series Replay of 'Guard's Counterattack' in the General, or when I cracked open that first Squad Leader box and eagerly read every word on each scenario card. I remember what it was like to play one side of a scenario, flip the board around and play again as the other side. Then, that evening laying on my bed with the board on the floor below me and pouring over the scenario and moving pieces around until way to late for a school night.
3.
Trust your judgement, but be willing to really listen to others you trust as well. I am sure it is no news to those of you have known me for a while now. But, in my early years I had a bit of an arrogant persona. I am not sure what awakened me to how I was perceived by others, but it was likely a friend of mine from Texas who travelled to ASLOK with me one year. He said that he was ignored by many of the people around me and me myself when I was in the mix...there was a clique and he felt left out. I hadn't seen it myself, so I started looking around afterwards and tried to include those who might be feeling left out when I did notice. I try to do that much more often now, but I tend to have a solitary personality it is sometimes perceived as standoffish...it's a family thing, nothing personal towards anyone.
4.
Try for a historical 'feel'. That's about all you can do with ASL. It's a game, not a simulation. But, man oh man, what a game it is.
5.
Strive to balance a scenario to the best of your skill level. This I have always done. I love everyman ASLers, they are the bulk of the hobby. I tend to root for them and hope that they get better at playing the game as they gain experience and will be able to benefit from the scenarios offering a more challenging situation. Designing scenarios that are balanced for all is nearly impossible. Designing a scenario that will challenge folks of exceptional skill with the system is rewarding and, I believe, will retain the attention of those not quite there but who are interested in progressing.
6.
Find a trusted, knowledgeable someone(s) who can be your tether to reality. ASL or not, I have tended to trust very few folks over the years. In those years I have encountered quite a few that have influenced my gaming (and personal) life in subtle and not so subtle ways. I very much appreciate their friendship and advice.
7.
Play other games, it will help level your perspective. I have quite a few things I could add to this list, but I am running out of time to get ready for my D&D game with my dear friend Linda and her family...so, cya at Winter Offensive.
