Online Nickname: ‘Prissfaerie’

Introduction 

I have been playing and running games for more years than I think I want to admit. I am co-founder of a GM group dedicated to introducing a larger variety of role playing games to gaming conventions.

Why do you play/run RPGs?

I love the storytelling aspect of gaming. Getting to be new people who are capable of amazing things in extraordinary circumstances. Exploring worlds of imagination and reality.

The ENNIES requires a major commitment of time and energy. What resources do you have that will help you discharge these responsibilities? Will your gaming group or other individuals be assisting you? Does your family support you?

I have a great network of gaming friends who would welcome the chance to help me with any ENnies responsibilities. We spend a considerable amount of time trying out new games and discussing the pro and cons of different games that spark our imaginations.

Judging requires a great deal of critical thinking skills, communication with other judges, deadline management, organization, and storage space for the product received. What interests, experience, and skills do you bring that will make you a more effective judge?

I am a good communicator and problem solver. As a medical trainer and patient advocate, both are crucial skills on a daily basis. On the storage front, it’s a great excuse for me to get some purchase pieces I’ve had my eye on!

What styles and genres of RPGs do you enjoy most? Are there any styles or genres that you do not enjoy? Which games best exemplify what you like? Do you consider yourself a fan of a particular system, publisher, or genre?

I am a huge fan of Cyber Punk, modern fantasy, mythology and horror. I know Shadowrun has always had issues, but I’ve always loved the world and game as a whole.

List (up to 5) games you’ve played in the last 2 years. What drew you to playing them? Which did you like best and why?

I played a really fun game of Venture City. I hadn’t played a Supers game in a very long time and really enjoy just going wild with super powers.
I’m currently playing Wolves Upon the Coast. This game is fraught with danger. Combat is extremely deadly so you have to be smart.

Have you been a game master in the past 2 years? If yes, what games have you run? What made you decide to run those games?

The only game I’ve run recently is Alice is Missing. I was intrigued by the story and game concept. I wanted the test the playability of a new game style incorporating texting.

Summarize the criteria you would use to determine if a game deserves to be nominated for Best Game.

How easy the game’s rules are. Getting bogged down in the rules slows play and pulls players out of the game world and into the real world. Comprehensiveness of character creation and balance of abilities. Character abilities can make or break a game in a lot of cases so balance is very important. I think game setting is also important since if the world doesn’t make sense or isnt interesting it’s hard to stay in character.

How will you judge supplements or adventures for game systems whose core rules you are unfamiliar with or you believe are badly designed?

Everything deserves a fair chance. If unfamiliar with a set of rules I will either obtain the rules or talk to players of the system. Supplements should be
comprehensive with minimal system knowledge and could vastly improve a poorly designed game as it’s
a chance to improve upon the original. Adventures should ultimately tell a good story that is enjoyable independent of the rules.

How would you like to see the ENNIEs change? What should remain inviolate?

I love that the ENNIES help cast a little shine on independent and small press games. I keep campaigning for a cookbook category though.