I'm really interested to hear some opinions and ideas on how you deal with romance between NPCs and PCs.
I have barely any issues with RPing most anything, but approaching the more intimate bits like flirting runs into some mental blocks of mine.
Any input would be appreciated!
Note: Yes, talking to players and establishing expectations, etc. is always the answer. However, I am mainly looking to hear some ideas on how I might change my approach to it, because I'd very much like to be comfortable with all that.
I don't game that much these days, but as an OSR fan, I try to avoid making hard rules and definitely don't apply them to all, so no "in general" opinion from me.
It all relied on the situation, group, game, adventure. There were times when players romancing was a sign that they get bored (say, DarkSun), there were times when romancing became a centerpiece of the adventure (oWoD).
These days, I'm interested in scenarios where plenty of things happen in a short amount of time, so I think that there would be little room for romancing, as players would be too preoccupied with survival...
But you don't have to. Not everyone appreciates every aspect of ttRPGaming equally and forcing yourself to change your ways because you feel you should isn't always the answer. Especially if the situation makes you uncomfortable. I know I wouldn't feel good about Andy, a bald bearded Hell's Angel lookalike "hitting on me" just becuse I happen to control a girl character now. ๐
Yeah, I know, I don't have to. I see that part of RPing more of a skill-sub-set in acting/improv. I'd like to be able to step outside of my hang up ans do engage with it in a sensible, fun way.
Like I am working on getting better with voices and recalling them in later sessions. That's a skill to me. Being able to flirt or throw an angry fit or be compassionate as the situation requires for the NPC are all equal skills in my mind. Some of them I'm decent with, others, like flirting, I can't quite wrap my head around to get there.