Letting Others Take Control Of The RPG

                 Transitions are never easy; that is true both in life and in cyber space.  Yet there comes a time in which life intercedes and the creator of a RPG may need to take time away from the story or give it up all together. Yet as I have already discussed, many people contribute to a RPG and keep it going, and as such it is not fair to have the problems of one person to destroy the work of many. As such in this post we will discuss how to make the transition from one leader to the next, and the possible problems that can crop up with any such transition.

                I have repeatedly talked about how having a open dialogue with the rest of the players can stop many problems in a RPG.  This is no different. At the first sign of possibly having to leave the creator should tell the rest of the group and begin to work on a possible transition. This includes selecting a successor who can lead the RPG, and preparing to pass off the story bible and any other notes that could help continue the story. When it becomes apparent that the creator has to leave, then events in the RPG should reflect it.  Events should be crafted that reflect with that character leaving unless the creator wishes to entrust their character to another player. Finally there should be ways to contact the creator to keep in touch and allowing him or her to know how their creation is doing. All of these things can create a smooth and easy transition in power that provides few hiccups while also benefiting the overall story.

                However there are times in which a transition in power does not happen so smoothly.  I am speaking of when a majority of players decide that they do not like the current path of the RPG or certain acts of the creator and wish to usurp him or her. These acts can destroy a RPG and divide players in a way that can destroy friendships and relationships. As such it is imperative for the creator of the RPG to not only save his creation, but possibly the friendships of his players by recognizing that a situation has gotten out of control and willingly step down. This is a hard decision, especially since it can feel as if he or she is being forced out of their creation by ungrateful players, yet one has to realize to save their creation it is best to step down than have it ripped apart by infighting.

                Leaving or giving up control is never easy, especially in a volatile situation in which tempers flare. Yet one must put aside their own selfish desire for power and weigh it against the loss of their creation, and the possible loss of friendships between players. At that point the answer, while not easy, should be clear.