Roleplaying History

So when I was around about 7 my brother got into DND basic box set. Well being the little sister I was test play fodder, and got into roleplaying. Loved it, thought it was awesome.

Parents disapproved of the time my brother was sinking into it and burnt the books. Well actually my mum hid them and said she burnt them, but I only found this out over 14 years later.

Lacking any access to the source books, or any roleplaying books I started inventing my own games. I still had the dice and the basics in place. Thus my first game was born, and forced onto my friends.

I later advanced to cons, began writing modules for conventions. I also managed to run loads of games.

Flammable Penguins: Roleplaying

What do we do

Short Answer: We write and run games

We love games digital or analogue. We hope to expose as many people to our modules and the modules of some Crazy South Africans who make some top notch stuff. Read on for what to expect and if you are running a convention somewhere in the UK and want to add some penguin spice get hold of us.

We are always looking to introduce more GMs and Players to Penguin madness so feel free to contact us via the feedback page.

What to Expect

We will always give a game three ratings Silly, Scary or Serious. Our modules tend to be mature (whether for adult jokes, graphic gore, or intense emotional subject matter) but we always state on a module notice the recommended ages. Primarily trust the GM to adapt the level as much as possible to the table and mood.

Silly tables laughs,
Scary tables scream and shout,
Serious tables sob in silence and think.

Silly is Recommended for New Players. Silly is Monthly Python

We want outrageous laughs, fun times and exploding clowns. We expect the module to provide a platform for the players to have fun but also provide the GM tools to ensure the game flows from start to finish.

Scary is Recommended for New GMs.

A scary game is more about survival and often will be mixed in with humour. While we do expect serious themes to be present in a scary module the players will not often pause. A scary table is usually screaming and the module gives a lot of power to the GM. That being said we expect our GMs to be good at what they do but these modules are easiest on the GM.

Serious should be approached with respect.

We are all here to have fun but serious modules also allow us to explore subject matter in a very personal way. Serious modules are not cry fest, nor are they 4 hour mind *****. They are well written characters exploring a situation which brings forth strong emotions. I will say these are the most rewarding modules without a doubt but all parties must have respect.

Three promises from Penguins Play

People before Paper

All our games must focus on the social roleplaying elements and the fun to be had by all. Rules, systems, maths, mechanical aids, reams of paper and books are there to support and should NEVER take the primary role. We trust our GMs to make judgement calls and keep the party going. We do not stop to look things up. It is the GMs job to use the tools mentioned above to provide the best experience but ultimately the GM must focus on the people and the players likewise must have faith in the GM.

No Training Required

All our games have pre-made characters and require no background knowledge of the module or system. A player who has never player any roleplaying games before should be able to sit down read no more than two A4 pages and be able to fully participate and have fun. All modules must be provided required information. A GM should be able to sit down with the module, get ready and then run it with no reference books on the table. A module should never take a GM more than an hour to grasp.

Always Entertain

This is a game and everyone wants to have fun. The GM is responsible to ensure all players are having fun and no one is being hurt or humiliated. The GM must make every effort to encourage those who need it and keep the table civil.