Don Mappin [1] has written Are You Bi? [2], the follow-up to sex, Sex, and SEX! [3] (previously linked [4] on TT).
This time, Don looks at some reasons why players choose to play cross-gender PCs, why some GMs ban this practice, and the issues that it raises.
2 Comments To "Abulia Savant Discusses Cross-Gender PCs"
#1 Comment By Avlor On February 15, 2006 @ 6:43 am
I debated on whether or not I wanted to comment here. The article was interesting. I’ve often wondered how many guys play female chars vs gals playing male chars.
I’m a gal, and I have played 2 male characters. It’s rather fun. I have to be in the right group to play an opposite genered character. Some DM’s won’t allow it and some have.
It’s rather fun to mess up the GM sometimes (Gm looks at me and says “She” about my character, and I reply with a smirk “HE’s a bit insulted. It’s not he could pick what he looks like you know…”)
It’s also fun to get the other “side’s” perspective, as much as possible.
Though, I should say I haven’t let my male characters get involved in a romantic relationship. The one where it would even ever be a possiblity – I play him shy. Another character in that game is a “womanizer” and my character doesn’t want anything to do with being seen like that.
Why is playing an opposite gendered PC much different than a GM having to play a recurring NPC one?
#2 Comment By Martin On February 15, 2006 @ 7:24 am
Why is playing an opposite gendered PC much different than a GM having to play a recurring NPC one?
I know what you mean — it shouldn’t be, right?
I don’t know if I can pin down a reason why it’s different for a lot of people, but I’d wager it has something to do with the player having made a conscious, long-term choice vs. the GM having to play a wide range of NPCs.