The Spotlight (episode 87)

On the Shoulders of Dwarves

The other day Uri started a discussion in our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/dwarfpodcast) about suggestions for future episodes. A lot of great ideas came up, and today we’re focusing on a topic suggested by a listener named Tal Shiboli’s: The Spotlight. Defining the Spotlight (01:22) \- When we say The Spotlight in this episode we mean that person around the table who is currently describing what is happening in the game. It’s easy to confuse the spotlight with the GM’s attention or acknowledgment, but they are not the same thing. Everyone loves the spotlight! (well, not everyone, we discussed [passive players](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/stimulating-passive-players-episode-22-3623c34b0ab084/) in [episode 22](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/stimulating-passive-players-episode-22-3623c34b0ab084/)). Also, note that sharing the spotlight is not the same as “e[mpowering fellow players](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/empowering-fellow-players-episode-83-380227415218c6/)” (as we’ve discussed on [episode 83](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/empowering-fellow-players-episode-83-380227415218c6/)). Sometimes sharing the spotlight can be an issue. The issue arises when someone hogs the spotlight or when some players don’t get their fair share of the spotlight. In this episode, we want to talk about the spotlight and show several ways to control it both from the GM’s side and the player’s side. # Player control (03:55) **Equality** \- Distribute the “spotlight” equally. Be aware of some potential problems, such as that men tend to take the spotlight, marginalized groups tend to allow it, not wanting to “stir the pot”. As a GM or as a player you can help less dominant players get their spotlight. [https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/running-an-inclusive-game-episode-16-35f7c8624a1e54/](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/running-an-inclusive-game-episode-16-35f7c8624a1e54/) **Flavor Interjection** \- When the spotlight is elsewhere and you want to express yourself and be a part of the scene, interject with some flavor, instead of pulling it toward you (Some suggestions on interjecting your character can be found in [episode 23 - making your character come alive](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/make-your-character-come-alive-episode-28-364fbcb535fe1a/)). For example describe how your character reacts, something that others can choose to advance on or ignore. Saying “you see a look of disgust spread over Besters face as you continue to move through the king” **Invite Others** \- Create an opportunity for other characters to join in on the scene, in my eyes that is one of the best ways to share the spotlight. “Listen poor NPC, you don’t want to marry her. Do you know who’s married? Haskar, our dwarf, for years, and he’s miserable, aren’t you Haskar? Here why don’t you tell this NPC here how miserable you are”. # GM control (08:00) As a general rule, the GM usually has a lot of influence on the spotlight. cutting some players turn and referring specifically to others. **Push and Pull** \- The GM’s ability to direct the spotlight can be used to help push and pull (if you wonder how, try listening to [episode 27 - slaps and bennies](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/slaps-and-bennies-episode-27-364a24326f571a/)). **City of Mist Example** \- In City of Mist, the spotlight is an element of the system. But the system only defines it, and it wants the MC to control where it’s pointed and when it’s moved. “Managing the spotlight is comparable to a director switching between cameras to ensure all the lead characters receive enough airtime in the story”. The MC have a tool called Intrusions - allow the MC to intrude on the player’s spotlight. **Using the Spotlight as a Pace Setter** \- Spotlight is also closely linked with pacing and atmosphere, much like editing in a movie can set the tones or affect the viewer. Quick jump cuts of the spotlight between players lead to one effect (usually