The Rule of the Roman Empire
I have this thing I call the Rule of the Roman Empire. It’s kept me from running role-playing games set during the history of Imperial Rome, though you know from recent entries that I’ve decided to break the rule after many, many years.
The Rule goes like this: if you run a game set in the Roman Empire, there will be at least one insufferable Rome nerd in the group who will instantly destroy everyone’s fun by nitpicking every little fact. I’ve seen it happen, and it sucks.
However, it doesn’t stop with Imperial Rome! Oh, no! Try running a Star Wars game sometime. Or a Star Trek game. Or a game set in any established fictional world with a rabid fanbase. You will get more “well, actually” moments than ever.
So why break my rule now? Because I’m tired of running away from possibilities. Because, yes, there may be a hateful Rome nerd in the group, but… there may not be. And is it worth tossing out every good idea I’ve ever had because of the chance that something might go wrong? Of course not!
In a way, this is a lesson for life. You can spend your days worrying about every potential negative outcome or strive to make your dreams come true while mitigating any risks you can. Nothing is without a chance of failure, but never trying is a failure. Don’t let it be yours.