My Life with Master

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My Life with Master is an indie role-playing game by Paul Czege, published by Half Meme Press in 2003 and first released at Gen Con. It’s about playing the servants who work for an evil Master or Mistress who preys on nearby townsfolk. The GM runs the Master, but players also help design the Master’s profile—his Wants, Needs, Aspect, and Type—which shape how he behaves. These traits aren’t a numeric system but guide the Master’s personality and actions.

The Master has two stats: Fear (how much power he has over minions) and Reason (how much he and the Townsfolk can resist him). The minions, played by the players, have Weariness, Self-loathing, and Love. Weariness makes tasks harder, Self-loathing can help intimidate others, and Love shows how much a minion can resist or connect with the Townsfolk. Love can grow, and Self-loathing can rise if a minion fails.

Games happen in scenes. A player describes their minion trying to carry out the Master’s wishes or to resist him, interacting with the Townsfolk, or attempting Love. Dice rolls decide success or failure, and the scene unfolds from there. Most games end after just a few sessions. Often the Master dies or is overthrown by the Townsfolk; minions may die or suffer too if they fail to resist.

The game won several awards: the 2004 Diana Jones Award, the 2003 Out of the Box Award for Best Sui Generis RPG, and the 2003 Indie RPG of the Year. Critics praised the writing and emotional depth, though some noted the rules can be unclear and the themes are dark. Artwork by Colin Theriot helps set the mood and is enjoyed on its own. As of 2018, the game is available only as a PDF download from the publisher.