Question about play

From: rlbeaver <rlbeaver_at_...>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 23:47:39 -0000

I'm having trouble visualizing how HQ actually works during a gaming session. I recognize it's classified as a "narrative" style game, and I understand the rules (mostly.) The Actual Play sessions I've read did not clear it up for me. Is the game play more like

"GM describes the scene, there's negotiation between the GM and players, roll dice, players describe what happens if success, GM describes what happens if failure? Move on to the next important scene. "

Or

"GM describes the scene, assumes the persona of the NPC, monster, etc. Players assume the persona of their characters. Interact until a task/conflict resolution is required. Negotiation between GM and players, roll dice, GM describes results. Move on to the next important scene."

or something else entirely?

I guess I'd like to see how it contrast/compares to "traditional" RPGs in actual play.