Why play The Minstrel's Song? The following is an edited excerpt from a letter written introducing some people to the topic; it gives seven reasons why a person would want to play.
It is an opportunity to get connected with people and get to know them a little better. In the very beginning of high school, I met a group of people who had become good friends by the end of the school year through role play... Role play is a social activity, and when you play, you get to know the people you're playing with. (Enough so that I would much rather play with people who are friends or people with whom I wish to cultivate friendships than with a group of strangers that I had nothing in common with.)
As well as a sociable atmosphere, role playing games provide a unique opportunity to see how people think. While most people's characters are not exactly themselves, most people are still reflected in their characters.
It is an exploration into the nature of goodness and virtue. The nature of uniqueness in goodness is dealt with explicitly a little at the end of the document describing cultures... Trying to explore a character who is a hero, who walks in the Spirit, who embodies moral virtue, who does good deeds is an interesting and edifying exercise. Phil. 4:8 says,
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
I have found my role play to be a way to do that.
It is a challenge. A part of what I try to do as a game master is make an interesting, feasible but still conquerable challenge to the player's intelligence. You'll find puzzles to think about in the game. It stretches the mind.
It is an opportunity, by imagination, to visit another time, another place, another world. A vivid book lets you almost feel like you're there in the action... role play is like that, except that you're not just observing; you take a part in the story; you help create. It is like travelling inside the mind's eye to a fantasy world. It stretches the imagination.
It is an opportunity, by imagination, to be someone else -- to be a great explorer, to be a romantic bard. It allows the player to imagine not only observing but playing a part in an unfolding tale.
Unlike nearly all other games, it is cooperative, rather than competitive. Rather than (for example) Monopoly, where you are trying to gather as much money as possible and force the other players to go bankrupt, you are playing a character who is working together with other characters who are friends and allies to achieve a common goal. Role playing games do not foster a mindset of "them versus us" or "I am competing with the rest of the world"; it fosters a mindset of cooperation and teamwork.
It's enjoyable. I do know a couple of people who don't like role play, and I wouldn't by any means say that if you don't like role play something's wrong with you, but... I have found that a majority of people whom I've convinced to role play, ergo people who wouldn't have done so were I not to extend an invitation, have enjoyed it. I as the game master have the most difficult task, and I found the game to be quite refreshing, one of the highlights of the week. It's a nice change from hitting the books, and an enjoyable way to spend part of the day of rest. So, while I wouldn't bet my life on your liking it, I think it's worth a try.