Adventure Planning Sheets
I used to struggle with planning adventures - planned way too much. This was bad because either the planning was wasted (because the players did something completely unexpected - as they always do), or...
View ArticleNiche Protection
Back in my D&D 3.x days, one of the things I liked the most in the source books were the prestige classes. They seemed like such a cool way to connect the setting with the mechanics. They were...
View ArticleRewarding Players
I am a big proponent of the idea that game tastes and preferred play styles vary greatly. With this in mind, groups should be intentional in picking a game that matches and supports the preferred style...
View ArticleHeirs to the Lost World at RPGnow!
In addition to the print version you can purchase at the CreateSpace webstore, Heirs to the Lost World is available as a PDF at rpgnow. If you live in the Twin Cities area, you can also pick it up at...
View ArticleConflict vs. Task Resolution
After reading about the differences between these two concepts a while back, I remember thinking, "Yeah, I get it." and going on. Later, as I read more posts and listened to podcasts about it, I...
View ArticleWhat Gamers Want Out of Their RPG
I'm sure it has been around for a while, but I just came upon Levi Kornelsen (?) excellent website filled with gaming goodies at sites.google.com/site/amagigames (formally at www.amagi-games.org). In...
View ArticleSocial Conflict in RPGs
Situation A: The role of the rules vs. role-playing when a PC make a social action against an NPCCase A1: A PC wants to convince a guard to let the PC into the castleCase A2: The PC wants to seduce...
View ArticleRPG Inspiration Cards are Available!!
With the release of Obsidian Serpent Games' RPG Inspiration Cards (available at theGameCrafter.com), I wanted to post a sample use of the cards. If you would like to share how you use the cards, send...
View ArticleStunts!
One of my favorite parts of Heirs to the Lost World are the stunt rules. Here is a very brief summary of those rules.To attempt a stunt, the player spends an Effort die (a visual cue that he is...
View ArticleSet Pieces
Set piece scenes are often the most memorable scenes in any session. When planning an adventure, they deserve special attention. Plan to ImproviseYou don't want to have everything planned out in...
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