The Douchey DM » Alternate Views
Episode Preview: Keeping Role-playing in Combat
Tweet It’s a common lament: Once the minis come out, the role-playing stops And it’s very often true. Many games — GURPS, HERO, Savage Worlds, DnD4e — start life as any other role-playing game, but once combat starts, in-game time slows to a crawl and what we do looks more like a tactical board game. Is there a way to keep on role-playing during combat? I think there is, but often it’s an uphill battle, and success needs to be … Read entire article »
Filed under: Adventure Design, Alternate Views, General Gaming
I’m Mad as Hell, and I’m Not Going to Take It Anymore!
Tweet Editor’s note: While I seemingly rail against Kickstarter creators in this post, I am well aware that many good people are conducting good business on Kickstarter. I also acknowledge that many projects by first-time creators get funded and made because of Kickstarter, and I know these projects might not otherwise see the light of day. Kickstarter is a valuable service to our community and many others. This article is not to attack the concept or all creators, but to shine a light on those who seemingly abuse it. I recently ranted on and on about a very late projects on Kickstarter on the most recent episode of Happy Jacks RPG Podcast. The rant began when I heard a recent episode of the Bear Swarm podcast, where a listener mentioned in an … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alternate Views, General Gaming, Opinion, RPG Industry BS
What RPGs are NOT
Tweet We have a tendency in this hobby to borrow a lot of terms from other creative endeavors. We borrow terms from creative writing, film, television, The problem is, sometimes we start equating our hobby with those other creative outlets from which we borrowed the terms, when ofttimes our hobby is very different. RPGs are not Novels I’ve talked a lot about GMs who mistake table-top RPGs for novel writing, with GMs constantly trying to manipulate the game to … Read entire article »
Filed under: Alternate Views, General Gaming, Opinion
JiB on GM’ing: Handling NPC Actions
Tweet A shadow spilled through the open door as two big men lumbered into the back room from the alley. That in itself wasn’t unusual, that they were basically carrying a third between them was. “What happened,” Stock’s voice was heavy with long years of hard drinking. Carmine shifted nervously looking down at his feet. “Well?” the boss’s eyes narrowed at the delay. It was Tony who responded, “Schmidt wasn’t there boss. No sign of ‘em.” “So, what happened to Frankie?” “We was ambushed in the clock shop there was at least four of ‘em,” Carmine still wouldn’t meet his boss’s eyes. “The cops?” Stock knew that no cop in the docks district would mess with Burns’ men. Tony shook his head, “No, boss. Don’t know who they were but they weren’t cops.” … You can see where this could … Read entire article »
Filed under: Adventure Design, Advice, Alternate Views, Inspiration
Why I Like Sex in RPGs
Tweet In a recent episode of the Happy Jacks RPG podcast (Season 09 Episode 08), the hosts discussed romance, seduction, and sex in roleplaying games. I was really looking forward to this discussion as I am a big proponent of including these elements in games. While I wasn’t exactly disappointed with the discussion that ensued (the hosts were funny as ever, and their inappropriate banter is a large part of why I like the show), I did feel that there was a lot more that could’ve be said. The hosts only scratched the surface of this topic, and I wish I could’ve been there to add my points to the discussion. However, as I don’t own a teleporter, and don’t live anywhere close to southern California, this article will have to … Read entire article »
Filed under: Advice, Alternate Views, General Gaming, Opinion
