This is a topic that I’ve been thinking a lot about recently as I have started going back to multi-system playing in an effort to expand my knowledge about other game mechanics and different game and setting styles. Many of the games I have come to enjoy are primarily conversations between the GM and the … Continue reading Don’t Hide Your Plot Behind the Dice
Category: GM Advice
GM Envy
Every year, Monte Cook Games, in partnership with several other gaming companies puts on New Gamemaster Month in January. It is an opportunity for people who so desire to get some advice on running different games and how to think about the process of doing so. We have always been really impressed at the time … Continue reading GM Envy
Cage Match: PC v. PC Conflict
"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" they used to yell at the playground... Anyone who knows us knows that Joann and I fall very firmly into the camp that tabletop roleplaying games are collaborative storytelling. Much like the cooperative board games currently on the market (which we also love), the players are working together to both accomplish a … Continue reading Cage Match: PC v. PC Conflict
Adventure Creation
Adventure creation: It is simultaneously one of the greatest joys and the most stressful parts of being a Gamemaster. It is wonderful in that, at least for us, it is a powerful expression of our creativity. Personally, I am no artist. My pottery is miraculous if it actually holds water and I screw up drawing … Continue reading Adventure Creation
Flipping the Switch – Adapting Foci and Abilities to Different Settings
In a previous post I talked about using flavors with types to make them fit your setting better. This time we’re going to talk about Foci and specific Abilities. Foci: There’s a lot of them. Some of them are even listed as genre-recommended in the Revised Cypher System Rulebook. This post is going to be … Continue reading Flipping the Switch – Adapting Foci and Abilities to Different Settings
Storytelling and Gaming 