Are you a GamesMaster for a fantasy role-playing game? Do you struggle to make your settings feel real? Do you need a castle home base? Or a castle for the players to attack? Or a refuge from the dangers on the road? Maybe some NPCs in a wilderness stronghold? Ragnar's Keep is a detailed castle … Continue reading Ragnar’s Keep – a mediaeval castle setting for fantasy RPGs
When one action isn’t enough (part 2) – Negotiations
In the previous few posts, I looked at the history of Skills in BECMI, looked at the different 5e skills in detail, and explored what skills can (and equally importantly can't) do. The last post introduced more complex scenarios where one action isn't enough to resolve the situation, and considered a complex task: crossing a … Continue reading When one action isn’t enough (part 2) – Negotiations
When one action isn’t enough (part 1) – Complex Tasks
What do you do when your D&D party come across a situation which is too complex to handle with a single action? Photo by Laura Ockel on Unsplash In the previous few posts, I looked at the history of Skills in BECMI, looked at the different 5e skills in detail, and explored what skills can … Continue reading When one action isn’t enough (part 1) – Complex Tasks
Skills aren’t magic
"I'm going to chat up the barmaid. I roll Persuasion - look, it's a natural 20. I get her to come outside with me, and then I kill her and I get a free attack because she's surprised because I rolled that natural 20."Summary of incident at early session run by my son Sound familiar? … Continue reading Skills aren’t magic
A flash of Insight into skills
In my previous post, I examined the development of skills checks in the Basic Boxed set D&D line, and gave a quick contrast with the 5th edition skills. I never really got the chance to use the skills in earnest in my games - I only invested in the first four gazetteers before I moved … Continue reading A flash of Insight into skills
A history of skills in BECMI
"I'm going to chat up the barmaid. I roll Persuasion - look, it's a natural 20. I get her to come outside with me, and then I kill her and I get a free attack because she's surprised because I rolled that natural 20."Summary of incident at early session run by my son When I … Continue reading A history of skills in BECMI
Damaged magic items
[...] A loud bang echoed around the stadium and a jet of green light shot out of the wrong end of Ron's wand, hitting him in the stomach and sending him reeling backwards on to the grass... Ron opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. Instead he gave an almighty belch and several slugs … Continue reading Damaged magic items
RPGaDay2020 Day 31: Experience – reflections on RPGaDay this year
The original RPGaDay2020 prompts graphic by @WillBrooks1989 Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I looked at demons, devils, the Blood war and the Portals needed to bring them into my campaign. Today the theme is Experience, and I'm going to reflect on my experience participating in RPGaDay this year. To be honest, I have mixed feelings about it. … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 31: Experience – reflections on RPGaDay this year
RPGaDay2020 Day 30: portal
The RPGaDay2020 prompts in a map by dunroaminpress Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I went for a Ride with a brief guide to horses. Today the prompt is Portal. What leaks through portals? It’s a good way to introduce corrupting elements to an otherwise innocuous setting, particularly if you want to bring in demons and/or devils. I … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 30: portal
RPGaDay2020 Day 29: Ride – what are you riding?
The original RPGaDay2020 prompts graphic by @WillBrooks1989 Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I looked at Close calls and how 5e is more survivable. Today the theme is Ride. And what more natural to ride than a horse? Except, I really don't know much about horses and horse riding - I left that to my sister. So when … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 29: Ride – what are you riding?
RPGaDay2020 Day 28: Close – close shaves in BECMI and 5e
The RPGaDay2020 prompts in a map by dunroaminpress Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 we looked at the flavour of potions and differences between versions of D&D. Today the theme is Close. Let's look at another difference between editions of D&D. Specifically the close shave. Those moments when characters almost die, but manage to survive. Back in the … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 28: Close – close shaves in BECMI and 5e