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Ragnar’s Keep – a mediaeval castle setting for fantasy RPGs

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 →

Alternate Systems – a quick update

A quick update of a few systems: the Pathfinder Humble Bundle, Kobold Press's Project Black Flag and DM Dave's Helkara

Beating the GM Writer’s Block

Do you get GM Writer's Block? When you sit down to prepare and just stare at the page? Here's a discussion of some techniques which helped me prepare for my TTRPG game, with thanks to @SlyFlourish, @ubiquitousrat, @roleplayingtips and @HeroicMaps

TTRPG systems – Castles and Crusades

This post is the first in a series of in-depth reviews of different systems. It looks at Castles and Crusades from Troll Lord Games, a gritty old-school fantasy role-playing system.

Beyond OGL – what are the options?

Wizards may be backing down slightly on the #OGL front, but they have lost the trust of the community. This is a summary of some alternative #OpenDnD licence initiatives (particularly from @paizo and @koboldpress), and other systems for #fantasy #TTRPGs

The new (non)-Open Gaming License 1.1 and what I would rather see

Linda Codega has reviewed a leaked version of the new proposed OGL 1.1 from Wizards. Here are my thoughts on this, and how it impacts me.

The Open Gaming License 1.0a and the 5e Ecosystem

With a leaked version of the OGL 1.1 reported on by Linda Codega, here's a review of current state of play with licencing (at 6th January 2023)

One D&D Playtest 3 – The Cleric, and updated Ardling, Dragonborn and Goliath

This is my next post in the series looking at the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, which Wizards are playtesting bit by bit. As before, you can sign up to the playtest via D&D Beyond and download the new proposals. Playtest 3 started on the first of December, and feedback is now open, running … Continue reading One D&D Playtest 3 – The Cleric, and updated Ardling, Dragonborn and Goliath →

Are your players having fun?

Are all your players having fun? Roleplaying games can be challenging, frustrating (particularly when the dice go against you), thrilling, exasperating. But they are a social pastime, and everyone should leave most sessions thinking “well, I’m glad I took part.” I recently made a big mistake. I forgot to think about that extra word “all” … Continue reading Are your players having fun? →

One D&D Feats from playtests 1 and 2

This is my next post in the series looking at the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, and my third and final post on playtest 2, following the new Expert Classes (Bard, Ranger, Rogue), and the rules tweaks from both playtests 1 and 2, including changes between the two playtests. This post looks at the … Continue reading One D&D Feats from playtests 1 and 2 →

One D&D Rules updates from playtests 1 and 2

This is my next post in the series looking at the 10th Anniversary next edition of D&D, which Wizards are playtesting bit by bit. As I said in my first post, their aim is evolution rather than revolution, and to remain compatible with fifth edition, at least to the point where you can mix and … Continue reading One D&D Rules updates from playtests 1 and 2 →