We're working through The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse by Kelsey Dionne of The Arcane Library right now. It's an interesting take, trying to set things up more easily for GMs to run. Or as it says in the introduction: This adventure is meant to be run at a glance with minimal preparation and a natural … Continue reading The Secrets of Skyhorn Lighthouse – a rethinking of module layout
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
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
The original RPGaDay2020 prompts graphic by @WillBrooks1989 By the pricking of my thumbsSomething strange this way comes Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I looked at levers and traps in general, and how to handle them as an impartial referee GM. Today the theme is Strange. This is one of my favourite aspects of being a GM and … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 26: Strange
The original RPGaDay2020 prompts graphic by @WillBrooks1989 Yesterday' post in RPGaDay2020 pushed us to the edge (and beyond). Today the theme is Humour. Everyone likes a good laugh - it's a great social lubricant, a defuser of tension, a shared experience. (I have been told I perhaps like it too much, and try to make … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 24: Humour
The RPGaDay2020 prompts in a map by dunroaminpress Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I discussed making your descriptions dramatic. Today the theme is Comfort, and I'd like to look at Comfort zones. Everything is challenging to start with - think about your first day at school, or your first driving lesson, or your first time creating a … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 17: Comfort – how often do/should you push yourself out of your comfort zone?
The original RPGaDay2020 prompts graphic by @WillBrooks1989 Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I looked at how the GM's descriptions frame the experience for the players. Today the theme is Dramatic. This seems to me to be related. As a GM, how do you make the adventure dramatic? Hint: it's not by making everything a life-and-death battle. Drama … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 16: Dramatic
The RPGaDay2020 prompts in a map by dunroaminpress Yesterday in RPGaDay2020 I looked at a potential banner for the Toney House in Akorros. Today the theme is Frame. As a GM, what we include and exclude from our descriptions frames the players' interaction with the game and determines their engagement and approach. Give the players … Continue reading RPGaDay2020 Day 15: Frame – framing the situation for the players
We're playing through the old X2 Castle Amber module (converting to 5e using XXX as a guide), and the party were going after the Sword of Sylaire. Note: This post contains minor spoilers for X2 Castle Amber. If this might be a problem, stop reading now and direct your GM here instead. They had met … Continue reading How a moral dilemma turned a mediocre battle to an engaging session
Evolve. That's the inspiration for day 29 of #RPGaDay2019, following Love yesterday. I played BECMI instead of AD&D 2e (which I now know is what that was). I missed 3e, 3.5, Pathfinder and 4e and only returned at 5e. So I'm not very qualified to chart the evolution of D&D - DM David has a … Continue reading RPGaDay2019 Day 29 – Evolve
