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Category: design theory

Getting Started With The OSR: Part 3: Put Story In Its Proper Place

On June 23, 2022June 29, 2022 By Travis MillerIn design theory, game mastering advice, musings8 Comments

Emergent narrative is a fundamental concept of Old School Renaissance gaming.

How Does a 5E DM Get Started With OSR Games? : Part 1: The Key Concept

On June 9, 2022June 10, 2022 By Travis MillerIn design theory, game mastering advice, musings9 Comments

A lot of game masters picking up an OSR game believe that the rule set is the number one difference between WotC published versions of D&D and Old School Renaissance. I disagree.

An Example of Milieu Centricity

On May 28, 2022May 29, 2022 By Travis MillerIn design theory1 Comment

The glue that holds a long term old school campaign together is the campaign milieu.

More Thoughts About “Run As Written”

On May 26, 2022May 26, 2022 By Travis MillerIn blog dialogue, design theoryLeave a comment

While it is possible to write an adventure that will be run as written, it doesn't often happen. Why is that?

The Run as Written Debate

On May 5, 2022May 6, 2022 By Travis MillerIn blog dialogue, design theory, musings7 Comments

Can you run an adventure as written? I think you can. Does it matter if you don't?

Review: The Elusive Shift: How Role-Playing Games Forged Their Identity

On March 31, 2022March 31, 2022 By Travis MillerIn design theory, recommended, Review2 Comments

The book begins with "What is the thing that we call a role-playing game?" Jon Peterson doesn't answer that question but he did document the first conversations of people attempting to.

Why Do Old School Role-Playing Games Emphasize Teamwork?

On March 24, 2022March 26, 2022 By Travis MillerIn design theory, musings4 Comments

Old school games emphasize teamwork more than contemporary designs. The reason why is hidden behind another characteristic of old school games.

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Travis Miller is a writer, storyteller, role-playing gamer.

He lives in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, with his wife, her collection of plants and animals and their delightful teenager. 

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