Probably the biggest error I made when I started to learn game mastering was trying to do too much too fast. I get excited and, in my ignorance, under appreciate the difficulty or complexity of what I'm attempting. I realize my error once I get under way. My game fails to launch, crashes and burns …
Tag: dungeon mastering
My first self published RPG Product Hogwater: Village of Secrets is now available
First, a note about how to get Hogwater on DriveThru RPG. DriveThru is not keen on selling books that have adult content. There is some adult material in Hogwater but it's not horribly graphic. There's an encounter in one of the monster lairs that implies there is some bestiality happening. The cover has the slightly …
Continue reading My first self published RPG Product Hogwater: Village of Secrets is now available
Creative Adventures From Conventional Elements
A game master can be creative with weirdness. You can create completely new monsters, magic items, and adventure situations. Another way to be creative is to take the things we already have and use them in ways that subvert expectations while fitting within the constraints of the game rules and the typical fantasy setting.
Rules and Rulings for Darkness in Classic D&D
I want players to feel like their characters are in danger the moment they step into the dungeon. Making darkness a danger that players must deal with is one way to do that.
Can Vs Should
Discarding the theory that there are only certain ways a particular game should be played and experimenting with how it can be played has helped me to get more of what I want than accepting the common advice given by people who are not me and do not want what I want.
Where Do I Fall in the Low Prep Vs High Prep Debate?
One of the debates I see pop up on social media from time to time is "Low Prep Vs. High Prep." Some say you should do as little as possible and improvise because players are going to do things you don't expect anyway. Others say you should do as much as possible so that you …
Continue reading Where Do I Fall in the Low Prep Vs High Prep Debate?
Role-Playing Games Do Not Emulate Genres
A phrase commonly used in conversations about role-playing games is "genre emulation." One might say that Call of Cthulu emulates Lovecraftian cosmic horror or Feng Shui emulates Hong Kong martial arts action films. Role-playing games do not emulate a genre. Role-playing games are one of many mediums that makes up a genre. A RPG is …
Grumpy Wizard 
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