In which Chatty explores Parisian culture, it’s people, its architecture and even tries to explain why service is so bad in Paris. Added bonus, a juicy Adventure/Campaign hook based on one very disturbing picture.
Archives for September 2012
The Possibly Accidentally Nonviolent DM
As you may have guessed from my past few weeks’ worth of columns, I’ve been pretty anxious about getting back behind the DM screen. That finally happened this past Thursday, and it was really fun. The story progressed and grew in ways that were cooler than I initially envisioned (I freaking love that!) and the players were emotionally engaged in what was happening. Also, there was almost no combat whatsoever. Should I be worried? I hope their lust for orc blood doesn’t need to be sated with MINE. (P.S. I game with barbarians.)
Chronicles of the Bipolar Tourist: Introspective Paris
In which Chatty starts spinning an introspective yarn about is recent travels in France, starting in eternal Paris.
Critical Bits for the week ending 2012-09-23
Fantasy Flight Games (@FFGames) announces Beginner Game boxed set for "Star Wars: Edge of the Empire" RPG http://t.co/1idy3MoG #
The Big Story
My D&D campaign is at an awkward place. We haven’t played in at least a month, a couple of my players may be moving away at some point in the near future, and (by my reckoning) we’re about midway through what I’m loosely calling “the main story”. I’ve rather enjoyed this campaign. I’d rather not see it cancelled mid-season. But how do I give it a shot in the arm it needs?
Critical Bits for the week ending 2012-09-16
RT @Wizards_DnD: Check out this interview with @mikemearls on some new #dndnext developments over on ENWorld: http://t.co/DDxPDZvG # Roll20, a browser-based virtual tabletop app (@roll20app) launches into open access Monday: http://t.co/ZWDk8CPc #
Too Many Pillars: Background and Specialties in D&D Next
I was reminded of this when playing the newest version of the playtest packet for D&D Next at Gen Con, and also clicked even more when thinking about themes and how they work in 4e (of which I just had an article posted with new ones, obvious plug) and also how 13th Age tackles it. Here’s my conclusion: I’m not a fan of the Race/Class/Background/Specialty system as implemented in D&D Next.
Torg: A Marvel Heroic Roleplaying Hack (Orrorsh – Realm of Gothic Horror) – Part 1
In the original Torg game, Orrorsh is where Storm Knights went to die. The powers of the Horrors allowed them to prevent Storm Knights from soaking damage, which often ended up in dead heroes. I’m not looking to make Orrorsh so deadly in my Torg hack. After all, dead heroes can’t be afraid, or become corrupt and become Horrors. Since a horror style roleplaying game has a different feel than Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, there needs to be some substantial changes to how you play the game in order to get the atmosphere of horror.
Momentum
I’m not sure how long it’s been since my group played D&D. I think it’s going on two months now. That’s not a good thing. I know my players have been missing it, mostly because they say things like “MATT. WHEN ARE WE PLAYING D&D.”, using periods instead of question marks so that I know they are serious?. I have a variety of reasons we haven’t played. We’ve had work conflicts, Gen Con, my family being sick, and this past week, I just couldn’t get it together. All those reasons were true, but that’s not why I didn’t run a game that night.
Critical Bits for the week ending 2012-09-09
RT @boardgamegeek: That time of year again – nominations open for 2012 Golden Geek Awards! http://t.co/iHpz0Qku # RT @EvilHatOfficial: New from the Hat:: Designers & Dragons http://t.co/8kv2JO77 # RT @therobotviking: I've got an article at io9 about new stuff from @FFGames. http://t.co/3ot23Pas #
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