Mike, Chris, and Oren discuss extended conflict rules in roleplaying games. They describe the differences between simulated combat systems and mini games, before they’re drawn into a debate about their weaknesses and strengths. Finally, they cover what encounter mechanics in general can add to a game, versus what risks they pose. Read more »
At first glance, the relationship between player and game master looks simple. The GM tells a story, and the players listen to that story, occasionally rolling dice when prompted. Of course, it’s much more complicated than that. There’s a delicate social contract between those sitting … read more »
Experience points are the standard unit of measuring character advancement in roleplaying games, and they have been since the very beginning. Kill the goblin, get 25 experience points. What could be simpler? Sometimes they might be called character points, and there have been countless different … read more »
Oren, Mike, and Chris dissect spell mechanics across roleplaying systems. They talk about the best and worst magic systems, and discuss the challenges inherent to building rules for magic workers. Read more »
Rules are absolutely essential to roleplaying games. We wouldn’t have much of a ‘game’ without them. They give us a structure in which to tell epic stories of heroism and, of course, to murder orcs for their precious copper pieces. Unfortunately, not all rules are good. Read more »
When I mention mechanics in a roleplaying game, most people will think about attacking with a sword or using magic to blast their enemies off the face of reality. That’s not what we’re talking about today. Instead, it’s time to examine the rules that govern … read more »
Step right up, folks, just 5,414.3 gold pieces and this marvelous short sword of +1 Monetary Discussion can be yours! That’s right, it’s time to talk about the mechanics of money in roleplaying games. This is something that has been a thorn in the side … read more »
When designers sit down to create the character generation section of a roleplaying game, they must decide where on the scale of structured to free form they want to fall. The question is a difficult one with no obvious answer. At one extreme are systems … read more »
In gaming, an ability is defined as overpowered if it is more powerful than it should be. How you decide that can be tricky, but it usually boils down to an ability being stronger than other powers of the same cost or level. Three ranks in … read more »
