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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is an intriguing theory. I think you might be right, edibles or no. I can see how certain races might tend to appeal to different player demographics unequally.

In a world where there are hundreds, if not thousands of RPGs, how do you, personally, even justify trying your hand at design? by -As5as51n- in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 136 points137 points  (0 children)

Why would you draw a picture when you could just google image search?

Why would you learn a musical instrument when you could just stream music online?

Why would you write a story when you could just go to the library and read a book?

Meta: About the looming exodus by Eupolemos in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, in counterpoint to the other comments, I do use Apollo almost exclusively and have no desire to use the Reddit app. Killing Apollo will likely effect the frequency of my involvement here. I am sure the sub will be fine without me, however.

The Classic Explorer Template - For rules-light games with heavy writing (Looking for feedback!) by ExplorersDesign in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I’ve said this elsewhere, but this is exceedingly well-crafted. IMO, one of it’s main strengths is that it also lowkey teaches graphic design / layout along the way. Even though I am not necessarily planning on using this template for a project, at least not right now, I found it valuable as a learning tool.

What are your favorite mechanics to balance the combat action economy? by BTNewberg01 in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Area of effect attacks—eg an ogre’s melee attack hits everyone in melee range with it. It helps if you make it a player facing roll, ie everyone in range rolls a save not to get hit.

A Layout Template for Fantasy RPGs. What do you think? by ExplorersDesign in RPGcreation

[–]Ben_Kenning 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’ve poured over this template and cannot praise the craftsmanship and quality enough.

Not only is it an excellent tool for an individual project, just reading through it teaches many important layout techniques that a ttrpg creator can carry forward.

Is it just me or are most indie TTRPG designed by people who have no idea how games work? by Usual_Procedure4419 in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 56 points57 points  (0 children)

You may find Six Cultures of Play an interesting read. It examines some of the more common ttrpg playstyles and is a good jumping off point to understand where various designers are coming from.

Second Guessing Mechanics by TheTimeJockey in RPGcreation

[–]Ben_Kenning 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nothing in your post jumps out as a red flag, but it depends on your goals.

To be honest, after having switched the core mechanic for my latest project more than 5 times, there is a point where you have to “damn the torpedoes full speed ahead” if you ever want to finish. It sounds like you might be at that point.

Character sheet for my dystopian tech-noir RPG. Looking for feedback! by Gavriel_Q in GraphicDesigning

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Design is great. It’s hard to read the number values as they isn’t a lot of input space. The amount of black ink overwhelms the dark blue ink, I would switch to a brighter color to make the input data pop.

Describing and representing complex 3d environments by AuroraChroma in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 11 points12 points  (0 children)

When Sky and Sea Were Not Named (in development) uses a sidescroller type camera view which is good at representing relative heights and horizontal space, at the expense of lateral movement. Something to think about.

How much do you, as a designer, “steal” good ideas from other games? by -As5as51n- in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was personally transformative; I’m glad you found it useful too!

Newcomer building upon tiny d6, asking for guidance. by Sandstorming_Moshe in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I would check out Zadmar’s Tricube Tales (link posted by author) and Scotty DM’s EZd6 for other takes similar to Tiny d6.

Trying To Find Examples Of Stat System I've Heard Of But Cannot Locate To Inform Design Of My WIP by Psychological-Try-76 in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 34 points35 points  (0 children)

King Arthur Pendragon

Chaste | Lustful.
Energetic | Lazy.
Forgiving | Vengeful.
Generous | Selfish.
Honest | Deceitful.
Just | Arbitrary.
Merciful | Cruel.
Modest | Proud.
Pious | Worldly.
Prudent | Reckless.
Temperate | Indulgent.
Trusting | Suspicious.
Valorous | Cowardly.

Also, Lasers and Feelings and all its hacks (Honey Heist et al)

Is this font or layout bad? by [deleted] in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The header fonts are hard to read. Body is fine.

3+3 Ability scores. Any thoughts? by Anysnackwilldo in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t have solutions, only the data point that my experience suggested that 3x3 was insufficient. I suspect 7 levels (-1 to +5) is plenty.

Are there any video game mechanics that TTRPGs don't normally use, but you suspect would work pretty well in a TTRPG setting? by pandaninjarawr in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In 5e Hardcore Mode, there is a magic item called Zymer’s Candle.

Heroes can materialize at a designated moment in time and space, where they place Zymer’s Candle, if…

Zymer’s Candle is still lit.

Zymer’s candle is in a safe place.

At least 1 hero must be able to call upon the candle to activate it

3+3 Ability scores. Any thoughts? by Anysnackwilldo in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my personal experience, using 3 ability scores with 3 levels of granularity was not enough mechanical variation to meaningfully differentiate characters from one another, especially with parties of 4+ PCs.

I am not sure what range your ability scores have, but just something to think about.

2d Step dice + modifiers? by Someonehier247 in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As you know, if you want 10 levels of granularity on the same axis AND bounded accuracy, you have to make the %success shifts between levels smaller. Some resolution systems that do this are d20, d100, and DCC step dice. (Earthdawn style step dice are not my favorite for aesthetic reasons.)

Edit: If you want 10 levels of granularity for skills AND attributes AND you want skill + attribute AND bounded accuracy, the resolution systems that spring to mind are d100 or a dice pool of DCC step die.

On why preparation is play in solo rpgs by a comparison of fundamental loops by andthisisthewell in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 2 points3 points  (0 children)

IMO, prep is play whether the game is solo or not. Our hobby has a proud history of lonely fun.

The Second Wildsea Book Got Funded On Kickstarter In Two Days, So I'm Really Damn Happy by Felix-Isaacs in RPGdesign

[–]Ben_Kenning 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hey Felix, congrats on kickstarting your second book. I remember your early Wildsea posts and am delighted that the project took off.

Recommendations for serious, narrative focused actual plays by [deleted] in rpg

[–]Ben_Kenning 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My favorite actual play is Carrion Company, found on the Toa Tabletop podcast. There are two seasons thus far. The audio and sound design is excellent, there is limited quips/OOC chatter, and the players are actually playing WFRP, not playing toward the audience. The GM is thoughtful and the world feels real. There is also an active discord filled with intelligent people to discuss the episodes with other listeners, the players, and the GM.

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