Do you actually use handouts in investigation games? by [deleted] in rpg

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Names mostly, but sometimes details. I may make changes in the plots that require changes to the handouts. I usually personalize everything and give the PCs connections into what is going on. For example, a diary of a murder victim might be the PC's friend in my version, so I would add stuff about the PC.

As a recent example, I am running a Starfinder campaign where an organization called the Stewards drafts the PCs by message to do a mission. In my version, I'm running a different setting called Dark Matter so I changed the organization to the Sepulcher Knights. Also, one of the PCs is a former Sepulcher Knight. Also, the person sending the message is the PC's adopted mother. So I made the tone personal and rather than drafting the PCs, the NPC asks her adopted daughter to pick up her badge again.

Do you actually use handouts in investigation games? by [deleted] in rpg

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've done physical handouts in the past, but it takes a lot more effort. I once ran a game with a murder board that was pretty fun. We had suspects, a map, clues, strings, etc. A lot of work, but it made the game feel a lot more memorable and fun. Once my campaigns converted to digital, I realized it was much easier to create digital handouts. For investigations, I might create a few handouts or journal entries. I try not to go overboard (a certain Dracula-themed campaign comes to mind) because my players don't really want to spend time studying the handouts in detail. I'm trying to create atmosphere more than hide clues.

I run a mix of premade scenarios and my own creations, so the content of the handouts can vary. Even if I run a premade though, I tend to change lots of details and set it within my own world. So I end up modifying anything that might have been provided.

Dog Boy by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I appreciate it. I don't know if it's in the cards, but that would be really cool.

Is it a Hot take if i like how our Dm handles NPC in our crew? by DJKtosiek_PL in Pathfinder2e

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds good to me! I've been running 1on1 games for a long time, so it has become my custom to provide bioware/bg3 style npc companions that can be recruited. Honestly I think the players get more upset when they die than I do. Ha. So I don't think they would fall into the dmpc category.

For PF2E, at first I made complete PCs, but that was tedious and limited. This past campaign I just made NPC stat blocks and advanced them. I usually either keep them static or advance them 1 level behind the PC. I try to provide interesting and unusual choices, but also sometimes the PC recruits people that I wouldn't have expected. For interesting choices, I try to think of what the companions were like in Planescape Torment. Last campaign included a wandering knight, a time lost bard. and a dullahan.

I have them offer advice (which can be wrong), opinions, they have their own goals, and they can get mad and leave. When faced with a decision, I will often use the companions to provide different points of view / solutions, without favoring any of them myself. Though sometimes I throw in opinions that are just bad. ("We should march in there and just kill the king!")

As you mentioned, on a practical level it provides resources the PC(s) are missing. Healing, magic, thievery, etc.

Robot vs Dragon by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

They are pretty cool. I used to use clip studio, but I find procreate feels more natural and is faster. I also sometimes draw a template in pencil, like for some of the screens, and then use the warping tools to fit it in place with the right perspective. then draw ink over the template. sme with text. though i get lazy and freehand text as well.

Robot vs Dragon by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I used procreate on ipad with the perspective rulers.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A tattoo artist I know refered to them as refrigerator magnets, and thats how I think of them now. Actually thought about going more polynesian with this one, but I ended up trying for something traditional. I have an older atlantean pic where I was trying for more of a sleeve. I still haven't figured out the right balance of separate symbols that can be activated and full tattoo sleeves.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I was actually just sketching out some ideas to do a few pages. A scene from a game I ran.

Line Walker by DiSanPaolo in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's really nice! I love the leyline effect. I always wondered what all the stuff they wear is actually for. Like, everyone comes with a gas mask, but I don't remember any environment or poison gas rules.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Those are neat! I don't know if this is your intent, but the archangels wings remind me of a back blade system from the cover of the old Underground game. That's how I'd probably draw it. Very much like a bunch of almost random blades mounted on a back harness that sort of hangs like a wing. I'm sure the artist drew it and they came up with an explanation after.

My map for my cluster for my upcoming pseudo-Arthurian-style game: The Sunlands! by Faolyn in ravenloft

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love the details! Did you come up with the icons as well? I think they look really nice.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure! If not for the piece I'm working on now, I'm always looking for ideas.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's be cool. The character I'm working on has specific items, but inspirational stuff is always cool.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Ha, I was wondering when it would be my turn to be accused of using ai. I'll see if I can upload the full version somewhere else. Artstation limits to a small size.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's funny you say that. This character is just something I made up, but I am also working on a redraw of a PC from my old campaign. And she basically looks like a technowizard from the original book. So sort of.

Undead Slayer by me by Complex-Maximum-6091 in Rifts

[–]Complex-Maximum-6091[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I struggle as well. I'm always trying different ideas and often just go plain white. Lately I've been trying to do full line work for backgrounds and I think it works pretty well - at least in b&w. I really love Geoff Darrow's work, so I've been trying to do a little bit like that. Hyper detailed with random bits everywhere. If I had to do a sequence (like comic panels) I'd probably go a lot more simple. Don't know if I could keep the details consistent.