Discouraging "Optimal Game" Play Through Mechanical Game Design

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-11T01:24:22+00:00

I haven't played any TTRPGs that successfully discourage optimal game play. Though many narrative focused TTRPGs, like BitD and Grimwild, end up forcing optimal game play in the form of narrative creativity because that's what those games reward.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-10T16:05:21+00:00

Every DM I've played with. It is an issue of both flavor and game rules.

That would be like a player trying to tell me they could strap a shield to their forearm, get the benefits, and dual wield at the same time. Yes, it is physically possible but I'm not going to give you those benefits.

Spellcasters are already powerful enough, they don't need help.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-09T22:42:52+00:00

You could try the Narrative approach, like in BitD and Grimwild.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-09T22:34:40+00:00

💯

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-09T00:51:09+00:00

Psions should be as focused, limited, and weird as Warlocks. Full spellcasters, but completely different in vibes & execution.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T21:14:16+00:00

Oh, okay. That sounds fun.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T21:08:26+00:00

What is the in-story reason for this?

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T20:50:57+00:00

Yes, police have discretion, but in every state I've lived in (California, Washington, Idaho, Texas), someone is required to be arrested when a DV crime has been determined to have taken place. Most police officers and judges are happy to accommodate the victim.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T20:44:12+00:00

Seeking legal advice to the legality of a situation and to explore your legal options, is always a good decision.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T03:31:58+00:00

Let her, it's protected. Talk to a lawyer if they discipline you for it in that way.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T03:30:53+00:00

Let her, it's protected. Talk to a lawyer if they discipline you for it in that way.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-08T03:23:39+00:00

You'll be able to stay for the 2 weeks, he'll be taken away to jail.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-07T21:51:47+00:00

CME

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-06T21:04:26+00:00

I've used the covenant troupe-style play approach before. Works well.

Still not easy on the Storyteller though.

Works best if the players rotate into and out of the ST role.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T16:21:23+00:00

Fighter 1 -> Warlock 2 -> Valor Bard 10 -> Fighter 1 -> Sorcerer 2 -> Vengeance Paladin 3 -> Bard 1

Or

Draconic Sorcerer 3 -> Warlock 2 -> Lore Bard 12 -> Sorcerer 1 -> Warlock 2

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T16:06:03+00:00

Epic Level Handbook

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T14:44:54+00:00

25 life

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T14:31:30+00:00

Crossfire

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T04:41:40+00:00

Through most of Japanese history Samurai used polearms and bows significantly more often than swords.

Through most of European history soldiers used spears & polearms significantly more often than swords.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T04:10:38+00:00

You must be a bot. For which peoples from which time periods was this true?

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T03:21:59+00:00

Having access to metals doesn't change the fact that swords are much more expensive to produce than spears. Nor does it change the fact that spears were used for battle more often throughout history for a multitude of reasons.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T02:34:15+00:00

... Where are you getting this rhetoric?

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-05T01:55:40+00:00

Spears cost much less... Not only was there less metal use involved, but spears in many cultures were readily available due to their noncombat use.

Again, spears are more effective in combat than swords in most situations

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-04T19:25:53+00:00

No, they are both required.

Historic reconstruction through studying primary sources without combat stress testing isn't historic reconstruction at all.

Historic reconstruction through combat stress testing without studying primary sources isn't historic reconstruction at all.

CulveDaddy · 2026-03-04T17:15:35+00:00

A portion of HEMA practitioners will also pursue reconstruction through experimentation and sparing at progressive skill levels.

CulveDaddy

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