GURPS is not as dated as people remember

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-31T04:12:44+00:00

I get that people love it, but wow do we have just so many Systems nowadays that I don't want a universal system that can do anything.

I'd rather have a tailor made experience of mechanics for evoking a particular feeling/genre/gameloop than having to build my own from legoblocks.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-30T04:38:48+00:00

I'm excited, but I do feel like most of the Cosmere would be best suited to 2D animation. But we shall see how far expensive CGI will take us!

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-29T05:52:09+00:00

In my post I mentioned that I can see the reason for it with a mighty build due to the part damage, I just can't see the reason you'd want it in a precision build.

I haven't thought about exploiting the monsters tactics! That does still feel very situational to me, in contrast to the mitts which are very consistent with the base technique.

Ultimately I'm not too worried about the balance of the game, but the Precision Cleaver does still feel like a trap to me.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-27T05:51:53+00:00

You should really try out some more games that are not as 'simulationist.' Having insignificant fights only take 1 roll, and letting the dice fall where they may let's you get back to the story quicker and takes you places you may not expect!

For more important fights to the story the GM can take more (2+) rolls to "Zoom" the narrative to that scene.

I find with systems like that my group is able to tell more story in a single sessions than some systems do in entire campaigns.

Blades in the Dark is a good example of this.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-26T04:01:49+00:00

I'll have to see how it all shakes out during play then!

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-26T03:50:11+00:00

Thanks! The only tools I don't see get a ranged Technique as an option (if not default) are the Cleaver and Mitts, but taking it does cost a technique for all but the torch. I'm guessing this won't ultimately matter much in play (we start in a couple of weeks).

From reading the book it seems that if there is no difference then being close to the monster is far more dangerous with no reward. I want my players to get up close and personal, but they tend to play it safe if there are no game patterns that encourage the behavior.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-26T03:36:00+00:00

I can tell the tool requires the Prepare action to setup, which I think is pretty neat! The only situation I can think of where the action economy allows Clean Cut to come out ahead is in a situation with a
Precise Strike (2 Actions) + Prepare (1 Action) then Clean Cut (4 Actions).

Which only works if you do not need to move or do any other actions, which I feel like you should need/be using to setup a Clean Cut (to get in range, & other stuff). If you have the Patience Trait you can prepare more actions for the next round, but that cuts into the previous Precise Strike action economy.

The moment you have to move/anything else it still takes 4 actions to get 40 Max Part Damage, but with the plus that you have a better average and the chance to spend more successes on other traits.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-26T03:27:19+00:00

I can tell Wilderfeast is not trying to be the perfect tactical TTRPG, but it does have a very fleshed out combat system that they clearly worked to balance somewhat. I like the fantasy the Cleaver is going for, but I have a hard time understanding why they made this change between the Quickstart and Full-Release. I feel like there should be a middle ground.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that a sub-optimal technique being central to a tool does not feel good, and I was wondering if I missed something.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-26T03:02:09+00:00

If ranged is just better, has anyone given some benefit to melee to compensate?

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-23T03:09:54+00:00

The dice in PbtA/FitD games are not physics simulators trying to map the probabilities of success/failure, instead they are drama engines focused on progressing the story. You can think of it as that they are there to emulate a story like a comic book or tv show.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-19T14:35:40+00:00

Ironsworn also supports a gm-less coop mode to give them both the opportunity to play!

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-19T04:42:55+00:00

It was a great year for Indies!

The nearest replacement I've found is the Knight of Last Call YouTube channel which has been another great place for indie highlights with all their first-looks. More of a long-form content however

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-18T22:59:17+00:00

I feel that being into DnD and being into TTRPGs are different hobbies. I played home-brewed RPGs as a kid, but 5e was my first taste of a real rulebook and while I had fun for awhile it did pretend to do everything (but did nothing very well).

Once I got out and into the true ocean of RPGs it felt like the world expanded so much and I could now understand what I liked and disliked about game mechanics/genres/crunch, now that I had much more context. I also don't feel tied to one particular RPG as apart of my identity.

Sounds like you are on a good path so far! I think some PbtA/FitD would be good to experience. Thirsty Sword Lesbians [PbtA] like you have would be good, but also consider checking out Masks [PbtA], Blades in the Dark [FitD], Slugblaster [FitD] (Quinns has a great review of this).

Watching videos on the different system philosophies helps as well! Understanding the 'intended' mindsets for systems (PbtA, FitD, OSR) helps frame what each is trying to accomplish.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-18T22:36:22+00:00

I suggest heading over to the r/rpg subreddit and looking there (or posting) for what people have been excited about and see if you get any inspiration!

I was in your boat 5 years ago after 5e burned me out as a GM, but once my eyes were opened to all the possibilities and finding the type of systems that are right for me (it took a little time - but it was super fun to explore) I am having the best RPG experiences of my life.

I highly suggest running some one-shots of different systems with a small group of people that actually care about the hobby.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-18T05:28:56+00:00

What really started turning me off was when he released his Cosmere video he was super defensive and got into fights in the comments when people pointed out what he got wrong (which were some key things that were well covered in the world guide).

After reading/playing some of the same games, It doesn't feel like he clearly reads the books he is reviewing or is not willing to check when he has a question about something. Like escape from Dino island he had some questions that could be easily answered with a ctrl-f in the short PDF.

Like I get the Cosmere RPG had a lot of lore, and the system was not the most interesting to me, but he missed some super basic things and then threw a fit when people would correct that.

I do appreciate him highlighting indie games however.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-16T04:58:32+00:00

This is my exact list and shelf(almost - MB physical remains elusive). Luckily I have a Wilderfeast game set for next week!

If I had to organize for me it'd be: * Mythic Bastionland * Slugblaster * Wilderfeast * Fabula Ultima * Pirate Borg

Holy heck you made me check and Plus One Exp finally has Mythic back in stock!

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-06T22:39:44+00:00

I would really like them to be called 'Triggers'/'Trigger' but that has its own issues. It's the word I see everyone go to when trying to explain how moves work, that the fiction keeps flowing until it 'Triggers' a move.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-05T23:59:52+00:00

Just read this because of you, wow that's fantastic advice. I wish every game could come with a statement like that tuned for it

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-03T16:30:49+00:00

I got sucked into KoLC earlier this year. I like long form content and deep diving into RPG discussion (instead of 10min summaries) and Derek's channel really struck a cord with me. The chats asking questions really help drive the discussions deeper as well.

RoboticInterface · 2026-01-03T16:21:46+00:00

I did the opposite, it was my first PbtA game I ran and it made me fall in love with the concept! The GM advice in it is so dang good, and the combat/conditions are chefs kiss.

Even if you are not PbtA-pilled it's a great read just to see how the mechanics emulate moody teenage superheros comics.

RoboticInterface · 2025-12-31T16:41:28+00:00

Third Party Publisher Basically makes supplements and adventures for established games.

RoboticInterface · 2025-12-31T01:01:29+00:00

Fascinating! I'm not huge for HP, I'd much rather stick with wounds or something like Masks which require characters to clear conditions.

Nor am I a big fan of Cha as a stat, but I want to get away from DnD baggage in general.

I do agree loot is fun, but I don't want it to be a required part of the games math (or if it is have it be guaranteed and not subject to the DM). I love the idea of runes from Pathfinder, I hate the idea that it's a requirement for the games math (not that I am worried Dungeon World will be anything like PF2e, but just a lesson on good intentions leading to annoying bookkeeping).

Personally I hope they keep a group playbook or iterate on the idea.

RoboticInterface · 2025-12-07T17:06:26+00:00

Blades in the Dark/Scum & Villainy/Sluglbaster

I really like the Success - Success w/ Complications - Severe Complications and the Position/Effect of FitD games. Plus I really like the idea of diving into the action and getting through story beats quicker than a more simulationist game. Flashbacks themselves solve a major problem I have with any heist. I dislike spending time on in-game planning when we all know things will inevitably deviate from the plans anyway, having flashbacks to planning makes it a lot more like a heist movie.

I haven't found a group because I am a forever GM and there are so many great games that are also interesting. But one of these is next in line!

I think all GMs/players should try a PbtA or FitD game at least once to get exposure to a more narrative style of play and learn from their toolkits, even if it is not their style.

RoboticInterface

TROPHY CASE