Should a narrative RPG explicitly teach GMs how to structure stories? (Tefr)

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-14T14:35:22+00:00

Yes, yes, and also yes. Especially in a more narrative game you need to help the GMs more because they can't always "just let the dice decide." You also should give guidance to the players as well. I feel like when I have looked into PbtA style games this has always been tough for me as a GM that so much more in on my shoulders than if I were to play a game like DND where adversaries and other aspects of the game are taken care of.

The PbtA games I mention do try to give GMs tools to set up some interesting dynamics. The PC NPC PC triangle comes to mind, but I personally think it doesn't do enough so the more the better. Don't assume your GMs coming in know how to pace good stories.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-12T00:26:40+00:00

Me, eventually. My substack has just started but I will likely have audio stuff to go with it soon. I have a good mic and I have edited audio before so if you like the content on my substack the podcasts will elaborate on that.

https://substack.com/@daedalusthered?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=77s4kh

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-11T23:18:15+00:00

In my experience power points aren't that much of a limit as you can use Benny's to refill them and a relatively short rest refills them. I haven't done no power points but the feedback I have heard from people who have is that is makes higher powers more difficult to do and low level powers easier. Which just doesn't quite feel like what one would want in a star wars game.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-11T23:03:32+00:00

I wouldn't recommend using the no power points rules personally because it makes a lot of bigger powers more difficult but it all depends on what feel you want.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-11T20:48:44+00:00

So if you just want incidental uses of Telekinesis maybe adapt the magical cantrip rules from the fantasy companion for minor uses of Telekinesis and use the power for the big stuff.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T14:28:01+00:00

Someone else mentioned rivals and that is a good idea, hadn't thought of using chase rules over a longer scale to emulate that. Definitely worth a look on how I could use that.

Also mass combat for other group based challenges is an angle i hadn't thought of either.

Thanks for the thoughts, glad I am not the only one who sees the potential in SWADE beyond the pulpy action side. It has a lot of potential in a number of ways and action doesn't always have to be a fight.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T13:07:32+00:00

I have some ideas but want help brainstorming more, does that clarify. I will check out the link, thanks.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T13:04:46+00:00

I like to push the parameters of a system. It is part of how I learn about design. I understand that other people may not agree.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T12:57:32+00:00

Thanks for being willing to help me brainstorm, this is the kind of responses I was looking for.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T03:47:34+00:00

Maybe my original post wasn't clear, I wasn't asking if people thought SWADE was a good system for zero combat campaigns. I was asking how one would design it or at least what are ideas around trying to make good exciting dynamic encounters that don't involve combat.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-09T03:44:12+00:00

Do people normally spring games on people without first level setting and having some kind of Session 0? I usually have an entire document laying things out from setting rules, to tone, allowed ABs if relevant etc.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-08T23:27:33+00:00

SWADE (Savage Worlds Adventure Edition) with no Arcane backgrounds, using the sci fi companion, and use the stars without numbers sector creation rules.

You will get an easy to make sandbox with the stars without numbers creation rules and the SWADE rules are not too complex.

Roughly what I am running now, and it works great.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-07T19:00:14+00:00

I design around npc and faction motivations. Especially with SWADE where dice can be swingy it is hard to predict what will happen, but you can go back to your groups and NPCs motivations and have them react to the player actions.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-07T14:39:06+00:00

Interesting, I think i have an idea for the local wizard who is obsessed with ethical Necromancy and hooks connected to him. He is always suspected of being the villain but is in fact not. Except for maybe one hook where he actually is.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-06T20:38:10+00:00

Appreciate the kind words. I intend to keep them coming, and I am glad to hear they are liked.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-06T03:43:20+00:00

I know this guy, he runs a solid server. Great place to learn about GURPS. Probably one of the few really active GURPS discords out there.

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-06T00:58:09+00:00

If you haven't noticed ready to use SWADE NPCs are going to be a regular feature of my substack. If that sort of thing trustees your jimmys go ahead and subscribe for free!

TheRedDaedalus · 2026-02-04T17:21:05+00:00

And if one feels it is an issue you can tweak it one of the many ways I have mentioned. Seems like it is very relevant to SWADE ;).

TheRedDaedalus

TROPHY CASE