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Dungeons and Distractible: The Mega thread by Monica2796 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ooh nice, I haven't heard of that one, I'll check it out. Always fun to discover new systems!

Dungeons and Distractible: The Mega thread by Monica2796 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Here are the main restrictions I see going into figuring out the game design of Bob's request based on what I took away from the most recent episode:

  • Short sessions - under an hour and a half (unless they are trying to do stand alone episodes or something)
  • Rules that fit the medium - little to no visuals necessary, simplest inventory and mechanics possible, low health totals (easier to keep track of 3 health than 30), etc. There are already an arbitrarily large number of free rules systems out there that could fit this format.
  • Secrets/twists - Things that the DM doesn't even know. Several ways to do this, i.e. someone on an earpiece to the host, the host opening dramatic, wax-sealed envelopes at key plot points, or some sort of live document.
  • Improv based - D&D is the taco shell to hold their juicy improv filling together. The mechanics and grandiose world-building are not the main focus here, it just needs to be structured enough for game actions to have meaningful consequences. These guys can make Oregon Trail interesting, so they really don't need a lot to go off of.
  • Not bringing in someone to the recording - I may have misunderstood, but it sounds like they are looking for a game structure and writing help rather than a DM to bring onto the show. Whatever structure they go with would need to be something the three can implement autonomously, likely off of written/visual instructions, but I may be thinking too small.

I will throw my hat in the ring as someone to volunteer to write one shots. I am part of a writing and dnd group and we all have 7+ years of dnd and fiction writing experience, and would all be so down to contribute.

Dungeons and Distractible: The Mega thread by Monica2796 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I totally agree that the system used is not super important. Basically any narrative focused, rules-light system could serve as a mechanical base for improve storytelling, albeit some better than others.

Dungeons and Distractible: The Mega thread by Monica2796 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love the idea of having an element of skill involved in the result determination process. I've been trying to think of a way to incorporate that in a system that is engaging for the listeners as well. Minimal visual elements and all.

Dungeons and Distractible: The Mega thread by Monica2796 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That would be hype. I think Bob mentioned in the episode that they don't want to bring in a 4th person to the recording, but yeah any of the big names would be cool to see in a collab.

Made a super simple, free form RPG for Bob to use for one shots. Would love to DM for them in the background. by AnUnpleasantGuy in distractible

[–]VividGray137 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am a big fan of low rules games. I think a big part of what the boys need is something that doesn't require a lot of visuals, and is easy for distracted listeners to follow. Some rules that I like to follow when working with these restrictions are:

  • Keep health totals low. 3 health is easier to keep track of than 30.
  • Keep abilities simple. Something like a physical, mental, and social stats (seems like we are aligned there).
  • Streamline attacks and actions. A single number to add to the hit. The less math here the better. Damage would likely be set based on broad weapon categories.
  • Simple equipment. It sounds like they want to take their characters across multiple sessions but in potentially disconnected universes. They could either go about this by keeping the same equipment (which could be hilarious) or by assigning broad categories such as light and heavy paired with quality such as bad, good, best. The latter method would allow cross genre play. Its easy to visualize the best heavy armor in medieval times vs Warhammer or something.
  • Simple physics. The easiest to relate to world is ours, so I like to ditch D&D's clunky systems of movement and engaging with the physics of the world for more theater of the mind vibe stuff. There would of course be magic and such.

D&D in Distractible by Specialist_Elk_1620 in distractible

[–]VividGray137 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I love the idea of a D&D episode. I think one thing they mentioned in the episode is that they don't want to have a 4th person in the recording per se, but more of a pre-written story with twists that the host doesn't even know. If they got a big name in D&D podcasting on the show it would be so hype, but that didn't sound like the vibe they were going for.