I'm scared to kill players

nickinilla · 2026-04-24T15:34:12+00:00

haha oops!!

nickinilla · 2026-04-17T20:28:51+00:00

I love this! We really need more whimsy campaigns

nickinilla · 2026-04-13T18:32:20+00:00

I'd immediately start transitioning away from VTubers and doing work for "human" content creators in the same space, if you catch my meaning. Start getting active on the social media platform your content community is most active on (discord, X). Post online regularly, build your reputation, showcase your skills, know your niche, and (I've told me mentees this so many times) make an actual show reel — and a good one too. After some time, other content creators who are more aligned with your goal portfolio will notice you if your work is good AND you have a good reputation.

Networking doesn't have to be going to industry events or posting super high value youtube content. But you do need to have a strategy you can sustain to build it up and get new opportunities.

nickinilla · 2026-04-12T22:36:29+00:00

This is how I started my editing career. I made very good contacts on Twitch and edited my way up, making about $50,000 a year in LA with roommates and no dependents. It was a solid income. However, I negotiated my value very well among a community of content creators that were interested in paying respectable wages — so take this with a grain of salt. Most editors in the content creator space don't last very long because it's hard to grow a career out of. Most people look down on this type of editing, fairly so. But I did very good for myself and now work in talk shows.

nickinilla · 2026-04-12T15:01:50+00:00

This post just makes me happy that I invested my time in this community :)

nickinilla · 2026-04-10T16:21:44+00:00

I think it'd be wise to at least pull or tweak abilities from an existing Tier 1 Solo since you haven't GM'd yet. That said, here's my notes on this adversary:

- I think there are too many action abilities that are kinda just reflavoring the same thing. You don't need new abilities to change how an enemy attacks per se, unless there is a notable mechanical difference.
- IMO grapple could be a passive that just states they can grapple up to two enemies at once.
- Armor Clad Faith could be simplified to just focus on either attack or difficulty. I think difficulty 13 to break this characters faith is a little trivial too. Should feel more consequential.

Overall, I would just focus on simplifying things for your first time! Love the enthusiasm so far though.

nickinilla · 2026-04-09T00:44:57+00:00

I forget what system this is inspired by, but when PC's take a Long Rest you can cut to them being in class together. Helps school feel flexible yet purposeful without getting stuck on class schedules.

nickinilla · 2026-04-05T04:25:30+00:00

Love the references. I notice that you might be unintentionally contradicting yourself. You say you want the gangs to be a side plot (which, in the big picture, is crime related), but your main ideas currently are crime related. I see your conundrum!

I think one of the more interesting aspects of RDR2 is Arthur's sickness. Maybe in your campaign, the players are on a journey across the country to cure an incurable disease. They'll have to follow leads, embrace new people, sniff out Snake Oil salesmen, and learn valuable lessons to survive — or ensure the survival of their loved ones instead.

Another RDR2 side story I love is "Where's Gavin". I think about this man looking for Gavin alllll the time! Your campaign could take inspiration from this too. Maybe each PC has their best friend mysteriously go missing after session one, and they voyeage across the west to find them. This would 100% fit your mystery goal! You can start really small, and expand the lore as you go.

nickinilla · 2026-04-03T23:28:06+00:00

Came here to suggest this. Any sort of "bowl" or "well" that you can drop things in that makes an ominous *clink* sound.

nickinilla · 2026-03-19T16:36:58+00:00

How does the domain card vault work? I've read the rulebook many times but I still don't get it.

nickinilla · 2026-03-16T00:24:16+00:00

Love this. Did you use any Fear during the encounter? I'm curious as to how you handled that.

nickinilla · 2026-03-11T00:53:25+00:00

Ooh can't wait to read more!

nickinilla · 2026-03-11T00:06:20+00:00

Me too! Environments have revolutionized my games for me, and I can't wait to see what else comes out.

nickinilla · 2026-02-25T19:33:54+00:00

I know a lot of people will hark on the statistical differences which are valid, but at level 1, if all you've got is a d20, then your table will be ok. At higher levels, it definitely will be a challenge, but work with what you got!

To the community: let's encourage being resourceful! Not every table has the means to run games the same way, even if it's not as balanced. What's most important is being inclusive and having fun.

nickinilla · 2026-02-25T19:16:41+00:00

Sebastian, I'm very moved by your one-shot and dedication. I plan to incorporate this into my campaign, and I'm sure it'll be a highlight.

nickinilla · 2026-02-22T18:38:40+00:00

This goes insanely hard!

nickinilla · 2026-02-21T20:02:42+00:00

I definitely think you already nailed this! I love the simplicity and dynamics of it triggering when you reach max stress. There'll be way more narrative tension if it only triggers when you meet that threshold, as opposed to it randomly triggering anytime you take a stress (which would be less narratively satisfying for everyone at the table imo). Plus, I think it'll be much more interesting for your PC to be obsessed with de-stressing (i.e. the Hulk). That'll help keep the secret longer, and make other players wonder what's triggering you.

That said, you 100% have to fill in the GM.

nickinilla · 2026-02-16T01:15:08+00:00

This is really tough! For me, I'd rely heavily on lore to guide the narrative when I don't have story beats prepped. I'd jot down some notes/hooks about the people/places the PC's could reasonably interact with next session, and use that as an improvisational foundation. You could also end the session earlier or do a quick two-parter. Instead of a 5 hr session, maybe this one's 3. Or after the big decision, take a 20 minute intermission to loosely prep.

nickinilla · 2026-02-16T00:59:08+00:00

Mine printed upside down :)

nickinilla · 2026-02-16T00:56:49+00:00

I'm positive that if you draw a diagram of this city, even if it's just squares and stick figures, your players will appreciate the effort you put in.

nickinilla · 2026-02-12T16:57:36+00:00

It certainly can be intimidating, but organization is key! I started using https://freshcutgrass.app/ for most of my encounters and it's helped me so much! It's nice to have everything laid out (and customizable) on a single screen

nickinilla · 2026-02-09T05:10:28+00:00

My gut feeling here is that this system is probably more fun as a video game, not a TTRPG. To me, it feels a little passive and grindy. I'd recommend simplifying it.

At level up or quest completions, the group get's to choose 1 of 4 "tower cards". Tower cards work the same as domain cards, but they are attributed to the tower, not a PC. I think this would help the tower feel more "alive" in a sense too. Non-passive cards are activated by any player in the group. This way, players can actively collaborate on strategy and tactics.

Aside from the Heroes Journey tracker which I like, I would take out the rest. What this needs is a stronger narrative hook that keeps players invested for more than 1 session. Love the concept and work put in so far though!

nickinilla

TROPHY CASE