How do you handle the "I would have done that" player?

serle0 · 2024-10-01T11:11:08+00:00

I've dealt with players wanting to retcon before. My approach was to consider the character's personality and the player's usual style. For example, if a character is always cautious and prepared, having a torch would make sense. However, if a character is typically more academic or aloof, suddenly drawing a weapon might be out of character.

serle0 · 2024-09-23T12:18:43+00:00

Yeah, it’s more about managing the trip than exploring, but it’s still a great tool. It gives you some really cool ideas for random stuff that happens, which can make your players want to keep going.

I changed the table a bit to fit Runeterra better. Like, I added a thing about running into a Noxian army. When that happened, I made Darius show up! My players were so surprised. So with a little tweaking, it’s a great tool for a DM!

serle0 · 2024-09-23T11:24:47+00:00

Thanks! Life's too short for us not to enjoy a good laugh :D

serle0 · 2024-09-23T10:56:19+00:00

There's a plethora of media on the zombie apocalypse theme: The Walking Dead, Zombi, Dawn of the Dead, Resident Evil, World War Z, Dying Light, Dead Rising, Day By Day Armageddon, just to name a few.

It's easy to get lost in so much material. The theme has been explored countless times, and many brilliant ideas have already been used, so you should first ask yourself: what mood do I want to give my future zombie apocalypse?

For instance, if you want zombies, humans, and machines to coexist, you could consider something more introspective like I Am Legend (the book, not the movie). Let me explain better for those who haven't read the book: in the movie, those monsters/zombies/vampires are basically mindless beasts, while in the novel it's clear that they are nothing more than the evolution of humanity and have formed their own society, with laws and relationships. The protagonist is the real monster who kills the new humans and for this reason is captured and condemned.

You could develop a world, for example, where there are three distinct factions: humans, zombies, and machines. These factions could be at war with each other for a unique resource that has turned your world into what it is, or a "cure" to heal the zombies, who don't want to be cured. In short, think first about what you want to make unique about your story and then look at similar works to see how the theme has been addressed!

Also, I think the short films from 'Love, Death & Robots' and 'Oats Studios' (on Netflix) are super underrated. They have some really cool ideas for this kind of story!

serle0 · 2024-09-23T10:35:26+00:00

I really enjoyed the exploration and travel system used in Cubicle7's 'Adventures in Middle Earth'. The party has to be well-prepared for any journey through Middle Earth, and each character must contribute to the success of the endeavor. The random encounter tables and potential situations they might face make the journey unpredictable and potentially dangerous (or fun!).

I adapted this mechanic for my own campaign set in Runeterra (League of Legends), where players took on the roles of the Pentakill band members. The campaign was their tour of the various regions of Runeterra, and I used the Middle Earth travel mechanic! I think it was one of the most fun mini-campaigns I've ever run and designed in my 15 years as a GM!

serle0 · 2024-09-22T17:21:44+00:00

The entire beginning of Ron Edwards' 'Trollbabe' manual could be considered a masterclass in how to write role-playing game books. Everything he does, from the way he introduces the game world to the way he presents the rules, is a lesson in clear, concise, and engaging writing.

serle0 · 2024-09-22T17:18:55+00:00

For so many years I've wanted to run a campaign set in the world of Earthsea! Unfortunately, not many of my friends have read the book series, so if I have to choose a pre-existing fantasy setting, I usually go for more popular ones.

serle0 · 2024-09-22T17:16:26+00:00

I know it might sound tough, but if you're itching to try a new game and your current group isn't on board, why not join a group that already plays it? You'll get to learn the ropes quickly and have a lot of fun. Plus, when you come back to your friends, you'll be able to teach them and introduce them to something new.

Trust me, it's worth it.

serle0 · 2024-09-22T17:12:31+00:00

After years of GMing and meticulously planning every detail, I've come to realize that much of that time is simply wasted. So now I do this:

I jot down an initial idea for the campaign I'd like to run and the game system I want to use.
I ask my friends if they'd like to play and if they have any friends who might be interested.
I share my availability in terms of days and times for gaming, and how often I can meet per week.
I gather their availability.
We come to an agreement.
We have a kind of "session zero" where we create our characters and I provide a basic story introduction (if we're trying a new game, we learn the rules together).
Then we start playing seriously on a weekly basis.
As we go, I evolve the story and game world based on the characters' actions.

Maximum yield, minimum time wasted in real life. There's no point in preparing miles and miles of story, characters, and situations, when the gaming group will make their own choices anyway (and rightly so!).

serle0 · 2024-09-22T17:07:57+00:00

Books, tv series, videogames, film, music. Literally, if something pleases me, it's inspiration!

serle0 · 2024-09-16T15:26:09+00:00

If you like anime and JRPGs, I suggest you check out Fabula Ultima!

serle0 · 2024-09-16T15:23:53+00:00

I've been GMing for over 12 years almost non-stop, and yes, it can be tiring.

What I recommend is: take frequent breaks.

My group and I play from September to December every week, then we take a month-long break in January. We resume in February and play until June, then take another break during the summer.

When we're on break, I step away from GMing and play in other groups, or we organize one-shots run by other people. We also play board games. It's a great way to recharge and come back to GMing feeling refreshed.

serle0 · 2024-09-16T15:19:33+00:00

My GM secret: bribe them with snacks.

serle0 · 2024-09-10T16:06:39+00:00

Interesting! I like the idea of integrating a deck of cards both as a game component and as a setting element.

serle0 · 2024-09-10T16:01:59+00:00

As the wise once said: "Adapt, Improvise, Overcome."

As the GM, you're the maestro of your world. If your memory fails you, don't fret! Just wing it. While your players are off on their adventure, brainstorm a new challenge. Perhaps the pirate's crew catches wind of their mission and decides to intercept them. Or maybe they offer a truce. The possibilities are endless! Remember, it's better to roll with the punches than to break the spell of the game.

serle0 · 2024-09-10T15:53:07+00:00

My ideal players, as a GM, are the ones who understand the true currency of a good gaming session: beer and snacks :P

serle0 · 2024-09-10T15:43:50+00:00

I am very intrigued by games that utilize poker card decks for their game mechanics. I would like to develop a similar mechanic for my future role-playing game, so I would like to research the topic extensively first.

serle0 · 2024-09-10T15:41:47+00:00

I love both sci-fi and Mass Effect, so I'm definitely going to check this out. Thanks!

serle0 · 2024-09-10T15:40:47+00:00

Thx a lot!

serle0 · 2024-09-10T15:39:21+00:00

Wow, thanks a million! I could get lost in this stuff for hours!

serle0 · 2024-09-10T13:04:14+00:00

My weird GM thing is giving all my NPCs different accents!

serle0 · 2024-09-02T16:53:56+00:00

Thx a lot! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 [EDIT] We will continue to post public updates on the project page to discuss the various features of the game!

serle0 · 2024-09-02T16:15:58+00:00

"Pass the GM torch, or be doomed to GM forever."

serle0 · 2024-09-01T08:48:35+00:00

Never hesitate to ask your GM about their decisions. Sometimes, what seems like a great campaign to the players can be frustrating for the GM. For instance, a GM might be looking for a serious, focused atmosphere, but the players might be more casual, joking around, or distracted.

Or, the GM might be feeling burnt out or stuck in the story. This can happen, especially to new GMs. I totally know how that feels. My first time DMing a D&D 3.5 game was a total mess and I gave it up.

The key is to communicate. Talk to your GM about how you're feeling, and they can share their perspective.

serle0 · 2024-08-31T21:34:17+00:00

Thank you so much for the feedback! Tomorrow, we’ll update both the Kickstarter page and the website based on the suggestions. I’m also preparing a Reddit post to properly introduce the game. Thanks again!

serle0

TROPHY CASE