TTRPGs

The Metaphysics of Becoming a Tree

Oct 13, 2023 · 2 min read · Theory

All magic systems imply some ontology, and most of the European ontologies come from Aristotle's view of the world. This is why someone turned into stone might retain their vision, motion, and thoughts. In Aristotle's view, everything has: form (the shape) substance (what it's made out of) telos (what it's for) …

Happily Ahistorical

Oct 12, 2023 · 2 min read · BIND

RPG worlds need histories, so I had to write some history for BIND's world, Fenestra. This was a big mistake. The writing smelt bad, in that peculiar way that most fantasy writing is bad, before half a page went down. The problem came from having to write - every word was vestigial, nothing really mattered; it wasn't …

Options in Religions

Aug 8, 2023 · 2 min read · Lore

With BIND's redesign, I've been thinking about options for religions. I don't know if the old gods will survive the redesign. Polyamorous Polytheism I've always felt a missed note when I read D&D-style fantasy books where a country has many gods, but priests worship only one. Couldn't a priest love many gods? Wouldn't …

I Want Fewer RPG Systems

Aug 4, 2023 · 3 min read · Prattle OSR

The cost of learning a new RPG system is...well just the cost of learning a system. Even for those who like the process, it takes time, and it limits those who can play the game. Ask a regular gaming group of four people to try 'FISHBLADE: The Diceless RPG', and chances are high that at least one will veto the …

Minimal Verisimilitude in RPGs

Aug 1, 2023 · 3 min read · Theory

I don't believe in 'complex' or 'simple' things - those words point to feelings, not facts, so we may as well debate the nature of beauty. But I can count how many steps a system has, and show anyone the result. RPG systems have a minimum number of steps to retain that nice feeling of realism, and I think that minimum …

On the Necessity of the Four Classical Elements

Jul 27, 2023 · 3 min read · Design

I wanted to make an elemental magic system, and tried to deviate from the four classical elements. It's a lot more challenging than I thought. If you go with random stuff, like trees, birds, and rivers as your basic elements, then you end up with a multitude of items. We could divide the world into larger pieces of …

Goblin Slayer: The Problem Solver

Jul 1, 2023 · 3 min read · TV

I've just clicked what's good about Goblin Slayer: it scratches the problem-solving itch. It looks a little like trash. Standard anime, with modern computing techniques for some nice 3D sequences. A fantasy world where the hero kills goblins, along with his companions: Elf, Dwarf, Lizard-Man, and Underage-Priestess. It …

How I Made BIND's Monsters

Jun 27, 2023 · 2 min read · BIND

BIND began as a D&D-reaction. "Mathematically, these rules stand some serious improvement". After that, I only wanted some generic fantasy monsters to make an example game. Unfortunately, art costs money, which I didn't have. The first RPG I'd made lost me a lot of time wandering through cheap stock-art, with a licence …

Writing for the GM

Jun 26, 2023 · 3 min read · BIND Design

I don't have the reading time for RPGs I once did (or for anything). I'd like to chalk if up to being an adult with a job now, but perhaps the truth is just 'internet'. Whatever the reason, I want to write better for GMs. Here are the principles I've picked up from reading/ writing (no credits given - I can't even …

Why BIND Rules Don't Allow Players to Go for the Eyes

Jun 7, 2023 · 4 min read · BIND

(a story about spreadsheet failure) I've considered changing BIND's 'to-hit' system to let players 'go for the eyes' (or a headshot, or otherwise decide to attempt a vitals shot), and decided against it. My reasons sit below, but expect lots of boring numbers. You have been warned. (or just skip to the conclusions) …