Theory

Railroading: A Definition

Nov 8, 2023 · 4 min read · RPG Theory

Definition 'Railroading' means that an out-of-game white-list constricts in-game actions. A 'white-list' is a complete list of things one can do. A white-list of websites would mean that someone connecting with this white-list can only visit sites which exist on that list. Conversely, a 'black-list' is a list of things …

The Metaphysics of Becoming a Tree

Oct 13, 2023 · 2 min read · RPG 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) …

Why Systems Matter

Aug 23, 2023 · 4 min read · RPG Theory

Gaming systems are incredibly important. Chess provides a better game than Monopoly. The benefits of a good system won't present themselves immediately - and that's a feature, not a bug. The system should provide a good time, not spent your time telling you why it provides a great time. But I will. I will tell you why …

Minimal Verisimilitude in RPGs

Aug 1, 2023 · 3 min read · RPG 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 …

Dungeons Need More Space

Apr 23, 2023 · 3 min read · RPG Blorb Theory

The dungeon ecosystem doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but I think Tolkien has a fix. Wandering Monsters Don't Make Sense I love the formula. In the cold depths, something approaches, and it wants to eat you. Deep underground, you tread carefully, then stop as you hear heavy footsteps. Or perhaps those aren't feet? …

No Introduction Necessary

Apr 22, 2023 · 3 min read · RPG BIND Theory Memoirs

It's been commented that BIND has no introduction, saying 'what is a roleplaying game?', and I don't think it needs one. Of course, nobody's picking this thing up in a 90's game store, et c., but I feel we have a deeper problem. I think that no RPG - including D&D - really needs an explanation of 'how to do …

Deathless RPGs

Mar 2, 2023 · 2 min read · RPG Theory

RPGs where nobody dies really irk me, because they have rules for dying. If you want an RPG where nobody ever dies (or runs out of food, or whatever), then I won't complain...until the rulebook states 'these are the conditions for death'. We have two problems. Problem 1: Fudging GMs Everyone writes up some dramatic …

Group Rolls

Feb 5, 2023 · 3 min read · RPG Theory BIND

Dice can give unexpected results when groups of people roll. When a group of 5 players need to roll to sneak past a guard, you already know someone will fail, because they have 5 chances to fail. If everyone rolls for Alertness, they will succeed every time, because they have five chances to succeed. The Alertness roll …

Spreadsheets are Great

Jan 27, 2023 · 3 min read · RPG Theory Design BIND

Whenever I'm unsure about a rule, I pull out a basic spreadsheet, and start populating numbers. The image I had for the ghoul spell began with a mage who could raise small things from the dead, like a cat, or dog. Slowly, the dark sorcerer would learn to raise gnomes, then humans, and finally raise undead ogres or …

BIND's Attack Style: Aftermath

Jan 16, 2023 · 2 min read · RPG BIND Theory

The previous post went over changing BIND's Combat system significantly, but I've not been able to resolve the problems. Every change I make demands other fixes. Everything I fix breaks something else. Once combat's simplified, the shield's don't work. Or they work with swords, but don't provide any use when holding a …