Overwhelmed by choices (of rpg materials)

[Ry]

I was looking for great random tables, to fall back on when I DM.

Stuff beyond the DMG

When I search the web the blogs are so many but not grouped or ranked. Even “best of” lists are all over the place.

Same for drivethrurpg. But it doesn’t have to be random tables. How do you approach the mountain of pages?

 

[Retreater]

I just picked up the Tome of Adventure Design. It's a system-neutral guide to building adventures, dungeons, monster creation. Lots of inspirational tables here.

DriveThruRPG

www.drivethrurpg.com

 

[Ry]

That’s a cool book, I just picked it up.
What lead you to it? Just following Frog God work generally?

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

When I need random tables for inspiration, I turn to:

Madeline Hale's Table Fables (vol. 1 & 2)
Goodman Games The Dungeon Alphabet

Table Fables is great for when you need something on the fly while running a game, Dungeon Alphabet good for when you're sitting down to design an adventure.

 

[Retreater]

That’s a cool book, I just picked it up.
What lead you to it? Just following Frog God work generally?

I do follow Frog God in general, but I saw that particular one reviewed on Questing Beast on YouTube and wanted to get it.

 

[Li Shenron]

How do you approach the mountain of pages?

I ignore everything and make myself what I need.

It's faster, cheaper, better and more rewarding.

 

[Ry]

I ignore everything and make myself what I need.

It's faster, cheaper, better and more rewarding.

Wow

 

[Retreater]

I ignore everything and make myself what I need.

It's faster, cheaper, better and more rewarding.

I mean you can make an argument for some of that, but even if that is true, I believe there's value in seeing the creative work others do. Otherwise, you're like a musician who doesn't listen to music or a writer who doesn't read.

 

[Li Shenron]

I mean you can make an argument for some of that, but even if that is true, I believe there's value in seeing the creative work others do. Otherwise, you're like a musician who doesn't listen to music or a writer who doesn't read.

Sure, I read ENWorld. Or the rest of the web

And obviously I don't play a totally self-made RPG. I am only talking about accessories here. I still buy core rulebooks and interesting supplements or adventures (though none of the latter since 3e). But for everything else I prefer DIY.

Hence my suggestion for great random tables is to make your own.