How Dragonbane Pointed out the Clashing Desires of My Gaming Group

[UngainlyTitan]

This is what we are doing. Last years or so we've been trying out various TTRPGs, played them for a bit and couldn't settle on one we liked so we moved onto something else. It just became apparent that we were just more interested in hanging out as there was always a lot of distractions and side conversations, etc. Week before last we played our first game of the Arkham Horror board game. It was fun and while looking online for play walk throughs, I saw that EDGE Studio is in the process of releasing an Arkham Horror RPG, and they have already put out a starter set. It is a really well put together starter set. An adventure, premade PCs, and everything you need to play out of the box. It's designed to be learned as you play. There are little game rules, and no character creation rules. I'm just using the Arkham Horror board game/RPG as an example for @Retreater but I'm sure there are other games that can do the same. I'm hoping that we can play the board game when we want a less immersive/complex game but then use the RPG when we want something of a more traditional roleplaying game. As they are both in the same setting the transition from one to the other should be pretty seamless in theory, a win-win for everyone.

This is pretty much the same with my primary group. I run mostly WotC AP's out of the box, and they seem quite happy. I would like more rp and engagement, but I do find I need to take regular DM breaks.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

In my case, it's like I'm hanging out with folks who claim to be Star Wars fans who like only the theatrical releases of the original trilogy, hate all the Expanded Universe with the exception of the Thrawn Trilogy, despise the prequels, sequels, and Clone Wars, like only 3 episodes of the 1st season of the Mandalorian, and the Bea Arthur musical number of the Holiday Special.

To be fair, there's a strong argument to be made that Bea Arthur is the best part of the franchise.

 

[Retreater]

This is pretty much the same with my primary group. I run mostly WotC AP's out of the box, and they seem quite happy. I would like more rp and engagement, but I do find I need to take regular DM breaks.

Yeah. Too bad that between all my players, everyone has essentially already played all the "big adventures." So I'll need to create my own (which is hard for me to balance correctly and likely to go unappreciated anyway) or find some obscure 3PP adventure. And it's difficult to find reviews and information about what's out there.

 

[R_J_K75]

This is pretty much the same with my primary group. I run mostly WotC AP's out of the box, and they seem quite happy. I would like more rp and engagement, but I do find I need to take regular DM breaks.

I GM primarily for our group, not exclusively but for the most part. I think there's a lot to be said for taking a step back once in a while for a break then coming back to the game with a renewed interest and a fresh set of eyes.

 

[Belen]

Have you considered the following systems:

Cypher system: This system was designed by Monte Cook with the original setting called Numenara. This was followed by The Strange (a personal favorite that let's you visit any world or setting), and then they launched it as a standalone toolkit. I would highly recommend your trying this as a setting. The combat is fun and fast-paced without the system being overly crunchy and you can use it for just about any setting or style of game.

Vaesen: This was a really fun system to play. The setting is 19th century monster hunters in Sweden and I really loved it. @Crothian ran the game for us. It is a d6 game but the combat was fun and it had great opportunity for roleplaying as well.

Star Wars Saga System: It was what 4e should have been. I ran multiple campaigns in it and I really loved it.

Honestly, I think your group would really like Cypher. It is fun, less work on the DM, but good crunch for the players.

 

[Warpiglet-7]

Right. But I think a skirmish style boardgame like Gloomhaven would be better for that than me busting my brain on a weekly basis to create dynamic encounters with a system not designed to do that.

To be fair, it was "unsatisfying" to me. I think they were ok just coming and eating snacks, watching TikTok videos between their turns, etc.
Concerning my spouse being in my group, it's a blessing and curse.
There's a lot of blame put on me to deliver precisely what she wants. She's literally said things like "I don't care if you're having fun."

This stuff goes beyond the game…

You probably know this deep down, but that is a problematic issue.

 

[titanguy654]

I would try to get them to clarify what they hope to get out of an TTRPG that they couldn't get out of Gloomhaven, since the latter seems like exactly what they actually want (well, besides the one player that does seem to engage with the story). Tactical combat with a light story that doesn't require them to role play.

 

[Retreater]

Have you considered the following systems:

I don't have Cypher/Numenera. My wife and I had pretty rotten experiences with it at several convention games. I would also imagine that it's not tactical enough to hold her interest.

I have Vaesen. It could maybe work as a one shot. My wife is very anti Free League after Forbidden Lands and Dragonbane. I think she'd find it underpowered when she can't deal 41 points of damage to a Redcap and kill it in one round.

I own Star Wars Saga. Main issue there is it's out of print, not in PDF, and highly collectible. It would be a nightmare to get them to play it at the table, much like how I was the "keeper of all the rules" with our 4E game and no one else could access the character builder

 

[Retreater]

This stuff goes beyond the game…

You probably know this deep down, but that is a problematic issue.

Yeah. I know. I'm not expecting gaming to fix my personal life, but I would like it to at least make it more bearable. Or to have something to look forward to for 4-5 hours a week.
I do appreciate everybody trying to help.

 

[Belen]

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