Recent content by Arilyn

I liked them too. When we were introduced to them, I thought, huh, these seem like authentic, non - Hollywood folk. "Real parents."

I used steal because game designers use the word a lot but feel @chuckdee made a good point. It could be misread. But yes, designers "learn, borrow, steal" all the time, as do most creatives.

Yes, I agree. Steal isn't the best word choice! I should have said learn or inspire.

Yes, there's a lot of morphing and evolution and sometimes going back, but more cleaned up or more modern mechanics.

I put steal in quotes for a reason, as it's not literally stealing games. Designers, of course, learn from each other. For example: 1. Using skills as less concrete and more life backgrounds or experiences. 2. The roll a die and add attribute 3. Feat type goodies 4. Life path systems 5...

I remember Robin Laws saying that when he originally wrote Feng Shui, it was considered rules light. When he started tinkering with the 2nd edition, players definitely let him know they wanted a lighter system, as they felt the first one to be too heavy. 😁 Our definitions have certainly changed.

Late 90s games are very different from now. A tip: The vast majority of game designers run and read a wide variety of games. The more you dive into rpgs, the better you'll be at game design. Cutting yourself off from the wider hobby in order to avoid being influenced is not a good idea...

Although, I do not like the writing style in Riggs' Slaying the Dragon, he's been getting really interesting guests on his podcast lately. A nice wide spectrum.

Anyway, Ben Riggs on his podcast some months ago says he's changed his mind and Golden Age is not over.

No, I just meant for hobbyists who want to share their work, they can do so very easily, as opposed to "back in the day." Part of the Golden Age to me is the internet allowing creators to share some pretty niche stuff. I also love that more people can make a living creating, but some just want...

And then those creators can publish a new game a few years later Many small indie creators have enough of a following that they can publish. They're not looking to become professional game designers. The internet and crowd funding, however, let them share their creations and build small...

Yep. It's encouraged but not essential and I think does a great job of introducing the style. Players can ease into it, jump in with both feet or play without it.

I go with players' preferences. 13th Age has good advice. Ask for input but if no one has an idea you can step in and provide the detail. Players shouldn't feel pressured or put on the spot but input is welcome. Daggerheart is flexible, as it can work both ways. My table is a combination. Some...

Ars Magica is roll d10 and add modifier and has talents which feats may have been inspired by. The wizards in 3e are not even remotely like Ars Magica.

The character sheets are not explained well for new players to the hobby. And, as mentioned, there are chunks of missing information, particularly spells and the stats for the two familiars. The pregens have no healing and no heal potions in first adventure. I'd have liked to have seen a bigger...