Search results

  1. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Regardless of the quality of AD&D’s properties, the format has persisted. That’s my point. Everything 4e adds with keywords, action type, etc are all clearly an evolution of that format. That’s why I’m suggesting to look at games other than tabletop RPGs. They manage to present effects in a...
  2. Middara - Ruination.png

    Middara - Ruination.png

  3. Middara - Life Tithe.png

    Middara - Life Tithe.png

  4. 1708963431037.png

    1708963431037.png

  5. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    After numerous examples and pages of discussion, what I find I dislike about the 4e presentation (and this extends to most of the other ones) is the amount of properties stated before the effect’s description. If these things are going to be there, I’d prefer they be integrated into the effect’s...
  6. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Shadowdark uses abstract distances. There’s only three: close (within 5′), near (up to 30′), and far (within sight). The use of cubes for spell areas isn’t explained. It’s presumably a concession to playing on a grid, but Shadowdark doesn’t mention playing on a grid at all. The spell description...
  7. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Short text can still be evocative. Shadowdark does a good job of this. These descriptions are short, but they pack a lot of punch.
  8. Shadowdark - Magic Missile.png

    Shadowdark - Magic Missile.png

  9. Shadowdark - Fireball.png

    Shadowdark - Fireball.png

  10. B:X - Fireball.png

    B:X - Fireball.png

  11. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    That was from the PDF copy of the Moldvay Basic Set I downloaded from DM’s Guild. This is from the introduction to spells on B15. Edit: I went back and checked the fireball spells I posted. None of them had a duration in turns, so I assume we’re talking about the magic missile I posted. Fire...
  12. B:X on spell length.png

    B:X on spell length.png

  13. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    A much older draft of my homebrew system took that approach. The spell conjured missiles of magical energy that you could direct at targets or save for later, having them orbit near you until used or for the spell’s duration. You could direct them later as an action against up to as many targets...
  14. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Possibly, but I think the idea of having magic missile last for a duration could be an interesting variant.
  15. Screenshot 2024-02-25 at 8.14.02 AM.png

    Screenshot 2024-02-25 at 8.14.02 AM.png

  16. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    That seems to be the logical consequence of thinking of fireball as magically creating an explosion, but it may have been lost due to brevity. The PF1 version also leads with your generating a “searing explosion of flame” and only mentions the bead that’s projected in the second paragraph. Hmm...
  17. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Thanks for posting the updated version. It’s a little disappointing that the remastered rules still aren’t available on Archive of Nethys. I suppose I could buy the PDFs like I did 4e to get screenshots.
  18. kenada

    Grading the Burning Wheel System

    It’s alright I guess. I enjoyed playing in our Torchbearer 2e game, but I really didn’t like its conflict system.
  19. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    Yeah, but we’re talking about which descriptions we prefer. I’m saying why AD&D’s doesn’t work for me even though it seemingly has more flavor.
  20. kenada

    RPG Writing and Design Needs a Paradigm Shift

    See post #179. My issue with the AD&D fireball is more of an immersion/simulation one. Other than the nod to AD&D (“(it) blossoms with a low roar into an explosion of flame”), they seem mostly the same to me. I’d include 5e along with B/X (and OD&D, PF2, and 4e as well as Goblin Slayer TRPG)...
Top