The Entire TTRPG Hobby Post-Mortem

[Neonchameleon]

I'm sorry to hear that.

 

[Retreater]

@Retreater, as a follow-up, have you looked into Daggerheart? I don't know if it will satisfy the criteria of your players, but it may be worth a look.

I still pop in, but I am not starting threads (or commenting much).

I ran a one-shot of Daggerheart for another group of friends - actually for a gaming podcast. Everyone loved it. The rules were light enough. The gameplay demanded attention and involvement from the players. The cards kept powers and abilities organized, without needing to flip through the book. The death mechanics make an accidental TPK impossible.

I don't think anything will satisfy my ongoing group. But if I can form a second group after my sabbatical, it is likely going to be with Daggerheart.

 

[Aldarc]

I still pop in, but I am not starting threads (or commenting much).

I ran a one-shot of Daggerheart for another group of friends - actually for a gaming podcast. Everyone loved it. The rules were light enough. The gameplay demanded attention and involvement from the players. The cards kept powers and abilities organized, without needing to flip through the book. The death mechanics make an accidental TPK impossible.

I'm glad that you enjoyed Daggerheart at least.

I don't think anything will satisfy my ongoing group. But if I can form a second group after my sabbatical, it is likely going to be with Daggerheart.

Yeah, it's hard for me to say as well. You can roll big numbers for damage, but the threshold system only being 1-3 actual damage may underwhelm your wife who likes big numbers. But the game seems like it would satisfy the superheroic feel. The fact that it even has squares optional would also potentially work for your other player who wanted squares.

 

[Retreater]

Yeah, it's hard for me to say as well. You can roll big numbers for damage, but the threshold system only being 1-3 actual damage may underwhelm your wife who likes big numbers. But the game seems like it would satisfy the superheroic feel. The fact that it even has squares optional would also potentially work for your other player who wanted squares.

I did a couple sample encounters with my wife, just to test before I ran on the podcast. She really enjoyed the system. Even at 1st level she felt like a capable hero. The damage system also worked for her. She said it was rolling a lot of dice and doing a lot of damage, but then not having to track the big numbers - best of both worlds.

 

[Aldarc]

I did a couple sample encounters with my wife, just to test before I ran on the podcast. She really enjoyed the system. Even at 1st level she felt like a capable hero. The damage system also worked for her. She said it was rolling a lot of dice and doing a lot of damage, but then not having to track the big numbers - best of both worlds.

That's fantastic to hear.

 

[Clint_L]

If the spouse is onboard, it's a massive win. My spouse is my favourite player; they could give a crap about the rules but they love to roleplay their character.

It's a hobby of ebbs and flows, isn't it? Sometimes, you need a break. Then a great group forms and you love it again - my current home campaign has me the most excited about GMing since I was a teenager, and my spouse is a huge part of that. Sounds like Daggerheart was just the ticket you needed.

 

[aramis erak]

Agree about wife-on-board being a plus. And Daggerheart is a good system...
Glad to see you not abandoning the hobby. Hopefully, your future play will be engaging and memorable.

 

[dragoner]

I definitely feel the pull away from RPG's and just play boardgames.

 

[MacDhomnuill]

I have been wrestling with many of the same issues. I no longer have a group and have been running games for my kids for a couple years but even that seems to be to much work and of no pleasure. Everything runs its course and knowing when to call it is tough. Safe travels friend I hope you can find something knew that brings you joy.

 

[warm_meteor]

Sounds like you've gone through a crisis, going through a divorce, then burning yourself out. I'm the same, going through a divorce and over-working myself both at my job and on my hobby as a DM. My health started to deteriorate from the stress, so last year I had a conversation with my group, which have been very supportive, to step down as a DM while working out everything that has happened and focus more on my health.

Taking some time off and distance yourself is good, to focus on what you want and need. I've noticed that even though I don't DM for my group anymore weekly, we still meet and play board games or what ever we can find. I've noticed that with time, my initial interest and fascination for TRPG have returned, which makes it feel exciting again. I recently wrote a homebrew Caves-of-Qud inspired oneshot, played it for two different groups who enjoyed it, myself included.

The important aspect is removing the pressure of having to meet other people expectations constantly. It sounds like you really enjoy TRPGs so take your time, and focus on yourself and your health.

It's like taking a walk after being extremely bored, nature finds a way to give inspiration to whatever interest you have. Instead of walks you can try to do something completely different, you are still you, with your interests. Even taking a pottery class or something could inspire you. (Magic urns?) Usually that also helps you grow, as it widens your perspective.