Comments on: Three-Part Series on Writing RPG Session Notes http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes Game mastering advice, ideas & resources • Dedicated to helping GMs Thu, 10 Nov 2011 17:04:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Martin http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes/comment-page-1#comment-13811 Martin Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:02:59 +0000 http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes#comment-13811 The first two bullet points definitely work as "traits for most good RPGs" (light systems aren't everyone's cup of tea), but I agree that the third one doesn't quite fit. As Phil intended them, though, I think they're nearly universal. I've seen at least one detailed prep system that was self-described (by its author, not by me) as "work intensive," but I don't think that's as common as lighter approaches. ;) The first two bullet points definitely work as “traits for most good RPGs” (light systems aren’t everyone’s cup of tea), but I agree that the third one doesn’t quite fit.

As Phil intended them, though, I think they’re nearly universal. I’ve seen at least one detailed prep system that was self-described (by its author, not by me) as “work intensive,” but I don’t think that’s as common as lighter approaches. ;)

]]> By: darelf http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes/comment-page-1#comment-13810 darelf Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:53:37 +0000 http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes#comment-13810 Hmm.. good point. I think I internalize the word "slack" differently. His point is one about timing. Postponing something without causing undue stress. I would say, perhaps, this would be the attribute of the "perfect" rpg system, rather than simply a "good" one. I'm uncertain how one would build such a thing into an RPG. How many times do we talk about "retconning" or "oops, I did it again" syndrome? What if an RPG could somehow "fix" that? It's a nice thought, but I have no idea what such a system would look like. Adventures are generally built along the lines of "choose your own adventure". That is, even if they aren't linear, they have an outline and some different possible outcomes. Most games play out as if they were a novel or tv show ( I prefer the latter ). I think that's on purpose, and I'm unsure how one would "fix" it rules-wise ( without the game being based on reality-changing, in which the entire game is an exercise in player-directed retconning ) Or, if you skipped all the above paragraphs... "I don't know, exactly".. :) Hmm.. good point. I think I internalize the word “slack” differently.

His point is one about timing. Postponing something without causing undue stress. I would say, perhaps, this would be the attribute of the “perfect” rpg system, rather than simply a “good” one.

I’m uncertain how one would build such a thing into an RPG. How many times do we talk about “retconning” or “oops, I did it again” syndrome? What if an RPG could somehow “fix” that?

It’s a nice thought, but I have no idea what such a system would look like. Adventures are generally built along the lines of “choose your own adventure”. That is, even if they aren’t linear, they have an outline and some different possible outcomes. Most games play out as if they were a novel or tv show ( I prefer the latter ). I think that’s on purpose, and I’m unsure how one would “fix” it rules-wise ( without the game being based on reality-changing, in which the entire game is an exercise in player-directed retconning )

Or, if you skipped all the above paragraphs… “I don’t know, exactly”.. :)

]]> By: Amaril http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes/comment-page-1#comment-13805 Amaril Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:32:27 +0000 http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes#comment-13805 darelf, when I first read the bulleted list, I actually thought that's what it was talking about, but then I realized it was referring to GM session writing. Although, I'm not sure how the third bullet point can be associated with an RPG game. Can you explain? darelf, when I first read the bulleted list, I actually thought that’s what it was talking about, but then I realized it was referring to GM session writing. Although, I’m not sure how the third bullet point can be associated with an RPG game. Can you explain?

]]> By: darelf http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes/comment-page-1#comment-13804 darelf Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:22:11 +0000 http://www.treasuretables.org/2007/10/three-part-series-on-writing-rpg-session-notes#comment-13804 Your 3 bullet points (or rather, Phil's) seem to work well for what makes a good RPG..... Coincidence? Your 3 bullet points (or rather, Phil’s) seem to work well for what makes a good RPG…..

Coincidence?

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