As a school teacher working with 11-18 year old students, I’ve learned a thing or two about introducing teenagers to the roleplaying hobby. In my early pre-teaching career working for Games Workshop, I ran a hobby store which hosted tabletop wargaming sessions every week. Later on, working at HQ, I developed tools for helping create …
1d3 Teen Gaming Tips for Introducing Teenagers to RPGs Read More »
Yesterday I read a short article asserting that the primary goal of roleplaying is “player immersion”. The context of the article was the idea that giving players narrative control is fatal to this goal… and that may well be true. That, however, wasn’t the value of the article for me: instead, I find myself pondering what the …
Characters make moral decisions throughout the life of a campaign. Each story is, to some degree, as much a challenge of ethics as it is a test of ability and skill. The character’s Alignment outlines the ethical stance they hold and guides the player’s decision-making throughout the story. Recently, I’ve been toying with alternatives to …
Having watched “The Book of Eli” last night, on DVD, I wanted to share with you three reasons why you might consider checking it out for yourself. Quick Review First, though, you might appreciate a quick review of the movie because, let’s face it, we don’t all share the same taste. “The Book of Eli” …
Last night we had a full session playing with Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Second Edition (2e). It was a bundle of fun and a good time was had. That said, it taught me a few things that mean I’ll be picking up Dungeons & Dragons, Fifth Edition (5e) again when I continue to plan my …
5 Insights 2e Taught Me About 5e and Dungeons & Dragons Read More »
Last Friday we ran our first game using the HERO System 6e. Set in the Tikhon fantasy world, two of my regular group made it over for a game. Here’s a part of the report I made back to the HERO forum, by way of thanking them for all of their support and help: Two …
5 Reasons to Try the HERO System in Your RPG Group Read More »
If there is one phrase which is bound to get me irritated on the spot it’s someone saying that all they want is a ‘simple’ faith. This phrase is usually said to me in the context of a discussion on some quite basic theology… and I do mean quite basic: we’re not talking about anything …
A lot of folk keep wittering on about whether you can play D&D5e in the Old School style. The short answer, of course, is… well, of course. Last night I was asked to step up and run a game, as our regular GM is off sick. To keep things simple, I decided to run D&D5e (the …
How 5e Adopts Old School Play for a Classic Roleplaying Experience Read More »
It’s been a seriously exciting week in the world of Pathfinder gaming with the school-based Pathfinder Society. Two major things have happened: We gained 2 new members, bringing the group size to 8… and making it necessary for one of the players to opt to become a GM. I’ve been energised towards beginning to prepare …
Enthusiasm Is Infectious in School Pathfinder Society Read More »
These are great days for me. Almost everyday I find my preconceptions and beliefs challenged, my views and experiences broadened, my horizons looking more exciting. Some Context… I volunteer at a school. Like the esteemed Rat, I have decided on a career change and seek to become a teacher. Unlike our host, I am …
Is a Little Religion Too Much God? Reflections on Faith Read More »