Jackmonkey Games and Media

Author: jmonkey

  • Top 10 Cooperative Board Games for Team Players

    Top 10 Cooperative Board Games for Team Players

    Cooperative board games are the ultimate way to foster teamwork, strategy, and camaraderie. Instead of competing against each other, players band together to overcome a shared challenge—whether it’s saving the world, surviving a zombie apocalypse, or navigating a fantastical quest. Here are the top 10 co-op board games that promise endless hours of fun and strategic gameplay.

    1. Pandemic

    A modern classic, Pandemic tasks players with saving the world from deadly diseases. As members of a disease control team, you’ll work together to research cures, treat outbreaks, and prevent global chaos. It’s a must-play for fans of strategy and problem-solving.

    2. Gloomhaven

    This epic campaign game is a blend of strategy and storytelling. Players take on the roles of adventurers exploring a dark, dangerous world filled with enemies and treasure. Gloomhaven is perfect for those who enjoy long-term character development and immersive narratives.

    3. Spirit Island

    Defend your island from colonizing invaders by harnessing the power of nature. Spirit Island flips traditional colonialist themes on their head, offering a deeply strategic and thematic co-op experience.

    4. Arkham Horror: The Card Game

    Step into the eerie world of H.P. Lovecraft with this narrative-driven card game. Players investigate mysteries, battle otherworldly creatures, and struggle to maintain their sanity. Perfect for fans of horror and suspense.

    5. Forbidden Island

    In this family-friendly game, players work together to collect treasures from a sinking island. With easy-to-learn rules and quick gameplay, Forbidden Island is great for players of all ages.

    6. The Crew: Quest for Planet Nine

    This innovative trick-taking card game requires players to complete specific missions together. The Crew is simple to learn but challenging to master, making it a favorite for casual and experienced gamers alike.

    7. Betrayal Legacy

    While not strictly cooperative throughout, Betrayal Legacy starts with players working together to explore a haunted mansion. The twist? One player often becomes the traitor, adding suspense and unpredictability.

    8. Robinson Crusoe: Adventures on the Cursed Island

    Survive on a deserted island in this highly thematic game. Players must gather resources, build shelter, and overcome challenges as they face the perils of island life.

    9. Marvel Champions: The Card Game

    Step into the shoes of your favorite Marvel heroes and work together to thwart villains in this action-packed card game. With customizable decks and expansions, Marvel Champions offers endless replayability.

    10. Shadows Over Camelot

    Set in the Arthurian legend, this semi-cooperative game has players working as knights to defend Camelot. However, there’s a twist—a potential traitor in your midst adds intrigue and tension to every decision.

    Why Co-op Board Games Are a Hit

    Cooperative board games bring players together in unique and exciting ways. They’re perfect for fostering teamwork, building friendships, and enjoying shared victories—or commiserating over shared defeats! Whether you’re new to co-op games or a seasoned player, these titles are guaranteed to deliver unforgettable experiences.

    Which of these co-op games is your favorite? Let us know in the comments or suggest others you think belong on this list!

  • Exploring the World of Card Games: From Magic: The Gathering to Munchkin

    Card games are a fantastic way to bring people together, challenge your strategic thinking, and dive into imaginative worlds. Whether you’re a fantasy enthusiast, a competitive strategist, or someone looking for a fun party game, there’s a card game for you. Let’s explore four popular card games, how they’re played, and who might enjoy them.

    1. Magic: The Gathering

    How to Play: Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a collectible card game where players assume the role of powerful wizards, casting spells, summoning creatures, and using artifacts to defeat opponents. Players build their decks with a mix of lands, spells, and creatures, aiming to reduce their opponent’s life total from 20 to 0.

    Who Should Play: MTG is perfect for fans of strategy and fantasy who enjoy deck-building and competitive play. It’s great for casual matches or intense tournaments.

    2. Munchkin

    How to Play: Munchkin is a lighthearted, humorous card game where players delve into a dungeon, defeat monsters, and grab loot. The goal is to reach Level 10 before anyone else. Players can sabotage each other with curses and sneaky plays, adding a chaotic twist.

    Who Should Play: Munchkin is ideal for groups of friends or family who love humor, fantasy, and a less serious gaming experience.

    3. Uno

    How to Play: Uno is a classic card game where players take turns matching cards by color or number, aiming to be the first to discard all their cards. Special action cards like Reverse, Skip, and Draw Two add a strategic element to the fast-paced fun.

    Who Should Play: Uno is great for all ages and works well in family settings or casual gatherings. It’s easy to learn and endlessly entertaining.

    4. Exploding Kittens

    How to Play: Exploding Kittens is a quirky card game where players take turns drawing cards while trying to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten card. Players use special cards to defuse, skip, or peek into the deck, adding a layer of strategy to the chaos.

    Who Should Play: This game is perfect for fans of quick, hilarious gameplay and those who enjoy a bit of risk and unpredictability.

    Why Card Games Are for Everyone

    From deep strategy in Magic: The Gathering to laugh-out-loud fun in Munchkin and Exploding Kittens, card games cater to all kinds of players. Whether you’re new to gaming or a seasoned veteran, there’s always a card game to match your style.

    Looking for your next favorite card game? Give one of these a try and experience the joy of playing cards with friends and family.

  • Cards Against Humanity: The Party Game for Horrible People

    Cards Against Humanity: The Party Game for Horrible People

    Looking for a hilarious, irreverent party game to liven up your next gathering? Cards Against Humanity is the ultimate icebreaker and a guaranteed source of belly laughs. Known as “a party game for horrible people,” this game thrives on absurdity, sarcasm, and dark humor. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned fan, here’s everything you need to know about playing Cards Against Humanity and its intriguing history.

    How to Play Cards Against Humanity

    The rules are simple:

    1. Each player starts with 10 white cards featuring quirky, bizarre, or downright inappropriate phrases.
    2. The game rotates through players acting as the “Card Czar,” who picks a black card with a fill-in-the-blank or question.
    3. Everyone else submits a white card they think makes the funniest, most absurd, or most shocking combination.
    4. The Card Czar picks their favorite white card, and the winner gets a point.

    Play continues until players decide to stop—or when everyone is laughing too hard to continue! Expansions are available, adding fresh content to keep the game outrageous.

    Personally, I am way too good at this game and I wonder what it says about my character. Can I really call myself Nutral Good?

    A Brief History

    Cards Against Humanity was created in 2011 by a group of friends led by Max Temkin. Initially funded through a Kickstarter campaign, the game quickly gained popularity for its bold, unapologetic humor. Today, it’s a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless expansions and spin-offs.

    The creators describe it as a “game for terrible people,” but it’s also a reflection of today’s zeitgeist—poking fun at pop culture, politics, and everything in between.

    Where to Get It

    You can buy Cards Against Humanity and its expansions directly from their official website: cardsagainsthumanity.com.

    Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to spice up game night, Cards Against Humanity is a surefire way to keep things lively. Just remember—it’s not for the faint of heart!

  • The Eternal Struggle: Scheduling Games as an Adult Gamer

    The Eternal Struggle: Scheduling Games as an Adult Gamer

    Gathering a group of adventurers to save the kingdom is hard enough in Dungeons & Dragons. Add the challenge of aligning adult schedules, and it can feel like a quest designed by the cruelest Dungeon Master. For adult gamers, juggling work, family, and life commitments often means scheduling the next game session is harder than defeating a dragon.

    But why is scheduling such a pain?

    The Scheduling Conundrum

    The problem boils down to competing priorities. Most adults have demanding jobs, school, kids, or other hobbies that vie for their time. Unlike when you were younger and could game into the night, adulthood comes with responsibilities. And let’s not forget unexpected emergencies or illnesses. Suddenly, that perfectly planned game night gets derailed.

    In tabletop RPGs like D&D or the Cypher System, consistent attendance matters. Missing just one player can break immersion or disrupt key story beats. It’s especially tricky in story-driven games like Shadowrun, where the team’s hacker or face missing a session could mean rewriting half the mission.

    Finding Solutions

    While scheduling may never be easy, here are a few tricks to make it manageable:

    1. Pick a Regular Day: Choosing a consistent day (like every other Friday) creates a predictable routine. Everyone knows to keep that time blocked off.
    2. Use Scheduling Tools: Apps like Doodle or Google Calendar make it easy to find overlapping availability for busy adults. If tech-savvy, even Discord bots can help with reminders.
    3. Embrace Flexibility: If someone can’t make it, have a backup plan. Perhaps you play a one-shot using a lightweight system like Star-Fall RPG’s Open D6, or run a side story to keep momentum alive.
    4. Play Virtually: Online platforms like Roll20 and Foundry VTT allow players to join from anywhere, cutting out commuting time.

    Scheduling may always be an obstacle, but with patience and creativity, it’s one that can be overcome. After all, the bonds formed around the gaming table make the effort worthwhile.

  • Using Software to Enhance Your RPG Game

    Using Software to Enhance Your RPG Game

    Running a tabletop RPG like Dungeons and Dragons or Shadowrun can be a thrilling yet demanding experience. Keeping track of initiative orders, NPC stats, player character sheets, and sprawling maps can leave even the most prepared Game Master (GM) feeling overwhelmed. Thankfully, a variety of software tools are available to make your RPG sessions smoother and more immersive. Let’s explore how you can use software to level up your game—no paid endorsements here, just honest recommendations!

    Virtual Tabletops (VTTs): Immersive Worlds at Your Fingertips

    Virtual tabletops like Roll20 or Foundry VTT are indispensable for GMs running games online. These platforms allow you to upload custom maps, create dynamic lighting effects, and manage character sheets, all in one place. Even for in-person games, a VTT displayed on a large screen or tablet can add a modern twist to the classic tabletop vibe. For example, you could use Roll20 to streamline your Cypher System encounters, ensuring that players can roll dice and track Effort without flipping through rulebooks.

    Learn more about VTTs and how to pick one that works for you.

    Campaign Management Software: Stay Organized

    If you’re juggling multiple NPCs, plot threads, and session notes, campaign management tools like Notion or World Anvil can be lifesavers. With these programs, you can link lore, character backstories, and session recaps in a cohesive and searchable way. Using software for campaign management is especially helpful in systems like Star-Fall RPG, where worldbuilding is often as important as combat.

    Dice Rollers and Automation Tools: Speed Things Up

    For GMs who dread doing mental math on the fly, dice-rolling apps like D&D Beyond or DiceCloud are game-changers. These tools not only automate dice rolls but can also calculate modifiers and track ongoing effects. In systems like Shadowrun, where dice pools and edge points are integral to the game, a digital roller can keep gameplay moving at a steady pace.

    Embrace the Balance

    While software can make RPGs more manageable, it’s essential to strike a balance. Don’t let the tech overshadow the storytelling and face-to-face connections that make tabletop RPGs so special. Test tools before your game, and ensure everyone is comfortable using them.

    Looking to incorporate more tools into your sessions? Check out this guide to RPG tech essentials.

  • From Tabletop to Digital: The Evolution of RPG Games

    Role-playing games (RPGs) have long captivated the imaginations of players around the world. These games, initially played with pen and paper around a table, have a rich history of storytelling, strategy, and collaborative play. With the advent of technology, many beloved tabletop RPGs have been successfully converted into computer games, bringing these intricate worlds to an even wider audience. In this blog post, we will explore the journey of RPGs from tabletop to digital, highlighting some notable examples and the impact of this evolution.

    The Origins of Tabletop RPGs

    Tabletop RPGs emerged in the 1970s with the release of “Dungeons & Dragons” (D&D), a game that allowed players to create characters, embark on adventures, and shape narratives through their decisions and dice rolls. The game’s creators, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, pioneered a new genre that blended fantasy storytelling with strategic gameplay. The success of D&D spawned a multitude of other tabletop RPGs, each offering unique settings, mechanics, and stories.

    The Digital Revolution

    As computers became more advanced and accessible, the potential to translate the rich, immersive experiences of tabletop RPGs into digital formats became apparent. Early attempts in the 1980s and 1990s laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving genre in the gaming industry. Here are some key milestones in the evolution of RPGs from tabletop to digital:

    1. Baldur’s Gate (1998)

    One of the most iconic examples of a successful tabletop-to-digital conversion is “Baldur’s Gate.” Developed by BioWare and published by Interplay, this game brought the world of D&D to life on the computer screen. Using the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition ruleset, “Baldur’s Gate” offered players a richly detailed world, complex characters, and a deep, engaging storyline. Its success paved the way for numerous sequels and other D&D-based computer games.

    2. Shadowrun Returns (2013)

    “Shadowrun” is a unique tabletop RPG that blends cyberpunk and fantasy elements. Harebrained Schemes’ “Shadowrun Returns” successfully captured the essence of the tabletop game while introducing it to a new generation of players. The game features a turn-based combat system, character customization, and a gripping narrative set in a dystopian future where magic and technology coexist.

    3. Divinity: Original Sin (2014)

    Larian Studios’ “Divinity: Original Sin” is another excellent example of a tabletop-inspired RPG that found great success as a computer game. Drawing inspiration from classic tabletop mechanics, the game offers turn-based combat, cooperative multiplayer, and an intricate story with branching paths. Its sequel, “Divinity: Original Sin 2,” received widespread acclaim and solidified the franchise’s reputation.

    4. Pathfinder: Kingmaker (2018)

    Based on Paizo’s “Pathfinder” tabletop RPG, “Pathfinder: Kingmaker” by Owlcat Games brings the rich lore and complex mechanics of the tabletop game to the digital realm. Players can create and customize their characters, explore vast landscapes, and engage in strategic combat. The game also incorporates kingdom-building elements, adding another layer of depth to the experience.

    5. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

    Although “Cyberpunk 2077” by CD Projekt Red is not a direct adaptation of the “Cyberpunk 2020” tabletop RPG, it draws heavily from the source material created by Mike Pondsmith. The game transports players to the neon-lit streets of Night City, offering an open-world experience filled with intricate storytelling, character development, and a vibrant, immersive world.

    The Impact of Digital RPGs

    The transition from tabletop to digital has had a profound impact on the RPG genre. Here are a few key ways in which this evolution has shaped the gaming landscape:

    1. Accessibility

    Digital RPGs have made these complex and richly detailed worlds more accessible to a broader audience. Players who may not have had the opportunity to engage in tabletop RPGs due to time, availability of a gaming group, or other constraints can now immerse themselves in these experiences through their computers and consoles.

    2. Enhanced Visuals and Audio

    The digital format allows for stunning visuals and immersive audio, bringing the worlds of RPGs to life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Detailed graphics, voice acting, and dynamic soundtracks enhance the storytelling and overall experience.

    3. Convenience and Flexibility

    Computer games offer convenience and flexibility, allowing players to pause, save, and resume their adventures at any time. This flexibility is particularly appealing to those with busy schedules who still want to engage in epic quests and adventures.

    4. Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

    Digital RPGs have introduced innovative gameplay mechanics that enhance the tabletop experience. From real-time combat systems to complex AI-driven narratives, these games continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in interactive storytelling.

    Conclusion

    The conversion of tabletop RPGs to digital formats has expanded the reach and appeal of these beloved games. By preserving the core elements that make tabletop RPGs so captivating—rich storytelling, character development, and player agency—while leveraging the advantages of modern technology, digital RPGs have carved out a significant niche in the gaming industry. Whether you’re a longtime fan of tabletop RPGs or a newcomer to the genre, the digital adaptations offer a thrilling and immersive way to experience these fantastical worlds.

    As technology continues to evolve, we can look forward to even more innovative and captivating RPG experiences, bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms. So gather your party, roll for initiative, and embark on an epic adventure—whether around a table or on your computer screen.

  • Reverse Railroading GM Technique

    Before we talk about reverse railroading we need to talk about what is railroading.

    Railroading is a commonly debated and somewhat controversial game-mastering method in the realm of tabletop role-playing games (RPGs). In this approach, the Game Master (GM) exerts a high degree of control over the game’s narrative, often guiding players along a predetermined plot or story path. This term derives from the idea that players are metaphorically placed on a “railroad track,” with limited freedom to deviate from the planned storyline.

    In a railroaded campaign, the GM meticulously designs the game world, plot events, and encounters, leaving little room for player improvisation. The storyline unfolds with a predetermined sequence of events, and players are expected to follow along. While this method can ensure a tightly woven narrative with well-defined arcs and dramatic moments, it can also lead to player frustration if they feel their choices and creativity are stifled.

    Railroading is a divisive technique; some players enjoy the structured experience it offers, appreciating the clear objectives and storyline, while others prefer a more open-ended, player-driven approach where their decisions have a more significant impact on the game world.

    The Reverse Railroad game master technique

    Balancing railroading with player agency is crucial for a successful RPG experience. Experienced GMs may employ railroading selectively, using it sparingly to maintain the overall narrative while still allowing players to explore and make meaningful choices. Ultimately, the choice of whether to use railroading in an RPG campaign should be made with the player’s preferences and the game’s overall goals in mind.

    The Reverse Railroad

    So what happens when a Gamemasters needs a specific end and yet wants to give the players control of how they get to there? This is where the reverse railroad comes in.

    The reverse railroad GM technique is where you provide a scene similar to many of the crime dramas on TV. The players are looking over the body of the Queen who was obviously stabbed in the back with the rouge’s knife. The King walks in and catches the players over the body…… “Two Days Before”

    Setting Up a Reverse Railroad

    It’s all about expectations and fun! Think about the movie Titanic. The ship sinking wasn’t considered a spoiler because the interest lay in how it happened and who survived. The same principle applies to reverse railroading.

    When setting up the reverse railroad, you need to be clear with the players:

    • What will happen at a certain point
    • What control they have in their methods of reaching that point
    • Rewards for not exploiting their knowledge of how the session ends
    • Penalties for using that knowledge
    • Extra bonuses for making it seem seamless

    For example, in the last episode of the Star-Fall Actual Play podcast Season One, the players were told that the villain “Jeramia Lightfoot” had “plot immunity” because he is a key character much further down the plotline. While they needed to fight him, they could not kill him. As the GM, I would alter the effects to make sure he survives:

    • Players were aware they could not kill him.
    • Players were told he, however, could kill them.
    • Players would be given extra XP for finding a reason not to perform the “deathblow” if they knocked him out (“You deserve to die, but that is not justice” or “I pull the trigger at the gun pointed at his heart, and it goes… click”).
    • Players were not told how they would get there or what would lead to that point, only that there would be a fight, and he could not die… wound, capture, maim, yes… die, no.

    While I expected the players to resist this, they loved it. They knew before the game even started what was going to happen, but not how it would happen.

    Tips for Running a Reverse Railroad

    1. Communicate with Players: Don’t surprise the players with a reverse railroad. Let them know that it will happen and give them time to think about it. This is not something you want to announce at the beginning of a battle. It should be done at the start of the session (or earlier).
    2. Reward Pretending and Roleplaying: Be generous with rewards for pretending and roleplaying. Extra XP, magic items, etc., are all appropriate rewards for good roleplaying.
    3. Reward Not Exploiting Future Knowledge: Be generous with rewards for not exploiting future knowledge.
    4. Penalize Exploiting Future Knowledge: Warn players about strict penalties for exploiting future knowledge. For example, just because a player knows they’re alive in a future scene doesn’t mean they won’t suffer significant setbacks if they exploit this knowledge.

    Reverse railroading can create memorable and engaging sessions when done right, providing structure while still allowing for player creativity and agency. By balancing predetermined outcomes with player-driven actions, you can craft an exciting and dynamic RPG experience.

    This blog post was sponsored by “Lithgow Tech Services” builders of custom gaming computers https://www.lithgowtech.com

  • Setting a Non-Combat Scenes in Your Roleplaying Game

    Setting a Non-Combat Scenes in Your Roleplaying Game

    How can you prevent your players from causing issues with the NPCs during Non-Combat Scene? This is a common concern among gamemasters. Players often tend to misbehave in these situations, such as when a mage conspicuously casts spells to impress a court wizard, a barbarian scratches or belches loudly, or a thief contemplates mischief in the king’s courtroom. After all, it’s a role-playing game, and players should have the freedom to do as they please, right? However, what if such behavior hinders the story’s progress? This article aims to assist gamemasters in managing non-combat scenes more smoothly.

    men in british military costumes sitting by the table having a feast Non-Combat Scene in an RPG Game
    Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

    Why Include Non-Combat Scenes in RPGs?

    The first question you should ask yourself as a gamemaster is, “What do I aim to achieve with this scene?” Many gamemasters, including myself until a few years ago, overlook this question. Have you ever watched a poorly edited film where certain scenes seem entirely irrelevant? Why was it crucial for the characters to visit a corner store and buy milk in the middle of the movie? In a role-playing game, every moment should hold significance. It could be as straightforward as wanting players to delve deeper into their characters or providing them with an opportunity to be suspicious of an NPC Mage secretly working for the Dark King. The crucial aspect for a GM is to know the reason behind the Non-Combat Scene. You can choose to share this reason with your players or keep it a secret. If you can’t come up with a compelling reason, it might be wise to skip that part of the game.

    Setting Expectations with Your RPG Party

    It may not be obvious, but in the “Zapperburger Episode” of Star-Fall, I informed The Fifth Crew about my expectations. They entered the game understanding that they were in a non-combat scenario and should avoid causing any disruptions. The result was just as enjoyable as the players used the fast-food restaurant setting to explore their characters further.

    While the exact mission goals might be obscured, the key to success lies in conveying that they should avoid causing trouble while searching for something.

    Keeping Pranksters and Murderhobos Satisfied While Others Roleplay in the Non-Combat Scene

    Thieves, pranksters, and murderhobos often pose challenges in such scenes. One technique I employ is allowing a knowledge roll with a substantial bonus “due to their expertise.” If they roll even moderately well (did I mention a significant bonus to the dice roll), you can inform the player that their character is clever enough to refrain from causing issues in this situation. You can find various reasons for the character to exercise caution. By making it the character’s decision (and something that reflects positively on their expertise), players are less likely to disrupt the scene in the king’s court.

    Keeping Thieves in Check

    You notice that the King has placed an alarm spell on everything; only an amateur would attempt to steal anything from this room.
    You spot some “Thieves Cant” writing, warning you that stealing anything is a trap, and the real treasures are hidden elsewhere.
    You recognize your former mentor working as a consultant for the king, and they signal you to “back off” with the promise of future communication.

    Dissuading Murderhobos

    You identify a hidden guard ready to take you down if you get too close.
    You recognize one of the guards; you’ve witnessed their combat prowess, and you know you’re no match for them.

    Deterring Pranksters

    You realize this is the one occasion to behave appropriately.
    Before entering the room, you overhear the guards discussing the consequences faced by the last person who played a prank in this room.
    The King is aware of your pranks and mentions it; it’s best to be on your best behavior here.

    Using Consequences to Guide Player Characters

    Expanding on the examples above, being creative in devising consequences is an effective way to maintain control over mischievous players. Personally, I don’t believe in punishing players, as it can foster an unhealthy mindset. Instead, I favor “natural consequences,” where actions logically lead to outcomes. For instance, attempting to steal from the King could lead to facing a hangman’s noose. It’s crucial to provide ample warnings to prevent characters from making foolish decisions. However, if they persist despite multiple warnings, it doesn’t mean they have to die; they might find themselves spending time in a dungeon until the bard can persuade the King to release them.

    Using Rewards to Encourage Compliance

    Understanding your players’ motivations is essential. Knowing that a social interaction will result in tangible benefits can motivate players to behave appropriately. This doesn’t mean you should let a barbarian with a Charisma score of 4 handle all negotiations. However, informing the thief that having the King as an important patron outweighs any potential loot from the throne room can keep pranksters in check. Informing players in advance of the advantages of a successful social interaction or at least avoiding a failed one can deter disruptive behavior.

    Listening to Your Players, Because It’s About Them

    Sometimes, as a gamemaster, you might have a brilliant idea, but the players may not find it enjoyable. I once attempted to run a heavily political module for my friend’s 10-year-old son and his friends, all of whom had names like Wolf Shadow, Blood Shadow, Shadow Blood Wolf, and headbands with swords – a mismatch for such a game. Non-Combat Scene was never going to happen.

    Your primary responsibility as a gamemaster is to ensure your players have fun. Therefore, it’s essential to understand what they want to do. If you have a group of murderhobos, then provide them with a game that suits their preferences. Asking players about the type of game they want doesn’t limit your creativity; instead, it aligns expectations for the game. I personally seek players who fit the game I want to run, but if they’re already at my table, it’s my responsibility to ensure everyone has a good time.

  • How to play an asshole and have the other players not hate you.

    The whole point of Role playing games is to play someone you are not. This is why a lot of people like to play Fighters or Wizards. Me I like to role-play asshole character, you know those people who you rather not spend any time with. T
    he problem is that a lot of the players like to do carbon copies of the “Wolverine” basically an asshole. But they do this in a way that makes the other players not want to play with them.

    When playing an asshole give them a reason

    “Logan” has been done to death. Friends don’t let friends play another Logan. I say this because most of the time the people that are attracted to playing a Logan character are not really thinking about their character backstory beyond the whole orphan with no memory and claws bit.

    Having a good backstory about why your character is an asshole is important because it not only makes your character more interesting but will give you more to draw from.

    For example Jaro my Wood elf Ranger is not a likeable person. He was in the last Orc war and had seen a lot of bloodshed. He saw the forest that he loved being burnt to the ground to gain a tactical advantage. And while he did fight the Orcs he never blamed them for the bloodshed. To this day he will treat an orc with the respect they deserve (They did not order the burning of the forest)

    Jaro does not like people or cities and is really grumpy when he has to deal with either. He is happiest when he is resting in the forest with his Mastiff Sono

    Now that we have his backstory this gives me a reason for his actions. Generally I make him grumpier when in the city and more relaxed in the forest.

    But how to keep the other players from hating you?

    I have seen this a hundred times. Someone decides they are going to play and asshole so they can get away with being a total jerk to the other players. No not their characters but the players. And the moment someone calls them on their bad behaviour they say “But that is what my character would do” (In other words I’m not going to be accountable for my behaviour and fuck you) Then be grumpy when they are not invited to other games.

    Some players also have a hard time separating the difference between someone and their character .. here are some tips.

    Let other players known the difference between me as the player and my role-play as an asshole character

    Part of what I do is make a general announcement to the gaming group that I am playing an asshole character and he will insult other characters on a regular basis. However I as the Player is not an asshole.

    By declaring this to the other players they can see a difference between me and Jaro.

    Use a different voice

    This sounds silly but anytime you do something as your character use a different voice or accent. This will clearly mark that you are acting as your character and not your self as a player. This is very important when there is anything having to do with an insult

    play and asshole character
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Accept feedback without fighting back

    This is a hard one. The difference between you an a real asshole is that the real one will not accept feedback from the other players. If someone says that what you have done or said is “Not cool” you need to accept that and apologise.

    If you take it personal you are not playing an asshole you are one. You need to accept the feedback.

    Find another character to hate and get permission to do so

    IF you are ever in the room with me and my wife when we play together as players you will know our character will almost always hate each other. We do this because I can always be an asshole toward one of her characters without fear of actually hurting her feelings as she knows my true nature.

    While some people think this may sounds silly there is a good reason for this. It allows you to play your character to its fullest and have another player you trust play off your characters personal traits

    Have a redeeming value

    While Jaro will insult anyone who walks near him he tends to be very kinds with animals and will go out of his way to be their champion. While he has no problem hunting (Have you ever tried to keep a Mastiff fed … yeah that is a lot of meat ) he is always humane In his hunting methods and never hunts for sport.

    That said while he will insult any of the party members he will always ..Always have their back and will risk his life to save them. Grumbling all the way.

    Asshole monolog

    This is an underused method of role-play asshole character without actually hurting any of the players feelings. When you are asked to do something your character goes on a monolog about how the idiots are in command and you need to do as you’re told . OR find some reason to complain.

    Jaro: “What the hell why do we always need to go into town. (In a baby voice) Look at me I am a bard I like cites because because I need attention blah blah bal . Fucking bards .. why do I need to babysit a bard who is just going to piss off the towns guard … again ”

    While this is funny it is also clear that my character is bitching about something and is still being useful .

    So this is how torole-play asshole character without being a real jerk yourself

  • Obsidian RPG Notes

    Obsidian RPG Notes

    If you are like me you as a player or a GM like to take notes during a game. Or have one place on your phone, computer or Tablet to store all those images, character sheets and Sourcebook PDFs. Obsidian RPG notes is what you need.

    Notes for everything not just RPGs

    I use obsidian in my Mac Repair business in the Lithgow and Katoomba area to keep track of jobs and case notes. Obsidian uses a great feature of being able to connect notes to each other using hyperlinks.

    Instead of having one massive word document you can create individual pages for your character sheet and other notes and create hyperlinks. You can even embed images an pdfs into the notes

    There are a ton of plugins you can add to Obsidian including a dice rollers etc.

    what I like the most about Obsidian other than it is free is that it works well with iCloud while still being cross platform.

    the learning curve for Obsidan is not too bad. While it does take a little bit of getting used to how to create links and headings it does not require any HTML skills .

    if for whatever reason the App stops working the files are still in a format that most computers can read. So even if Obsidian goes bankrupt you will always be able to access your notes

    I may consider writing more tutorials on how to use obsidian for gamers in mind if there is a demand.

    Obsidian RPG notes for players and Gms