Author: jmonkey

  • How to Role Play a fighter

    How to Role Play a fighter

    Title: Becoming the Sword: Roleplaying Your Fighter Beyond the Stats

    When it comes to role playing a fighter in tabletop roleplaying games like D&D, Pathfinder, or GURPS, there’s a vast realm of possibilities waiting beyond the mere numbers on your character sheet. Here are some tips to breathe life into your fighter and create a memorable roleplaying experience that goes beyond the surface:

    **1. *Craft a Compelling Backstory*: Every great character starts with a compelling backstory. Think about where your fighter came from, what shaped them into who they are today, and what motivates them to pick up arms. Personal history adds depth to your character, influencing their behavior, goals, and relationships.

    Role play is the whole point of the game. So why not role play your fighter as well. The bard should not be the only character in the party with personality.

    role play a fighter

    **2. *Flesh Out Personality Traits*: Your fighter should be more than just a weapon on legs. Consider their personality traits, quirks, and flaws. Are they honorable and steadfast, or perhaps a bit reckless and impulsive? These traits can guide your roleplaying decisions and interactions with the world.

    **3. *Code of Honor*: Does your fighter abide by a strict code of honor? Maybe they never strike an opponent when they’re down or always offer a fair fight. A code of honor adds an extra layer of complexity to your character and can lead to interesting moral dilemmas.

    **4. *Forge Meaningful Relationships*: Interact with the other characters in the party beyond combat scenarios. Develop friendships, rivalries, and alliances that help your fighter grow and evolve over time. A fighter who forms emotional connections is more engaging and relatable.

    **5. *Name and Reputation*: Does your fighter have a distinctive name or title that sets them apart? Whether they’re known as “The Blade of Dawn” or simply by their given name, having a recognizable moniker can make your character stand out in the game world.

    **6. *Balancing Feats and Personality*: While it’s tempting to choose feats and skills that maximize damage output, consider how these choices align with your character’s personality and background. Opt for abilities that resonate with your fighter’s journey and growth.

    **7. *Embrace Flaws and Challenges*: A flawless character can be uninteresting. Embrace flaws, fears, and challenges that your fighter must confront. Overcoming these obstacles can lead to significant character development and a more immersive roleplaying experience.

    **8. *React to the World*: How does your fighter react to different situations? Do they have a quick temper, or are they the voice of reason? Tailor your responses based on your character’s established traits and history.

    In your blog post, emphasize the importance of delving into your fighter’s personality, background, and motivations. Encourage players to move beyond the numbers and into the rich storytelling opportunities that tabletop RPGs offer. By immersing themselves in their fighter’s world, players can create an experience that’s not only about winning battles but also about personal growth and meaningful interactions. So, step into the shoes of your fighter, wielder of steel and keeper of stories, and let the adventure unfold! Role play your fighter in a way that makes everyone have fun.

    ITs a lot more fun than I roll to hit over and over again.

  • Attack descriptions

    Attack descriptions

    Attack descriptions are fun but why do GMs discourage this?

    Player: Rolls a 20-sided die Not bad! Alright, so my character, Grimgar the Barbarian, hefts his massive greataxe and with a determined grunt, charges straight at the hulking orc. As he closes the distance, he swings his axe in a wide arc, aiming to catch the orc off guard and strike it right across the chest

    GM : OK you need a 19 for the called shot ?

    Player : Never mind I just Swing

    Penalise for attack descriptions

    GM mistake

    While I understand that players will often use descriptions to get special effects from an attack and an extra high target number should be used. We have to consider that if a player makes a description of an attack it’s part of the game and actually makes the game more interesting.

    Penalising the player because of a description will make the game boring

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    “I roll to hit”

    At that point why have descriptions at all?

    Options to prevent this

    Variable Target Numbers.

    While there does not need to be a special effect added to the attack. Tell the player if they roll a crit they get the special effect. But if they make the attack roll target they just hit. Monte Cook Games uses this in Cypher System

    Bonus for Better Descriptions :

    Give a tiny bonus for attack descriptions that sound exciting. We use a house rule that they can’t use the same description twice.

  • Wizard on Camping with Ortug

    Ah, my discerning readers, allow me to unfurl my quill and weave a tale of incongruous camaraderie. Alas, the vagaries of fate have thrust me into the sphere of one Ortug, a Barbarian of brawn and bluster. While our fellowship may appear an unanticipated alliance of intellect and impetuosity, I find myself compelled to expound upon the enigma of my aversion to partaking in his rustic sojourns—none other than the dreaded act of camping.

    Verily, it is not that I hold contempt for the splendors of nature’s domain; quite the opposite. My well-honed sensibilities revel in the verdant tapestry and celestial spectacle that the cosmos unfurls upon the heavens. Yet, the prospect of tethering my destiny to that of Ortug during these expeditions evokes a most peculiar disquiet.

    Consider, if you will, the juxtaposition of our predilections. Ortug, resplendent in his primal zeal, approaches each camping episode as an invitation to revel in the untamed expanse. He raises his raucous voice in primal odes to the constellations and regales the moon with boisterous tales of heroic escapades. His campfire tales reverberate with fervor, echoing tales of valor and glory that would pique the interest of even the most stoic of historians.

    And yet, the crux of my apprehension resides within this very fervor, dear readers. Ortug, a towering titan of brawn and fortitude, embraces the challenges of the wilderness with unbridled gusto, heedless of its subtle nuances. Alas, his exuberance often dances perilously close to the precipice of recklessness, a prospect that chills my contemplative marrow.

    The rigors of camping are indeed manifold, and Ortug’s approach often leads to peculiar contretemps. While he may wield his formidable blade with the prowess of a celestial body in motion, his skills in the culinary arts leave much to be desired. I have oft found myself supping on charred remnants that, were they not infused with the inimitable flavor of pure courage, might have been mistaken for the remnants of a long-forgotten conflagration.

    In summation, my dear readers, it is with the utmost regret that I must declare my hesitation to accompany Ortug on his intrepid camping escapades. The dichotomy of our temperaments, though amusing in its own right, creates a conundrum too weighty for my scholarly mind to bear. Thus, while I hold Ortug in the highest esteem as a fellow adventurer and compatriot, the boundaries of our compatibility remain staunchly defined by the comforting walls of a well-furnished inn rather than the sprawling canvas of a moonlit glen.

  • Wizard on other classes

    Ah, esteemed readers and erudite companions of the arcane arts, gather ’round as I, your humble servant of the mystical quill, unravel the intricate tapestry of character classes that grace the grand stage of role-playing realms. In this cerebral sojourn, we shall traverse the hallowed halls of valor and wit, examining the multifaceted facets of character archetypes that embellish the narrative ballet of our beloved RPGs.

    Perchance, you have witnessed the gallant Knight, a paragon of chivalry and martial prowess. Clad in gleaming armor, the Knight strides forth with valorous intent, his shield an impervious bastion against malevolent maladies. He is the vanguard of righteousness, brandishing his sword as both a weapon and a symbol of his unwavering resolve. His heart, I daresay, is a furnace of courage, stoking the fires of heroism that blaze amidst the darkest nights.

    Beside this stout-hearted warrior stands the nimble Rogue, a cunning rogue, and a master of deception. A purveyor of shadows and secrets, the Rogue dances through the world with a grace akin to the zephyrs that caress autumnal leaves. Clad in raiments that whisper tales of countless escapades, the Rogue’s fingers deftly unlock the doors of destiny. With a flick of the wrist, a poisoned blade strikes true, and with a flutter of a cloak, they melt into obscurity, leaving only a trail of intrigue in their wake.

    Lending an air of mystique to our ethereal ensemble is the enigmatic Sorcerer, a vessel of raw arcane potency. Cloaked in robes that shimmer like the astral veil itself, the Sorcerer’s hands weave incantations from the threads of magic that tether the realms. They are both scholar and sorcerer, delving into the annals of forgotten tomes to unearth eldritch secrets that defy mortal understanding. A mere gesture from their fingers births elemental fury or celestial healing, as if the very heavens bend to their scholarly yearnings.

    And lo, let us not neglect the benevolent Healer, a harbinger of solace in times of tribulation. Clad in vestments of serene purity, the Healer’s gentle touch mends wounds both corporeal and spiritual. With whispered invocations and herbs plucked from nature’s embrace, they weave restorative wonders that transcend the veil of mortality. The Healer, a paragon of compassion and sagacity, is akin to a serene beacon amidst tempestuous seas, guiding the afflicted to shores of renewal.

    As we tread deeper into this enchanted forest of characters, one cannot disregard the solemn visage of the scholarly Wizard—the very archetype to which I, in my own ruminations, can be likened. Clad in robes adorned with cosmic patterns, the Wizard’s haven lies within dusty libraries and hallowed sanctuaries of academia. Their arcane tomes brim with esoteric knowledge, and their staffs crackle with the pulsations of undiscovered truths.

    Oh, noble readers, let us not forget the fierce Barbarian, a tempest of unrestrained passions. Clothed in the furs of the untamed wilds, the Barbarian’s battle cries resonate like thunder across the battlefield. With primal fury, they shatter the shackles of societal decorum, embracing a raw, visceral connection with the primeval forces that course through existence.

    Thus, my erudite companions, our grand tapestry is awash with vibrant hues of character classes, each thread an essential filament in the rich tableau of RPG adventures. As we saunter through realms steeped in lore and imagination, may we embrace these archetypes with discernment, for their attributes mirror the facets of the human experience itself. From valor to subtlety, from mysticism to compassion, each class embodies virtues and vices that mirror our own multifarious natures.

    And as I, a humble wordsmith and ponderer of the arcane, pen these reflections, I implore thee to tread with contemplative grace upon the path you choose. May your choices be informed by sagacity, and may your adventures yield treasures of wisdom and mirth in equal measure. Until our quills converge once more, let us revel in the boundless vistas of the RPG realms, where every choice we make, and every class we embody, paints strokes upon the canvas of our fantastical fate.

  • Ortug on Rage

    Ortug on Rage

    Me Ortug. Today me talk ’bout big angry feeling in D&D called RAGE. When me use RAGE, me feel super strong, like mountain smashing!

    RAGE not like normal angry. It’s special. When battle starts, me take deep breath and BOOM! RAGE starts. Me muscles get tight, me see red, and me ready to smash.

    RAGE make me hit better, hurt more. Me not feel pain much. If me get hit, me not mind, ’cause me too busy smashing back.

    But RAGE not last forever. After bit, me get tired. Me feel drained, like squeezed orange. So, me use RAGE when most needed.

    RAGE not just for fighting. Sometimes when me need to move big rocks or scare away beasties, me use RAGE power.

    People say RAGE comes from inside, from being true barbarian. Me think they right. Me feel connected to ancestors when RAGE flows.

    Wise ones say use RAGE wisely. Me try, but when me see enemies, me just want to smash! It’s like wild beast inside, waiting to break out.

    So, to use RAGE: feel battle starting, take deep breath, get mad like storm, hit hard. But remember, RAGE need rest after. Don’t forget that.

    RAGE good friend in battle. Me like how it feels, like roaring fire. Just need to watch, not go too wild. That’s how me use RAGE in D&D!

  • Ortug On Wizards

    Ortug On Wizards

    Me Ortug. Today me talk ’bout wizzy-wizards. They wear pointy hats and wave hands to make magic happen. Me not understand all that, but it’s kinda like tricks!

    Wizzy-wizards use spells. Spells like potions, but with words and moves. They say stuff like “abra-cadabra” and boom, fireball! Me not good with words, so me stick to smashing.

    Wizzy-wizards read big books, full of weird marks. They learn spells from books. Me not much for reading, but me like looking at pictures.

    Some wizzy-wizards make things fly, like broomsticks or themselves. Me never flew, but sounds fun.

    Wizzy-wizards got different types. Some like fire, some ice, some talk to animals. Lots of choices, like berries in forest.

    They not tough like warriors, no armor or big axes. But their magic strong. Me once saw wizzy-wizard make whole room light up. Shiny!

    Wizzy-wizards need focus. If they lose focus, spells go poof! Me not have much focus either, me just hit things.

    Sometimes me wonder why wizzy-wizards not use swords. Swords simple, like me. But they like their magic stuff.

    Wizzy-wizards help in fights. They shoot lightning, freeze enemies. Me charge in, they stay back. Teamwork, like different berries in same basket.

    So, wizzy-wizards cool. They make magic, read big books, wear hats. Me like smashing, they like waving. Both good in own ways!

  • Ortug on Orcs

    Ortug on Orcs

    Me Ortug. Ortug want talk ’bout why me like to fight orcs. Orcs big and tough like me, so fighting fun!

    Orcs live wild, like freedom. Me also like freedom, so we understand each other. They strong, me strong. When us clash, big booms!

    Orcs got villages, not fancy like cities. Houses made of wood, like forts. Me like simple things. Orcs not like rules, just do what they want. Me respect that.

    Sometimes orcs raid places, take stuff. They not care much, like me not care ’bout fancy stuff. We both like simple life.

    But orc fights, oh boy! Me get heart pumping. Swing big axe, hear clash of weapons. Orcs fight hard, never back down. Me like challenge.

    Orcs also got chiefs, lead tribes. They tough, like me. When me beat orc chief, feel like top of mountain!

    Some say orcs bad, but me not sure. They just live different, fight different. Maybe if we talk more, understand each other. But for now, me enjoy good brawl.

    So, Ortug fight orcs ’cause they tough, love freedom, fight hard. Me not hate them, just like to see who stronger. Maybe one day, me and orc share meat and stories.

  • Ortug on Dragons

    Ortug on Dragons

    Me Ortug. Today Ortug talk ’bout big flying lizards – Dragons! Dragons scary and cool, like big mountains with wings.

    Dragons come in colors – red, blue, green, and more. Each color mean different things. Red one like fire, breath fire. Blue one like sky, fly fast. Green one sneaky, hide in forests.

    Dragons hoard stuff like shiny gold and gems. Ortug not get it, but shiny things make them happy. Me like food, they like shinies.

    Dragons got scales, tough like rocks. Hard to hit them. Some got horns, spikes. Me once tried to climb dragon, not smart idea.

    They got breath weapon, like special power. Fire, ice, lightning, even yucky stuff. Me saw dragon melt stuff with fire breath, very scary.

    Dragons live long, longer than Ortug. They seen many things. Some smart, some just smash. But all strong and mighty.

    People tell stories ’bout dragons, like scary bedtime tales. Knights go fight dragons, get fame. Dragons not all bad, just want own space.

    If meet dragon, be careful. Don’t poke or steal shinies. Maybe talk, if dragon nice. If not, run fast!

    So, remember: dragons big, scaly, fly high, hoard shiny, breathe fire. Ortug say, dragons are like mountains, but with wings and roar!

  • Ortug on Other character classes

    Ortug on Other character classes

    e Ortug. Me talk ’bout other RPG friends you play with. Not just smashers like me. There many kinds!

    1. Wizzy-wizard: Wizzy-wizards got pointy hats, cast spells. Boom and zap! They use books, not for reading, for magic. They make fire, freeze stuff. Me not get it, but it’s like magic show.
    2. Thieffy-thief: Thieffy-thiefs sneaky sneaks. They take shiny things from bad guys. Fast hands, no see them coming. Me wonder where my meat went.
    3. Healy-healer: Healy-healers nice pals. They make hurts go away. If me hurt, they pat me and say, “No hurt now!” Me like that.
    4. Arrow-shooter: Arrow-shooters use pointy sticks from far away. They say, “Pew pew!” and arrows fly. Good for poking dragons from safe spot.
    5. Talky-bard: Talky-bards tell stories, sing songs. They make friends happy or scared. They talk so much, sometimes me nap.
    6. Armor-wall: Armor-walls wear all metal. They say, “Hit me!” and not get hurt. Me think they crazy, but they stop bad hits for team.
    7. Nature-druid: Nature-druids like trees, animals. They talk to birds, turn into bears. Me once saw one become squirrel, funny times.
    8. Booky-cleric: Booky-clerics pray for help. They heal and bless. Me not good with gods, but they strong friends.
    9. Punchy-monk: Punchy-monks use fists. They punch fast, kick hard. Me once arm wrestled monk, lost big time.
    10. Mystic-sorcerer: Mystic-sorcerers born with magic. They shoot lightning, change shapes. Magic in blood, like fire in belly.

    Me like all friends, even if me not get their things. Each one help team, like pieces of big puzzle. So, choose friend who fits, go on quests. RPG games full of cool pals!

    Regenerate

  • Ortug the Barbarian on Weapons

    Ortug the Barbarian on Weapons


    Me like hit things. Big sword, good for hitting. Today talk about swords and axes and things to hit with in game with dragons and dungeons, D&D they say.

    First, big sword. Big sword go smash! It’s called greatsword. You hold with both hands. Swing, smash, enemies go down. Big numbers on dice mean big smash. Me like big numbers.

    Ortug the Barbarian on Weapons

    Then, axe. Axe chop-chop! Battleaxe make heads roll. Me like how it sounds. Sometimes, axe has sharp side and flat side. Sharp side for chop, flat side for bam! Variety is good.

    Club, simple like me. Find stick, hit bad guys. It’s like tree high-five. Club not fancy, but it gets job done. Me not need fancy, me strong.

    Spear long stick with pointy end. Poke from far. Reach enemies before they reach me. Keep distance, no squish like bug.

    Hammer, like big nail hitter. Smash armor, smash bones. If enemy hide behind metal, me bring hammer. No hiding.

    Bow and arrow, pointy shooty. Me not good with these, need aim like elf. But if me get lucky shot, enemies surprised.

    Dagger small knife, sneaky-stabby. Me not sneaky, but dagger help when someone get too close. Quick like rat bite.

    Me hope this help you pick weapon in D&D. Remember, big sword smash, axe chop-chop, club bam, spear poke, hammer smash, bow shooty, dagger stabby. Choose what feel right for you, like favorite food. Now go hit things and have fun in dungeon place!