Jackmonkey Games and Media

Tag: Cypher System

  • 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.