Jackmonkey Games and Media

Tag: RPG advice

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Hunter’s Mark Spell

    Hunter’s Mark Spell: Enhancing the Hunt in D&D

    In the vast and mystical realm of Dungeons & Dragons, where every adventure teems with challenges and creatures both magical and malevolent, the Hunter’s Mark spell stands out as a vital tool for the cunning hunter. Available to rangers, this 1st-level spell encapsulates the essence of focused tracking and predatory prowess, allowing adventurers to heighten their senses and become relentless trackers of their chosen prey.

    Hunter's Mark Spell Arrow is on target
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    Hunter’s Mark is the embodiment of the relentless pursuit, granting those who cast it an uncanny connection to their target. Once a target is marked, the spell bestows several advantages. The hunter gains an additional 1d6 damage whenever they hit the designated quarry with a weapon attack. This extra damage represents the precision and determination with which the hunter seeks out and exploits the target’s vulnerabilities.

    Hunter’s Mark

    Beyond the immediate damage boost, the spell allows the ranger to maintain a heightened focus on the prey. If the target dies before the spell’s duration expires, the ranger can easily switch the mark to another quarry, ensuring that the hunt never falters. This fluidity showcases the versatility and adaptability of rangers, underscoring their expertise in the wild.

    The true strength of Hunter’s Mark shines in its synergy with rangers’ other abilities. Whether it’s a rain of arrows from a distance or a stealthy melee attack up close, the additional damage applies to every hit, further amplifying the ranger’s effectiveness in combat. As the ranger levels up, the spell’s potency increases, offering greater damage potential and reinforcing the connection between hunter and hunted.

    As adventurers traverse dangerous landscapes filled with goblins, beasts, and even more formidable foes, Hunter’s Mark remains an indomitable asset. Its ability to enhance damage, focus on a single target, and adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of a battle highlights the spell’s essence: the primal connection between the ranger and their environment, evoking the image of a lone figure, eyes narrowed, bow drawn, and senses honed on the thrill of the hunt.

    My Ranger Jaro

    This is perhaps my favourite spell for Jaro! While it is tempting to use the spell first thing when I enter combat. I tend to save the spell for a creature that I need to hunt down or is the biggest mofo the GM throws at us.

  • New app for RPG equipment drawings

    New app for RPG equipment drawings

    While RPGs are theatre of the mind that does not mean we can’t give our minds a little help with images. After all the whole point of fantasy art is to expand the imagination. Some of us can draw, some of us can’t, some of us can draw but would rather be rolling dice. I have found an app that can help. Why not download an app for RPG equipment


    https://apps.apple.com/au/app/instant-armory/id6448971386

    Instant Armory fun and easy to use

    So I decided that I wanted to try to design weapons for my Wood elf Ranger Jaro, (He’s a bit of a jerk and is always dirty) early on I decided he was going to be a two handed fighter vs a ranger who prefers ranged combat (don’t worry he still carries a bow)

    As a former soldier he would have preferred the short sword. Now I am an artist but there are times that I just want some quick designs or maybe even some inspiration.

    instant Armoury was a quick download from the App Store. Basically you select the different parts of the weapon and choose colour. But that was not what I liked about the app.
    After choosing the design and colour the app gave me the option to export the image to a few different formats what could you ask for in an app for RPG equipment

    parchment

    png (transparent background for adding to other images)

    equipment card (Holding a space for description and stats )

    What was even cooler was I was able to export directly to my files on my phone… that just happen to be the Obsidian App folder (The app I use as a database for all my RPGs as a Gm And a player)

    app for RPG equipment

    Unlocking all the features.

    Like most apps on the App Store there are free features and to unlock the whole version you need to make a few micro transactions.

    While I did think I would not spend this as a player as a Gm this might be useful to prep for a campaign.

  • Social Benefits of RPG for Kids

    Social Benefits of RPG for Kids

    Tabletop role-playing games (RPGs) such as Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and GURPS (Generic Universal RolePlaying System) offer a plethora of social benefits for young children that extend far beyond mere entertainment. These immersive and imaginative games provide a unique platform for fostering personal growth, enhancing social skills, and nurturing creativity. As young minds engage in collaborative storytelling, critical thinking, and problem-solving, they develop important life skills that prepare them for the challenges of the future.

    polyhedral dice on wooden surface Social Benefits of RPG for Kids
    Photo by Stephen Hardy on Pexels.com
    1. Collaborative Storytelling: One of the most prominent social benefits of tabletop RPGs is the opportunity for children to engage in collaborative storytelling. As they create characters, develop backgrounds, and navigate through fictional worlds, they learn the importance of teamwork, compromise, and communication. Players must actively listen to one another, negotiate decisions, and build upon each other’s ideas to advance the narrative. This experience encourages empathy, respect for differing viewpoints, and effective communication – skills essential for successful interactions in all aspects of life.
    2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Tabletop RPGs demand critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Young players encounter a myriad of challenges, puzzles, and obstacles that require thoughtful analysis and strategic planning to overcome. Whether it’s deciphering a riddle, devising a plan to defeat a formidable opponent, or unraveling a complex mystery, children learn to think outside the box and approach problems from multiple angles. This ability to think critically and adapt to changing circumstances translates to improved decision-making in real-world scenarios.
    3. Creativity and Imagination: Engaging in tabletop RPGs nurtures creativity and imagination in young minds. Children are encouraged to envision and describe their characters, environments, and actions in vivid detail. This imaginative exercise stimulates cognitive development and fosters a love for creativity. Players learn that there’s no limit to their ideas and that their creativity can shape the course of the game, promoting a sense of agency and empowerment.
    4. Empathy and Role-Playing: Playing different characters in RPGs requires players to step into the shoes of someone else, fostering empathy and understanding. As they embody characters with diverse personalities, backgrounds, and motivations, children learn to view situations from various perspectives. This firsthand experience of seeing the world through another’s eyes can enhance their emotional intelligence, encouraging them to be more considerate and compassionate in their interactions with others.
    5. Verbal Communication: Tabletop RPGs necessitate clear and effective verbal communication. Players must articulate their thoughts, intentions, and actions to the group, enhancing their ability to express themselves eloquently. This skill is transferable to academic settings, public speaking engagements, and everyday conversations, bolstering their self-confidence and social fluency.
    6. Teamwork and Leadership: Many RPGs require players to collaborate as a team to achieve common goals. This experience cultivates essential teamwork skills, such as dividing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and coordinating efforts. Additionally, as young players take on leadership roles within the game, they learn to guide and motivate their peers, enhancing their leadership abilities and sense of responsibility.
    7. Rule Adherence and Fair Play: RPGs are governed by rule systems that players must adhere to for a fair and enjoyable experience. Young children learn the importance of following rules, respecting boundaries, and playing ethically. This understanding of fair play carries over into real-life situations, teaching them the significance of integrity and ethical decision-making.

    In conclusion, tabletop RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons and GURPS offer an array of social benefits for young children that extend beyond entertainment. Through collaborative storytelling, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, empathy, communication, teamwork, and adherence to rules, these games provide a holistic platform for personal growth and skill development. As young players engage in these immersive experiences, they not only forge lasting friendships but also cultivate a versatile skill set that equips them to thrive in a dynamic and interconnected world.

  • 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.

  • 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.