Part one of a four-article series on designing and running a one-shot, single-session adventure. See the end of the article for links to the rest of the series. Unfortunately, I’ve never been to a gaming convention, but for years I have been intrigued by the early tournament adventures of the late 1970s and early 1980s. … [Read more…]
This is RPG-ology #29: Political Correction, for April 2020. The phrase has been around long enough that I cannot imagine anyone in the English-speaking world does not know what “politically correct” means. In the short form it means never saying anything that might offend any member of any minority group, whether or not such a … [Read more…]
This is RPG-ology #28: Character Death, for March 2020. A couple times recently I have seen social media posts calling for role playing gamers to express their opinions about character death. The promoter indicated that he was planning to write an article on the subject, and eventually I had the opportunity to read it–but honestly … [Read more…]
Someone once wrote that good Game Masters seem to know a little bit about everything. If it’s not obvious, this is because they need to know how the world works so they can make their own game settings seem real. I know this first-hand from years of running fantasy campaigns. At one point or another, … [Read more…]
This tale follows from the events of Tracks on a Moonless Night. Background Sir Garrett of House Winchester and his retinue have been in the region around Blackwater Lake for months now, searching for Sir Garrett’s lost ancestral estate, named Falconridge, which once lay somewhere near the shores of the lake. After several adventures and … [Read more…]
It’s been a while since we heard from the Winchesters. We now return you to another thrilling adventure in Northumbria! Background Sir Garrett of House Winchester and his retinue have been in the region around Blackwater Lake for months now, searching for Sir Garrett’s lost ancestral estate, named Falconridge, which once lay somewhere near the … [Read more…]
This scene takes place between part 2 and part 3 of “Terror in the Tower.” Background The session began with the PCs back in the village of Lakesend, in between forays to the ruined temple of Pholtus. At some point, the PCs had an interesting discussion on treasure division, and I, as DM, played the … [Read more…]
An Introduction, and Of the Barony of Blackwater Of Blackwater Keep, and the Inhabitants Therein Of Lakesend Village, and its Commerce The Blackwater, its Denizens, and the Lands Surrounding Various Peoples of Northumbria, and the Cultures Of Elves Of Frangians Of Zeelanders Of Varangians The States and Rulers in the Western Lands In addition … [Read more…]
One final entry in the Compendium on Lands Around Blackwater Lake. Northumbria, Frangian Province of His Grace, Jonathan Prestwick, Duke of Northumbria Capital: Yarrvik (pop 6,000) Population: 70,200 Population Density: 12-13 people per square mile Area (in square miles): 50,000 (only ~5,460 controlled) Hexes: 7+ (population controlled) Hex with Yarrvik (780 x 40 = 31200) … [Read more…]
This is Faith in Play #17: Narrativism, for April 2019. Two months back we started seeking what might be a Christian approach to what is called Creative Agenda, by discussing gamism. Our conclusion was that gamism was not inimical to Christian faith, insofar as it encourages us to be our best and meet the challenges … [Read more…]