So, Fate. The system has won me over more or less completely, despite my interest in things like Edge of the Empire, The One Ring, and Eclipse Phase. The lure of 5th Edition is a temptation, and I’d kill to run Dungeon World, but most everything I’ve planned in the last few years has revolved around … More The Fate Mindset and Paradigm Shifts
I have a bundle of monsters I converted to Fate Freeport on a whim, and just haven’t done anything with; I’m not really sure how useful they are since they were for a couple of games I haven’t got around to running yet, and monster stats just don’t carry the same weight in Fate as they … More [Fate Freeport] Ancient Red Dragon
I have a love-hate relationship with adventure modules due to the often strict plotting—railroading, in gaming parlance. At its worst, it feels restrictive and takes away the benefits a pen-and-paper game has over other media like video games, film, and books: the ability to go wherever you want and (try to) do whatever you like. … More Ridin’ the Railroad
Pod People! Well, they’re just plant people, but it’s a weird enough (and pulpy) trope, plus it’s semi-iconic to D&D-type games. I have a number of Fate Freeport monsters that I’ve statted up but I keep forgetting to post, including some nifty fantasy gaming iconics. These are all using the Fate Freeport Companion rules, and were … More [Fate Freeport] Plant People
As I’ve been working on a lot of poisonous insects for Fate/Fate Freeport of late, I brainstormed a bit on using the Fate Fractal to replicate poisons, rather than just giving a character an Aspect like Poisoned! or Embedded Stinger or something. You can also apply the same theory to things like curses and diseases; I wouldn’t … More [Fate] Fractalized Poisons
As part of my interest in running a swords-and-sorcery Fate game, I statted up a few adversaries—starting with giant insects, because to me they are such iconic old-school adversaries. Also, I watched a lot of Harryhausen as a child, and Mysterious Island was full of giant bugs and such. (Plus they’re really easy to stat.) … More [Fate Freeport] Giant Insect Monsters – Stinging Threats
As part of my interest in running a swords-and-sorcery Fate game, I statted up a few adversaries—starting with giant insects, because to me they are such iconic old-school adversaries. Also, I watched a lot of Harryhausen as a child, and Mysterious Island was full of giant bugs and such. (Plus they’re really easy to stat.) … More [Fate Freeport] Giant Insect Monsters – Centipedes
I have a soft spot for randomly generated characters and mutant futures in the Gamma World vein. When I saw Omegazone billing itself as an instant apocalyptic setting for Fate Accelerated Edition (FAE) using cards for random generation, I couldn’t resist the kickstarter’s lure. With a list of inspirations ranging from Mad Max, Escape From … More [Fate] Omegazone Reviewed
So, I’m playing in a Pathfinder game again. (Yeah, I know; just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.) It’s simple math, but I’m surprised there’s no core chart for the progression of Pathfinder’s Power Attack feat, which is only really a problem because I’m lazy and have a character who’s using … More [Pathfinder] Power Attack Progression
I’ve always liked In A Wicked Age for its Weird Tales sword-and-sorcery vibe, and its system would make for a really snazzy pick-up game. I’m more familiar with its rules for an “oracle draw,” generating various sets of descriptions and plot elements to build ideas from. And that’s an idea I’ve ripped off for all sorts … More Divining A Plot
Logic is my Virgin Sacrifice to Reality 