From: Peter Maranci This is the first in a two-part series on campaign structure. Read Campaign Structure Part II. Fundamental to any roleplaying campaign is the conceptual structure which controls it. That structure is the basic frame upon which the gamemaster creates the framework of the campaign, like a tapestry on a loom; as the […]
Continue readingNumerous, Non-Lethal Attacks My new villain does not have the resources to completely wipe out the character party and still keep her other plots and plans going. So, like the mosquito, she is going to use many non-lethal attacks upon exposed areas to drive the characters as far away as possible. Examples of her intended […]
Continue readingOne of my biggest challenges as a game master today is time management. There’s just too much to do in my professional and personal life to devote as much time as I really want towards my #1 hobby: Roleplaying. Wizards Of The Coast just released the following information*, as part of an overall gaming industry […]
Continue readingEncounters are like pieces of a grand jigsaw puzzle that you build with your players over time into a story. Imagine then, if some of the pieces didn’t fit? What if some of the pieces were missing entirely? How would your puzzle turn out if all the pieces were round? Or how strong would the […]
Continue readingI believe encounters (some roleplayers also call them “scenes”) are the workhorses of roleplaying. Campaigns are simply the sum total of all the individual encounters that you plan for and play out. So, the theory is, if you make every encounter an exciting, memorable event, you will have a stellar campaign. Here are several ways […]
Continue readingI had the opportunity to have a very enjoyable roleplaying discussion with a few Roleplaying Tips Weekly subscribers this past weekend. And the topic of character romance in games came up. I put in my 2 cents worth and absorbed all I could. Here is a brief review of what was said and some tips […]
Continue readingThe voice is your most powerful means of communication. How you hear yourself is not necessarily how others hear you. Successful professionals have voices that command attention and move people to action. The following tips will help you to develop the voice of authority. Breathe from the diaphragm — the foundation of effective speech. It […]
Continue readingContents Imaginary Languages Excite the Brain and Add Depth to Your Campaign Help Request: Campaign Journals Imaginary Languages Excite the Brain and Add Depth to Your Campaign I remember the first time I played using the “local tongue” of my gaming group. What a great experience. Using foreign and fictional words made me feel like […]
Continue readingI don’t know how I lived without my roleplaying campaign newsletter, “The Redblade Crier”. A newsletter is such a fast and easy way to keep your players motivated and interested, plan out your campaign, organize your next session and add depth to your game world that I heartily recommend every game master immediately start one […]
Continue readingThanks to the intense Politically Correct environment in this city I’ve taken more conflict resolution, active listening, customer service and employee communications courses than you can shake a stick at. There’s one skill I’ve picked up from all this, though, that has truly made a huge difference in the quality of my roleplaying and game […]
Continue readingRoleplaying Tips Newsletter #005 Puzzles are an essential part of roleplaying. Even in groups where puzzle solving is not preferred, the occasional rousing stumper creates some excellent variety. And variety is essential for keeping player interest in your game high. While classic, dungeon-style puzzles are entertaining, my favorites are the ones that: Encourage roleplaying Allow […]
Continue readingFrom Johnn Four Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #004 In opinion polls, people fear speaking in public more than they do dying. Even though game mastering is not quite the same as public speaking, I admit I still felt a twinge of nervousness this past September when I set-up my GM screen after a year-long hiatus and […]
Continue readingFrom Johnn Four Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #003 How To Develop A Compelling Voice I learned a new habit recently that has had a surprising and positive impact in my life: speaking from the diaphragm. Breathing and speaking from the diaphragm will give you a more compelling and powerful voice–a definite plus when roleplaying–and it also […]
Continue readingFrom Johnn Four Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #002 One of the most destructive events that happens every few game sessions in my campaign is the Time Bomb. A missed or incorrectly interpreted rule, a forgotten fact or just a bad play and everybody realizes a little later that a mistake has occurred. And the mistake has […]
Continue readingFrom Johnn Four Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #001 I hate to admit it, but I game mastered a “yawner” last night. My number one goal for each and every session is to entertain and players yawning is a sure sign I’ve missed my mark. While every game master has their off session now and then, I […]
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