Issues related to designing RPG system mechanics.
16
votes
10answers
545 views
What would you pick as the “four elements” of mind? [closed]
Good evening! I hope this isn't too vague, this is my first post on RPG Exchange (I see some cool conversations here, I'm happy to be a part).
While doodling about with a magic system I'm ...
8
votes
6answers
2k views
What diceless tabletop RPG techniques are there?
I am interested in using a diceless resolution system for my roleplaying, but am not sure what my options are in that vein. I can think of basically two categories of diceless tabletop role-playing ...
17
votes
6answers
399 views
What are some examples of games that don't invent history or language?
IE, games that don't make up words or names in languages belonging to the game-verse, but borrow as exactly as possible from history, folklore, etymology, and mythology.
(What is this type of game ...
12
votes
7answers
375 views
Role-playing within role-playing
Suppose that the PCs are actors that have to play roles in film, television, theatre. Or that they are some sort of spirits that process other people and make them do their bidding without letting ...
4
votes
6answers
472 views
Chuck Norris player character - can I keep true to the internet meme while still running a balanced game?
One of my group mates has been quite obsessed with creating a Chuck Norris inspired character. He's playing a martial arts heavy, assassin flavors of Rogue, in a DnD campaign, which works well enough ...
8
votes
6answers
319 views
Game design question. What sort of effect does HP as a resource have on a system?
(Sorry for the long winded intro. Since this is about a game nobody is familiar with, I'm trying to ensure that there is some amount of context before asking the actual question.)
So I've got a ...
5
votes
3answers
279 views
What games are based around single historical events?
I recently came across the game Montsegur 1244, which I think looks rather interesting, and it made me wonder whether there are any other games that centre around a single historical event in that ...
23
votes
16answers
1k views
How to design game elements other than combat?
Most RPGs I know about and have played are fighting-centered. That doesn't mean that all gaming is only about fighting, but that most of the rules and character abilities are primarily useful in ...
11
votes
8answers
4k views
What could you call medical doctors in a medieval/fantasy setting?
This is a follow up to Medieval Medicine in a Fantasy Setting?.
What could you call a medical doctor in a medieval/fantasy setting? I'm thinking along the lines of how an "alchemist" is more ...
15
votes
5answers
403 views
What can I learn from playtesters?
As a roleplaying game designer, I'm interested in discovering the range of useful feedback that can be solicited from external playtesters. Assume a rule-set and playtest document is all the contact I ...
8
votes
4answers
501 views
What is an “ashcan” release?
What are "ashcans"? What are their purpose? Where does the name come from?
