Issues related to designing RPG system mechanics.
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 ...
15
votes
5answers
400 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
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 ...
16
votes
10answers
541 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 ...
28
votes
13answers
781 views
What kinds of rules promote good team cohesion?
It seems like a lot of roleplaying games have no problems with players playing antisocial characters who can't really be part of the team. I've been part of groups (in D&D) with both a noble ...
5
votes
3answers
262 views
Do universal rules systems without any implied setting whatsoever exist?
Is it possible for a system to be universal without implying anything about setting? If it isn't, why?
There are lots of universal systems, but they all seem to have mechanics that pin down ...
12
votes
3answers
173 views
What kinds of player contributions work well and under what circumstances?
Introduction
In Amber diceless roleplaying game players get extra points for building their characters by committing to player contributions, such as: Writing a diary, writing game reports, drawing ...
13
votes
2answers
636 views
What is the reason for introducing the rule for Attacks of Opportunity in D&D?
The Attacks of Opportunity are an important part in D&D and spinoffs of the game like Pathfinder. What does this rule for the game-system? How does it affect the fun of the players? Why was this ...
6
votes
4answers
223 views
How can adversarial game mechanics be added to a game?
Some systems have the concept of an adversarial relationship between the game master and the players. These games typically have a series of mechanics to enforce this behavior and prevent one side ...
3
votes
4answers
286 views
“High on Magic” - how original is it?
I have written a RPG called "Chuť magie" - it's in Czech and it means literary "Taste of Magic", but I'd definitely call it "High on Magic" in English. I'm not planning to translate it to English ...
