Tag: Running RPGs

  • PC groups – how PCs meet in RPGs

    A human thief, dwarf fighter, and an elven mage walk into a bar. The barman goes: “What the hell is this – a cliché?” I was recently asked by an ORC member about how I thought groups of PCs (Player Characters) should get together. To be honest, it is a lot easier than people think.…

  • Designing a fantasy city

    Designing a fantasy city for an RPG setting is quite a challenge, even for those GMs that have been running games for years! While I’ve described much of a mediaeval-style city or settlement, the ideas here can easily be applied to any setting. Defences This is the easiest place to start for many GMs. Depending…

  • RPGing on a budget

    With everything that’s going on at the moment, we’re all feeling the pinch financially: so here’s some suggestions to help you save some cash when it comes to RPGs: RPGing on a budget! In the suggestions below, many involve the internet: if you are using mobile broadband, you may want to check your mobile broadband…

  • How to GM without going insane

    I’ve been running RPGs for a long time. Without sounding too pompous, over time you begin to appreciate that there’s a certain way to running games and preparing for them. So here’s my thoughts on running a campaign or even just a one-shot game. Although this is a sort of “How to GM” article, there’s…

  • The World is not enough: RPG Settings

    Author’s Note: This article also appears in an edited format within the inaugural Tabletop Scotland 2018 programme – Bill, 26th December 2018. Planning for the new Against the Odds D&D setting got me thinking: I’ve created so many RPG settings now that I’d  like to think that I’d developed a certain flair for it. It’s pretty…

  • Waking the demon

    Angel:  “You don’t even know what you’re up against, do you?  You’re gonna have to face your demons sometime.” Marquez:  “What if I don’t want to face my demons?” Angel:  “Then you’ll have to face mine.” – Angel, TV series Interesting quote really, and got me thinking after I heard something similar in True Blood.…