RPG Primer and Old School Playbook

[Solomoriah]

Thanks, guys. I'm still recovering from a cold that has sapped my energy, so it may be a day or two before I start writing.

merias, no, I don't think so. This is a book of examples, not a kit. No assembly required.

... but that makes me think. The included adventure will be one dungeon level; I'll include a staircase down, and in the next section of the book I'll give an example of keying the next dungeon level. I can include a map with another 5-10 rooms, then key several of them. Maybe all of them. I can include narrative about what I'm doing as I'm doing it.

Ingenious. The first dungeon level will be a guide to the GM about how to run an adventure, and the second will be a guide to creating an adventure.

[-1warrior]

Even better. Kind of a cross between the BECMI and the B/X "For the DM" sections.

[Delver]

Here's the link Jared was talking about (heh. I think...)

http://lookrobot.co.uk/11-ways-better-r ... k-version/

Also check out Longman's quote in my signature at the bottom...

I've been asking my players to read it, and it's made some difference. Sometimes people just refuse to change how they do things, and those people are tough to educate.

As for GM'ing, I GM'ed for years and years in highschool and college. I was mostly self-taught as the only person in several groups during that time which would take the mantle and run a game. I did get to play with a couple of great DM's early in my career, but like others have mentioned, many B/X DM's of my generation learned by reading the book and just winging it... (I just saw -1Warrior cringe...)

Since folks have begun to post actual play podcasts and videos, I've learned a lot more about being a GM by seeing some very good examples and some that bore me to tears.

I like to watch Chris Perkins of WotC when he DM's. A few of the things I've taken from him are first, say "Yes", and when you really mean "No", instead say "Yes, but..." Secondly, he's one of the writers of the rules, but he doesn't beat folks over the head with them, he uses a rule when it comes up, and handwaves when it makes for a better story. Third, he's very patient with players and good with beginning players as well, teaching them the rules as they go. Some people don't like him as a DM, but I think there's a lot to learn from anyone who takes the risk of sitting behind the screen.

Solo, I think this is a great idea! I wish I would have had something like this decades ago when my friends and I were trying to figure this stuff out. It was great to play and talk with the NOOB GM the other night on -1Warrior's game. I'm sure it was educational for him and I learned a lot by joining in the discussion about certain aspects of the game.

A few suggestions I might make. First, have a short section at the end of each segment wherein you offer alternative ways which the situation might have been handled. This will allow new GM's to see that there is not a one-size-fits-all way of doing things. Offer a few suggestions or ideas is all. Second, give a walk-thru of how to calculate and disperse XP and treasure. I found that very confusing when I was learning, and I've talked with others who don't get that aspect as well. Third, maybe provide a brief bit on the philosophy of Game Mastering and different approaches to it. GM vs Players, GM as neutral referee, or GM as a fan of the Players...

I'm sure I'll come up with others too after I think on it. Great idea though.

I have to make a plug for Jared. He's been patient with me and has been very open which helps me as a GM. I think gaming is a two-way street, and if Players give good feedback, it helps GM's modify the game to scratch the players itch... and vice-versa.

I can't wait to see how this project comes together!

[Blazeguard]

This guy hits the nail on the head.

If we can come up with this it will be something that I wish I would have had even just a few years ago.

I am with Dymond on this. I learn much better and am much more comfortable/confident in trying something if I have something to follow or something that gives me a direction to go in.

There are people like my wife who will pick up the game and start GM'ing just to try it and then there are others, like me, who need a little push and little direction before we'll step out and try something.

I think this is a fantastic idea and think it could be huge, not only for BFRPG, but for OSR/RPG games in general.

[-1warrior]

Historically, Basic Fantasy has led the way. I think it's time to do it again.

[Blazeguard]

Historically, Basic Fantasy has led the way. I think it's time to do it again.

Amen!! +1

[Solomoriah]

Well, then, here you go. R1 of the Old School Playbook. That may be a working title... I may change it later.

EDIT: Out of date file deleted. See first post for the current version.

[-1warrior]

Solo, perhaps there should be a separate thread in the workshop for the play book?

[Solomoriah]

Phht. After I have enough critical mass in this forum, I'll just move this thread there and retitle it.

[-1warrior]

I'm looking over it right now. Looks great so far. Might I suggest an glossary in the back with detailed descriptions of any odd names for things and such, as well as a quick guide to "gamer talk"? (For example, not everyone would know what a battlemat was)

I understand that that will come later, if at all.

Okay, thanks.