Victor, a Rascal certified game designer
@thisisvictor.bsky.social
Tabletop role playing games, other nerdy shit, he/him, ACAB
Anyway, my point is if all you've played is Apoc World, Dungeon World and Monster of the Week I can understand how "all PbtA games are the same" feels true. But the real solution is to just play more games.
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Anyway, my point is if all you've played is Apoc World, Dungeon World and Monster of the Week I can understand how "all PbtA games are the same" feels true. But the real solution is to just play more games.
And Dream Askew/Dream Apart were the first games (I think? Someone can fact check me.) to really take PbtA concepts and do something radically different with the game mechanics.
. . .Okay I just fact checked myself and Blades in the Dark came out a few years before Dream Askew/Apart.
. . .Okay I just fact checked myself and Blades in the Dark came out a few years before Dream Askew/Apart.
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
And Dream Askew/Dream Apart were the first games (I think? Someone can fact check me.) to really take PbtA concepts and do something radically different with the game mechanics.
. . .Okay I just fact checked myself and Blades in the Dark came out a few years before Dream Askew/Apart.
. . .Okay I just fact checked myself and Blades in the Dark came out a few years before Dream Askew/Apart.
It doesn't help that the first few PbtA games were copy/pasted from Apoc World. Dungeon World and Monster of the Week are the worst offenders and also happen to be the most popular PbtA games. Monsterhearts was the first PbtA to tweak the rules in meaningful ways.
November 26, 2025 at 3:59 PM
It doesn't help that the first few PbtA games were copy/pasted from Apoc World. Dungeon World and Monster of the Week are the worst offenders and also happen to be the most popular PbtA games. Monsterhearts was the first PbtA to tweak the rules in meaningful ways.
Living the dream!
November 26, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Living the dream!
I'm so mad right now. I own that game! It lives in my backpack! I carry it everywhere! I can't believe I didn't think of this.
November 25, 2025 at 11:17 PM
I'm so mad right now. I own that game! It lives in my backpack! I carry it everywhere! I can't believe I didn't think of this.
Reposted by Victor, a Rascal certified game designer
Under raging storm clouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. The vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are a horrible goose.
Foul Play by Hendrik ten Napel, Ema Acosta
be a naughty little goose
napel.itch.io
November 25, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Under raging storm clouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. The vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are a horrible goose.
"I have to preserve the mystery"
Dude it's a game of make believe, not a marriage in 1950.
Dude it's a game of make believe, not a marriage in 1950.
November 25, 2025 at 6:36 PM
"I have to preserve the mystery"
Dude it's a game of make believe, not a marriage in 1950.
Dude it's a game of make believe, not a marriage in 1950.
Wait shit fuck no. Maybe with Pasion de las Pasiones?????
November 25, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Wait shit fuck no. Maybe with Pasion de las Pasiones?????
This is exactly what I was gonna say. I have no problem with "this fight is going long, lets say your attack actually hit". It's the lying to the other players I have an issue with.
November 25, 2025 at 6:21 PM
This is exactly what I was gonna say. I have no problem with "this fight is going long, lets say your attack actually hit". It's the lying to the other players I have an issue with.
Jackie Chan is also a proud spokesperson for the Chinese government. His recent films have been straight up propaganda.
November 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Jackie Chan is also a proud spokesperson for the Chinese government. His recent films have been straight up propaganda.
Maybe the phone companies should have budgeted better. They shouldn't have bought all those lattes and avocado toasts.
November 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Maybe the phone companies should have budgeted better. They shouldn't have bought all those lattes and avocado toasts.
I do that in every session tho
November 20, 2025 at 6:51 PM
I do that in every session tho
That said, I don't run games in the framework. I'm never directly or writing the story. The players are always in full control of the narrative arc. We don't need a downtime/shopping episode because the players always feel like they're in the driver's seat.
November 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
That said, I don't run games in the framework. I'm never directly or writing the story. The players are always in full control of the narrative arc. We don't need a downtime/shopping episode because the players always feel like they're in the driver's seat.
I think you're on to something. Shopping episodes make sense in an adventure/downtown dichotomy.
The adventure is the GM's story, they're directing the story. Downtime is the player's chance to direct the narrative. So a shopping episode makes a lot of sense in this context.
The adventure is the GM's story, they're directing the story. Downtime is the player's chance to direct the narrative. So a shopping episode makes a lot of sense in this context.
November 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
I think you're on to something. Shopping episodes make sense in an adventure/downtown dichotomy.
The adventure is the GM's story, they're directing the story. Downtime is the player's chance to direct the narrative. So a shopping episode makes a lot of sense in this context.
The adventure is the GM's story, they're directing the story. Downtime is the player's chance to direct the narrative. So a shopping episode makes a lot of sense in this context.
I think this is a pretty good summary. I also don't run games with a clear "adventure" and "downtime" distinction.
November 20, 2025 at 6:34 PM
I think this is a pretty good summary. I also don't run games with a clear "adventure" and "downtime" distinction.
Wait shit no I own that and want to run it. I'm such a goddamn hypocrite.
November 20, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Wait shit no I own that and want to run it. I'm such a goddamn hypocrite.
In my defense, I also don't like Power Wash Simulator or similar games. But I will admit some folks are really into doing virtual chores!
November 20, 2025 at 5:50 PM
In my defense, I also don't like Power Wash Simulator or similar games. But I will admit some folks are really into doing virtual chores!
My favorite trick for running Thirsty Sword Lesbians is to ask the players to describe their character's outfits at the beginning of every scene. 10/10, sets the tone perfectly.
November 20, 2025 at 5:48 PM
My favorite trick for running Thirsty Sword Lesbians is to ask the players to describe their character's outfits at the beginning of every scene. 10/10, sets the tone perfectly.
Shopping as character development has got to be an indication of late stage capitalism.
November 20, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Shopping as character development has got to be an indication of late stage capitalism.
I would 100% play a Christmas shopping horror RPG.
November 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I would 100% play a Christmas shopping horror RPG.
Both are shopping scenes I would actually enjoy!
November 20, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Both are shopping scenes I would actually enjoy!