Merry Christmas, my friends.

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Another lunchtime chat! This time I answer Riley's call regarding "Minimum Viable RPG." Also, I backtrack a bit on my earlier stance about implicit settings.

So, grab a bite, settle in, and join me and Riley!

Don't forget to check out Riley's podcast, the Diegetic Advancement Podcast, for more great insights. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/diegeticadvancement/

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I recorded a quick feedback episode—this time recorded from the parking lot of a cozy little café as I make my way to lunch. Today, I respond to some thoughts from Jason about my "Minimum Viable RPG" episode. So, grab a snack and join me for this lunchtime chat! Don't forget to check out Jason’s podcast, the Nerds RPG Variety Cast, for more great insights. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376

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I respond to a thought-provoking question from Jason over at the Nerds RPG Variety Cast: Should GMs pre-plan specific adventure site bonuses, or leave them open to improvisation? I share why I opt for a flexible, on-the-fly approach to site design and gameplay in D&D and other RPGs. Topics include: * The pitfalls of pre-planning bonuses and tactical combat. * How abstract combat and player creativity enrich the game. * Using luck rolls to resolve player actions dynamically. * Encouraging collaborative storytelling for a more immersive experience. Check out the Nerds RPG Variety Cast episode that inspired this discussion here: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376/episodes/S2B13-Approaching-TTRPG-Adventure-Site-Design-e2rfpeu

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I share my thoughts on what's absolutely necessary to include in an RPG. Inspired by discussions on the Diegetic Advancement podcast and the Minions & Musings Podcast, I break down the bare minimum required for a game to be considered a role-playing game. I also share my opinion on what's not necessary, including artwork, "learn how to play" sections, and explicit settings. I feel that GM advice should be tailored to specific play styles and that different types of gamers have different needs. Topics discussed: The bare minimum for an RPG: a task resolution system What makes a satisfying game: character creation rules, skill systems, and dedicated mechanics The role of artwork and "learn how to play" sections in RPGs The importance of separating settings from rules GM advice and its limitations The different needs of various types of gamers (GNS) Other podcasts mentioned: Minions and Musings: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/eviljeff Diegetic Advancement: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/diegeticadvancement/

Nerds RPG Variety Cast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376/

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Joe examines a challenging topic: the portrayal of slavery in the early days of tabletop role-playing games. As the holiday season approaches, he takes a moment to reflect on the darker aspects of gaming history that often go unexamined. Beginning with his insights from OSR October and Dave Arneson's First Fantasy Campaign, Joe highlights how slavery is presented as a commodity, complete with pricing mechanisms for male and female slaves. He contrasts this with the portrayals in other early RPGs (Tunnels & Trolls and Empire of the Petal Throne) where the treatment of slavery raises serious ethical concerns. Exploring the absence of slavery in TSR's D&D and how it was used to depict villains in AD&D modules, Joe emphasizes the importance of portraying slavers as true villains in the narrative. He also touches on Judges Guild's manumission rules, offering a glimmer of hope within the context of gaming, suggesting that characters can indeed act as liberators. Throughout the episode, Joe shares his personal stance that slavery has no place in heroic narratives, insisting that players should not embody slavers. He encourages a reevaluation of how these sensitive topics are handled in modern gaming, advocating for narratives that align with values of empathy and justice. Join Joe as he engages with this critical topic, inviting listener feedback and thoughts on the role of morality in gaming. Key Points Covered: * Historical context of slavery in early TTRPGs * Analysis of Dave Arneson's First Fantasy Campaign * The troubling mechanics of Tunnels & Trolls * Absence of slavery in TSR's D&D and its moral implications * The significance of portraying heroes as liberators * Personal reflections on gaming ethics and character choices What are your thoughts on the portrayal of slavery in RPGs? Do you allow players to engage with such themes at your table? Share your feedback with us at feedback@Dekahedron.com or leave a comment. Happy holidays, and until next time: happy gaming, happy life! Share your thoughts via: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sayhi.chat/dekahedron⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📧 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠feedback@dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📞📱 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-RPG-CAST (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠562-774-2278⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ More information is at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠dekahedron.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Joe responds to listener feedback about the evolution of Traveller and alternative healing mechanics. Additionally, he discusses the philosophy behind hit points.

Links: Evil Jeff's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eviljeff

Karl's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/karl-rodriguez

Jason's show: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376

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In this episode, Joe answers a listener's question about getting started with Traveller. In his response, Joe meaders through every edition of the classic science fiction RPG from 1977 to today.

Links: Jason's Podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jason376

Classic Traveller Facsimile Edition: https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/355200/classic-traveller-facsimile-edition

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