What an epic session today!

What an epic session today!

What an epic session today! I remember an interview with Vince Gilligan where he talked about the writing process for Breaking Bad and he said that they would purposely paint themselves into corners and then have to figure out how to get out of them. And as I’m reflecting on GMing this campaign of Freebooters, it feels similar to that a lot of times. This session contained a number of big twists and I’m going to have to figure out how they all make sense and set things up for whatever might come next. But they had a huge impact on the players and I can only speak for myself but I’m so excited to play to find out what happens next!

Also, “never split the party” is a rule that’s very fun to break.

In our dying days, a question–

In our dying days, a question–

In our dying days, a question–

How do you, as GMs, keep notes? I run my Freebooters games very very low prep, sometimes no prep depending on where things are at. I feel like I have the tools to come up with stuff on the fly well enough or roll for it. But I don’t always do a great job of taking note of what that stuff is. I have a moleskin I bring with me and jot things down–usually keywords–and it’s often enough to jog my memory when I’m writing up a session recap later (usually a few days later). Last session, though, I was pretty sleep deprived (isn’t parenthood a miracle), enough that I thought about calling things off, and I remember … next to nothing. My notes help a little, but not much, and I ended up just having to send out a message to the players asking them to refresh me on the events of the last session. I can’t help but think this could have been avoided by taking better notes on the front end?

So, what’s your note-taking process? How do you juggle taking notes with staying present in the fiction and being responsive/reactive to the players’ actions?

I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger on a forum hosting account so we can keep this community alive after the…

I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger on a forum hosting account so we can keep this community alive after the…

I’m pretty close to pulling the trigger on a forum hosting account so we can keep this community alive after the shutdown of G+. I help run a massive forum at my day job so I’ve got some experience.

I feel like we’d have room for more than L&B content. Maybe other fantasy-themed PbtA communities would like to join in. Maybe I should aim for Dungeon World in general? Bigger? Any thoughts on this?

Anyone have a custom move for vehicle racing that they like?

Anyone have a custom move for vehicle racing that they like?

Anyone have a custom move for vehicle racing that they like?

I want to run a one-shot adventure about an airship race in Inverse World with island hopping, cloud sea obstacles, creature dangers, sabotage, and rival airships to beat.

I’m sure I could just use the vehicle rules and basic rules as written, though I thought it might be fun to have a custom move that helps narrate the polling and complications of an exciting race, maybe a visual timeline/sequence tracker also. Since it’s a one-shot I’m hoping a custom move would help trigger boons, obstacles/dangers, and delays along the course, perhaps with a hold mechanic to help signify that the finish line is approaching. Regardless of where the party is in the polling when the race is finishing, a final encounter could be had to determine the race. A race is exciting in the back and forth and the bold moves needed to get ahead and stay ahead. Crashing out is always a risk, though hopefully a custom move could help a party that crashes midway to still make a play for victory.

Anyway, I’m part way to a custom move already in my head, but thought I’d poll the tavern to ask if anyone has a DW custom racing move they could share.

thanks!

I wonder if this might be a future home?

I wonder if this might be a future home?

I wonder if this might be a future home? I recall Jason and the Gauntlet crew being fans of The Perilous Wilds, not sure their take on Freebooters but I can’t imagine they’d be against us settling in there? The Gauntlet has kind of proven itself to be the most reliable voice and community in indie TTRPGs and their policies on inclusive gaming are really important. Thoughts?

https://twitter.com/GauntletRPG/status/1105076332055195650?s=20

https://twitter.com/GauntletRPG/status/1105076332055195650?s=20

I’ve just uploaded session zero of a new playtest campaign.

I’ve just uploaded session zero of a new playtest campaign.

I’ve just uploaded session zero of a new playtest campaign. This one is mostly world-building and character generation, with a little scene or two thrown in as needed. Adventuring will start in earnest in the next session. Hoping to post a new episode every two weeks.

https://youtu.be/Z8l1ZsEqk4o

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED

I’m writing up the Session 1 procedures for Freebooters and I want to have a step where everyone talks about what big-picture fantasy elements they’d like to see in the campaign. Ideally—because it is my wont—I will also have a table people can roll on to get ideas, which needs to be populated with some evocative entries.

Let’s call the table CAMPAIGN ELEMENTS and use these as examples:

> A golden age of chivalry is in full swing

> The aristocracy is comprised at least partly of vampires

> A demigod rules one of the more populous cities

> Geysers or fountains of arcane origin erupt occasionally in unexpected places

So, things that could impact the overall setting in some way, be it cultural, supernatural, magical, or something else.

If you have any ideas along these lines, post them here! 12-15 words maximum per entry.