GM Advice

Exalted: Inspired By Exalted

I discuss some of the early setting and history elements that might be inspired by Exalted, at least at this early stage.
Ian O'Rourke
3 min read

Exalted: A Fantasy Avengers

The journey to putting together a Fantasy Avengers campaign begins here. I outline how these blogs are to proceed. The starting gun has gone...
Ian O'Rourke
3 min read

The Conversations The Thing

Learning from some relatively recent rpg reading I've learned the quality of my rpg experience is all about the meaningful conversation at the table.
Ian O'Rourke
5 min read

The Challenges of Online Play

Since the death of the gaming group, my pattern of actual play is changing. It’s switched from regular, long-form play to two alternate methods....
Ian O'Rourke
12 min read

Great Narrative Tropes

I’m doing my usual thing and considering what I may run next as part of my tabletop role-playing endeavours. As usual, I’m taking what...
Ian O'Rourke
12 min read

The Importance of a Meaningful Why

The importance of why in tabletop role-playing game stories for meaning, emotion and fateful conversations.
Ian O'Rourke
10 min read

After The Dice Drop

The tools, techniques and key moments after the dice dropped that contributed to a campaign's success.
Ian O'Rourke
7 min read

Before The Dice Drop

The tools and techniques we used before the dice dropped that contributed to a campaign's success.
Ian O'Rourke
10 min read

Fudging Dice Is Dysfunctional

The need to fudge the dice rolls in a ttrpg is born out of dysfunction.
Ian O'Rourke
4 min read

The Railroading Myth

An intentional story in a role-playing game by definition cannot involve railroading.
Ian O'Rourke
10 min read