Category Archives: Tropes

Replacing Alignment with Character Values

Posted on May 21, 2010 by

I admit it– I’ve never liked alignment. All the way back to my gaming origins 20 years ago, I have done my best to sidestep, downplay and at times blatantly ignore the idea that there are these gigantic metaphysical boxes … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 8 Comments

Old Adventurers

Posted on April 28, 2010 by

In a little over a month, I will turn 30. It’s a major milestone year for me; I’ll be ending my time in the Army, some major changes are going on in my personal life, etc. Frankly, I’m looking forward … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 2 Comments

Parallel Design– Choose Your Own Psionic Nazi Slaver Dwarves

Posted on April 12, 2010 by

Parallel design fascinates me. The old saying (is it a Bible reference?), “There’s nothing new under the sun,” apparently also applies to the Underdark, and crosses editions of Dungeons and Dragons. In my previous post about the Iron Dwarves, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 2 Comments

Six Tropes, Under the Gods, Indivisible…

Posted on April 11, 2010 by

This blog is becoming a really great help for me fleshing out my own game world. It is a by-product, to be sure, but it’s still happening. When I wrote this post, I realized that linking setting elements in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 1 Comment

Sandbox Path? Adventure Box? Part I

Posted on April 5, 2010 by

I am an unabashed Paizo fanboy. I have been since the first volume of Rise of the Runelords was in my hot little hands. I’ve been a Paizo subscriber since the company was formed, in fact. I feel a lot … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 1 Comment

Psionic Nazi Slaver Dwarves!! (Yes, Really!) PART 1

Posted on March 31, 2010 by

[WARNING: Mildly strong language ahead. If it offends you, don't keep reading. You have been warned.] I love dwarves. On the rare occasions I get to be a player, I’ll choose human 90% of the time, but when I get … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Tropes, Worldbuilding | 5 Comments

Core Tropes For Your Setting

Posted on March 29, 2010 by

In my previous post, I identified tvtropes.org as a great resource for putting the setting information for your game in easy-to-understand pieces that your players will automatically have reference to. In this post I’m taking that a step farther; or … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Tropes, Worldbuilding | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Trope-ify Your Setting

Posted on March 27, 2010 by

The human brain works on patterns. The squishy stuff between our ears is, basically, a collection of electronic connections; as we grow and learn, the brain forms networks that allow the electronic impulses move faster. This is why cliches, stereotypes … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Brittanis, Characters, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Making Minions Matter More

Posted on March 22, 2010 by

This is the guest post I wrote for Dungeonmastering.com. Players are clever. They scheme, plan, plot and connive their way into and out of the most difficult situations we as the DM can create. This is especially true if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Applying Theory, Best Blogs, Brittanis, GM Advice, Group Dynamics, Rules, Tropes, Worldbuilding | Leave a comment