Letters from Afar | 12-19-24
Where does the time go? The same place we all go, in the end. On the one hand, this year has lasted 100 years; on the other hand, it feels as though it was just March, and possibility was in my grasp. I had something - people, things, purpose - to hold onto. I'm not saying I don't have that now, but I have to check my grip every moment to make sure it's still there, and I don't always trust what my senses tell me.
Real year-end reflections, of a sort, will come soon. For now, live and drink.
arnold via Goblin Punch: monster checklist
We’re talking about monsters, so combat is likely to be involved. Your monster must be fun to fight. This comes from (2a) abilities, but also (2b) tactics, (2c) environment, and (2d) weaknesses. Each of these is worth a fuller discussion, so I’ll talk about them in their own sections below.
A really good design post on ttrpg monsters.
steve morris via Shelfdust - The Question #26 - Smart Answers to Stupid Questions
The most persistent question in the world of comics is: “Who would win in a fight?” And if you’re gonna ask that question for The Question, well… isn’t there another guy running around who has also made questions his whole thing? Just over two thirds into the three year run of the series, Denny picked up the money on the center of the table. Okay. Sure. Very well. He’d give us our Riddler fight.
Shelfdust is a great comic blog that looks at a single issue within its own context. Here we get the thrilling fight-em-up of THE RIDDLER and THE QUESTION.
michael via Subterranean Strut Notes on Prep
If you are planning for what the players want to do ahead of time, then you are not railroading them. You are providing runway for their stated plans. As part of the agreement to play a game, they have to make medium-term decisions and stick with them. They have go-anywhere-do-anything agency in Part 0 when they set a goal. During the session, the sandbox has boundaries. If you are running short sessions - 3 hours max - they will get back to a place of total agency soon enough!
A good post from michael about how to prep for a ttrpg session.