Writing, Art, and Game Design with a different flair
Interlude
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So much change. I'm still not recovered but mostly I'm happy. This year's Pan Ohio is approaching, work is jumping, so many good things going on in general.
Today's post is a result of my ongoing discussion on game design and adapting your chosen system to fit your ideal setting. It'll get a little mechanical but I'll try and keep it out of the weeds for those who don't want to grok the mechanics of character advancement in the d20-ish systems. First off... lets talk about choices. Choices are the most important thing in my games. Sure there are these messy rules that limit what you or I can do in a simulated world, but ultimately for me to enjoy a game as either a storyteller or a player I have to feel like the results of the situation are based upon choice not fate. When I've most enjoyed games, especially tabletop role-playing games, I think back and realize that it was my sense of connection, ownership and agency that most contributed to maximizing the impact of the game. I resonate when I get to make a decision and see the outcome. This, I guess, is also true in life.
Discussing game mechanics with those who don't play or run games is always a challenge. The goal is to explain how the rules work to enable the player to feel the progression and evolution of their characters while also maintaining some level of "fairness" and symmetry with the systems, math and capabilities of the obstacles and environment around them.
Brekton: Godfall Ascension (or its concept) germinated over a decade ago. My home setting is built on a core creation myth, the tale of Makian and the Gods of Brekton. Most of the games we've played took place in a sword & sorcery fantasy world in the midst of change. Mankind and its impact on the world as they rise in influence and power above the Dragons and Elves and Dwarves of the old times brings with it a rise in technology and supplanting of the polytheistic faiths for an all encroaching and consuming belief in "The One." A belief in a great power who is not one of the gods. Over the course of the next few posts I'll endeavor to share this tale and discuss how it sets the stage for the world of Brekton, a modern world like our own, which is the setting of Brekton: Godfall Ascension.
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