Thought Punks

Tag: Dice

  • In Defense of Optional Rules

    In Defense of Optional Rules

    Expanding, Not Complicating, the RPG Experience

    Selective focus side view photo girl in gray sweater selecting vinyl records from a music store

    Optional rules and alternative subsystems often find themselves at the center of heated debates in the tabletop RPG community. Some call them unnecessary fluff, others claim they confuse players, and a vocal few see them as evidence of flawed design. But are these critiques really fair? Or are they missing something important?

    Optional rules aren’t there to drown games in needless complexity or make things harder to play. They’re about possibility. They open doors, not just for tweaking mechanics but for crafting an experience that feels unique to your group. Whether it’s empowering storytellers to deepen immersion or letting players shape gameplay around their preferences, optional rules are more than just extras… they’re bridges to new ideas and richer experiences.

    In this article, we’re going to challenge the common criticisms of optional rules and unpack their true value. Whether you’re a veteran GM or a total newcomer, understanding how optional rules work and what they bring to the table can shift your perspective, and maybe even elevate your game. Let’s dive in and explore why these often-misunderstood elements are the unsung heroes of tabletop RPGs.

    Complexity as a Feature, Not a Bug

    Optional rules often get dismissed as making things unnecessarily complicated. But complexity isn’t inherently bad—in fact, when handled well, it’s one of a game’s greatest strengths. Optional rules can add layers to the experience, offering groups a chance to explore nuanced decision-making, dive into intricate mechanics, or build out richer storylines. They’re not about piling on confusion; they’re about creating depth where it’s wanted.

    The beauty of optional rules is that they’re just that: optional. You’re not forced to engage with them. They sit patiently on the sidelines, ready to be brought into play when your group feels ready for more. For new players, the core rules offer a solid, approachable foundation. As familiarity grows, optional rules become a way to explore new dimensions of the game, adding layers of strategy or storytelling that align with the group’s evolving interests.

    This gradual evolution is where optional rules shine. They let the game grow with the group, adapting to your needs and preferences. They don’t just provide a framework for more advanced play; they let you craft an experience that feels like it was built for your table.

    The real magic of optional rules comes from their adaptability. Whether it’s introducing a new combat mechanic for more tactical depth or adding a subsystem to track emotional relationships, these rules give you the tools to refine the game as you go. It’s not about overwhelming players, it’s about letting the game unfold in a way that feels natural and rewarding.

    A Few Tips: Optional Rules Without Overwhelming

    Adding optional rules can feel like walking a tightrope for a lot of gamers. After all, you want to enrich the experience, not drown it in complexity. Here are some tips to introduce them in a way that enhances the game without overwhelming anyone at the table:

    • Start Small: Begin with the core rules, especially when playing with new or less experienced players. Let the group master the basics first, then layer in optional rules. They’re there to complement, not overshadow, the foundation of play.
    • Explain the Why: When introducing an optional rule, take a moment to explain its purpose. How does it make the game better? Why is it relevant to the story or gameplay? A clear explanation can help players see the value and get excited about the new addition.
    • Take It One Rule at a Time: Don’t overwhelm the group with a flood of new rules. Instead, add one at a time and let it settle. This gradual approach keeps things accessible and gives everyone a chance to adapt before moving on to more changes.
    • Experiment Before Committing: Optional rules aren’t permanent. Treat them like trial runs; test them in a single session to see how they feel. If they work, great! If not, you can refine or discard them without disrupting the game.
    • Prioritize Flow: Optional rules should enhance the experience, not drag it down. If a rule constantly interrupts the game or overcomplicates decisions, it may need tweaking or setting aside altogether. Always prioritize a smooth, engaging play experience.

    The secret to integrating optional rules is intention. When added thoughtfully and gradually, they can make the game feel more dynamic, exciting, and personal without overwhelming anyone.

    Balance Through Adaptation

    Critics often argue that optional rules disrupt balance, introducing chaos into a carefully designed system. But balance in tabletop RPGs is rarely a one-size-fits-all concept. Instead, it’s about harmony, aligning the mechanics with the playstyle and preferences of the group. Optional rules shine because they offer the flexibility to adapt the game to what feels right for each table.

    For some groups, balance means streamlined mechanics and fast-paced action. For others, it might involve intricate systems for tactical combat or narrative immersion. Optional rules allow groups to adjust the experience to suit their needs, offering just enough complexity to enhance the game without tipping the scales too far. A well-designed optional rule doesn’t undermine fairness. It enhances it by giving players and GMs the tools to tailor the game to their specific playstyle.

    Rather than creating imbalance, optional rules help groups find their own equilibrium. As players grow more familiar with the game, they can selectively introduce new layers of complexity or nuance in ways that feel organic and rewarding. In this sense, the rules evolve alongside the group, ensuring the game remains engaging and fresh without feeling overwhelming.

    Ultimately, optional rules aren’t about imposing changes, they’re about offering possibilities. By introducing these elements carefully and thoughtfully, you can strike a balance that feels just right for your table, making the game more dynamic and enjoyable for everyone.

    Flexibility Over Fragmentation

    A common concern about optional rules in tabletop RPGs is that they might create inconsistency between groups. If every table uses a different mix of rules, won’t the game feel fragmented? While this worry is understandable, it overlooks the core strength of optional rules: flexibility, not fragmentation.

    Optional rules are designed to celebrate the diversity of playstyles that make tabletop RPGs so special. Every group is unique, and what works well for one table might not fit another. These rules empower Game Masters (GMs) and players to shape the game to suit their preferences, enhancing the experience instead of limiting it.

    Rather than splintering the game, optional rules offer modular tools for customization. They sit alongside the core rules, which remain a consistent foundation for all tables. Whether a group gravitates toward tactical depth, narrative richness, or simplified mechanics, optional rules provide the flexibility to fine-tune the experience while maintaining the integrity of the game’s core.

    Far from fragmenting the game, these optional rules unify the experience. They make RPGs more inclusive by allowing groups to tailor the game to their own style, without being bound to a single, rigid “official” approach. When implemented thoughtfully, optional rules serve as a bridge fostering creativity, collaboration, and player engagement without disrupting the game’s core structure.

    Calibrating Options To Fit Your Table

    A person holding white and gray digital device

    Adding optional rules is not just about increasing complexity; it’s about aligning the game with the specific goals and preferences of your group. When introducing these mechanics, think about what you want to achieve and how they can enhance your group’s experience.

    Enhancing Player Agency

    If your goal is to give players more control over the story, consider adding mechanics that empower them to make impactful decisions. Systems that track character goals, influence world events, or allow players to shape key narrative elements can amplify their sense of agency. Start with simpler mechanics and gradually introduce more complexity as the group becomes comfortable with the new rules.

    Deepening Emotional Stakes

    Optional rules can also be used to intensify emotional engagement. Mechanics that emphasize relationships, trust, or alliances can deepen the roleplaying experience without overwhelming players. Introduce these rules gradually, linking them naturally to the unfolding narrative. When they emerge in response to character actions and story developments, they feel like an organic part of the experience, rather than an unnecessary complication.

    Adapting to Tone and Genre

    One of the most powerful aspects of optional rules is their ability to adapt the game to suit a particular tone or genre. A survival mechanic in a horror game, for example, can heighten tension and make every decision feel critical. In contrast, a complex social system might amplify the intrigue in a political drama, giving players new ways to shape the world around them. The key is to select optional rules that align with your group’s desired experience, ensuring that they enhance the story and match the game’s tone.

    By introducing optional rules with intention, you are not fragmenting the experience, you are refining it. These rules act as tools that help align the game’s mechanics with your group’s style, creating a dynamic and personalized experience.

    Deepening Immersion, Not Breaking It

    Some critics argue that adding layers of optional rules risks pulling players out of the narrative, breaking immersion with mechanical distractions. But this perspective overlooks the potential of well-selected optional systems to actually enhance immersion.

    Take, for example, a survival mechanic in a horror game. Rather than pulling players out of the story, it increases the tension, making every choice feel critical. Similarly, in a political drama, a detailed social system can deepen roleplay, offering players meaningful ways to influence the world and their relationships. These mechanics don’t derail the narrative; they highlight the aspects of the game that are most important to the group.

    Optional rules shine when they complement the game’s tone and genre. Tailoring mechanics to fit the story helps ensure they feel like a natural extension of the narrative, rather than an unwanted distraction. Since these rules are optional, groups have the freedom to select only the systems that enhance their experience, whether it’s managing resources in a survival campaign or deepening character relationships in a story-heavy drama.

    When used thoughtfully, optional rules don’t break immersion; they deepen it. They offer players new ways to engage with the world, strengthen their emotional connection to the story, and make the unfolding events feel more personal and meaningful.

    Flexibility in Rule Application

    In previous sections, we’ve explored how optional rules can enrich the game and boost flexibility. However, there’s another important layer of flexibility often overlooked: the adaptability of the players themselves. Many players naturally modify even core rules to better fit their group’s needs, and this adaptability is one of the true strengths of tabletop RPGs. It’s also why optional rules are not nearly as disruptive as some critics suggest.

    The reality is that players often treat even core rules as optional, adjusting them to match their group’s playstyle. This is especially common in games with more complex rule sets, like Burning Wheel or Vampire: The Masquerade. In Burning Wheel, for example, some groups simplify or omit certain mechanics to maintain the game’s pace or to better align with their preferred style of play. Likewise, in Vampire and other World of Darkness games, combat rules are frequently streamlined to focus more on the narrative and less on the mechanical intricacies.

    This is not a flaw; quite the opposite! It’s a testament to the inherent flexibility of TTRPGs. These games are not rigid systems; they are flexible, evolving experiences that players and GMs shape together. When groups adjust even the core rules, they treat the system like a toolkit, just like they would with optional rules. This reinforces the idea that TTRPGs thrive on flexibility, and even foundational rules can be reshaped to fit the needs of the group.

    So, when critics argue that optional rules disrupt the flow or imbalance a game, they overlook this essential truth: the beauty of TTRPGs lies in their adaptability. If players are already modifying core mechanics to suit their preferences, why should optional rules be any different?

    This leads us to a deeper understanding of optional rules: they’re just one more tool in the expansive, flexible world of TTRPGs. Far from complicating things, they serve to enhance the experience, allowing groups to tailor the game to their desires.

    The True Strength of Optional Rules

    At the heart of tabletop RPGs is collaborative storytelling. Players and GMs work together to create narratives, explore new worlds, and engage in complex stories. The magic of this experience lies in choice, the ability to adapt the game to suit the group’s unique preferences and playstyles. Optional rules are the key to this tailored experience, providing a toolkit for customization, growth, and creativity.

    Optional rules give groups the freedom to evolve the game organically, adding complexity or depth as desired, without overwhelming new players or disrupting the core gameplay. This flexibility is not just a feature of TTRPGs; it’s a fundamental strength. It encourages experimentation, making the game richer and more personal. It allows each group to leave its unique mark on the game, creating something truly special and tailored.

    Instead of viewing optional rules as a threat to the game’s balance or integrity, we should embrace them for what they truly are: an invitation to explore, innovate, and customize. By offering a range of options without imposing a specific set of rules, they empower players to shape the game in ways that matter to them. But they also explicitly create no requirements; as optional rules, they can be freely ignored if you want. This is the essence of roleplaying, taking a system and creating your own experience.

    In the end, optional rules embody the spirit of tabletop RPGs: freedom, creativity, and adaptability. They are not obstacles or sources of unnecessary complexity; they are bridges to more immersive, customized experiences. TTRPGs are not static systems; they are dynamic, living worlds that evolve with the people who engage with them. So, when critics claim that optional rules are disruptive or unnecessary, it’s important to remember that these rules provide extra room for the game to grow, adapt, and thrive.

    By embracing optional rules, we embrace what makes TTRPGs so unique: the freedom to craft an experience that’s as dynamic and personal as the players themselves. Optional rules are not just tools! They are opportunities to create truly unforgettable stories. It’s up to us to make the most of them.

    What do you think about optional rules and house rules? How do you adapt games for your table? What are some of your favorite optional rules and house rule revisions? Leave a comment below or come scream at Rev about his silly ideas over on Bluesky.

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    Related posts:

    1. Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
    2. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    3. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 3)
    4. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)
    5. Great TTRPG Newbie Paradox (they’re easier to teach)
  • Free Christmas TTRPG: Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD)

    Free Christmas TTRPG: Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD)

    This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Free Games

    Happy holidays! For the season, I’ve dug up another unfinished tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) from my slush pile to share with you all. Like others, it’s playable as-is. So have fun! And it’s released under a Creative Commons Attribution license, so feel free to hack away or even flat out flesh out and finish the game if you want!

    Welcome to the Division, Merry Agent

    Three businessmen in Santa hats exchanging gifts and toasting at a holiday party indoors.

    The holidays are supposed to be magical, but when things go wrong, it’s up to the Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD) to restore balance. Whether it’s rogue magic, runaway cheer, or traditions gone haywire, HAD agents are on the front lines, armed with festive gadgets, quick thinking, and a healthy dose of improvisation.

    In this game, you’ll face off against bizarre holiday crises, like out-of-control snowstorms, sentient ornaments, or time-warping New Year’s Eve balls. Your team of holiday protectors must use their wits, their gadgets, and each other to bring order to the chaos. Expect creative problem-solving, hilarious mishaps, and moments of unexpected brilliance as you save the season, one anomaly at a time.

    Get ready for a wild ride filled with absurd challenges and holiday magic. The season’s chaos is just beginning… are you ready to step in and save it?

    Core Gameplay

    Mission Stages

    Each mission unfolds in three stages, ensuring every scenario is packed with humor, action, and heartwarming resolutions:

    1. Investigation: Explore the environment, gather clues, and piece together the source of the anomaly.
      Example: “The local snow globe collection is projecting a blizzard into real life. Let’s interview the toy store owner and see what’s going on.”
    2. Containment: Use your skills, gadgets, and creative thinking to stabilize or neutralize the anomaly. Expect to deploy wild plans, sometimes on the fly!
      Example: “We’ll use the Christmas tree stand as a containment circle and trick the animated ornaments into it with carols.”
    3. Aftermath: Wrap up any lingering consequences, smooth things over with the public, and report back to headquarters.
      Example: “Well, we stopped the giant mutant gingerbread man, but now the city smells like burnt cookies. We might need an apology card.”

    Stats and Motif Rolls

    Stats

    Each agent assigns values to their stats: 0, 1, and 2. These stats define your agent’s strengths:

    • Contain: For wrangling, neutralizing, or redirecting chaotic forces.
    • Connect: For negotiations, teamwork, or emotional appeals.
    • Improvise: For creating plans, blustering off the top of your head, or finding unexpected solutions.

    Motif Roll System

    Whenever agents take action, they describe their effort, ask about how they effort turns out, and roll 2d6:

    • Answer Die: The first die answers the question about your effort. Your relevant stat adds to this die.
      • 1-3: No
      • 4-6: Yes
    • Wrinkle Die: The second die adds a twist or extra flavor.
      • 1-2: But
      • 3-4: Plain answer
      • 5-6: And
    Example Outcomes
    • “Yes and” (6, 6): Your success snowballs into even greater outcomes, but it may get hilariously out of hand.
    • “No but” (3, 1): You fail, but something mitigates the consequences or sets you up for future success.
    • “Yes plain” (4, 3): A straightforward success, nothing fancy but it gets the job done.
    Special Outcomes
    • Double 6s: Over-the-top success. You succeed so well that the action spirals into chaos in unexpected ways.
    • Double 1s: A catastrophic failure that introduces hilarious and humiliating consequences.

    Interpreting Rolls

    This is a game of chaotic fun and anarchic joy, even as the character strive to solve problems. Failures should not be punitive or simply stop the action. Failures and complications should introduce interesting consequences or simply move the story forward. There is intentionally no health system to this game. The results of actions and outcomes follow the fiction. Use common sense and the flow of the emerging story.

    Chaos Meter

    During the Investigation and Containment phases, the Chaos Meter tracks the growing instability of the anomaly, starting at 0 and maxing out at 10. Each failure (No result) adds 1 to the meter. If you roll a “No and” result, add an additional +1 (for a total gain of 2). The Chaos Meter resets to 0 at the start of each phase.

    Escalating Chaos
    • Reduction: Successfully helping civilians escape danger or making significant steps toward containing or calming the situation reduces the meter by 1.
    • Weirdness Die: As the meter rises, the world becomes more bizarre:
      • Chaos 3: Add a third Weirdness die to all actions to measure how surreal things are getting.
      • Chaos 5: Add +1 to the Weirdness die rolls.
      • Chaos 7: Add +2 to the Weirdness die rolls.
      • Chaos 10: Crisis Peak! The situation reaches its boiling point, and the team must make a desperate attempt to resolve the chaos before it goes critical.
    Weirdness Die

    Rolled as a third die on actions when Chaos 3 is reached. Measures how the world bends under the strain of chaos as the characters act:

    • 1: Normal and mundane.
    • 2: Slightly odd or unusual.
    • 3-4: Notably awkward or somewhat surreal.
    • 5: Outright strange and surreal.
    • 6: Reality is bleeding, expect total holiday mayhem.

    Gadget Invention and Use

    Creativity is key to resolving the holiday-themed anomalies, and agents can invent or tweak gadgets to aid in their missions.

    • Invention Rolls: When agents create new gadgets, they roll 2d6 with no modifiers. They use whatever random holiday items are on hand or around in the scene as the core of their invention.
    • Use Rolls: Using gadgets involves another 2d6 roll with no modifiers. The outcome is determined by the Motif system and failure could lead to hilarious malfunctions.

    Example Invention

    “I rigged this Rudolph-nose flashlight to repel candy cane bats. It works, more or less, except now it attracts sentient mistletoe!”

    Example Use

    “The snow globe containment device worked perfectly… until it started projecting disco lights into the blizzard.”

    Holiday-Related Goals

    Each agent has a personal holiday-related goal they’re working toward, perhaps a long-lost tradition, an unfulfilled wish, or simply a desire to make the season brighter. If it fits the situation, agents can rearrange their die after rolling to help achieve their goal.

    Tone and Focus

    This game is about embracing the chaos of the holidays with a heavy dose of humor, absurdity, and spontaneous creativity. Each mission is a wild ride, and players are encouraged to think outside the box, improvise, and roll with whatever unexpected twists come their way. The focus is on fun, the chaos of the holiday season, and keeping things light and entertaining.

    Mission Variety

    HAD deals with all sorts of absurd holiday crises, including but not limited to:

    • Recovery Missions: Retrieve or contain rogue holiday artifacts.
    • Containment Missions: Stabilize out-of-control magical events.
    • Negotiation Missions: Convince sentient holiday creatures to play nice.
    • Multi-Stage Anomalies: Tackle layered events, like a New Year’s ball countdown that creates a bubble of time and additional weird effects with each second counted.

    Each mission should be treated like a holiday adventure, with bizarre problems and off-the-wall solutions that keep everyone laughing and on their toes.

    Mission Loop: Building Your Holiday Adventure

    Cute gnome figurine skiing in snowy landscape, adding charm to winter decorations.

    The Mission Loop is the heartbeat of your holiday-themed adventures in Holiday Anomalies Division (HAD). Each mission unfolds in three key stages—Investigation, Containment, and Aftermath—ensuring that your game stays dynamic, fun, and full of surprises. In this section, we’ll guide you through how to create and run your missions, with advice on pacing, setting the scene, and a few tools to spark your creativity.

    Investigation: Unravel the Mystery

    The investigation phase is where your agents get to explore the weirdness surrounding the holiday anomaly. It’s time to gather clues, interview NPCs, and piece together what caused the problem in the first place. This is where the mystery unfolds and the tone is set.

    Tips for Investigation

    • Setting the Scene: Introduce a holiday setting that’s been turned upside down. A toy store filled with rogue, talking ornaments. A Christmas market under siege by malfunctioning reindeer. Let your players discover how far things have gone awry.
    • What to Do: Encourage players to investigate with a mix of asking questions, gathering physical clues, and talking to quirky NPCs. They may need to use their “Connect” stat to get information from a nervous shopkeeper or “Improvise” to find hidden clues.
    • Rewards: If the player successfully uncover helpful information and/or the root cause of the problem, all of their first actions in the next phase gain +2 on both dice.
    • Consequences: If players fail too hard and too much, causing the Chaos Meter to rise too high to 10, reality completely melts down in a surreal dream-like scene. The fundamental cause or main responsible figure will be revealed. The character them suddenly find themselves waking up in res media in the Containment phase, with the Chaos Meter reset to 0.

    Investigation Oracles

    You can use some all flavor (or dice label) oracles to help fill things out and guide the investigation process.

    Clue Shape

    • Visibility: How noticeable is the clue?
    • Condition: Is the clue in good shape?
    • Urgency: Does this clue feel pressing?

    Clue Value

    • Importance: Is this clue significant?
    • Clarity: How easy is it to understand?
    • Connection: Does this point toward the source of the anomaly?

    Clue Examination

    • Strangeness: How weird is the clue?
    • Reliability: How trustworthy is this clue?
    • Relevance: Does it relate directly to the anomaly?

    Clue Result

    • Source: Does the clue have a clear origin?
    • Difficulty: How hard is it to piece together?
    • Direction: Does it lead to more clues?

    Containment: Stabilize the Situation

    Once your agents have gathered enough clues and identified the cause, it’s time to contain or neutralize the anomaly. This is where improvisation, creativity, and quick thinking come into play. Players will need to come up with wild plans, deploy gadgets, and sometimes use their holiday skills to stabilize the situation.

    Tips for Containment

    • Setting the Scene: Now the stakes get high! The anomaly might be growing, so it’s important to make the environment feel tense. Maybe the snowstorm is getting bigger, or the rogue candy canes are multiplying by the minute.
    • What to Do: Players may need to work together to come up with a containment strategy, using their tools and talents. This could involve everything from singing a holiday song to calm down a rabid reindeer to using the Christmas tree stand to trap a rogue snow globe.
    • Rewards: If the players manage to solve the problem before the Chaos Meter caps out, the aftermath will be easier to manage. NPCs will be naturally more forgiving and understanding. The extant of damage or disruption will be less than it could have been. They should also gain a friendly NPC who is grateful for their help, who they may call upon for friendship or even assistance at times.
    • Consequences: The higher the Chaos Meter, the crazier and riskier the containment will be. At 10, the full power and strangeness of the event is unleashed and the characters must face a final showdown. The outcome will depend on their choice of actions and rolls, with no further chances.

    Containment Oracles

    Just like the Investigation phase, this phase also has some example oracles you can use to help flesh out and run the scenes.

    First Impression

    • Control: How easy is it to take charge of the situation?
    • Strength: How powerful is the anomaly?
    • Stability: How stable is the environment?

    Assessment

    • Speed: How fast is the anomaly growing?
    • Disruption: How much damage is the anomaly causing?
    • Intervention: How much can the agents intervene?

    Planning

    • Clarity: How clear is the containment strategy?
    • Resources: How many resources are available for the plan?
    • Consequence: What happens if containment fails?

    Contact With Reality

    • Duration: How long will it take to contain the anomaly?
    • Effectiveness: How well will the containment strategy work?
    • Risk: How risky is the plan?

    Aftermath: The Clean-Up and Consequences

    After the anomaly is contained, it’s time to wrap up. But the aftermath is never as simple as it seems! The town, city, or holiday environment still has to deal with the fallout of the situation, and your agents will have to make things right with the public and report back to headquarters.

    Tips for Aftermath

    • Setting the Scene: The holiday chaos should have left some quirky consequences behind, even in the best outcomes. Maybe the town is now covered in frosting, or there’s a herd of sentient snowmen wandering the streets.
    • What to Do: This phase is about managing the fallout. Players will need to smooth things over with any panicked civilians, undo the effects of the anomaly, and maybe even deal with an unexpected twist (such as an apology tour or media frenzy). The phase should end with a debriefing and review back at headquarters.
    • Rewards: If the aftermath is handled especially well, the Department may offer minor helpers or a less unreliable gadget for use on the next mission. There is also a chance to avoid gaining enemies and develop alliances.
    • Consequences: If the Chaos Meter was high, things won’t be as easily fixed. Maybe there are lingering side effects, like an overabundance of holiday spirit that causes everything to turn ridiculously festive, or the return of an anomaly that wasn’t fully contained. If the phase is badly handled, the team may end up with some persistant enemies or bad PR.

    Aftermath Oracles

    There are also some example all flavor oracles using dice labels for this phase too! Use them to help introduce more surprise and round out details in play.

    Simple Aftermath

    • Public Response: How well do the townsfolk feel about the team?
    • Holiday Spirit: How is the holiday mood affected?
    • Damage Control: How much effort is needed to fix the situation?

    Alternate Aftermath

    • Civic Reaction: What’s the general mood of the crowd?
    • Long-Term Effects: What lasting impact does the anomaly have?
    • PR Recovery: How much does the team need to manage public relations?

    Leftover Mess

    • Clean-Up Effort: How easy is it to restore order?
    • Media Frenzy: How does the media spin the event?
    • Community Impact: How is the community dealing with the aftermath?

    Fallout

    • Reputation: How do the locals view the team post-mission?
    • Festive Echoes: How much does the anomaly affect holiday celebrations?
    • Side Effects: Are there any lingering issues?

    Appendix: Using the All Flavor Oracles

    You ask about how things are or turned out. Roll 3d6 for an answer. Assign the labels in order from left to right or closest to farthest. Each label is interpreted according to its plain meaning, as illustrated by the example question that the flavor answers. Follow the intuitive scale below, judging the weight of the label by how much the flavor comes through or how positive/negative the outcome is.

    Scale

    • 1: Absolute absence or the complete opposite; most negative response
    • 2: Not at all or somewhat the contrary; clear negative response
    • 3: Somewhat or slightly so; mildly negative response
    • 4: Average or mediocre; slightly positive response
    • 5: Above average or notably strong; strongly positive response
    • 6: Peak or overwhelming; most positive response
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    Related posts:

    1. Great TTRPG Newbie Paradox (they’re easier to teach)
    2. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)
    3. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    4. In Defense of Optional Rules
    5. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 3)
  • Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach

    Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach

    This entry is part 1 of 3 in the series Motif Thoughts

    Thinking About Dice Labels and Narrative Dice in Motif

    Also check out the free RPG I was inspired to share from my slushpile by this post!

    Woman with drink playing dice amidst casino smoke, evoking a mysterious nightlife vibe.

    When it comes to TTRPGs, rolling dice is often about success and failure. But what if the dice could do more? What if they could weave a rich, story-driven narrative with every roll? Enter Motif, a narrative dice system that transforms the simple act of rolling dice into a powerful tool for storytelling. Motif provides answers to questions as an oracle system. Motif’s magic lies in its use of labeled dice, each one offering a different aspect of the story.

    Rather than being limited to basic success/failure metrics, Motif turns each die into a question about the world, the characters, or the situation. It’s this layered, dynamic approach that sets Motif apart and gives it such powerful potential, whether you’re a seasoned GM or flying solo on an adventure. Let’s take a deep dive into the core dice labels that make this system tick.

    Core Dice Build: A Flexible Narrative Tool

    At the heart of a core Motif build is a simple but incredibly versatile system of three dice. These dice don’t just measure success or failure, they bring your narrative to life layer by layer with each roll. While the standard Motif build uses the following labels, what’s great about Motif is that you can totally tweak these labels to suit your game. But let’s first look at how the system works with the classic three-label approach:

    • 1st Die: Answer
      The first die is all about answering the question. It gives you the basic “yes/no” or “success/failure” outcome. Depending on how you set it up, this die will give you the simplest answer to your query.

      • 1-3: No
      • 4-6: Yes
      • Example: Let’s say your party is looking for shelter. You roll a 5, and you find a cabin nearby. Success!
    • 2nd Die: Wrinkle
      The wrinkle die is where things get spicy. It adds depth and complexity to your simple answer. It doesn’t just let you say “Yes” or “No”; it modifies that response and makes the outcome more interesting. This die determines whether your success has an extra twist or your failure is worse than expected.

      • 1-2: But… (the outcome has a twist, alleviating or complicating things).
      • 3-4: Plain answer (straightforward and no complications).
      • 5-6: And… (the answer is strong, with an additional benefit or complication).
      • Example: The group rolls to see if they can find shelter. The answer die gives them a yes, but the wrinkle die adds a 6 (And). They find a cabin, and it turns out to be fully stocked with supplies. Bonus!
    • 3rd Die: Flavor
      Ah, the flavor die. This is where things get really fun. The flavor die brings the thematic richness to your roll, adding more context or tone based on what’s important for the moment. Think of it as an extra dimension, highlighting what’s most crucial for the scene. Whether it’s Safety, Advantage, Favorability, or even Weirdness, the flavor die gives your answer a distinct personality.

      • Low rolls indicate a lack of that flavor (or the opposite of it).
      • High rolls emphasize that flavor in a big way.
      • Example: Imagine you’re in a survival situation, trying to find shelter in a post-apocalyptic world. The flavor die is set to Safety. A roll of 1 means the shelter is unsafe (maybe it’s crawling with threats), but a roll of 6 means the shelter is perfectly secure and safe.

    Beyond the Standard Build: Customizing Dice Labels

    Now, here’s where Motif really shines… flexibility. Sure, you can use the standard Answer, Wrinkle, and Flavor setup, but why stop there? Motif allows you to completely customize the dice labels to match whatever’s happening in your game. This means you can use the dice for anything, from treasure hoards to NPC interactions to world-building elements. The sky’s the limit!

    For example, let’s say your group stumbles upon an ancient treasure chest hidden in a ruined temple. You can assign dice labels like this:

    • 1st Die: Value (How valuable is the loot?)
    • 2nd Die: Condition (What’s the condition of the items?)
    • 3rd Die: Danger (How dangerous is it to get to this treasure?)

    Let’s roll:

    • 1st Die: 6 (High Value) – This is treasure worth fighting for!
    • 2nd Die: 1 (Poor Condition) – Most of the loot is in bad shape, so it might not be worth the trouble.
    • 3rd Die: 5 (High Danger) – Traps abound! You’ll have to be cautious, or you’re toast.

    So, there something truly valuable deep in there, but most of the hoard has been ruined and the danger is real. That means the players have a tough choice: go for the gold and risk their lives, or walk away empty-handed?

    You could easily change this up to use in other situations, such as for NPC encounters or scene setting. Here’s a few examples:

    • NPC Interaction:
      • 1st Die: Relationship (How strong is the NPC’s bond with the group?)
      • 2nd Die: Mood (How good or bad is the NPC feeling?)
      • 3rd Die: Reaction (How well does the NPC respond to the party?)
    • Scene Setting:
      • 1st Die: Atmosphere (What’s the tone of the scene, dark or bright?)
      • 2nd Die: Obstacles (How difficult are the problems or barriers here?)
      • 3rd Die: Opportunity (What are the chances like to find resources and treasure?)

    Adding Narrative Dice Layers to Other Systems

    But wait, there’s more! You don’t have to play a Motif game to use Motif’s labeled narrative dice. One of the most exciting features is how easily it can integrate into other systems, acting as an add-on to your favorite RPGs or solo games. Whether you’re playing a dungeon crawl or running a one-shot, you can use Motif dice labels to spice up your game.

    Here’s how Motif can enhance other systems:

    • Solo Play: Use the dice as oracles to answer questions, generate plot twists, or decide on story outcomes without needing a GM.
    • Loot Generators: You could roll for value, condition, and danger or other appropriate labels to generate interesting treasure hoards.
    • World-Building: Need to define a new region? Assign thematic labels (like Hospitality, Danger, Wealth) and roll to quickly determine the flavor of a new area.

    You can also layer Motif onto or in-between existing mechanics to add flavor and important details, which can be especially useful in low prep GMing and solo RPG situations. Let’s use an illustrative example! Imagine you’re running a traditional dungeon crawl. Instead of just having players roll to “disarm trap,” use the dice labels to flesh out the trap mechanics. Maybe you assign labels like:

    • 1st Die: Visibility (How hard is it to detect?)
    • 2nd Die: Severity (How bad is the trap?)
    • 3rd Die: Effectiveness (How hard is it to avoid the trap?)

    A roll of 1, 6, 3 could mean it’s a hard-to-detect trap and very dangerous if triggered, though reasonable to avoid with the right skill.

    Try Letting Your Dice Tell the Story

    The dice labels in Motif aren’t just random numbers on a die, they’re powerful storytelling tools. By giving each die a distinct role in your game, you’re creating a world that responds to the choices your players make in dynamic, unpredictable ways. Whether you’re deep in the heart of a Motif game or using these dice as a supplement to your favorite system, the possibilities are endless. You’re not just rolling dice, you’re crafting stories.

    If this kind of thing interests you, be sure to check out the free duo TTRPG about a dying immortal I’m sharing from my slushpile because of this post!

    So, what are you waiting for? How will you label your dice? What new stories are you going to tell? Let’s get rolling! If this spurred any thoughts, come scream at me on Bluesky about it. 

    Share this with friends:

    Related posts:

    1. Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles
    2. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    3. In Defense of Optional Rules
    4. Getting in the (Dice) Swing of Things
    5. Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
  • RPG Idea: Hard Road Ahead

    RPG Idea: Hard Road Ahead

    This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Free Games

    Something I may never complete. Inspired to share this from my slush pile by my post about Ghibli-inspired games. Putting this out there for anyone else to finish, if they want. Fully open license, public domain. Use as you will.

    Hard Road Ahead

    Mysterious forest road at night with a solitary silhouette, creating a haunting atmosphere.

    A two-player micro-RPG inspired by the darker elements of Studio Ghibli.

    Overview

    One player takes the role of The Young Person, someone desperately striving to save a loved one who will die without their help. The other plays The World That Is, a callous, indifferent force that cares only for the endless cycles of life, death, and the laws of the universe. Together, you will tell a story of hardship, fleeting hope, and the cruel beauty of persistence.

    What You Need

    • 6-sided dice (d6), at least three.
    • Paper and pen for tracking progress.
    • A quiet space to reflect and tell your story.

    Setup

    1. The Young Person names their loved one and describes why they must save them. Define the relationship and what makes this bond vital.
    2. The World That Is describes the setting: is it a crumbling city, a storm-lashed forest, or a war-torn countryside? Frame the narrative tone.
    3. Both players collaboratively decide on the loved one’s three essential needs:
      • Medicine to treat or prevent sickness. What treatment do they need?
      • Food to stave off starvation. What kind of allergies and other food issues must you avoid?
      • Clothes to protect against deprivation. What is needed for the season, weather, and terrain?
    4. Draw two trackers:
      • Young Person’s Needs: Hunger, Exposure, and Exhaustion, each starting at 0.
      • Loved One’s Needs: Sickness, Starvation, and Deprivation, each starting at 0.

    How to Play

    The story unfolds across at least five quests that The Young Person must pass to gather the resources their loved one needs. Each quest is an encounter, framed by The World That Is, which presents as (roll a d6):

    • 1-2, A Social Trap: An overprotective guardian, a deceptive merchant, or others with conflicting goals.
    • 3-4, A Task: Delivering messages, retrieving a lost item, or fulfilling a troubling request.
    • 5-6, Internal Struggles: Phantoms or hallucinations of doubt and despair.

    For each quest, the conditions available in the quest may offer a chance to reduce negative conditions for the player and there are two possible outcomes:

    • Pass: The Young Person earns a vital item (Medicine, Food, or Clothes) and/or a step of relief for their own Needs.
    • Fail: The World That Is offers a deus ex machina escape at a steep cost: an increase of 1 in either Sickness, Starvation, or Deprivation for the loved one, as well as usually an increase of one of the young person’s Needs.

    Mechanics

    Set of white dice with black pips on a reflective black surface, showing various numbers.

    1. Encounter Timers: Each encounter is resolved in three rolls or less, symbolizing the limited time available. The timer reflects urgency, a collapsing bridge, approaching danger, or window of opportunity closing.
    2. Rolling for Progress: The Young Person rolls 1d6 per action. Actions must align with their described approach to the challenge. They may choose to accept 1 negative track for +2 dice. Once per encounter, you may also pick one of your loved one’s Needs and roll twice as many extra dice as the track is at. But if you take a cost (partial success or failure), it adds +1 to one of their other Needs tracks in addition to the young person’s. However, if you succeed, reduce the loved one’s Need used by 1. Possible results:
      • 6: Overwhelming success.
      • 4-5: Partial progress; the player may advance but at a cost, such as 1 Hunger, Exposure, or Exhaustion.
      • 1-3: Failure; no progress and +1 to one of the young person’s Need tracks.
    3. Tracking Needs: Needs can be alleviated to some degree by the encounters, such as eating at a strange festival to reduce Hunger or taking shelter with that witch for a while to reduce Exposure. When any of The Young Person’s Needs (Hunger, Exposure, or Exhaustion) reaches 5, they collapse, lost to the indifferent world. The game ends with tragedy, as they are discovered dying by their (probably also soon to perish) loved one.
    4. Loved One’s Condition: Failures during encounters add to the loved one’s Sickness, Starvation, or Deprivation. They cannot be alleviated under they are reached by the Young Person. However much Medicine, Food, and Clothing they have reduces Sickness, Starvation, and Deprivation that much. If the game ends with any higher than 1, or 1 in all, their future is ambiguous. 1 or 0 in all, except for all 1s, they go on to be well. When any of these reach 3, the loved one succumbs before The Young Person can reach them. The story ends in sorrow.
    5. Winning the Game: If The Young Person successfully passes at least five quests and delivers at least 1 Medicine, Food, or Clothes, they reach their loved one in time, saving them (at least for now) from death. Note the loved one’s condition to judge their epilogue. And the journey’s toll remains, leaving scars and questions about what was lost to succeed.

    Example Encounter

    The World That Is: “You step briefly inside a well-maintained old cottage and suddenly an old woman blocks your way. Her house is warm, filled with food, and she offers you shelter. But she insists you stay and never leave. Her smile is kind, but her grip on your arm is iron the moment you step anywhere near the doors or windows.”

    The Young Person: “At first I may have no choice, so I will rest a while and eat a bit to put her at ease.”

    The World That Is: “The old woman seems happy that you accept so easily. She presents course after course of food, then covers you with a blanket as you rest afterward in a deep comfortable chair, reducing both your Hunger and Exhaustion by 1.”

    The Young Person: “When she settles down herself, that is my chance. I will try to distract her by singing a lullaby to make her sleepy.”

    Successful Quest

    The young person rolls a 4, a partial success with a cost. The old woman’s eyes droop, but she shakes her head and her gaze remains fixed on them. They also take 1 Exhaustion as they sing a lullaby but resist the urge to sleep. Continuing to sing, they make a second roll. The old woman finally nods off, lulled to sleep by the soft melody. The Young Person gathers food and escapes, having some time while the woman sleeps so both reducing their Hunger by 1 and earning 1 Food for their loved one.

    Failed Quest

    The young person rolls a 2, a failure. The song is off-tune as the old woman eyes them suspiciously and remains perfectly alert as she sips her tea. The awkward tension is draining and adds +1 to Exhaustion.

    The Young Person: “I see this isn’t working. I’m going to try making increasingly bothersome requests to see if I can get her away long enough to slip out.”

    The young person groans as they roll a 3, another failure. They ask for different blankets, pillows, obscure snacks, and the whole lot of it but she never has to leave the room to accommodate the young person. The whole process is so tiring and adds another +1 to Exhaustion. Their Exhaustion is creeping very high and they decide to not risk any further action.

    The Young Person: “If I can, I’m going to accept that there is no escape for now and rest to recover a bit before the other shoe drops.”

    The World That Is: “You may remove one of those Exhaustions you gained. As you fitfully nap, you are rudely awakened being pushed out of the chair. The old woman is screaming at you about some request you made while half-asleep. As far as you can tell it was for some kind of cookie or snack, but she is taking it as a deadly insult. You are thrown out of the house in the middle of a storm, gaining 1 Exposure. Reflecting the plenty that you’re leaving behind, your loved one’s Starvation goes up by 1.”

    Themes of Reflection

    After each quest, The Young Person pauses for a moment of introspection. The player must describe what keeps them going despite the rising toll and stress, while The World That Is narrates how the environment reacts: indifferent stars, whispering winds, or the cold indifference of a collapsing society.

    Conclusion

    Hard Road Ahead is not about triumph or comfort but persistence against the odds. It captures the heartache, fleeting beauty, and relentless hardships that echo the darker undertones of Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces, while also mixing in non-traditional conflicts and whimsical encounters to reflect the other side of the inspiration. Will you make it in time, or will the world’s callousness win?

    Have you hacked this into a more complete game? Are you incorporating some of these ideas into your own game? Or have you even tried giving this raw/mini version a try? Please, shout at me on Bluesky about it. 

    Share this with friends:

    Related posts:

    1. In Defense of Optional Rules
    2. Free Duo Game: The Immortal’s Affairs
    3. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    4. Immersion and Authoring in TTRPGs
    5. Let’s Talk About “Ghibli-inspired” TTRPGs
  • About Us

    About Us

    About Thought Punks

    At Thought Punks, we’re here for the storytellers: the dreamers, the improvisers, the people who love rolling dice as much as spinning wild tales. We make indie tabletop RPGs that are approachable, flexible, and designed to spark creativity. Thought Punks creates TTRPGs and storytelling tools that embrace bold ideas, innovative mechanics, and a do-it-yourself spirit.

    Motif Story Engine: Stories Powered by Chance

    At the core of Thought Punks is the Motif Story Engine, a dice oracle system that transforms the randomness of dice rolls into the building blocks of a story. This isn’t your standard RPG mechanic! Motif uses dice outcomes to create prompts, twists, and opportunities, acting as both a collaborator and a source of narrative tension. Whether you’re crafting an intense noir mystery, an epic sci-fi odyssey, or a quiet personal drama, Motif provides the structure and flexibility to make your story shine.

    It’s designed to be:

    • Intuitive: No need to juggle charts or dense rules. You roll, interpret, and keep the story moving.
    • Flexible: Whether you’re solo gaming, running a GM-lite session, or crafting a new game from scratch, the dice oracle adapts to your style.
    • Engaging: Every roll brings a story beat to life, whether it’s a sudden twist, a major success, or something complicates everything in the best way possible.
    • Solo and GM-Lite Friendly: You don’t need a huge group to enjoy Motif. It’s perfect for solo players and low-prep GMs who want deep stories without spending hours prepping encounters or memorizing rules.

    The Motif Story Engine isn’t just a mechanic, it’s a philosophy. It powers many of our games and is available as an open toolkit for creators to build their own RPGs. Check out the Motif SRD to see how you can make it your own.

    Our Games

    Thought Punks is home to a variety of RPGs that stretch across genres and tones. Each one is designed to take advantage of Motif’s dynamic storytelling power while offering something distinct and memorable.

    • NEVER Stop Smiling: A dystopian RPG where enforced happiness hides a world of surveillance and repression. Perfect for players who love exploring dark, surreal themes and pushing against systems of control.
    • Dinosaur Wizards In Space: Dinosaurs. Magic. Space. This lighthearted two-page RPG delivers exactly what it promises: chaotic, imaginative fun with minimal prep and maximum energy.

    Beyond Games: Experimentation and Community

    Thought Punks thrives on creativity, and we believe the best ideas often come from collaboration and experimentation. That’s why we embrace game jams, community hashtag days, and unconventional approaches to RPG design. From wild one-page experiments to digital tools like the Motif Oracle Notebook, we’re always exploring tabletop games.

    We’re also here to support the wider RPG community. Whether it’s through sharing tools like the Motif SRD or engaging with creators and players online, we believe in the power of mutual inspiration.

    Why Choose Thought Punks?

    We’re not here to be a big, polished corporation or dominate the TTRPG market. Our approach is simple: we make games that stand out. We focus on simplicity without sacrificing depth. Whether you’re looking for bold mechanics, unique stories, or tools to create your own adventures, Thought Punks has something for you. We focus on:

    • Creative freedom: Our games give you the tools to shape your stories the way you want to tell them.
    • Innovation: From dice oracle mechanics to genre-blending concepts, we love breaking new ground.
    • Accessibility: We keep our designs easy to pick up and play, whether you’re gaming solo, with friends, or trying something completely new.

    Join the Punk Movement

    Explore our games on DriveThruRPG and Itch.io, or visit us on Bluesky. Whether you’re looking for your next fun TTRPG or a new way to create your own, Thought Punks is here to fuel your imagination.

    Let’s make stories that matter, together.

    Share this with friends:

    Related posts:

    1. Welcome to Thought Punks!
    2. Free Duo Game: The Immortal’s Affairs
    3. Blog Archives
    4. Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles
    5. Genre Emulation and Buy-In in TTRPGs
  • Getting in the (Dice) Swing of Things

    Getting in the (Dice) Swing of Things

    This entry is part 3 of 3 in the series Motif Thoughts

    On Swingy Dice: The Design of Motif

    Dynamic illustration of Newton's Cradle showing motion and reflection concepts in physics.

    Dice systems play a key role in shaping the dynamics of tabletop RPGs. They not only determine the mechanics of success or failure but also create the emotional backbone of tension, excitement, and consequence in gameplay. In Motif, swingy dice (those that produce wide variations in outcomes) are a deliberate feature that enhances the game both as an oracle and a game engine. Let’s dive into why this choice is central to Motif’s design and how it contributes to the overall experience.

    Why Swingy Dice?

    Motif is meant to be swingy despite being 2d6/3d6. Because each die is counted individually, so they’re swingy. This swinginess creates excitement and uncertainty, a perfect fit for an oracle system. Here’s why:

    • Small Range, High Impact
      The dice in Motif (d6) stay within a small range, reducing the risk of extreme streaks. The range is small (limiting/mitigating streaks) and it’s an answer oracle, so you want it weighted random. This limitation prevents outcomes from becoming overwhelming while still allowing for significant swings that can drive the narrative forward.

      • The combination of small numerical values (1-6) and independent rolls means that variability remains dynamic yet manageable, unlike systems with broader ranges like d20. This balance ensures that the game’s mechanics feel lively without derailing play.
    • Individual Randomness
      Because each die is counted individually, each one represents a unique factor or aspect of the answer. With each die being swingy, this creates a complex random pattern of answers. The outcome isn’t a smooth progression but rather a series of varied shifts, where each die’s result contributes to the overall response in unpredictable and dynamic ways.

      • In practical terms, this design choice mirrors the chaos of real-life decision-making, where multiple variables can pull in different directions. This keeps players engaged and reactive, adapting to each roll as the narrative unfolds.
    • Impactful Modifiers
      The small scale makes simple +/-1 and 2 modifiers meaningful. The small range of the dice ensures that even small shifts in modifiers can dramatically influence the outcome, keeping the stakes high and the decisions weighty.

      • This contrasts with systems like d20, where a +1 modifier might have a subtler impact, or percentile systems, where slight adjustments can feel almost negligible. In Motif, every modifier directly affects the narrative’s momentum, making every choice resonate more strongly with players.

    Distribution and Narrative Impact

    Dice distributions directly shape the flow and tone of a narrative by controlling how predictable outcomes are and where results tend to cluster. Swingy systems, such as Motif, create a wide range of outcomes that amplify uncertainty and tension, whereas bell-curved systems lean toward predictability and realism.

    For example, the Motif system’s use of individual d6 results means every roll offers a spread of possibilities, contributing to a dynamic and fluid narrative structure. Each roll feels less like a calculation and more like a narrative catalyst. In contrast, systems like 3d6 summed create a bell curve, where middle-range results dominate. This design favors games where outcomes need to reflect consistent skill levels or controlled probabilities, such as simulationist RPGs.

    Tension and Stakes in Dice Systems

    One of the most critical elements of a dice system is its ability to manage player tension and stakes. Swingy dice systems like Motif excel in this area by creating outcomes that are unpredictable yet significant. Players can never fully anticipate results, keeping the stakes high and the narrative alive.

    Modifiers interact differently across dice systems and can drastically alter tension. In Motif, where small changes to a d6’s outcome have a profound impact, a +1 modifier could entirely shift the narrative’s direction. In bell-curved systems or large scale die systems (like d20), modifiers often produce more subtle shifts, with their impact most pronounced at the extreme ends of the probability curve.

    Dice pools, like those found in systems such as Blades in the Dark, emphasize the number of successes over individual rolls, creating another form of tension. Adding a single die to a pool can significantly improve odds, making even small adjustments feel meaningful. These systems, however, trade the swinginess of individual rolls for the aggregated predictability of multiple dice.

    Embracing Uncertainty

    While great for detailed mechanical gameplay and reliability, bell curved systems can lack the dramatic unpredictability that swingy dice provide. In Motif, the swinginess serves to amplify the storytelling aspect, ensuring that every roll feels significant and emotionally charged. This approach captures the chaotic and improvisational spirit central to the approach’s design.

    The uncertainty and excitement are great. Swingy dice encourage unpredictable outcomes, which create tension and drama. Unlike bell-curved dice systems, which tend to cluster results around the average, Motif’s dice allow for more variance, giving every roll a feeling of consequence and unpredictability.

    Ultimately, each approach tailors the level of tension and the stakes players experience. Swingy systems like Motif excel at delivering dramatic highs and lows, while bell-curved systems smooth out the experience, favoring consistency over chaos.

    Reflect on Your Dice System

    Take some time to think about your chosen dice system. Is it swingy? Bell curved? What is the range like? How do the modifiers interact with the odds? What is the general feel? These questions are key when designing or choosing a dice system, as each system influences the tone and pacing of the game. Consider these examples:

    • Bell Curves (3d6 Summed or Dice Pools)
      Bell curves produce more predictable outcomes, ideal for games focused on consistency or skill-based challenges. They reduce uncertainty but sometimes may not generate the same high tension. This makes them excellent for simulating realistic systems where skill or practice governs success.
    • Percentile Systems (d100)
      Percentile systems offer high precision, which is perfect for games where exact outcomes matter. % systems are great for high-stakes or high-tension games where that exacting, unforgiving vibe works. While these systems can feel cold or overly mechanical, they shine in contexts where specificity is vital.
    • Swingy Dice (Motif or d20)
      Swingy dice systems like Motif fuel tension and surprise. With unpredictable results, every roll feels consequential, and players are always kept on edge. The resulting emotional intensity complements games emphasizing improvisation and narrative twists.

    Final Thoughts

    Motif’s use of swingy dice enhances the game’s unpredictability, creating excitement and meaningful choices in a compact system. Whether you’re designing your own game or playing with others, understanding how dice mechanics affect the overall experience is crucial. Are your dice systems swingy or predictable? How do they affect the tension and stakes of your game? By reflecting on these factors, you can better align your mechanics with the experience you want to deliver.

    What’s your take on swingy dice? Share your thoughts and let’s discuss how different dice systems shape gameplay! Shout at us over on Bluesky.

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    Related posts:

    1. Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles
    2. Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach
    3. In Defense of Optional Rules
    4. Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
    5. TTRPG Mechanics Model: Granularity, Modularity, Connectivity, Fidelity
  • Motif Oracle Notebook

    Motif Oracle Notebook

    Motif Oracle Notebook

    Motif Oracle Notebook

    Notebook
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    Answer Type
    Modifier
    Context

    Character

    Scene Notes

    Story So Far

    Extra Notes

    Roll History Preview

    Character

    Scene Notes

    Story So Far

    Extra Notes

    Oracle Rolls

    About the Motif Oracle Notebook

    Motif Oracle Notebook is a TTRPG storytelling tool designed for solo roleplaying, tracking rolls & character notes during play, and creative writing. It uses a three-die system to generate answers and add nuance to your narrative.

    Notebook Features

    • Oracle: The main oracle interface with roll history and live results
    • Game Rolls: Dice roller for game mechanics
    • Character: A place for character details and development
    • Scene Notes: Track your current scene
    • Story So Far: Record your overall narrative
    • Extra Notes: Space for additional information

    Save Session

    Confirm Overwrite

    Are you sure you want to overwrite this save?

    Session saved successfully!

    About the Motif Oracle Notebook

    A woman engaged in tarot reading surrounded by candles and crystals on a table.

    Motif Oracle Notebook is a TTRPG storytelling tool designed for solo roleplaying, tracking rolls & character notes during play, and creative writing. It uses a three-die system to generate answers and add nuance to your narrative.

    Notebook Features

    • Oracle: The main oracle interface with roll history and live results
    • Game Rolls: Dice roller for game mechanics
    • Character: A place for character details and development
    • Scene Notes: Track your current scene
    • Story So Far: Record your overall narrative
    • Extra Notes: Space for additional information
    Share this with friends:

    Related posts:

    1. Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles
    2. Dice Labels: The Heart of the Motif Approach
    3. Welcome to Thought Punks!
    4. Great TTRPG Newbie Paradox (they’re easier to teach)
    5. About Us
  • Immersion and Authoring in TTRPGs

    Immersion and Authoring in TTRPGs

    This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series RPG Theory

    Immersion and Authoring: Two Pillars of TTRPG Playstyles

    Artistic depiction of a person with twigs and antlers submerged in water, eyes closed.

    When exploring RPG mechanics and playstyles, two concepts frequently come to mind: immersion and authoring. These approaches are central to how we experience and create stories, yet they lead to profoundly different player experiences. Understanding their nuances can deepen appreciation for tabletop role-playing games and help both players and game masters refine their craft. Let’s dive into these ideas and how they shape the way we play.

    What is Immersion in TTRPGs?

    Immersion is all about being present in the game world. It’s the feeling of stepping into your character’s shoes, seeing through their eyes, and reacting instinctively to their circumstances. This playstyle emphasizes an almost method-actor-like approach to gameplay. The goal is to lose oneself in the character’s experiences.

    • It’s visceral and emotional, pulling players into the moment-to-moment experiences of their characters.
    • A deeply immersive scene might involve feeling your heart race during a tense negotiation or aching with loss after a companion’s betrayal.

    Think of immersion as an actor completely inhabiting their role, their decisions flowing naturally from the character’s perspective. For example, in a dangerous dungeon crawl, an immersive player might worry about their dwindling torchlight not because of the mechanics, but because their character would feel that same anxiety. Immersion prioritizes instinct over meta-thinking, pushing players to engage deeply with the fiction and their character’s emotional world.

    The key strength of immersion lies in its ability to create intense personal connections to the story. However, this focus on “in-the-moment” play can occasionally lead to tension if other players or the game master adopt a more meta or narrative-driven approach. Still, for those who thrive on emotional and visceral role-playing, immersion offers a uniquely rewarding experience.

    What is Authoring in TTRPGs?

    Authoring, by contrast, is about crafting the broader narrative. This playstyle encourages players to take a step back, view the story as a whole, and make decisions based on dramatic or thematic impact. It’s an approach that treats the game as a shared storytelling canvas, where each decision is a brushstroke.

    • It’s about asking, “What would make this moment more engaging or memorable for everyone?”
    • For example, an authoring player in a negotiation scene might say, “What if I make a bold, unexpected offer to heighten tension?”

    Authoring feels like being the director of a play, consciously shaping arcs and scenes for maximum impact. Instead of being solely concerned with their character’s perspective, authoring players consider the needs of the group and the story. For instance, they might create a rivalry with another character, not because it’s what their character would naturally do, but because it adds intrigue to the campaign.

    The strength of authoring lies in its ability to elevate the shared narrative. Players using this approach often take the initiative to create dramatic moments, plot twists, or resolutions that enrich the story for everyone. However, its reliance on meta-awareness can sometimes clash with purely immersive playstyles, as the player’s focus on narrative structure might break the illusion of the game world.

    Comparing Immersion and Authoring

    These two approaches might seem at odds, but they complement each other in practice. Both styles bring unique strengths to the table:

    • Immersion: Grounded in the immediate experience, it creates depth and emotional connection. Players driven by immersion feel the highs and lows of their character’s journey, fostering a sense of personal investment.
    • Authoring: Focused on the larger picture, it enhances storytelling and group dynamics. By stepping outside their character’s perspective, authoring players ensure the story remains engaging and cohesive.

    Despite their differences, the two styles are not mutually exclusive. Many players shift between these approaches depending on the scene, the system, or the group dynamics. For example, a player might immerse themselves in their character’s fear during a dangerous encounter but step back into an authoring role to suggest a flashback that deepens the story’s emotional stakes.

    Ultimately, the interplay between immersion and authoring reflects the collaborative nature of TTRPGs. A group that respects and balances these styles can create a richer, more layered experience.

    The Role of Game Mechanics

    Different systems lean toward one approach or the other, often shaping the way players engage with the game.

    • Immersion-heavy systems: Games like traditional Dungeons & Dragons or dungeon crawlers emphasize in-character decision-making, focusing on what the character knows or perceives in the moment. Mechanics like fog of war or hidden rolls reinforce this immediacy, keeping players in their characters’ perspectives.
    • Authoring-heavy systems: Games like Blades in the Dark or Fiasco encourage players to think outside the character, prioritizing dramatic twists or collaborative storytelling. Tools like flashbacks, narrative control tokens, or scene-setting mechanics invite players to shape the story actively.

    While some systems explicitly cater to one style, others blur the lines. For instance, Powered by the Apocalypse games often combine immersive character moves with mechanics that encourage authorial input, such as collaboratively building the setting or defining relationships. This blend allows players to seamlessly transition between immersion and authoring as the story demands.

    Designing for Balance

    For game designers, the challenge is in balancing these two playstyles. Striking this balance ensures that players with different preferences can coexist within the same game.

    • Immersion-focused mechanics: could include hidden information, in-character roleplay prompts, or dice rolls that represent uncertainty. For example, a system that keeps the GM’s rolls private might enhance the player’s immersion by preserving the mystery.
    • Authoring-focused mechanics: might involve meta-tools like flashbacks (Blades in the Dark) or explicit narrative framing (Fate). These tools give players direct control over the story’s direction, empowering them to craft memorable moments.

    Games that successfully balance these elements, like Apocalypse World or Burning Wheel, allow players to explore both immediate character experiences and larger narrative arcs. Designers can also provide optional rules or modules that cater to different playstyles, letting groups customize the game to their preferences.

    A Negotiation Scene Example

    To see how these styles might play out in practice:

    • An immersive player in a tense negotiation might focus solely on their character’s immediate goals: “My character would never accept that deal; they’d demand a better offer.”
    • An authoring player might instead think about the drama of the moment: “What if I threaten to walk away? It could create a great turning point for our story.”

    Both approaches enrich the game, but in different ways. Immersion creates an authentic, character-driven experience, while authoring ensures the scene has a compelling narrative structure. Together, they can transform a simple negotiation into a multilayered, unforgettable moment.

    What’s Your Preference?

    Are you someone who loves to feel the world through your character’s eyes, living in the moment and letting instincts guide your choices? Or do you lean toward shaping the story from a broader perspective, crafting dramatic arcs and unforgettable moments?

    Maybe you’ve played games that cater to one extreme, or you’ve found a system that strikes the perfect balance. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments. We’d love to hear how immersion and authoring shape your playstyle! Come yell at us on Bluesky about it!

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    Related posts:

    1. Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
    2. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)
    3. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 3)
    4. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    5. In Defense of Optional Rules
  • Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles

    Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles

    This entry is part 6 of 5 in the series RPG Theory

    Dice in TTRPGs: Tools That Shape Play

    A close-up of a hand tossing several dice against a dark background, symbolizing chance and luck.

    Dice in tabletop RPGs are more than mere randomizers. They set the tone of gameplay, define the rules of engagement, and guide storytelling. Whether you’re leveraging dice as narrative levers, world simulation tools, or answer oracles, each approach uniquely impacts the experience at your table. Beyond just mechanics, dice become an active participant in shaping the stories we tell and the worlds we explore.

    Each approach, while interconnected, emphasizes a different aspect of play. Narrative levers prioritize storytelling momentum and player involvement. World simulation tools ground the game in consistency and logical outcomes. Answer oracles spark creativity and open-ended interpretation. By understanding these approaches, we gain insight into how dice influence not just outcomes but the tone and texture of a game. Let’s delve into each category to explore their unique qualities and the nuances that set them apart.

    Dice as Narrative Levers: The Heartbeat of Storytelling

    In games like Powered by the Apocalypse (PbtA) and Blades in the Dark, dice results create pivotal story beats. The rolls don’t just resolve actions—they shape how the narrative unfolds. Success and failure aren’t binary; instead, they add layers of complexity:

    • Rolling a “10+” in PbtA might mean unambiguous success, moving the story toward player goals.
    • A “7-9” adds drama, introducing complications or choices that deepen the story.
    • A failure invites the GM to twist the plot, often in unexpected and exciting ways.

    This approach makes dice feel like they’re alive, co-authoring a tale alongside the players. Every roll becomes an opportunity for narrative twists, making these systems excellent for collaborative storytelling. These mechanics reinforce player agency while embedding unpredictability into the tale.

    Adding extra emphasis, games in this category blur the lines between player and GM roles, often encouraging co-authorship of the story’s direction. By doing so, they offer a sense of shared ownership that enhances player engagement and emotional investment.

    Narrative levers are distinct in how they ensure the dice directly propel the story forward. Unlike world simulation, which often focuses on fidelity to the setting, narrative levers prioritize drama, pacing, and the interplay of character motivations. The emergent narrative becomes not just a backdrop but the driving force of the game.

    Dice as World Simulators: Grounding in Reality

    Dice as simulation tools shine in games like Dungeons & Dragons or GURPS. Here, rolls replicate the logical and physical rules of the game world. They determine whether actions succeed or fail based on character abilities and environmental challenges:

    • Attack rolls simulate combat uncertainty.
    • Skill checks reflect the balance between player expertise and task difficulty.

    This method offers predictability within the rules of the game world, creating a grounded sense of immersion. While the outcomes might seem less narrative-focused, they provide a structure that players can depend on, fostering strategic planning and investment in their characters’ capabilities. By anchoring the story in a consistent system, simulationist mechanics lend credibility to the world.

    Furthermore, this predictability creates opportunities for player growth. Mastering mechanics like attack rolls or saving throws offers a sense of achievement, which appeals to gamers who thrive on measurable progress and tactical depth.

    What sets simulation apart is its focus on fidelity to the game’s logic and world-building. Unlike narrative levers that prioritize story momentum, simulation emphasizes realism and consistency. This approach draws players who enjoy solving problems within a defined framework, creating a satisfying sense of coherence and strategy.

    Dice as Answer Oracles: Co-Creators of Story

    Solo RPGs and GM-lite systems like Ironsworn or the Motif Story Engine elevate dice to a different role: answering questions instead of resolving tasks. These “oracles” inject creativity, surprise, and collaboration into gameplay. For example:

    • Prompt: Is the forest safe?
    • Roll: Yes, but…
    • Interpretation: The forest is free of predators, but its twisting paths make navigation dangerous.

    Oracles provide flexible prompts, encouraging players to interpret results and weave them into the narrative. This method is ideal for emergent storytelling, where the dice guide discovery rather than dictate outcomes. It fosters a sense of collaborative play (even for solo players!) by turning the mechanics into a creative partner.

    An added benefit is the ability to surprise even the GM or solo player. By delegating narrative twists to the dice, oracles enhance replayability and maintain freshness during longer campaigns.

    What distinguishes oracles is their open-endedness and reliance on interpretation. While narrative levers and simulation mechanics provide more structured paths, oracles thrive in ambiguity, making them ideal for discovery and emergent storytelling.

    Exploring a Cave Through Different Dice Styles

    Let’s illustrate how these approaches differ with a single scenario: exploring a cave.

    • Narrative Lever: Roll to find out what happens next in the story. Success moves the group closer to their goal; failure introduces an unexpected challenge, such as a hidden trap.
    • World Simulation: Roll to check perception. If the player fails, they miss a clue, leaving the cave’s mysteries unsolved until they retry or investigate further.
    • Answer Oracle: Ask, “Is there something unusual here?” and roll for an open-ended response. “Yes, but it’s buried beneath debris. Clearing it will take time and caution.”

    Each approach brings a distinct flavor to gameplay, catering to different player preferences and storytelling styles. Exploring a cave isn’t just a scenario; it’s an opportunity to reveal the game’s core philosophy. Whether the dice drive collaborative storytelling, simulate a living world, or spark creativity through open-ended interpretation, they help define the experience for both the players and the GM.

    Oracles Can Work in Group Play

    Though often associated with solo RPGs, oracle mechanics are incredibly versatile for group play. By asking open-ended questions and interpreting the dice results together, groups can collaboratively build their world and narrative. This approach not only democratizes storytelling but also encourages players to invest more in the game’s direction.

    GMs, too, can benefit from oracles, as they provide a framework to improvise without extensive preparation. By embracing ambiguity, groups can create dynamic and surprising stories that feel fresh and organic. This adaptability ensures oracles remain a valuable tool for a variety of play styles, from tightly structured campaigns to looser, experimental ones.

    What’s Your Dice Philosophy?

    The beauty of tabletop RPGs lies in their versatility. Each approach to dice mechanics reflects a unique philosophy, enhancing different aspects of play. Whether you prefer the dramatic beats of narrative levers, the immersive logic of simulation tools, or the creative flexibility of oracles, the choice shapes the kind of stories you tell.

    Maybe you mix and match these methods, blending systems to fit the mood and needs of your game. Or perhaps you’re experimenting with a completely new approach. Whatever your preference, the ways we roll dice are as diverse as the players at the table.

    Share your perspective with us on Bluesky. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how the smallest tools, our dice, become the heart of the stories we love.

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    Related posts:

    1. Rebutting the Criticisms of Rules-Light Systems
    2. Rebuttals to Criticisms of Rules-Heavy TTRPGs
    3. Handling Mysteries in Tabletop Roleplaying Games (Part 2)
    4. TTRPG Mechanics Model: Granularity, Modularity, Connectivity, Fidelity
    5. In Defense of Optional Rules
  • Welcome to Thought Punks!

    Welcome to Thought Punks!

    Empowering Stories. Simple Tools. Endless Possibilities.

    Dive into the world of Motif Story Engine, where storytelling thrives. Whether you’re exploring solo adventures or crafting GM-lite experiences with friends, our system is here to fuel your creativity. Discover the core Motif Toolkit SRD, doing a full walkthrough of the Motif approach and concepts.

    Check Out Our Blog

    Join us as we share deep dives into TTRPG design, creative processes, and insights into making your games unforgettable. Let’s shape the future of storytelling together! Read the blog!

    Use the Motif Oracle Notebook

    Rev built the Motif Oracle Notebook for your solo plays and play notes! It includes a Motif roller, game dice roller, PDF reader, and multiple note fields for you to record your character, play journal and other notes. Give it a spin live right here on the site! And you can also grab the source code from GitHub (it is a pure HTML/Javascript app that will run offline direct from your file system).

    Browse Our Games

    From whimsical to intense, explore our collection of games powered by Motif and beyond. Notable titles include NEVER Stop Smiling and No Angels Live Here—each offering unique narratives and engaging mechanics.

    Ready to start your adventure? Explore our collection and blog to unlock the storyteller within!

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    Related posts:

    1. About Us
    2. Free Duo Game: The Immortal’s Affairs
    3. Blog Archives
    4. Motif Oracle Notebook
    5. Dice Modes: Simulation, Narrative, Oracles

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