#ttrpgdesign — Public Fediverse posts

Ruttigers Almanac In Final Days On BackerKit.

Link to the BackerKit is here. Time is running out.

I almost feel like this crowdfunding project went by too fast. But hey, it reached its funding goal and the stretch goal is getting closer by the hour. Let’s put Richard Whitters to work on drawing a heap of monsters. (Grin.)

It should also be noted that we got a new set of Quickstart Rules during the course of the BackerKit Campaign. That link can be found here. I highly recommend taking a peak even if you don’t end up backing the project.

I’m a fan of the saying “Art sells games.” I’ve been saying it since I worked behind the counter in a game/comic store 30+ years ago. (Great times.) Ruttigers Almanac acts as my proof of concept. So far the art and layout have been absolutely fantastic. All Human drawn, of course.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

RUTTIGERS ALMANAC Is On BackerKit!

This new fantasy TTRPG is done right by people who care and know what they’re doing.

I’m really stoked for this game, and I thought I’d already found my big hits for the year. Then I ran into Richard Whitters on X (Twitter.) I’ve been following him and his art on that platform for a while now. I like what he has going on with Ruttigers Almanac.

Here’s the link to BackerKit.

To make things even better, one of my absolutely favorite sourcebook creators is helping Richard out with this one. That’s right. Andrew Cawood is helping with some of the BackerKit and production aspects. I mean, he’s one of my TTRPG idols. He’s Andrew freakin Cawood! Have you seen World of Myrr and the six monster books that preceded it?

Not that Richard Whitters is to be underestimated, either. He has helped as Art Director/Concept Artist for Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, and Larian Studios. That’s a lot of solid experience right there regardless of what many of us say about WotC. Art credit aside, Richard is definitely a roleplaying gamer.

A lot of loving production has already gone into Ruttigers Almanac. I suspect Richard has been working on this game for at least a year now. Just by looking at the quickstart rules alone, one can see quite a bit of thought has already gone into the unique fantasy races, 24 classes, the magic, the setting, the monster generator…

Here is the link to the Quickstart Rules. I’m absolutely amazed so far.

Obviously the art is going to be off the charts for this book, as is obvious from the previews. I haven’t heard yet if Cawood’s resident artist, Travis Hanson, is involved in the project yet. I’m kinda hoping…

The rules are going to be familiar to both Old School fans and new players alike. You’ve got the same Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, Armor Class, and Hit Points that we all know and love. Skill checks are a d20 +/- modifiers vs Difficulty Class. The weapons, armor, and some of the spells mightl seem familiar from other games. However…

Jeff, what’s a “Ruttiger?”

Here’s where Ruttigers Almanac takes a dramatic turn from what we’re all used-to. Where in most fantasy TTRPGs, adventurers coming into town fresh out of a dungeon are greeted with a hearty “Hail and well met, travelers,” Ruttigers are met with a degree of disdain, apathy, and slight loathing. No one is glad to see the tomb-pillaging, local-economy-ruining, drunken brawling Ruttigers.

If you look at the 24 character class names, it kind of gives the impression that Ruttigers generally gives. In this sort of grimdark world inhabited by Ruttigers, no one is glad to see them coming until a giant carnivorous Rhinoceros Beetle is gnawing on half their farm animals. Sure, they’re friendly as long as they need a favor, but as soon as the beetle is gone? Ruttiger reputations come back into play.

There are more surprises to come with this project,
and I’m excited to see them.

Sure, I’m still a huge fan of Dragonbane, Shadowdark, Old School Essentials, Twilight Sword, and Fabula Ultima. But I’m making room on my shelf for Ruttigers Almanac. I think this is going to be the next step forward in basic, easy-to-teach, fun-to-play fantasy gaming. It appeals to me as a creator and Game Master. I’m also looking forward to teaching at least a couple of my kids to play. It’s got tons of potential.

I once spent an entire summer back in 1990 playing/running Warhammer Fantasy Roleplaying. It was the best of times. That’s what Ruttigers makes me think of. This game is going to be awesome as a common frame of reference for players and GMs who want new takes on the old fantasy races, classes, spells, and monsters along with a bunch of new ones.

Not to mention the creature crucible, a monster generator baked into the rules for GMs who like to customize their experience. That’s not the only widget coming in Ruttigers. There are rules for travel, carousing, hunting/foraging, siege warfare, naval battles, item enchantment and more on their way.

Please go take a look at the project on BackerKit. Almost 750 people were onboard before the BackerKit even opened up. I’m one of them. We’ll be talking more about Ruttigers Almanac in the days to come.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

Designing a corrupted creature this week where the problem isn't the power.

It's the interpretation.
She's still listening to the ocean. The ocean is still speaking.

She just stopped hearing it correctly, and has no way to know that.

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Designing a corrupted creature this week where the problem isn't the power.

It's the interpretation.
She's still listening to the ocean. The ocean is still speaking.

She just stopped hearing it correctly, and has no way to know that.

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Designing a corrupted creature this week where the problem isn't the power.

It's the interpretation.
She's still listening to the ocean. The ocean is still speaking.

She just stopped hearing it correctly, and has no way to know that.

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Designing a corrupted creature this week where the problem isn't the power.

It's the interpretation.
She's still listening to the ocean. The ocean is still speaking.

She just stopped hearing it correctly, and has no way to know that.

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Designing a corrupted creature this week where the problem isn't the power.

It's the interpretation.
She's still listening to the ocean. The ocean is still speaking.

She just stopped hearing it correctly, and has no way to know that.

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Last week: a creature that hesitates before aggression.

This week: a creature that hesitates before retreat.

Same architecture, but inverted. The Fraddam Seer is what the Coral Priestess becomes when the signal corrupts.

#Bestiary52 #TTRPGDesign #CreatureDesign

Last week: a creature that hesitates before aggression.

This week: a creature that hesitates before retreat.

Same architecture, but inverted. The Fraddam Seer is what the Coral Priestess becomes when the signal corrupts.

#Bestiary52 #TTRPGDesign #CreatureDesign

Last week: a creature that hesitates before aggression.

This week: a creature that hesitates before retreat.

Same architecture, but inverted. The Fraddam Seer is what the Coral Priestess becomes when the signal corrupts.

#Bestiary52 #TTRPGDesign #CreatureDesign

Last week: a creature that hesitates before aggression.

This week: a creature that hesitates before retreat.

Same architecture, but inverted. The Fraddam Seer is what the Coral Priestess becomes when the signal corrupts.

#Bestiary52 #TTRPGDesign #CreatureDesign

Last week: a creature that hesitates before aggression.

This week: a creature that hesitates before retreat.

Same architecture, but inverted. The Fraddam Seer is what the Coral Priestess becomes when the signal corrupts.

#Bestiary52 #TTRPGDesign #CreatureDesign

Design angle - Designing an encounter this week that doesn't have to happen. The Priestess isn't waiting to fight you. She's been reading the reef's memory of your approach since before you arrived.

The design question: what does pressure feel like when it never raises its voice?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Design angle - Designing an encounter this week that doesn't have to happen. The Priestess isn't waiting to fight you. She's been reading the reef's memory of your approach since before you arrived.

The design question: what does pressure feel like when it never raises its voice?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Design angle - Designing an encounter this week that doesn't have to happen. The Priestess isn't waiting to fight you. She's been reading the reef's memory of your approach since before you arrived.

The design question: what does pressure feel like when it never raises its voice?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Design angle - Designing an encounter this week that doesn't have to happen. The Priestess isn't waiting to fight you. She's been reading the reef's memory of your approach since before you arrived.

The design question: what does pressure feel like when it never raises its voice?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Design angle - Designing an encounter this week that doesn't have to happen. The Priestess isn't waiting to fight you. She's been reading the reef's memory of your approach since before you arrived.

The design question: what does pressure feel like when it never raises its voice?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #Bestiary52

Is Ruttigers Almanac the New Shadowdark?

Yes. I’m serious.

I know the TTRPG crowd, especially the Old School, can be pretty picky about things. I’m pretty fickle when it comes to crowdfunding or even what games I buy nowadays. The last sourcebook I bought cost about $20 and that was two months ago. I don’t spend the money unless something screams “Value!”

VALUE!!! Here’s the link.

I’m supporting Ruttigers Almanac 100% until it wraps up on BackerKit. I’m planning to write for it if they create an Open License for it. I’m planning to teach my kids and wife to play as soon as the PDF comes out it full. They like/know Dungeons & Dragons, so the transition should be easy.

We all love Kelsey and Shadowdark.

I kicked myself daily when the initial Kickstarter for Shadowdark came around and I couldn’t possibly back it due to a massive, unexpected change in my employment status. I managed to scrounge enough together to become a late backer. Then there was the most recent Shadowdark Kickstarter for the Western Reaches stuff.

Kelsey, I love ya to pieces, honest. You were one of my best friends during Covid. I couldn’t afford to back Western Reaches. I get how this thing went over $1 Million because the basic buy-in for the Western Reaches books themselves was $85. That’s not even counting the Cursed Scroll zines add-on.

I suspect that’s how some of the scummier grifters (NOT Kelsey) on KS are getting the big bucks on their projects, too. Looking at you mister $3 Million project twice over DungeonTuber. If the entry price for the Kickstarter is $45 minimum for not-even-the-main emphasis of the project, then hundreds of thousands of dollars rack up real quick, especially if you have a YouTube channel with 500K subscribers or more. (But I’m not bitter over the amount of money he’s making, only that I think he’s kind of a smug jerk.)

But I digress. Shadowdark seemed to flatten for me when I ordered the Solodark rules which I feel didn’t have enough substance for the price tag, which is why there’s no review of it on my blog or YouTube channel. If I don’t like it, I don’t review it. Again, it’s not anything personal with anyone, but I think Shadowdark is eventually going to fall off in the vast array of fantasy games coming out right now and that have come out over the last two years.

What does Ruttigers Almanac offer?

First, and probably most obvious, is that Ruttigers Almanac is on BackerKit. They must not take as big of a percentage of the final take on BackerKit from what I’ve seen. A lot of reputable companies have moved their projects over there. Maybe BackerKit doesn’t get as much press as other crowdfunding sites, but they get the job done. I’ve never had issues with them.

The next big selling point of Ruttigers Almanac is the price. Just the PDF of the core book is C$25 (like $20USD) I like having a nice solid analog hardcover, so I originally got in on the C$50 tier. There’s also a softcover book option for slightly less. There’s also a very affordable tier that gets the Hardcover, PDF, and all the Gazetteer options for C$75 ($65USD.)

I’m stoked to see the cool worldbuilding. I haven’t talked about it much yet, but the previews I have seen are damned impressive. You can tell a lot of time and attention to detail that has gone into this project so far.

Ruttigers as a rule system is going to be simple and fun.

Break 20 as it is being called looks like it’s going to be something I enjoy running, playing, and making content for. That’s not to say I’m giving up my beloved Dragonbane like, ever. I am going to spend some time with Ruttigers Almanac when I get it in my hot little hands. I just love simpler rules systems. If I can learn enough to make a character in the first 15 minutes and get going as a GM in half an hour, it’s golden.

Ruttigers Almanac looks to be that golden game. Shadowdark was headed that way, but then everyone and their dog began dropping supplements faster than I could possibly keep up with them. Yes, Shadowdark is playable and runnable with the core book, but we all love new options.

I feel like Ruttigers has enough optional material already built into it to be almost everything I’m going to want. It’s already looking like something I’d gladly run at a convention. I’m not sure how feasible that would be with Shadowdark now given all the supplements.

If Ruttigers has an open license (fingers crossed) I know three content creators who are already salivating over the Break 20 System. I’m only one of them. I had some stuff ready to go for Shadowdark that never went up anywhere and a rules supplement that was on Itch.io for a short time during Baron DeFlopp’s Shadowdark Jam a few years ago. (Huge regrets over that one.)

Right now I’m working a lot of things into Dragonbane. Once upon a time I was doing stuff for D&D 5E that I never published. Thank Universe I dodged that bullet. Ruttigers Almanac as an Open License is going to be fun times because I want to get a feel for the system and then jam on it. (Root on it? We should organize a Ruttigers moot at some point.)

I don’t see gloom and doom for other games.

I am still all in on Twilight Sword and Dragonbane: Trudvang. But Ruttigers Almanac hits closer to home for me which is ironic given the authors are all over the place. The game feels more like something that could have come out sooner, but the timing just wasn’t there yet. The Universe just hadn’t created the circumstances until more recently.

We’re going to build vast underground complexes for the Ruttigers to explore. We’re going to fight epic monsters and sing epic ballads of our deeds. Maybe we are scallywags and ruffians, but by golly we’re going to have fun with it!

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

RUTTIGERS ALMANAC Is On BackerKit!

This new fantasy TTRPG is done right by people who care and know what they’re doing.

I’m really stoked for this game, and I thought I’d already found my big hits for the year. Then I ran into Richard Whitters on X (Twitter.) I’ve been following him and his art on that platform for a while now. I like what he has going on with Ruttigers Almanac.

Here’s the link to BackerKit.

To make things even better, one of my absolutely favorite sourcebook creators is helping Richard out with this one. That’s right. Andrew Cawood is helping with some of the BackerKit and production aspects. I mean, he’s one of my TTRPG idols. He’s Andrew freakin Cawood! Have you seen World of Myrr and the six monster books that preceded it?

Not that Richard Whitters is to be underestimated, either. He has helped as Art Director/Concept Artist for Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, and Larian Studios. That’s a lot of solid experience right there regardless of what many of us say about WotC. Art credit aside, Richard is definitely a roleplaying gamer.

A lot of loving production has already gone into Ruttigers Almanac. I suspect Richard has been working on this game for at least a year now. Just by looking at the quickstart rules alone, one can see quite a bit of thought has already gone into the unique fantasy races, 24 classes, the magic, the setting, the monster generator…

Here is the link to the Quickstart Rules. I’m absolutely amazed so far.

Obviously the art is going to be off the charts for this book, as is obvious from the previews. I haven’t heard yet if Cawood’s resident artist, Travis Hanson, is involved in the project yet. I’m kinda hoping…

The rules are going to be familiar to both Old School fans and new players alike. You’ve got the same Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Charisma, Armor Class, and Hit Points that we all know and love. Skill checks are a d20 +/- modifiers vs Difficulty Class. The weapons, armor, and some of the spells mightl seem familiar from other games. However…

Jeff, what’s a “Ruttiger?”

Here’s where Ruttigers Almanac takes a dramatic turn from what we’re all used-to. Where in most fantasy TTRPGs, adventurers coming into town fresh out of a dungeon are greeted with a hearty “Hail and well met, travelers,” Ruttigers are met with a degree of disdain, apathy, and slight loathing. No one is glad to see the tomb-pillaging, local-economy-ruining, drunken brawling Ruttigers.

If you look at the 24 character class names, it kind of gives the impression that Ruttigers generally gives. In this sort of grimdark world inhabited by Ruttigers, no one is glad to see them coming until a giant carnivorous Rhinoceros Beetle is gnawing on half their farm animals. Sure, they’re friendly as long as they need a favor, but as soon as the beetle is gone? Ruttiger reputations come back into play.

There are more surprises to come with this project,
and I’m excited to see them.

Sure, I’m still a huge fan of Dragonbane, Shadowdark, Old School Essentials, Twilight Sword, and Fabula Ultima. But I’m making room on my shelf for Ruttigers Almanac. I think this is going to be the next step forward in basic, easy-to-teach, fun-to-play fantasy gaming. It appeals to me as a creator and Game Master. I’m also looking forward to teaching at least a couple of my kids to play. It’s got tons of potential.

I once spent an entire summer back in 1990 playing/running Warhammer Fantasy Roleplaying. It was the best of times. That’s what Ruttigers makes me think of. This game is going to be awesome as a common frame of reference for players and GMs who want new takes on the old fantasy races, classes, spells, and monsters along with a bunch of new ones.

Not to mention the creature crucible, a monster generator baked into the rules for GMs who like to customize their experience. That’s not the only widget coming in Ruttigers. There are rules for travel, carousing, hunting/foraging, siege warfare, naval battles, item enchantment and more on their way.

Please go take a look at the project on BackerKit. Almost 750 people were onboard before the BackerKit even opened up. I’m one of them. We’ll be talking more about Ruttigers Almanac in the days to come.

I say it every year, but I think 2026 bears repeating it. This year I intend to write more, read more, and discuss cool TTRPGs as well as supplements. Most of all, let’s just have more fun. Let’s explore. Let’s save the kingdom from the evil warlord. Let’s discuss all the fun stuff in gaming that we love.

With the world in the state it finds itself in today, please be kind. Please be considerate to one another even if we don’t agree. Lastly, please pursue the thing that brings you the most joy without harm to others. Thank you!

In preparation for creating the print-on-demand version of the ANDERS Core Rules book, I used the opportunity to improve the map for the Kingdom of Aroath a little bit.

Do you like the smoother design?

#AndersRPG #TTRPG #RPG #ttrpgDesign #mapmaking #mapdesign

In preparation for creating the print-on-demand version of the ANDERS Core Rules book, I used the opportunity to improve the map for the Kingdom of Aroath a little bit.

Do you like the smoother design?

#AndersRPG #TTRPG #RPG #ttrpgDesign #mapmaking #mapdesign

In preparation for creating the print-on-demand version of the ANDERS Core Rules book, I used the opportunity to improve the map for the Kingdom of Aroath a little bit.

Do you like the smoother design?

#AndersRPG #TTRPG #RPG #ttrpgDesign #mapmaking #mapdesign

In preparation for creating the print-on-demand version of the ANDERS Core Rules book, I used the opportunity to improve the map for the Kingdom of Aroath a little bit.

Do you like the smoother design?

#AndersRPG #TTRPG #RPG #ttrpgDesign #mapmaking #mapdesign

If you want to see where I post more information for these designs: https://www.patreon.com/posts/week-15-barnacle-155640370?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link and https://ko-fi.com/post/Research-Log-The-Submerged-Reclaimer-X8X21XUF4V

#IndieDev #indieGame #TTRPGDesign #IndieTTRPG

Daily Design Lab: Indirect Influence

Evidence suggests the Alchemist’s reach exceeds simple transactions. There is another NPC that this one has interactions/history with, in which an incident occurs. This hints at unforeseen spatial or temporal ramifications behind his unconventional inputs. His direct utility may mask an unintentional capacity for profound environmental alteration.

#LoreFragments #TTRPG #TTRPGDesign #IndieDev #UnexplainedPhenomena

Daily Design Lab: Epistemology of Failure

The Alchemist redefines "failure" as a three-strike rule, turning systemic instability into a feature of his iterative loop. By starting explanations in media res, he signals a mind operating at a velocity where setbacks are just unrefined data.

What happens to scientific rigor when persistent, self-endangering experimentation becomes the baseline? Apparently it can be pretty limitless.

#ExperimentalScience #TTRPG #TTRPGDesign #IndieDev

My sister (the artist for my Kofi/Patreon posts) is dealing with IRL stuff for about a week or two. In the meantime, I've got some NPCs to share that were inspired by Patrons!

Daily Design Lab: Somatic Integration

'The Alchemist' views injury not as loss, but as an opportunity for superior revision. Lost limbs are replaced with alloy and salvaged composites that far exceed baseline function. And he's not worried about it. In fact, he's pretty enthusiastic.

#TTRPG #TheAlchemist #TTRPGDesign

The Curse of the Yak.

1d12 Yak Based Detrimental Magical Side Effects:

Whether the mage was cursed by the Yak Witch or simply had a spell backfire in the Great Forest of the Yak, here are 12 Yak related spell mishaps:

1. The caster is covered in long, thick, shaggy fur. It can be shaved off. But will it grow back?
2. The caster grows Yak horns that remain for a week.
3. The caster sprouts a long fluffy tail with a tuft of fur on the end. It remains until removed.
4. The caster’s top incisor and canine teeth fall out permanently. (Look it up.)
5. The unfortunate caster (regardless of gender) sprouts udders and can produce delicious Yak milk. This effect is permanent unless removed magically. Clothing might be a bit of a challenge.
6. The caster’s entire head is replaced with a purple Yak’s head for one Shift. The unfortunate victim can still speak normally, only in a cartoony voice. Bane on all Charisma based rolls until it wears off.
7. Everything appears normal, except the caster can only make noises and grunt like a Yak. The poor character may not speak or cast spells for a full Stretch.
8. Yack! The caster vomits uncontrollably for a full Stretch. Even if the character’s stomach was previously empty, the stuff just keeps coming.
9. Yackity Yack! The character starts speaking every thought, rambling endlessly and can’t stop talking for a full Stretch. Stopping is painful. If the character tries to stop before the 10 minutes lapses, they take 1 point of damage. To make a coherent line or cast a spell with a verbal component, the character must make a WIL roll with a Bane each round such an action is attempted. Especially mean GM’s might inflict this on the player as an option.
10. Whatever it is I think I see… Friend and foe alike all look like Yaks for a full Shift. Awareness and Spot Hidden Rolls are made with a Bane.
11. The unfortunate caster along with all of their gear, is turned mostly into a Yak, only with the character’s head atop a Yak’s shaggy body. Luckily it wears off after a Shift.
12. The poor caster is permanently turned into a Yak until the curse is removed.

J'ai arrêté une liste de Tempéraments. J'en ai 24, soit 4 pour chaque Domaine.

Selon vous, lesquels manquent terriblement à cette liste ?

#gamedesign #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign #THB #designedbyAcritarche #jdr

J'ai arrêté une liste de Tempéraments. J'en ai 24, soit 4 pour chaque Domaine.

Selon vous, lesquels manquent terriblement à cette liste ?

#gamedesign #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign #THB #designedbyAcritarche #jdr

J'ai arrêté une liste de Tempéraments. J'en ai 24, soit 4 pour chaque Domaine.

Selon vous, lesquels manquent terriblement à cette liste ?

#gamedesign #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign #THB #designedbyAcritarche #jdr

The Ultimate Erasure

My design for the Digosfrag centers on a singular horror: the dissolution of self. I wanted an entity that doesn't just kill, but systematically dismantles personhood. By infiltrating the seat of expression (voice and thought) it replaces identity with corrupted programming. The true dread isn't physical harm; it’s the realization that you’ve already been replaced.

#GameDesign #HorrorGame #PsychologicalTerror #LossOfSelf #CreativeProcess #TTRPGDesign #TTRPG

Looking for some #design input. #osr #ttrpg #ttrpgdesign

Archival Log: DELTA-004. Within the derelict aisles of the retail confluence, the interplay between Tsukikago Servitors and Calamivox Ingratus presents a disconcerting synergy. The measured movement of servitors through compromised spaces often precedes or follows the manifestation of the C.Ingratus, suggesting a potential, yet undefined, relationship.
Their physical presence and sonic invasion imply a coordinated, albeit non-communicative, operation.

#IndieDev #IndieTTRPG #TTRPGdesign #gamedev

Je galère encore et toujours pour trouver LE design qui permette de différencier recto et verso des cartes de Sur les Terres des Hommes-bêtes sans hésitation.
J'ai fait quelques tests aujourd'hui. Dites-moi lequel vous préférez et pourquoi. Retours et idées bienvenus.
#design #designedbyAcritarche #THB #jdr #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign

Je galère encore et toujours pour trouver LE design qui permette de différencier recto et verso des cartes de Sur les Terres des Hommes-bêtes sans hésitation.
J'ai fait quelques tests aujourd'hui. Dites-moi lequel vous préférez et pourquoi. Retours et idées bienvenus.
#design #designedbyAcritarche #THB #jdr #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign

Je galère encore et toujours pour trouver LE design qui permette de différencier recto et verso des cartes de Sur les Terres des Hommes-bêtes sans hésitation.
J'ai fait quelques tests aujourd'hui. Dites-moi lequel vous préférez et pourquoi. Retours et idées bienvenus.
#design #designedbyAcritarche #THB #jdr #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign

Je galère encore et toujours pour trouver LE design qui permette de différencier recto et verso des cartes de Sur les Terres des Hommes-bêtes sans hésitation.
J'ai fait quelques tests aujourd'hui. Dites-moi lequel vous préférez et pourquoi. Retours et idées bienvenus.
#design #designedbyAcritarche #THB #jdr #ttrpg #ttrpgDesign

Today's post starts the week with something a little different. I didn't want to talk about a creature per se, but more of what is going in with the environment my play testers are in.

You can read more about it: https://ko-fi.com/post/Sector-Log-Memoria-Mall-The-Garden-That-Remembe-L4L01VPNHK and https://www.patreon.com/posts/week-10-living-152655543?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

#TTRPG #indiedev #gamedesign #ttrpgdesign

The 'Nesting Continuity Protocol' is my answer to the "one-hit-kill" problem. You might shatter the outer porcelain shell, but a smaller, swifter unit emerges from the wreckage. It changes the scale of the fight instantly.

Designer Challenge: How do your players react when the "corpse" of their enemy stands back up, half the size and twice as fast?

#GameMechanics #BossDesign #Tsukikago #ttrpgdesign

THE GOAT MAN

Description:
A towering, hairy humanoid with the head of a black-eyed goat. Its almond-shaped eyes are glossy and depthless, reflecting no light. The mouth hangs too wide, too slack, as if unhinged. Its fingers are long and rake-like, ending in splintered claws. It smells of damp earth, rot, and wet fur. It does not speak, but sometimes it laughs.

Resistance: Immune to fear. Takes half damage from non-magical fire.
Ferocity: 2 Size: Large
Movement: 12 Armor: 3 (matted hide and dense muscle) HP: 32

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Horn Gore: The Goat Man lowers its head and drives forward doing 1d12 Bludgeoning damage. If the victim suffers damage, they are knocked prone at the start of their turn..
2. Claw Rake: A sweeping strike at 2 opponents withing 2 meters with elongated rake-like fingers doing 1d10 Slashing damage to each target.
3. Severe Rend: The Goat Man focuses entirely on one target within arm’s reach with an overwhelming slashing attack that does 2d6 Slashing damage.
4. Chunk Bite: The gaping mouth clamps down and tears away flesh on one character for 1d8 slashing damage. If damage penetrates armor, the victim must a Fear Check due to shock and revulsion.
5. Black-Eyed Stare: The Goat Man locks eyes with one target within 10 meters must make a Fear Roll.
6. Disheartening Presence: All characters within 24 meters must make a Fear Roll as the creature emits an unearthly howl-scream that frightens all nearby wildlife and strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it.

Combat Note: The Goat Man is meant to be a shadowy mystery above anything else. If reduced to half HP or if one combatant is dropped to 0 HP (or even appears to be deceased) the Goat Man will attempt to flee and/or hide from any and all pursuers. Sneaking 14.

THE GOAT MAN

Description:
A towering, hairy humanoid with the head of a black-eyed goat. Its almond-shaped eyes are glossy and depthless, reflecting no light. The mouth hangs too wide, too slack, as if unhinged. Its fingers are long and rake-like, ending in splintered claws. It smells of damp earth, rot, and wet fur. It does not speak, but sometimes it laughs.

Resistance: Immune to fear. Takes half damage from non-magical fire.
Ferocity: 2 Size: Large
Movement: 12 Armor: 3 (matted hide and dense muscle) HP: 32

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Horn Gore: The Goat Man lowers its head and drives forward doing 1d12 Bludgeoning damage. If the victim suffers damage, they are knocked prone at the start of their turn..
2. Claw Rake: A sweeping strike at 2 opponents withing 2 meters with elongated rake-like fingers doing 1d10 Slashing damage to each target.
3. Severe Rend: The Goat Man focuses entirely on one target within arm’s reach with an overwhelming slashing attack that does 2d6 Slashing damage.
4. Chunk Bite: The gaping mouth clamps down and tears away flesh on one character for 1d8 slashing damage. If damage penetrates armor, the victim must a Fear Check due to shock and revulsion.
5. Black-Eyed Stare: The Goat Man locks eyes with one target within 10 meters must make a Fear Roll.
6. Disheartening Presence: All characters within 24 meters must make a Fear Roll as the creature emits an unearthly howl-scream that frightens all nearby wildlife and strikes terror into the hearts of all who hear it.

Combat Note: The Goat Man is meant to be a shadowy mystery above anything else. If reduced to half HP or if one combatant is dropped to 0 HP (or even appears to be deceased) the Goat Man will attempt to flee and/or hide from any and all pursuers. Sneaking 14.

Dark Skeletal Samurai

Description:
An approximately 2.5-meter-tall skeleton in full traditional O-yoroi armor and kabuto. They are most often armed with an oversized katana or Bisento. Never a missile weapon. (See below.)

Resistance:
Take half damage from non-magical weapons. Immune to illusion and mind-control effects. Unlike traditional undead or demons, they are NOT affected by spells and effects specific to those types.

Clever Mages may make a Spellcasting roll (Boon for Illusionists) to sense something is off with these monsters. Non spellcasters may make an Awareness Roll at the start of the battle or a WIL roll upon striking the creature for the first time or any Dragon roll in melee. Successful rolls reveal that this creature is basically a solid illusion similar to a construct held together with magic.

When this creature is destroyed it turns into six slips of paper covered in sigils. If deciphered by a Mage, it will reveal that the magic used to create this creature is a forbidden knowledge spell that is a hybrid of Necromancy, Demonology, and Illusion. The spell cannot be recreated just using the paper leftover from the creation.

Ferocity: 3  Size: L
Movement: 10  Armor: 6  HP: 12

MONSTER ATTACKS

D6 Attacks:

1. Overhead Melee Smash: One target within 4 meters is struck with a mighty top-down blow that inflicts 2d10 slashing damage and knocks the opponent back 2 meters and prone. If the area the target is knocked into is occupied by a solid object such as a wall, furniture, debris, etc. they take an additional 1d4 bludgeoning damage. (Armor does not negate the additional damage.)
2. Impaling Thrust: One target within 4 meters is struck with the point of the Skeleton’s weapon for 2d8 Piercing damage plus Disheartened. (If already Disheartened, choose another condition.)
3. Sweeping Strike: 2 targets within 4 meters of the Skeleton are slashed for 1d8 damage each and knocked prone at the beginning of their turn. If the targets EVADE successfully they are placed backward an additional 2 meters as long as terrain allows.
4. Whirling Blade Defense: All creatures within 2 meters are slashed for 1d8 damage each and must back up 2 meters.
5. Stare of the Void: The Skeleton makes direct eye contact with one creature within 10 meters who must succeed on a WIL check or roll on the Fear table.
6. Breath of the Skeletal Void: The Skeleton exhales a 4-meter by 4-meter by 4-meter cloud of pure darkness in front of itself that persists for 1d4 rounds. Those inside the cloud are treated as being in pitch black darkness that no torch or mundane light source can penetrate. Monsters see normally in the dark. Characters within the cloud may make a WIL roll to dispel the effect immediately IF they suspect it is illusion magic.

Despite being a creature of subzero biomes, the Glacial Stalker is ironically drawn to heat. It’s an "Adaptive Intelligence" predator that haunts abandoned research stations and bunkers. This creates a paradox for players: the very places that keep you alive are the places where it is most likely to find you. #SurvivalHorror #BestiaryLore #TTRPGDesign

The Core Pulse ability serves as a defensive "get-off-me" tool. By applying immediate Freeze Stacks and a brief blindness effect, the Stalker forces teams to scatter, playing directly into its preference for isolated targets.

Do you prefer enemies that force repositioning, or enemies that tank through the line?

#CombatDesign #GameBalance #TTRPGDesign

The Core Pulse ability serves as a defensive "get-off-me" tool. By applying immediate Freeze Stacks and a brief blindness effect, the Stalker forces teams to scatter, playing directly into its preference for isolated targets.

Do you prefer enemies that force repositioning, or enemies that tank through the line?

#CombatDesign #GameBalance #TTRPGDesign

The Core Pulse ability serves as a defensive "get-off-me" tool. By applying immediate Freeze Stacks and a brief blindness effect, the Stalker forces teams to scatter, playing directly into its preference for isolated targets.

Do you prefer enemies that force repositioning, or enemies that tank through the line?

#CombatDesign #GameBalance #TTRPGDesign

The Core Pulse ability serves as a defensive "get-off-me" tool. By applying immediate Freeze Stacks and a brief blindness effect, the Stalker forces teams to scatter, playing directly into its preference for isolated targets.

Do you prefer enemies that force repositioning, or enemies that tank through the line?

#CombatDesign #GameBalance #TTRPGDesign

The Core Pulse ability serves as a defensive "get-off-me" tool. By applying immediate Freeze Stacks and a brief blindness effect, the Stalker forces teams to scatter, playing directly into its preference for isolated targets.

Do you prefer enemies that force repositioning, or enemies that tank through the line?

#CombatDesign #GameBalance #TTRPGDesign

The Glacial Stalker (Glaciovenator mortis) isn’t just a combatant; it’s a resource drain. By introducing the "Thermal Parasite" mechanic, we shift the player’s priority from HP to "Heat."

How do you balance resource scarcity in your survival systems? Does "Heat" function as a second health bar or a debuff threshold in your builds?

#TTRPGDesign #GameDev #GlacialStalker #TTRPG