Tag Archives: Playing NPCs

Episode 28: In Defense of the Mook, Minion, and Fodder for Cannons (Pulp RPGs)

Summary

With specific examples from and focus on Mythras, Ubiquity, and FFG/Edge Star Wars, this episode goes into some justifications for Mook rules in RPGs. What are they for? How can they differ from game to game? Why do some gamers dislike them?   

This topic was released simultaneously on the Casting Shadows YouTube channel where it is a part of three ongoing series on playing the three systems in question, as well as continuing the general theme of In-Character As-Character play, particularly with regard to preparation for improvisation.

We hear from Jason of the Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast in this episode. You can find his show at the link below.

⁠Nerd’s RPG Variety Cast

If you prefer to watch this as a video instead, the link is below. 

In Defense of the Mook, Minion, and Fodder for Cannons (Pulp RPGs)

—

Send in a voice message via Speakpipe!

Episode 12: On Playing on Multiple Levels

Summary

Using Star Trek Adventures as a point of reference, this episode looks at stepping away from the skill of making judgement calls without oversight (using fiat) and toward the enjoyment which arises from the use of tools which challenge how and when you can interact with the objective truths of the campaign~

—

Send in a voice message via Speakpipe!

Episode 9: Corruption and ‘You’

Summary

Based loosely on a blog post from November of 2010 called Corruption – the other white meat, this episode explores notions of character change, largely through the example of moral corruption. The concept is connected to games like Pendragon, the old World of Darkness series (particularly Vampire and Wraith), and to Leagues of Gothic Horror and its meaner cousin Leagues of Cthulhu. This episode builds on notions expressed in the preceding two episodes (Episode 7: On Facilitating Fear and Episode 8: Can I Play SANs Madness…?)

—

Send in a voice message via Speakpipe!

Episode 4: On Cracking Open the Skull of Evil

Summary

This practical post of three specific tips for villains in an RPG was originally posted in response to a blog Carnival prompt on ‘How to think like a villain.’ Using examples from Actual Play which are accessible on the written blog, this post lays out simple means of getting into the heads of characters in your setting and seeing where that takes you in terms of villainy~

—

Send in a voice message via Speakpipe!