PICKING A TTRPG (That isn't D&D or Pathfinder Part 1) - Crunch, Chaos, and Political Backstabs

"Crunchy rules or simple vibes? Political intrigue or straight-up dungeon brawls? Survival in a dying world or low-power fantasy feels?"

The latest RPGBOT.Podcast dives into everything you love (and fear) about tabletop RPGs that aren't D&D or Pathfinder. From decision trees to help you find your perfect game match, to the storytelling magic of Powered by the Apocalypse, and the chaotic survival of Mork Borg, there's something for everyone if you're willing to look past what you already know.

Tune in if you've ever wondered, "Is my game too crunchy, or am I just lazy?"

Summary

In this episode, the hosts take a deep dive into the diverse landscape of tabletop RPGs, offering a wealth of insights into various systems, mechanics, and themes. They introduce the concept of decision trees, a practical tool to help players identify RPGs that align with their preferences. The discussion covers the spectrum of complexity, from the intricate 'crunch' of detailed systems to the simplicity of more streamlined games.

Key highlights include:

• The Cypher System and Genesis: An exploration of these versatile systems, focusing on their mechanics and adaptability to different genres.
• Powered by the Apocalypse Framework: A look at its elegant simplicity and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for narrative-driven campaigns.
• Legend of the Five Rings vs. Adventures in Rokugan: A comparison of political intrigue-focused gameplay with combat-centric mechanics, illustrating the range of experiences within fantasy RPGs.
• Mörk Borg: An examination of its dark, nihilistic themes, where traditional heroism gives way to survival in a grim and decaying world.

The conversation also ventures into niche areas, such as the unique storytelling potential of solo RPGs, and highlights specific systems like Numenera, with its futuristic exploration themes, and One Ring 2E, celebrated for its low-power fantasy and rich Tolkien-inspired lore. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding a game's mechanics and setting realistic expectations to maximize the enjoyment of any RPG experience.

Links

• Almost everything below is an affiliate link and Tyler doesn't want to copy+paste this a zillion times
• Achtung Cthulhu
• Adventures in Rokugan
• Alien RPG
• ALIEN RPG - A review
• ALIEN RPG: Cinematic Scenario Cycle Review
• ALIEN RPG - RPGBOT.News S2E34
• All Flesh Must Be Eaten
• Apocalypse World
• Battletech
• Bladerunner
• Call of Cthulhu
• Candela Obscura
• Colostle
• CY_BORG
• Cyberpunk Red
• Cypher Core Rulebook
• Death in Space
• Death in Space – A review
• Delta Green
• Doctor Who RPG
• Doctors and Daleks
• FFG Star Wars
• Fallout RPG
• Forbidden Lands
• Genesys Core Rulebook
• Imperium Maledictum
• Warhammer 40000 Roleplay: Imperium Maledictum - A Review
• Legend of the Five Rings
• Lord of the Rings Roleplay 5e
• Marvel Multiverse RPG
• Masks
• Mork Borg
• Mörk Borg - A Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - A Zine Review
• Mörk Borg Cult: Heretic - RPGBOT.News S2E32
• Numenera
• Old Gods of Appalachia
• Pirate Borg
• Pulp Cthulhu
• Ruins of Symbaroum
• Ruins of Symbaroum - A Review
• Ruins of Symbaroum - RPGBOT.News S2E46
• Shadowdark
• RPGBOT.Podcast - ShadowDark RPG Adventure Designer Kelsey Dionne
• Shadowrun
• Symbaroum
• The One Ring 2e
• The One Ring 2nd Edition - A Review
• The Walking Dead RPG
• Vaesen
• Vaesen & the Mythic Britain and Ireland Expansion - A Review
• RPGBOT.Podcast - Zoe Franznick Reviews Free League's Vaesen
• Vampire: The Masquerade
• How to Play Vampire: The Masquerade
• Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay
• Werewolf: The Apocalypse
• SPOOKTOBER - HOW TO PLAY WEREWOLF

Takeaways

• Tyler's Interests
• Tyler loves wizards and wants to be one.
• Game Mechanics and Decision-Making
• The decision tree helps players find suitable RPGs.
• "Crunch" refers to the interaction with game mechanics.
• The Captain Crunch scale measures game complexity.
• Understanding game mechanics enhances the RPG experience.
• RPG Systems
• The Cypher System is easy to learn and play.
• Genesis is a generic system based on Fantasy Flight's Star Wars.
• Powered by the Apocalypse is a versatile framework.
• Powered by the Apocalypse games are easy to learn.
• Fate is complex and math-heavy.
• The Year Zero Engine is simple yet effective.
• Solo RPGs can be rewarding experiences.
• Character Creation and Progression
• Character creation in RPGs can vary significantly.
• Character progression in One Ring 2E requires patience and strategy.
• Adjusting difficulty can enhance the gameplay experience.
• Thematic and Genre Elements
• Monster Hearts is popular in the LGBT community.
• Legend of the Five Rings emphasizes political intrigue (combat is discouraged).
• Merc Borg presents a nihilistic view of RPGs.
• Adventures in Rokugan is more combat-focused than its predecessor.
• Colossal is a unique solo RPG experience.
• Mercord uniquely advocates for real-world arson in its gameplay.
• Numenera presents a science fantasy setting a billion years in the future.
• Players in One Ring 2E are grounded, facing impossible odds.
• Exploring the themes of low-power fantasy can lead to rich storytelling.
• Gameplay Depth
• The intrusion system adds depth to gameplay.
• The Eye of Sauron and Gandalf rune add depth to gameplay.
• Solo play in One Ring 2E is well-implemented and enjoyable.

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How to Find Us:

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Tyler Kamstra

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
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Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
• Twitter: @GravenAshes
• YouTube@ashravenmedia

Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati