Theory From the Closet

Show010:Flags and One-shots

More Rambling this week about flags. This time how to use them to help set up one-shots with pregenerated characters for a game that’s more about drama. I am down to cutting out only a third of my ums. I’m slowly training you to get used to my almost rhythmic use of ums. Those strange noises? My stomach. Ha.

Section One: Introduction

I mention a correction that Judd from The Sons of Kryos made about how bangs are open ended. I then talk about how I’d like to receive feedback. I then mention that it maybe better to think of what I said in last show as more of an idea of how to look at bangs to set them up. I also mention this cool thread on Story Games where I learned something after recording the show, maybe more about that in show011.

I mention two podcasts that might be of interest to folks; The Voice of the Revolution, house organ of Indie Press Revolution, and The Gamemasters an actual play podcast.

I then talk a bit about Episode 30: One-Shot Games and Urban Fantasy, of The Bear’s Grove. Mainly mentioning that he has a different take on making one-shots likely due to what I believe may be a difference in our gamemastering styles. So if what I’m saying doesn’t make sense or you think I’m full of shit, you should check out his episode. Even if you like what I say this episode, there is useful information there also I think.

Section Two: Flags and One-shots

I discuss how to set up and use flags, for a ruleset that doesn’t have good flags, and using the flags for setting up one-shots with pregenerated characters. I also discuss setting up a situation. I think we will cover this in a little better detail soon. At the end I discuss just a little about setting up the NPC’s. Since this is a practical show, I’m going to break it all down right here in text also to help show exactly what I’m saying. I think it would be great to look at this as you listen to the show if you listen at your computer. Read the rest of this entry »

Show009:Flags and Bangs

This week we’re back to just me rambling. Don’t miss the secret song! I think this is better than the first four shows but I can’t put my finger on why. If you want to give me the finger and tell me why, feel free. I’ll put up better notes tomorrow, but for now here’s the links:

1. Ryan Macklin’s Master Plan
2. Canonpuncture
3. Paul Tevises Have Games Will Travel

Section 1: Introduction

I mention Ryan Macklin’s and Canonpuncture as shows folks might want to give a listen to. I then talk about Paul Tevises, A Few Games More number 4 which talks about what Paul learned about Story Now from my last interview with Ron Edwards. I then talk about what Story now means.

Section 2: Flags and Bangs

I discuss what I call proto-flags which is really just paying attention to the character sheet. Then I talk about proper flags and how they should effect the game. Then I discuss bangs again, and make a contention that you need bangs if you want to play games with Drama.