Dear Dana A., Thank you for sending in a question with regards to wanting a suggestion about what game system would work for your particular situation. The question with setup info: “Thinking of creating rpg campaign that has clockwork mages [energy, techno, machine, radiation, metal / plastic & enchantment colleges] fighting off invading demonic forces…
Tag: Advice
Dear Rolling Boxcars: Recommendations for 1860s d100 System
Thank you, Dana, for your question asking about d100 systems that might provide some level of crunch for an 1860s western system game while still providing cinematic flair. First, we must admit that we scratched our heads a bit on this one. While there is no shortage of western roleplaying games on the market, there…
So, You Want to be Better Player?
So, you want to be a better tabletop roleplayer? A new better you? We know that is easier said than done, but there are various things that you can do in the short and long term to help get to where you want to be. Don’t be fooled; there is no magic formula, and while…
A Simple Man Making His Way in the Universe
I’m just a simple man, trying to make my way in the universe. ~ Jango Fett to Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episode II – Attack of the Clones One of the more frequent challenges I’ve heard in emulating Star Wars in RPGs is having an effective mix of Jedi and non-Jedi characters. How does…
Dear Rolling Boxcars: Thoughts on Modeling Mass Combat
Thank you, Dana, for your question regarding how we would best simulate Bronze Age warfare in a tabletop roleplaying game. This is a tough question to tackle, so please bear with us as we lay out our thoughts and explanations. One of my (Modoc) first gaming passions is historical tabletop wargames of the hex and…
Edit or Dye, or is it Die? The Importance of an Editor
Each month at Rolling Boxcars, I purchase or receive several roleplaying games and supplements to review, for personal use, and in some cases, for collecting. As a reviewer and consumer of almost any roleplaying game-related product, I have begun noticing an uptick in self-publishing authors and small press publishers not using the services of an…
Carving Your Own Corner of a Galaxy Far, Far Away
During the battle, Rebel spies managed to steal secret plans to the Emperor’s ultimate weapon, the DEATH STAR, an armored space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet. Many Bothans died to bring us this information One common complaint about gaming in settings like the Star Wars universe, Middle Earth, etc. is that…
Useful Tips for Convention Gamemasters
Running an RPG at a convention is a lot of fun. You get to represent your favorite RPG and act as its ambassador. Running games at conventions are different from running games for your homegroup. There are more hurdles to overcome when your setting is not familiar. I was reminded of this while attending MACE…
Autism at the Tabletop
Recently, I reached out to folks on social media to learn more about players on the autism spectrum and how, we as game masters, can accommodate any special needs that they may require from our side of the screen. Ben Warren an RPG author/designer who is on the autism spectrum responded with the following article. While personal to his needs, I have…
Beyond the Dice: Layer Cake
Taking your gaming to the next level is something that all gamers struggle with, I’m no exception to the rules either! But what I’ve found that really grabs your game group and sucks them into the action is layers! And the more layers you add, the more you get everyone into what’s going on! You’ll…
Rolling Boxcars 