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You Could Be a Game Master by This Time Next Month with This Program
As many people see the start of a new year as an opportunity for self-improvement and change, I would like to encourage readers to consider another path: becoming a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) Game Master. Now is an excellent time to take up this challenge, especially with several tabletop game companies coming together to promote New Gamemaster Month.
The concept of being a Game Master can be intimidating at first glance. It may seem like a daunting task to prepare engaging storylines, manage player characters, and navigate complex rulesets. However, with the right program or resources, anyone can become proficient in just a month.
The key is finding the perfect fit for your personal taste and preferences. To aid in this process, I will highlight some exceptional options that offer a range of settings, mechanics, and themes to get you started.
First off, let’s explore Numenera, a game that kickstarted Monte Cook Games at the beginning of the Kickstarter era. This title offers gameplay similar to Dungeons & Dragons, but with a futuristic twist. Players are expected to venture into strange locations, explore them, and bring back valuable loot. The key difference lies in the setting – this world is far, far away from the medieval times often depicted in other RPGs.
For those who prefer darker tones, Unknown Armies stands out as an option. This modern magic game from Atlas Games takes a gritty approach to the concept of sorcery. Players delve into the obsessive subculture of spellcasters and must navigate their complex lives as they gain power and influence. The setting’s dark tone is only amplified by the fact that humans are the only monsters in this world, making the horror even more unsettling.
Another title worth exploring is Trail of Cthulhu, a game built upon Pelgrane Press’ GUMSHOE system. This investigative RPG focuses on clue-finding and cleverness rather than dice rolls. Excitingly, a new edition is set to be released soon thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign at the end of last year.
Fans of fantasy settings will appreciate RuneQuest from Chaosium, which boasts an in-depth world inspired by ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Egypt, and more. The game’s focus on heroes makes inspiring adventures easy for Game Masters.
If you’re interested in Cthulhu Mythos-themed games, I recommend Delta Green from Arc Dream Publishing. In this title, players take on the roles of government agents secretly using resources to combat monstrous forces. This game offers an excellent balance between intense action and devastating roleplay scenarios that highlight the toll secrecy takes on regular lives.
For those who enjoy modern monster-hunting TV shows, Monster Of The Week by Evil Hat Productions is a must-see. Not only does this book offer advice on creating monsters and scenarios but also provides resources for any supernatural role-playing needs. Recent expansions have included team playbooks to give players even more tools to utilize in their battle against the unknown.
Last but not least, Savage Worlds from Pinnacle Entertainment Group deserves attention. This fast-paced ruleset began as a way to play tabletop miniatures but has since evolved into a versatile RPG that powers many of their classic titles such as Weird Wars and Necessary Evil. There are also various genre companions available, making it an excellent choice for Game Masters looking to create their own worlds.
Finally, Tales Of The Valiant from Kobold Press offers a ruleset similar to Dungeons & Dragons Fifth Edition, but with the flexibility to be mixed with D&D or played standalone. This option is perfect for those who are familiar with D&D and want to try something new while still having access to familiar mechanics.
In conclusion, becoming a Game Master takes time and effort, but it’s absolutely achievable within a month. By exploring these options, I’m confident that anyone can find the right fit for their taste and preferences.
Source: www.forbes.com
