Maximus Greene
banner
jruehl.bsky.social
Maximus Greene
@jruehl.bsky.social
I won't use them unless I have so few items that I am physically carrying them.

What really frustrated me recently is that Walmart has been so short staffed that they have CLOSED half of the self-checkouts, creating an even bigger backup.
January 29, 2026 at 12:03 PM
What is a good solution? Personally, I like what was done with Cairn and Shadowdark: offer quick start rules zines! This usually has enough info for players to make new characters, can be purchased for less expense, and gives each player something to learn from!

What are your solutions?
January 23, 2026 at 1:49 AM
If only I didn't live in the OTHER Virginia! 🤣
January 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM
3rd edition had a variation on this with prestige classes (which I liked) but it switched to being almost entirely mechanical. 5ed has it built into the basic character classes and you don't have to earn anything, you just choose a path at level 3.
January 17, 2026 at 5:43 PM
This might be controversial but I enjoyed the idea of Class Kits from 2ed D&D. They had some mechanical requirements and some RP requirements and that blend of mechanics with a unique payoff was really fun!
January 17, 2026 at 5:43 PM
I see it from both sides. Yes, you can MAKE any system work BUT there's a good chance that there's one better suited to what you want to achieve.
January 16, 2026 at 10:37 PM
ICE agents should be the ones stripped of citizenship
January 13, 2026 at 4:29 PM
RAFTS
GLURPS
Blogs in the Dark
Into the Mundane
January 12, 2026 at 2:57 PM
I was about to suggest "Dungeons & Drag Queens" except that might actually work.... 🤣
January 12, 2026 at 2:55 PM
I feel like the customization aspect of this type of system is something that can be explored more. What do you think?

#ttrpg #ttrpcommunity #ttrpgdesigncommunity #shadowdark #D&D
January 3, 2026 at 9:27 PM
Fire by itself just makes something you touch combust. Blast is just a projection of force. Combine Fire and Blast and you can make a Fireball. Learn the Time tag and you can make a Delayed Blast Fireball.
January 3, 2026 at 9:25 PM
I feel like there is a lot of potential for use in magic and spells with a system like this. Imagine a wizard combining three tags into a single use (Like Epic Spell Wars card game). Instead of learning specific spells they learn magical tags that they combine to create effects.
January 3, 2026 at 9:23 PM
But what if a player wants to "upgrade" it? In fantasy tropes we have a few examples: mithril and adamant. Making it mithril would change the heavy descriptor to "concealed", meaning you can hide its use. Adamant would change the resilient tag to fortified, adding extra resistance to damage.
January 3, 2026 at 9:20 PM
My idea is to use a set number of tags for "special" items that players can improve throughout play. Let's say they begin with standard chainmail armor. It could begin as flexible, heavy, and resilient. That signifies that you remain mobile in it, it has weight, and it resists damage.
January 3, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Which is why so many people refer to D&D combat as a "meat grinder". Enemies become mere targets and a means to gain XP and loot.
January 3, 2026 at 5:55 PM
For the most part, I don't mind going bald but haircuts are something I really miss!
January 3, 2026 at 5:53 PM
FATE is another option, but it entirely relies upon how the GM runs the game. I had a great GM running my game but it always devolved into combat.
January 3, 2026 at 4:22 PM
The WHY of conflict is more important that the conflict itself. Conflict is just another means to an end and that end doesn't have to conclude with murder.
January 3, 2026 at 4:20 PM
I haven't played it but I bought the book because of the unique mechanics: Thirsty Sword Lesbians.

While combat is an option, it relies more on WHY you're fighting. What do you want your opponent to DO? Yield ground? Listen to reason? Return a stolen artifact?
January 3, 2026 at 4:19 PM
One of the players eventually made a thief with 18 strength and 9 dexterity. That character was HILARIOUS! Hit like a truck but had no capability to dodge!
December 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM