Too many Cooks, Not enough Diners

One big change I've noticed in recent gaming is the fact that there are a lot more GM's and a lot fewer Players than in the past.

if I may grog a bit, in the past most gaming groups had 1 or two person who wanted to GM or DM. This was an unwanted chore basically.

Over time, we did get a few more GM's but the usual problem was too many different games and a good chunk of the group didn't want to play someone else's favorite.  A personal example, I've loved GURPS since Man to Man but it was nearly impossible where I lived to bring non GURPS specific groups into playing.

We had the same issue with Rolemaster (though I could often find RM specific groups) Harn, Traveller and many other  games. In the end we compromised on something no one loved but no  one hated either. AD&D 2e. Fine. This rarely lead to long term games but sometimes it did and in general we had a decent enough time.

Als as I had a huge gaming circle to choose from (20+ players) it was easier to find players.

Now we have a different problem, everyone (me included) wants to DM each a  different system no less) and no one wants to play very much. Me excluded if we do D&D long term.

We ended up with a highly unsatisfactory compromise, 4 sessions one game , 1 boardgame night (I do like this) and than onto another game. This basically means nothing but extended one shots  and very little in the way of getting into a game.

This sucks but short of getting a new group (and we had a good player leave to do just that just prior to our compromise)  I don't have a solution.  The gaming is good its just not great.

My Santcore contribution is up

Head on over to Metal vs Skin and click on Santicore to get it and the others.

Its a huge collection and a titanic amount of work so thanks to everyone involved.

Great Free OSR stuff ,some by yours truly!

There a couple of new new OSR freebies out you might want to know about

1st up is Secret Santicore 2013

This is a 3 parter, part one having appeared yesterday.

While Santi did not bring this good little gamer what he wanted (a kickass rune system) I have no compliants. Its totally cool and totally free.

As an added bonus, I have an article in Part 2 which will appear at the end of next month.

You can get it at Metal vs. Skin.

 Oh yeah and in case you've wandered over here, thanks to Joel , Scrap Princess and everybody involved in this project.I'd have thanked y'all on M.vs.S. but it uses G+ to comment  which , well no.It was great working with ya and if you want to try that again, let me know.

Anyway. The other  one is the 3rd issue of Gorgonmilk's fantastic OSR zine Underworld Lore.

Its set in the Hyperborean age (aka Conan's time) and it and its two older sibs are both free and awesome.

You can get them at the Gorgonmilk Blog.

Magic is not that magic

Over the years I've heard people complain that D&D magical isn't very well magical or mystical and it seems awfully prosaic and pragmatic.

That is true but its pretty historical in its used as well.

Not much of that  historical magic survives but what we have  from Rome and other periods were used for rather pragmatic things, increasing the food supply, healing, protection from disease or foes  getting sex and at times  as a weapon.

It really wasn't very mystical at all and D&D magic in any  edition especially any  that had overt real world physical effects would end up used for perfectly mundane  purposes.

 To my way of thinking, this is how it should be. YMMV of course.

A Worthy New Years Cause

If you have a dollar or two to spare after the holidays may I suggest a worthy cause. Its not tax deductible but it does help a member of our OSR community.

Our friends over at RetroRoleplaying ,creators of the Microlight 81 RPG ,  are in pretty dire economic straits do to family illness and a few bucks might be the difference between keeping their  house and losing it.

Merry Christmas

This blog has been enjoying the proverbial long winters nap but have no fear my loyal (all 67 of you terrific folks) followers, more content such as it is shall come soon.

Thanks and to all a most Merry Christmas!

RIP Jack Vance

Jack Vance, one of the great inspirations and supporters of early D&D has died at the ripe old age of 96.

Probably lost control of a Sandestin along the way.


Anyway, thanks to Mr. Vance for his part  in making this best of hobbies and for some great literature