Watch Well Games: Issue #29
What's in the bag? Let's find out together.
Welcome to our RPG community newsletter!
I’m seriously considering asking readers to cook eggs outside to show how hot it is where you live.
In the meantime, stay safe, hydrate, and check on others - including pets and fur babies.
For Today:
Beyond Dice Issue #2: A Review
Free Maps & Light in Darkness Gaming’s Patreon Soft Launch
Coming Soon: No Clout and Moments of Mirth: Vol. 2
Video Review: My New Dice Bag from Beverleyinstitches
Lastly, I Lied (Sort Of) - And Here’s Why
Hi everyone. I’m K.J. If you’d like to learn more about me, click that lil’ green button below.
Beyond Dice Issue #2: A Review
by Schlau and K.J.
Schlau says: Kublai Kohen does a great job of introducing the 3rd dimension to TTRPGs. He provides a step by step approach to developing not only a method of visualizing, but also creating a more dynamic roleplay experience. And I don't think this only applies to the homebrew GM or indie game creator, but can greatly benefit the players as well.
“The Map of The Caves of Despair” section exemplifies the utility of elevation, especially concerning fatigue, positional advantage, and adversarial considerations appropriate to the design of the map. A small change in the setting can greatly impact the outcome of an encounter. A slippery slope is easy, if dangerous, to slide down. But to climb up while being pursued could radically raise the excitement experienced at the table. A misplaced foot on a narrow stair could provide a tumble leaving the players laughing at the mishap they survived. The possibilities are growing with every page.
Not having the privilege to speak with the author directly, I am hoping the inclusion of isometric maps comes into play in future editions. Isometric maps are built in perspective, and they can easily show changes in elevation and a concept of multiple layers with their associated transitions. Often they are built with very simple shapes, but offer the ability to track that rogue player (usually me in games I play in) that runs off to another level. Rather than swapping back and forth between maps, which some VTTs (virtual tabletops) do very poorly. What Kublai Kohen discusses in Beyond Dice #2 is completely integral to isometric map design.
One of my favorite topics here is the discussion of using non-static/dynamic transition points. Be it a teleporter, elevator, wormhole, or shifting access, players that like a challenge and enjoy thinking outside the quid pro quo will have a great time in a map system that acts alive, as it were. I could see a Keeper using Insanity rules in a good Call of Cthulhu house or cave. A GM in Dragonbane could have a spectacular mage’s tower full of surprises. The Narrator for Heckin Good Doggos could create a “cat”astrophe in a traveling carnival. The possibilities are endless.
From a cartographer's perspective, it is imperative to design maps that engage the table. I enjoy creating multi-layered maps with hidden alcoves and accesses. What this issue offers is something I can take to the design table again and again, expecting a fantastic result every time.
K.J. says: Whoever out there asked your math teacher, “When am I going to use this in real life?” is about to see those higher mathematical applications enter the tabletop roleplaying game space. As someone who had a difficult time with her geometry assignments in highschool, I really appreciate “The Cube” section. Kublai visually represents the layers and cross-sections in a way that I can comprehend. It will take some time for me to wrap my head around the “3D Structures” section - where he discusses labyrinths and mazes - but at least I have this handy zine to help me when I feel ready to tackle the subject.
I think math teachers could utilize this zine to teach their students various concepts in an enjoyable way - to the point that the students may be more likely to remember what they learned years from now. Personally, I look forward to future installments of Beyond Dice. May we never stop challenging ourselves with learning (or relearning) new things.
Free Maps & Light in Darkness Gaming’s Patreon Soft Launch
This week’s free maps come from the General Store map pack - now on Patreon!
Schlau of Light in Darkness Gaming is has set up his Patreon for all things map-related. It is currently in soft launch mode, and you can join for free today.
Readers can rest assured - map packs will still be available for purchase even outside of the subscription. Select what works best for your budget and lifestyle. Either way: Supporting human creators allows them to keep making adventures and supplements.
Thank you for your support. - Schlau
Get the entire General Store map pack - and any other for your next game session - now on Patreon:
If you missed out on any previous free maps, no worries - the entire collection is available via Dropbox:
Why Patreon and not DriveThruRPG? Schlau’s maps will still be listed on DTRPG! Anyone who’s been playing RPGs for any length of time realizes its pretty much the first (and sometimes only) online source that folks use to shop for tabletop adventures and supplements. However, Patreon takes a significantly smaller cut, which greatly helps creators keep doing what they’re doing. Patreon also helps creators build community, something Watch Well Games is very much all about.
Coming Soon From Yours Truly
Last week I wrote, “Playing games is fun. Making games is hard.”
There’s a lot to learn, playtest, and adjust.
But making games is also fun - not just hard.
Either way, I will soon be publishing my next solo game on itch.io and DTRPG, as well as my next Dragonbane supplement.
I also said “If it’s a terrible mess, you get to know about that and all my frustrations learning moments right here.”
Let’s hope neither of these are a terrible mess. Stay tuned to find out.
Video Review: My Dice Bag from Beverleyinstitches
What did I think of my new custom-ordered, handmade dice bag from Beverleyinstitches?
I filmed it top-down from an audience POV, so it may take a moment to adjust to the viewing angle.
Want one (or more) of your own? Use the exclusive discount WATCHWELL15 when placing your order. I make zero commission off this - it all goes to Beverley herself. Enjoy!
Prefer a particular fabric or pattern or color? Use the contact form Etsy to begin a conversation, as Beverley accepts custom requests.
Lastly, I Lied (Sort Of) - And Here’s Why
I said that Accounts of Adventure and the “Make a game with me” series would return this week. I lied.
I didn’t mean to.
I needed the headspace to say goodbye (for now) to Logan. He was goofy, but full of love. Not that bright, yet absolutely precious. I’m thankful for our time with him.
That’s all for this week, folks. Remember:
Support indie game creators by purchasing, playing, and positively reviewing the games (assuming you enjoyed them!).
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