The rulebook: where fun goes to die.
A guest article from the amazing Nate at The Grinning Rat.
This week we have an extra article from Nate, who runs the fantastic Grinning Rat.
The Grinning Rat substack goes deep on game design and material in the TTRPG space. It’s full of neat ideas and explorations, I recommend dropping in!
Imagination games should have imaginative rules.
When running a TTRPG, the ultimate goal is to ensure everyone at the table, including yourself, is having fun. This might mean diverging from the written rules to better suit your group's play style. In other words, you're not being graded on how strictly you adhere to the rules.
Most rulebooks encourage flexibility, often stating explicitly that the rules should serve as guidance rather than strict directives. This is what allows them to thrive across diverse groups and play styles—the only “right way” to play is the way your group has fun in.
Consider these examples from a game led by Alex, featuring players Sam, Jess, and Lee, who all favor dynamic storytelling over meticulous rule-following:
Example #1
- Alex: "Considering how tracking gear weight slowed down our recent sessions, I propose we ignore encumbrance rules to focus on the story. What do you all think?"
- Sam: "That sounds great! It'll make my role as the rogue smoother."
- Jess: "I'm all for collecting cool weapons without the slowdown."
- Lee: "Perfect, I can keep all my gadgets. It'll help us be more creative in our storytelling!"
- Alex: "Agreed. Let's streamline the game for more fluid action. Just remember, you can't carry everything, but no need to count every pound."
Takeaway: While resource management is a traditional aspect of many games, it's not vital if it detracts from enjoyment. Adjust rules like encumbrance if they hinder the game's flow. Set boundaries that maintain some realism without the administrative hassle.
Example #2
- Lee: "My wizard has a sea-themed backstory. Could my magic missiles manifest as water bolts to fit this theme?"
- Alex: "That’s a fantastic idea! It personalizes your character. Does everyone else want to customize their abilities visually?"
- Jess: "Yes, let's add a wind effect to my warrior's sword swings, reflecting her highland heritage."
- Sam: "And my rogue could leave faint shadows when dodging. It adds a nice touch."
- Alex: "Great! We'll maintain the core mechanics for balance but get creative visually to enhance our storytelling."
Takeaway: Customizing game elements to fit character backstories or themes enhances immersion and personal connection to the story. You can always keep the game mechanics intact for balance, but embrace creative flair to enrich the experience.
Make the game your own
RPGs are frameworks for creativity, not rigid systems that must be followed without deviation. If there's an element of the game that your group finds cumbersome or unenjoyable, feel free to modify or discard it. Establish basic agreements on changes to ensure everyone is on the same page, but always prioritize fun and engaging storytelling over strict rule adherence. You don't need permission to make these adjustments, nor do you need to apologise for not running it the way some other group does.
After all, you’re not being graded!
Don’t forget to drop in on Nate’s substack for more great reads.
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