Episode 718: Mad at Gary
Summary
Ken and Robin discuss the pitfalls of "GM discretion" in scenario writing, arguing that vague instructions often shift the designer's workload onto the Game Master. They then recount the true story of Jean Henri Latude, a serial prison escaper who used wit and charm to flee the Bastille multiple times. Finally, guest Eliza shares her journey from narrative-focused design to creating the mechanics-heavy game "Beef," inspired by a Kendrick Lamar and Drake feud.
Topics discussed
Intro and D&D 5th Edition 2024 re-release ad
Critiquing 'GM's Discretion' in scenario writing
Hamlet is GM Screen book promotion
The true story of Jean Henri Latude, prison escaper
Using Latude as a TTRPG plot hook
The King in Yellow Tarot deck ad
Interview with designer Eliza on 'Graded by Beef'
American Civil War TTRPG Kickstarter ad
Alaska volcano hoaxes of 1957 and 1974
TTRPG adventure hooks based on volcano hoaxes
Outro and sponsor acknowledgments
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