Ironsworn G+ Archive

Cross-posting to make sure this doesn't get missed. Originally shared by Geek Gamers I have just posted a video demo of the opening scenes of gameplay of this fantastic soloable RPG. Join Sir Torr, the White Knight, and scholar/sage/elder Eowan as they begin their journey to find Sir Torr's half-sister, Ambrosia, also known as the woods girl. Taking characters inspired by my failed effort to play through a game of Magic Realm, I show some aspects of this flexible, intuitive, narrative-driven RPG by Shawn Tomkin. Highly recommend this to soloists! https://youtu.be/IN-hld-_r1A

Here was another thought I had last night: want to turn your Ironsworn session up to 11? Use actual Runes as one of your Oracles or Muses (Oracles for Inspiration). I've had a set for 30+ years now & already know how to read them (though I'm pretty rusty), but there are plenty of online resources for those that don't have a set &/or know how to interpret them. They're even built right in on the Gamemaster's Apprentice cards. I can tell you from experience they're very open ended & interpret-able as well. I think they'd be a fantastic fit, as well as the thematic connection. :)

I'm up to pg 30 so far on my read through of the rules (though I skip around a lot to reference other rules as they're mentioned). More observations and questions follow: Thoughts I like that this game seems like it would be great for beginners, both in its clarity, & that it does things like explain d100 notation, BUT it doesn't assume the faux cutesie "What is a RPG? It's like playing Cops & Robbers! You and your friends use your imagination!" tone. I'm seeing good solid advice on how to use oracles & random generators, something that even experienced gamers may be new to, especially if this is their first foray in solo RPG'ing. I like the dice system. Nice alternative to PbtA & great way to integrate oracle, random events, & task resolution together. Flowchart on pg.26 = Nice. Default Setting: I like that its detailed enough to give the game a feel & set a mood, but open enough that you can fill in the blanks yourself. I ge...

Finally got a chance to DL all the play test docs a couple days ago. Skimmed them over a day or two, settling in for a deeper read now. Some stream of consciousness thoughts thus far follow: Impressive, professional, & clean looking. Very slick & smooth. I REALLY like the photo artwork for some reason. Gives it a different, unified look. Really digging the setting material, which is odd, as this normally isn't my thing. First game to make me want to play fantasy in a while. First game that REALLY makes me want to read/learn it ASAP to try it out in recent memory. First game since as far back as I can remember that, from what I've seen thus far, looks like I could pick it up & play it right out of the box, without having to hack, modify, or add a bunch of outside material to my liking. I probably will have more to say later. I most likely will incorporate these thoughts + any others that arise into a post on my blog. NOW, one observation I don't know if anyone m...