I didn't realize the Gamemaster's Apprentice Decks (http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/167552/The-GameMasters-Apprentice-Horror-Deck) were offered in various genres, besides the company's own in-house RPG.
May have to get some. Extra Plot Gen & Solo Play tools = good.
The Horror PDF version is in the sale, the one I linked above. But there are numerous others.
Shows the strengths of using cards, featuring multiple randomized categories/tables/keywords on each, to quickly prod the thinkmeats along. Instead of rolling a die then having to it up on a table for every device, you just flip cards and add a specific bit from each.
Summaries on how they work:
The decks could probably help a lot in solo play, but I don't like delivery, so I skip them really
cant belive it just checked its a PDF :)
The full Documentation is available in the Publisher's Preview link:
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/download_preview.php?pid=167552
and some extra framework for solo'ing with them:
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/168609/ALONe-A-Solo-Game-Engine-BETA
Quote from: gameleaper on August 19, 2016, 11:25:12 AM
The decks could probably help a lot in solo play, but I don't like delivery, so I skip them really
cant belive it just checked its a PDF :)
Thought you mostly played solo? ???
Thanks.
Cant tell How much I needed these cards, Thankyou, I got the base set and the horror, I will have to wait for the sci-fi etc.. but I want them :)
Is this anything like Mythic Game Emulator?
yes has a little bit of the yes/no and critical yes/no mechanics, its brilliant, It actualy has replaced mythic GM for me and there are 120 cards in each deck, aswell as replacing mythic(for me anyway) it does lots and lots more , I would get the generic RPG neutral deck first, then go for Sci-fi or horror
Quote from: bbmike on August 20, 2016, 08:15:31 AM
Is this anything like Mythic Game Emulator?
Yes.
But in a 120 card deck. Each card having numerous different outcomes, symbols, dice rolls, and keywords to combine for storytelling/plot progression ideas. But, unlike MGME, you don't have to roll dice & check tables for every question/idea. You just draw 1+ cards and read.
The pair of PDFs I linked earlier have info on some ways to use them, including Solo. Their basic use looks pretty self-explanatory to me, but the docs also provide some good framework & tips.
Quote from: gameleaper on August 19, 2016, 09:07:36 PM
Cant tell How much I needed these cards, Thankyou, I got the base set and the horror, I will have to wait for the sci-fi etc.. but I want them :)
I thought they were pretty cool, too!
Thought about getting the PDF, printing & cutting a set, and sticking them in CCG Card Sleeves or gluing to a few decks of cards. But by the time I spend extra on materials, I'm thinking I should just cough up the $20 and get a proper prefab card set or two.
Also want the Base, Horror, and Sci-Fi ones. Should be a nice rounded well from which to draw some sparks.
EDIT: Let me know how interesting their Solitaire beta PDF is. I only glanced at those, to get a general idea, but it looked like it could speed up familiarity and give extra ideas for using the cards.
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/168609/ALONe-A-Solo-Game-Engine-BETA
there is a pay what you want version in beta, has only 60 cards but it would get you a idea of what it is.
Quote from: gameleaper on August 20, 2016, 11:13:49 AM
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/168609/ALONe-A-Solo-Game-Engine-BETA
there is a pay what you want version in beta, has only 60 cards but it would get you a idea of what it is.
Yup. That's the second one I linked earlier.
I read through the intro and ended up getting the Science Fiction cards. I think this will be very useful with solo games. I also see why, gameleaper, you created the three card draw program. That will be useful too! O0
Thanks for bring this to my attention, Nefaro!
Quote from: Nefaro on August 20, 2016, 11:07:28 AM
Quote from: bbmike on August 20, 2016, 08:15:31 AM
Is this anything like Mythic Game Emulator?
Yes.
But in a 120 card deck. Each card having numerous different outcomes, symbols, dice rolls, and keywords to combine for storytelling/plot progression ideas. But, unlike MGME, you don't have to roll dice & check tables for every question/idea. You just draw 1+ cards and read.
The pair of PDFs I linked earlier have info on some ways to use them, including Solo. Their basic use looks pretty self-explanatory to me, but the docs also provide some good framework & tips.
Quote from: gameleaper on August 19, 2016, 09:07:36 PM
Cant tell How much I needed these cards, Thankyou, I got the base set and the horror, I will have to wait for the sci-fi etc.. but I want them :)
I thought they were pretty cool, too!
Thought about getting the PDF, printing & cutting a set, and sticking them in CCG Card Sleeves or gluing to a few decks of cards. But by the time I spend extra on materials, I'm thinking I should just cough up the $20 and get a proper prefab card set or two.
Also want the Base, Horror, and Sci-Fi ones. Should be a nice rounded well from which to draw some sparks.
EDIT: Let me know how interesting their Solitaire beta PDF is. I only glanced at those, to get a general idea, but it looked like it could speed up familiarity and give extra ideas for using the cards.
after watching the videos and sitting back and figuring how the yes/no worked it took me some scratching my head, but then it struck me how simple it was , the cards can be used any way you want , this is what makes them great for solo play, you decide what you want to know and draw a card , then look at the part that you drew for, it can be dice,Words,Treasure,all sorts of stuff, I never thought mythic GM would ever be in my bin but goodbye mythic :)
Quote from: Nefaro on August 20, 2016, 11:14:58 AM
Quote from: gameleaper on August 20, 2016, 11:13:49 AM
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/168609/ALONe-A-Solo-Game-Engine-BETA
there is a pay what you want version in beta, has only 60 cards but it would get you a idea of what it is.
Yup. That's the second one I linked earlier.
sorry Nef , I was so excited I missed the link.
Quote from: bbmike on August 20, 2016, 11:18:46 AM
I read through the intro and ended up getting the Science Fiction cards. I think this will be very useful with solo games. I also see why, gameleaper, you created the three card draw program. That will be useful too! O0
Thanks for bring this to my attention, Nefaro!
I used 3 cards from each of same files , so its only possible to draw 1 at a time or your just getting the files with 3 cards,it will still work for 3 cards but your getting a batch of 3s for 40 files so not as random as one card at a time, its been updated for mouse control
I wonder how well alternating between the Base deck, and one or more of the genre-specific ones, works. Either mixed together.. or just kept in separate decks, but taking turns drawing each card from the other deck.
For example, using the Base deck with the Horror deck. Draw a Base card for something, and then drawing a Horror card for the next part of same situation, or the next new one.
Wondering how well they blend because many of my favorite settings have some amount of horror in them. Many have quite a bit, mixed in with various other timelines & genres. Including more than one Sci-Fi+Horror mix.
Quote from: bbmike on August 20, 2016, 11:18:46 AM
Thanks for bring this to my attention, Nefaro!
Quite glad I just happened upon them, after a time.
It wasn't a direct route, either. I ended up watching someone's review of some indie RPG, as YouTube clickbait I had noticed as "recommended" for me to watch.
Being curious about the reviewed game, I checked DriveThruRPG to get a glimpse of the text description. But ended up seeing it's specific GM Apprentice Deck listed below it, in the "Also Purchased With.." list at the bottom. After groking that first deck, I sent it to my Wishlist in record time thinking that it should work for any horror rpg to some extent, not just the somewhat humorous one it's meant for.
Was browsing my Wishlist a month or so later, and clicked on that GM Apprentice Deck. Thinking about when I wanted to try it out. Then, again, I saw in the promo list below, the
other generic setting decks available. Didn't even know those existed!
TL;DRAfter a month, and a few click-bait links via both YouTube and DriveThruRPG, I finally happened upon these gems. O0 Targeted advertisements aren't ALWAYS bad, I suppose.
Also wonder how long DTRPG's "on-demand" print services take. ???
I also though about multidecks, the random dice numbers are probably distributed over a 120 card deck , so you probably cant split a deck.
I'm glad you posted this info, its the best buy I ever made in gaming of any kind.
I'm totally planning on looking into at least the Steampunk deck, and maybe the base deck, depending on cost and when/if they have a special at all
Quote from: gameleaper on August 23, 2016, 08:22:21 PM
I also though about multidecks, the random dice numbers are probably distributed over a 120 card deck , so you probably cant split a deck.
I'm glad you posted this info, its the best buy I ever made in gaming of any kind.
Ahh, yes. You're right about the die rolls. But I'd probably just roll my own dice, if that were needed. But the distribution of the Yes/No and the Bell Curve random number, as a couple examples, might still end up being prone to "bunching up" together too.
I suppose each genre-specific decks has plenty variety, with so many bits on 120 cards. Was mainly thinking of my Sci-Fi Horror and Victorian/Steampunk Horror settings (such as Dark Heresy, Mutant Chronicles, and Leagues Of Gothic Horror).
Quote from: bayonetbrant on August 23, 2016, 08:32:41 PM
I'm totally planning on looking into at least the Steampunk deck, and maybe the base deck, depending on cost and when/if they have a special at all
Haven't really looked at the Steampunk one. Usually not big on the genre, myself, other than the alt-history it coincides with. But I'd be interested in hearing how gonzo the Steampunk themes get in it. I try to keep it pretty light, where it exists.
At $20 a pop, I'm not sure what or how many I'll get, initially. I'm always wrinkling my nose at shipping costs, so getting more than one at a time is ideal.
That's amazing you thought about the bunching up, I didn't realise 2 decks could end up mutated into clusters. that would stop you using two of the same decks too. whoever made these decks up is so intelligent and you can tell he's a RPGer, and not just a company throwing something together, its genious what these cards do.
'two of the same decks' why would I say that :))
I have already figured out another deck type, a driving set of cards, with lights gearbox can indicate speed, brakes, traffic lights, road signals and hand signals, trucks motorbikes, all the different parts of the car like wheels, mainly would be used for a modern setting, with car chases etc...
Chase rules are often a mixed bag regarding rules vs detail. So I could see the need for some extra narrative nudges if there a lot of car/ship chases in your campaign.
I've been slow to bring the Star Wars RPG to the table, despite having some possible
victims players willing to give it a go. Partially due to what I perceive as an higher focus on chases (vehicle, starship, and anything else) in the Star Wars universe, compared to others. Which means I'll have to both learn the chase rules pretty well, and have to come up with different settings, environments, and environmental conditions for each chase so that they don't get too repetitive & same-y.
Pretty much every RPG setting will have chases of some sort. But some just seem to demand featuring them more often. Especially in such cases as Star Wars, since it's largely missing at least one major staple of most other RPGs - Horror. So you put more emphasis elsewhere.
Quote from: gameleaper on August 23, 2016, 09:22:32 PM
That's amazing you thought about the bunching up, I didn't realise 2 decks could end up mutated into clusters.
Thanks. Probably just a side effect of having played quite a few Adventure boardgames which feature multiple or large decks of multi-function event & encounter cards, somewhat similar to these in function.
After playing with such deck-based randomizers, you tend to notice such things. Even with good & thorough shuffling, there will be a few small repititious pockets. Not much of a worry mixing unless the separate decks have weighted numbers (such as the rolls and the actual weighted bell curve numbers on these) or... and this is very important to me... the physical cards are cut unevenly. Drives me nuts when I do some quick but thorough poker shuffling of a single deck and some cards are slightly longer than others. Then I either have to bend the cards much further than normal, or the shorter ones stay bunched-up near the longer ones.
Nevertheless, I always thought this kind of big multi-function card deck was the most efficient way to go when it came to game-related randomization. Much faster than rolling + tables, and you can fit tons of stuff on each one, as you've noticed.
I know tabletop and cards are your thing, but If you wanted to test a set of cards in an app, I have just done one, with 120 cards per deck, it has a lot more features such as dice generators , suggestion generators, lists , Coin flipping, and a virtual GM and more things, It just may be of use to you to test a deck without printing and if it works out then print, its primarily for creating your own decks. I know it may not be your thing, but to create a star wars deck on a PC first then after your happy print it, but like I said you probably will not like digital stuff as much, so disregard if you like.
gamelink windows and Mac
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwg1l-y33WTRYmU4U08zSGZOYlk/view?usp=sharing
screenshot
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwg1l-y33WTRWE9nNnI5MEFZa00/view?usp=sharing
I've been keeping an eye on it.
Even though I prefer the tactile feel of all the paper & cardboard physical bits, I'll d/l your program again. After awhile, anyway, since you look to be regularly improving it right now (which is always good).
I actually downloaded it a couple times, earlier, but can wait. Don't plan on using these decks, or a program, for awhile yet. My gaming hobbies are all over the place right now.
The Pathfinder guys have a couple of decent Chase Decks that you could look into
the earlier version didn't have a card deck, they were suggestion boxes, but bbmike swayed me in making a unified card drawing program, with all the other feastures from my solo game app, so version 29 is the first hybred app, and Ive finished now and I like time to play for me :) I'm glad your keeping an eye on it, hope it has some use to you at some point.
Quote from: Nefaro on August 24, 2016, 03:39:24 PM
Nevertheless, I always thought this kind of big multi-function card deck was the most efficient way to go when it came to game-related randomization. Much faster than rolling + tables, and you can fit tons of stuff on each one, as you've noticed.
doing away with tables looks good with these sorts of decks, you've opened-up my realm of gaming.
Quote from: gameleaper on August 24, 2016, 06:34:05 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on August 24, 2016, 03:39:24 PM
Nevertheless, I always thought this kind of big multi-function card deck was the most efficient way to go when it came to game-related randomization. Much faster than rolling + tables, and you can fit tons of stuff on each one, as you've noticed.
doing away with tables looks good with these sorts of decks, you've opened-up my realm of gaming.
Excellent. :)
I didn't think I could properly describe the card deck randomization I was thinking of, before. These decks are a great example of it, though. Picture worth a thousand words. O0
________
Just ordered a physical deck of the Base Set.
The PDF came at no extra cost beyond that, which is always appreciated and should be done more often.
I've ordered a custom set of game cards, online, before. They were quite nice. I expect these to be about the same quality, although possibly missing the extra linen finish. Will comment when they arrive (1-2 weeks).
The same creator(s) also released a more recent deck that contains hundreds of picture & symbol combos, for similar use.
8)
The Deck Of Tales:
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/178039/The-Deck-of-Tales
They sent a list of similar stuff from the same people, when I got confirmation of my first deck being shipped. Which will be the shortest shipping time ever because, evidently, their card manufacturer is located on the other side of my city. ^-^
The physical cards are very nice. O0
The base Apprentice deck comes as 60 double-sided cards. Fairly thick, but flexible, poker style cards. They don't have a linen finish, but it's also not a cheap one, and has some decent texturing.
I'll definitely use DriveThru's card printing services again, without any hesitation regarding quality. I hope their on-demand book printing is similarly good.
Every card in the deck is cut perfectly even; the exact same size thoughout. You'd be surprised how often boardgame decks are cut unevenly, which makes me rage. :knuppel2:
Sounds like its worth buying the cards, I want Upfront but its in a diff country so I may pass.
Finally got around to ordering the physical Sci-Fi and Horror card decks. O0
After seeing the quality of the base GM Apprentice cards, from the manufacturer that DriveThruRPG uses, I'm alright with the price. Unlike many boardgames which profess to have "poker quality" cards, but not quite being so, these are actually the real deal.
Been debating picking up some game-specific Condition and/or Spell cards at some point. Such as the Chronicles Of Darkness Condition, Numina, Dread Power cards they offer. Or the Shadow Of The Demon Lord spell cards. But it would have to be for a game that will definitely have some tabletop play time, as opposed to over the net or just reading.
After tinkering a bit with WFRP 3rd Edition's card-heavy setup, I can see how much time and extra writing/typing it saves. Plus it looks better & more organized than makeshift scribbled notes all over.
Also got the Mage 2nd Edition book on my wishlist, now that it has a Print On Demand version available at DTRPG too. Not cheap but, unlike some others, I'm just fine with the "standard quality" print job I got with the CoD book as long as the spine doesn't suddenly go to shit from simply being opened.