Show threadE.T.SmithFeb 2, 2024

3/3

Interestingly, even though I didn't keep these self-criticisms conciously in mind, I must have internalized them, because I've a addressed them all to one degree or another since I first wrote that note. I've gotten much less formal about rules design, I haven't gone on a "one true way" tirade in a while, and I even finally did my first self-publishing (#Beeswox available on itch.io now!). Still not doing as much real-play as I'd like, unfortunately.

E.T.SmithDec 27, 2023

Finally, finally, finally, *Finally* got my game Beeswox up on itch.io, and just in time to add it to the Forever Open Source Jam no less. #Beeswox

https://etsmith.itch.io/beeswox

Beeswox by Ethric T.S.

A succinct set of rules for narraive-focused collaborative adventures by way of conversations between friends.

itch.io
Show threadE.T.SmithJul 28, 2023
@LeviKornelsen 1/2 I prefer TTRPG tools that are mechanically elegant and efficient, and convey strong sense-of-place (in other words, rules-lite and theme-heavy). I like playing #fiction_first and to #find_out_what_happens with #Open rules systems. Began with #TunnelsandTrolls, then #Indie, then all about #OSR, but of late have been running #Beeswox (my complilation of #World_of_X resources) and started to explore #FKR. Preferred genres are #SwordandSorcery, #Space_Adventure, #Bronze_Age_Supers
Show threadE.T.SmithJul 8, 2023
@LeviKornelsen I'm an advocate for truly open and non-commercial gaming, and strongly believe that approach is a must-needed alternative to consumerist-based entertainment. I wrote a game called #Beeswox, am a longtime fan and of #Indie and #OSR (and a member of their communities) and am starting to explore #FKR. I prefer face-to-face gaming, so if you're in the St Louis area, give me a ping.
Show threadE.T.SmithMay 6, 2023
@DanMaruschak @pteryx as someone who just splurged over a hundred bucks to vanity print my game #beeswox with no promise of a market (or even interest) I can only clear my throat awkwardly.
E.T.SmithApr 20, 2023
I'm pretty sure I managed to entirely avoid using the words *he, him, she* or *her* in the text of #beeswox, except for the acknowledgement page when referencing specific people, and a couple SC's in the sample scenarios. Mainly to see if I could make a gender-neutral rulebook. Wonder if anyone will notice.
E.T.SmithApr 11, 2023
In a weird little bit of synchronicity, I was mulling what other game to offer at Forge Midwest this weekend besides #Beeswox (weird compulsion of mine, always gotta offer at least two different games) when a friend cleaned out their closest of old boardgames and gifted me this old Bullwinkle and Rocky "role playing party game." (They also handed over the "Hannah Montana: Be Pop Star" DVD game, so I suppose tat's also an option).
E.T.SmithApr 3, 2023
@SymbolicCity @chrispwolf I really like #Offworlders (enough that I used it as a base for #Beeswox, my generic version of WoX). There's a neat suspense created by the "must keep the re-roll" rule for skills. Being an after-the-roll option, the player faces a choice on a 7-9 "partial success" result: use the skill for a reroll and maybe get a better outcome ... or maybe it gets worse. I like how that makes the skill a decision with consequences, not just a perfunctory buff.
E.T.SmithMar 21, 2023
The point of the project when one declares it's time to send it off to the printer not so much with a sense of achievement as capitulation, because even one more minute of editing, layout,
or rewriting will finally break you. #beeswox
Show threadE.T.SmithDec 19, 2022
@GamerMomLuna I'd like to finally get #Beeswox finished posted and printed, and maybe my SF project #ViatorGalaxia. But mainly I'd like to find a community of local face-to-face players up for non-D&D games. Left my last one just before the pandemic hit, found online play too frustrating, and haven't had much luck networking since then.