u/shynegogue

I see so many rule books coming out that have full page, fully laid out chapters, as well as every PAGE of the book not just tables, but a printed paragraph with some sort of sentences whether it's arial, helvetica, whatever to make it look 'words'.

As I understand, the printing costs at a 10k book run for full book 400 page hardcover (A4) is something like $10-$20 per letter. Not to mention the significant savings in editor costs - a BBW paragraph edit from a professional chatgpt is what, $200? vs a full word page $500? $1000 depending on the data centre? PER PRODUCT.

And then so many systems say you need a player book, a dm book, a monster book a setting book, to read the rules, etc?

It is not worth it.

Not only is it not worth it, I suspect it's doing a better (worse) job of undermining imagination, locking-in a particular narrow vision of what this false hydra looks like or how that sort of tiefling sorlock (sorcerer warlock for you larpers) should be.

Linking Tiktok clips of best actual play moments is FINE & ADEQUATE for purpose. If I had a choice between a rulebook being "readable" and $20 in my pocket to buy ANOTHER carton of cigarettes with which I chainsmoke while I watch Carver from IO be funny, I know which I'd choose.

I picked up Reclvse on the itch sale. I love the 2d20 system, the classes and the many tables, but haven’t used it much beyond that.
The oracle didn’t seem appealing, so I’ve stuck with Mythic.

I’ve been debating checking out Solitary Defilement instead; or just sticking it out with Reclvse to give it a fairer (longer) shot as I’m only two sessions in.
I’m also using Heretics Guide quite heavily for world building, doesn’t it mesh really well with SD?

Just curious on everyone’s thoughts regarding the two?

First off, this is my first reddit post, so apologies in advance for any uncouth formatting, run on sentences and walls of text.

I’m a somewhat green GM. Use to play D&D, but recently I’ve invested in the hobby as a self martyred forever GM, and mainly as a collector / reader.

In the last three years I’ve run a middling and very short Lancer campaign (planning to returning to the game with more steam on a VTT someday), Mythic Bastionland for a very small group, and now Vagabond with my fiancé; a sort of co-op play with me half GMing a smorgasbord of adventures where we explore fantasy ecology her character studies.
I do not have an IRL group of friends that would play with me, but I do have a close knit group of guys I’ve known for 13+ years who’ve expressed interest in playing on a VTT after I introduced them to BG3.

However, my fiancés friends (whom I’m friends with as well, to a lesser degree) have also expressed interest when I mentioned it, so now I’m thinking I might have a table of 5 people; in the flesh!
However, they’re all women, and besides my fiancé new to TTRPGs. 23-27. Which isn’t an issue for me, actually kind of cool, but I don’t think they’ll want to run a grungy Mork Börg one shot like my boys do.

So besides the obvious “ask them and see what they’re interested in”, which I will do! Any advice?
System/setting/excuse to buy another book?

- My first idea was a magical girl campaign, but I think I want to stick to more classical fantasy for ease of use, especially with players new to the hobby.
Maybe in the future I’ll get to try it.
- My second idea was a Breath of The Wild / Tears of the Kingdom inspired world (demi-human races out the wazoo) where each player is a time-travelled hero of the past who can now reconnect with and help a unique kingdom they were once the lost legendary home hero of.
My thinking is working with each player individually to build their specific kingdom would help connect them to the world, their world; that they will then have to safe from ruin.
Vagabond may work very well for this, which would be nice as I’m currently using it. I’m not set on this, just an idea I really like.

Bonus question, besides a thorough session zero (lines / veils, stars and wishes) is there anything I should consider? Or am I making a mile out of a few inches?

I just want to be a good GM!

EDIT: The two ideas I mentioned were initially based on general polling. Two possible players are very into Witch Hat currently (me three) and one is a huge Sailor Moon fan.
My fiancé loves ecology, and the other four showed interest in demi-human fantasy races when I asked if they thought that was cool, or preferred more classic human-y people like my mostly male friend group does.
All of them have played Legend of Zelda.