rpg

3149 readers

7 users here now

This community is for meaningful discussions of tabletop/pen & paper RPGs

Rules (wip):

Do not distribute pirate content
Do not incite arguments/flamewars/gatekeeping.
Do not submit video game content unless the game is based on a tabletop RPG property and is newsworthy.
Image and video links MUST be TTRPG related and should be shared as self posts/text with context or discussion unless they fall under our specific case rules.
Do not submit posts looking for players, groups or games.
Do not advertise for livestreams
Limit Self-promotions. Active members may promote their own content once per week. Crowdfunding posts are limited to one announcement and one reminder across all users.
Comment respectfully. Refrain from personal attacks and discriminatory (racist, homophobic, transphobic, etc.) comments. Comments deemed abusive may be removed by moderators.
No Zak S content.
Off-Topic: Book trade, Boardgames, wargames, video games are generally off-topic.

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

Avogadro@ttrpg.network

sirblastalot@ttrpg.network

TripHammer@ttrpg.network

Primarch@ttrpg.network

BrentTaylor@ttrpg.network

Question about whether I should switch systems for Cyberpunk genre game? (lemmy.world)

submitted 1 year ago by KayMan17@lemmy.world to c/rpg@ttrpg.network

10 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I am currently in a group playing Cyberpunk: RED and, while I am enjoying the GM's play style and plot, I feel like we're not utilizing the system to its full extent. Particularly, we have dropped initiative, the XP system, and the very, very detailed way it handles "damage to body parts." What might be a good system to switch to while still keeping the feel of the game? I've looked for any PbtA games, but there seem to be none in the cyberpunk genre. I personally would prefer a narrativist sort of game but I'm okay with a little bit of crunch in combat (and I think the other players/GM would agree with me).

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] Kertain@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I love cyberpunk and have run many different systems and settings over the years. A few years ago I picked up The Sprawl a PBtA book and it clicked. Of course very narrative but with the cyberpunk stuff you want- hacking, gear, cyberware but without a ton of book keeping.

Is it perfect? No, but it's a good fit if you like to narrative games. It's default is mission based gameplay, but have done several campains breaking out of that mission structure. Doing a Shadowrun campain right now :)

I can't recommend it enought! DM me happy to chat more!

http://www.ardens.org/games/the-sprawl/

[–] KayMan17@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Hey! I'm looking at the system online and I'm liking what I'm seeing! I'm (very) broadly familiar with PbtA's system and I am fairly sure that this will get a positive reaction! Our #1 gripe has been the over-complexity with the synthetic mechanics and weird hacking mechanics in RED's system. Thanks a ton :)

[–] Kertain@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago

Cool glad to help. I played Red as well and while its perfectly fine, I felt it was just too much mechanics that get in the way of the story.

Note on Sprawl: default system is deadly and high chance of body parts blown off or death it's gritty but you can adjust to your taste. Embrace the chaos. Also stick to mission structure for first few games, a narrative will emerge naturally that just fits and you will know it, and that you can build into a campain around. Scary to start that way but it works well!

As for PBtA in general it (for me at least) took a bit to grok how to run it. Once it clicked and I realized I didn't need a ton of detailed prep, just going with the flow in game, and then putting my prep into vectors of story and world-building, and character complications, I feel in love. Your not making plot details, your adjusting around player decisions and adding complications... It's a very diffeent take for me.

There is a good actual play for the Sprawl that was a good primer to see how it works. Let me dig that up.

Also this video is good too! Adam is a dbag for other reasons but this advise is solid https://youtu.be/xBkMOsZ7KDo

[–] Kertain@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Also I am very happy to run a one shot online for you and your group! I can do a solid one in 4 hours and should help you see if it's worth your time. :)