Kane's Kiln

When I create a monster, I don't follow some magical step-by-step framework that spits out an awesome monster. I have to work at it over several passes and compare it against my principles of monster design.

Discussion on how Duration can be used to challenge our players but also what Game Masters should be aware of to have better control of this aspect of the game.

There are so many more levers to pull on than just increasing the dice type or how many. If we consider the possibilities when answering the primary question of do I roll 2d4 or 1d12 or 3d6 or whatever to deal damage can be more informed and more effective.

The most often referenced principle of the GM Oath, it is an important principle that should also be handled with care.

As I continue to make homebrew and DIY content for ICRPG, how ICRPG sounds and what I can gain from it is constantly on my mind. If we can match the ICRPG voice we can more seamlessly integrate our own ideas into the game.

One of the greatest responsibilities of a GM is focusing in on the players and lifting them up to be the heroes and the stars of every session.

The energy we bring to the game is so important so let's discuss some ideas on how to promote that energy in our sessions, as well as being honest with ourselves when our energy is waning.

JD and I discuss the Grit, Adrenaline, and Madness mechanics found in the Waste is Not Kind, a post-apocalyptic toolkit for ICRPG. #icrpg #post-apocalyptic #rpg #gamemechanics

For me, the emotional feeling of the game is as important as the mechanics. I feel that if we can consider how we want the game to feel, it can guide our choices as Dungeon Masters

My Dungeon Master Control board is one of my favorite tools to reflect in this hobby and realize all the tools that are in my control. Follow along and try it out for yourself! And if you like this kind of stuff, I'd love for you to come the Kiln Folk on Discord, as well as gain access to the Inner Sanctum by becoming a member on Ko-fi! Or just follow me on Instagram! Discord: https://discord....

We've been talking about a lot of heady stuff in the last few workshops, which has been awesome, but it's that time of year and the Kiln needs some cleaning! So while I tidy up around the place, let's chat and answer some questions. And if you want to support the Kiln further, you can always donate on Ko-fi! https://ko-fi.com/kaneskiln

JD and I convene to discuss how creating a world at the table is a shared experience between the Game Master and the players. It is a constant feedback loop that everyone can be involved in. #icrpg #gamemaster #worldbuilding And don't forget to come and hang out in the Kiln by checking out YouTube, visiting my blog, or joining me on Discord YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KanesKiln Blog: htt...

This week's workshop opens the fire hose as Chris | EvilArtifact dives into the deep end of world-building. His actionable insights and advice are a master class that I really think every Game Master could benefit from. Chris was also super kind to share his notes with me after the workshop, so check them out! #world-building #icrpg #game-prep And don't forget to come and hang out in the K...

Factions. Factions. Factions. A golden word in the hobby at times, but what does it even mean and how do they work? I enjoy it when factions or groups are included in my games as both a player or GM, but sometimes the whole purpose of them gets lost in the amount of prep if feels like you need to make them useful. Well, I gathered the Kiln Folk and we chatted about it, so come listen to what we ca...

The study of The Oath continues! Building off the torrent of creativity and play that we go through as GMs, it’s important to dedicate time and energy to our memory. The power to recall and reference all the juicy details, lessons, and ideas we pick up throughout the week or even in the middle of the session. I won’t spoil the whole workshop but I did want to jot down some of the principles I refe...

The Oath. A classic piece of writing in ICRPG that comes up frequently in the public spaces of Index Card RPG. But even though there are nine principles, only a few get the attention they deserve. So I thought I’d set out in studying and discussing each principle. Hankerin discussed the whole Oath in an  RPG Mainframe episode , but I wanted to focus on what my experience has been and how I’ve seen...

Torn has a wonderful perspective on both sides of the world-building coin. On one side, you have Game Masters who only prep what they need for the session they are running and that’s where it stops. On the other side, you have Game Masters who prepare elaborate worlds and details for their game world, that may never see time at the table. All for the sake of creating that world. Torn does a bit of...

A few months ago I ran the  Rig Riot  game, which was an absolute blast. But afterward, one of the players had a few questions about how I ran the game and it really got me thinking. Here is his question: "Given the outcome of the game, I get the feeling that there wasn’t really an option for player freedom to move away from the set pieces. This created a sense of purpose and urgency which ke...

So as EpicSloth (JD) has worked on  The Waste is Not Kind , the subject of “tone” has come up a lot. How do you use the mechanics of the game to highlight a particular feeling that a GM or player might be after? Well, I can say that EpicSloth was able to achieve that with the Waste and why his insight into the subject prompted this conversation. As EpicSloth and I discuss the questions presented b...

The idea behind this episode was something that I have recently noticed about myself. I’ve found that when the subject of math, statistics, probability, or anything of that nature came up at the table, it kind of made me sad. My energy would dip and I just lost some enthusiasm for the game I was currently playing. But I wanted to address that. I know that math and the statistics of what we’re doin...