WHY IS A GAMEMASTER important? Many TTRPGs appoint such a figure, though the titles vary from game to game. Their function is to facilitate the creation of a story. They don’t know how it all will end, but they do know a few key things that will happen along the way.   For those new to game-mastering, the best way to learn is to play through a short simple adventure. You will take on a mix of responsibilities, starting with that of host. You are at the very least  host to wha

There are three important elements in most TTRPGs: the GM, the player, and the character. And each is represented by three core features.   1.       GMs supply the three acts that make a satisfying story structure. These are the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. They follow an ancient storytelling form that is still widely used today. You can hit all three acts in a single session, especially if it’s a one-shot. Longer adventures will have their main acts spread o

During most of the Viking Age, the kings and Jarls, or earls, of the north reigned in glorified farmsteads, and the chief business of the courts—particularly through the long gloom of winter—centered upon nightly drinking bouts. Scandinavian royalty possessed a limitless capacity for mead—a beverage made of fermented honey. Howard LaFay   THEIR LEGACY LIVES ON in the sagas and myths of the Eddas. Their customs continue in traditions such as feasting, the Yule tree, toasting,

THE FOLLOWING IS about the Norse during the age of their great expansion. Three modern countries comprise the core region of Scandinavia: Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. Finland and Iceland are part of a larger group of Nordic countries which also includes Scandinavia. Norwegians, Swedes, and Danes share a common culture and speak a common language. Their society is largely based on hunting, agriculture, fishing, and animal husbandry. Norway has its fjords, Sweden its lakes and

Examining My Own House Rules You’ve seen my house rules in Part Two. They’re pretty basic and not too strict. They leave lots of room for hospitality. For the most part I tried not to assume anything. However, notice I didn’t say ‘no smoking’. That’s because I think it’s generally assumed these days—most people aren’t going to light up a cigarette at someone else’s place unless the homeowner smokes too, which I don’t. I do, however, encourage people to take breaks as needed,

HERVOR , Warrior (Berserker)     Combat: She hides an eagerness to fight, but fears neither death nor the bloodlust in her heart.   Notes: Hervor is the daughter of Angantyr and Tofa. Tofa is the daughter of Jarl Bjarmar. Angantyr was a great warrior, but he was killed in a duel against the Swedish hero, Hjalmar. Hervor lives with her grandfather in his hall at Bjarfrost. There she rebels against the role of bondmaid. Instead, she occupies her private time learning to ride, s

These publications weren’t even out yet when I was a newbie. Our group bought them new at the bookstore in town. Cover Letter (Note: the House Rules in this document refer, not to the rules of the game, since we play ‘rules as written’, but rather to the homeowner’s preferences, which are idiosyncratic and likely unique to each home.) Adventurer, Thank you for your query. Brian Cool—local author, gamemaster, and creator of Mythmaker—invites you to join a tabletop rolepla

This post series is not about how to find new players. It’s not about playing with new people at a tourney, a convention, or online.  It’s about good old fashioned homegrown hospitality … But first, a short story. ---------------------------------------------------------------- The living room was aglow from a string of fairy lights trailing across the bookshelves, the scent of homemade brownies adding to the air of anticipation. I glanced at the clock—5:45 PM. The table was

the Waiting Table As gamemaster, you will take on a mix of responsibilities, starting with that of host. You are at the very least  host to whatever adventure you are presenting. You may also be hosting the player group at your own table. But what if you need to gather a group first? Sometimes that’s not a problem. Other times, well, perseverance matters. So does your location. Population density plays a big factor when it comes to getting together at a physical table. If yo

Beware: the subject matter of this essay may trigger you, depending on who you are. Let’s be honest, TTRPGs can take us to some wild places. One minute you’re battling monsters, the next you’re navigating love, betrayal, social issues, or mental health. That’s part of the magic! But with all these possibilities, it’s worth asking: should we use content warnings at our tables? Tabletop roleplaying games are all about collaborative storytelling, imagination, and adventure. How

Adventure included in the GM Quick Guide A TALE OF HEROISM AND ANCIENT EVIL unfolds in the heart of the Village of Blakburgn when a young...

🎉 **Exciting News!** 🎉 Hey, Mythmaker fans! 🛡️✨ We're thrilled to announce that the Mythmaker Quick Guides are now available on...

When I first started roleplaying at age eleven, Dungeons and Dragons was the only RPG in town. By then it had only been around for a...

KIDS DO IT whenever they can, when they pretend, which is great. Research shows that if you make-believe as a child, you will benefit as...

RPG NIGHTS Starting Jan. 2023 Meet New Friends Game Materials Supplied When: 7 – 10 pm. Groups meeting monthly. Contact us for schedule....

IT WAS THE EARLY DARK of mid-winter on the outskirts of some Northern town. There sat a little gray house. A light shone on the porch,...

And A PROGRESS REPORT “There are no problems, only solutions.” - John Lennon THANKS FOR STOPPING BY the site today, or any day. I wanted...

Jung and the Roots of Roleplay

This is at once, two miniature stories: how I saved money, and how I spent it.

Announcing the launch of our website Born on Halloween, 2021 at the Witching Hour World, meet MYTHMAKER We thought it would be most...