I started reading the PDF of Ryuu-tama, a tabletop by the same translators/publishers that made Tenra Bansho Zero. The art is like something out of a children’s book illustrated by the early Secret of Mana staff. And that’s why I think I loved it. It reminded me of Legend of Mana, one of my favorite games of all time. I sitll have that CD somewhere.
As a Christian living out a biblical world view, I must say that I find almost every single tabletop to be at least a nuisance or even offensive when trying to be true to my faith in small ways.
Now, I’m not asking anyone to change texts. I’m not suggesting that anyone avoid buying any text or abstaining from roleplay or tabletops. I know there are tens of thousands of believers that play D&D every week. I love Tenra Bansho, Mutants and Masterminds, and am learning new systems like BESM 4th ed.
But now I’m focused on Ryuu-tama, because
1) it’s one of the least problematic of any I’ve purchased
2) The illustrations are gorgeous!
3) It reminds me of my childhood
But as I’m reading it, although I love the content, I find myself tired of reading mechanics and rules. Maybe it’s time to read other genres, more temperately.
I always wanted to write a core rule book for a tabletop rpg. But although I have made several (solo) attempts, it feels like there’s core books and mechanics galore. What I really want is a tabletop that is compatible with my own work, for which I could publish one or several source books. That has yet to happen, and unless I really focus and get to work, and get to the point where writing is work, it may never happen.
But I also realize that alone, I might come up with a document that’s sufficient, but if I really want it to be good, I need other people’s help, which means paying them (to which I have no objections), Or else I can trade for what I need, perhaps. I do write, draw, paint, and have academic abilities that might be useful to someone.
As I am reading these mechanics for Ryuu-tama, I am thinking of stretching it minutes later. “What about different color dragons? What about this or that?”
And thinking that I had an old setting that might do for my personal use without relying on this book or its content. So, until I can find a group to play (and a GM), I may work on something else, and perhaps sharpen my skills on that in the meantime.
And.. at some point I’d like to plan an adventure out for this particular tabletop, as I did for TBZ.
Well, life is calling.
Tremillian.