Master Plan #33: Unpacking Mechanics 1, Points of Tension

On this episode (which is my longest yet), Fred Hicks and I kick off the long-awaited series on mechanics with a discussion about "points of tension," relating both to Don't Rest Your Head's Exhaustion mechanic and Mythender's Mortality mechanic. Fred starts with a wacky assertion -- that conflict is underutilized in RPGs -- and goes from there. Afterwards, Ryan brings up three things: the now-in-preorder Don't Lose your Mind (which he's proud to be the editor of), Levi Kornelsen & Amagi Games, and a new podcasting project with Paul Tevis called This Just In From GenCon. This time, he remembers the Design Watch bump.

Specific Mentions:

• Don't Lose Your Mind by Evil Hat Productions (pre-order)
• Amagi Games
• This Just In From GenCon (also available through our sponsor, DriveThruRPG.com)
• GenCon 2008 Podcasting Track (Pulp Gamer)

Games & Other Mentions:

• Don't Rest Your Head by Evil Hat Productions
• Hero's Banner by Tim C Koppang
• The Game Master Show episode with Fred Hicks
• Requiem Chronicler's Guide by White Wolf
• Dresden Files by Evil Hat Productions
• Escape or Die! by Fred Hicks
• Indie Press Revolution
• PDQ by Chad Underkoffler
• Mythender (my blog)

Running time: 35:47 / File size: 24.6 MB

Discuss this episode on the forums: http://www.hmfy.com/masterplan/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=36