I’m back with a second supplemental update for May. And it’s got good news and bad news.
The Good News: Live Chat for Everyone
First, the good news. On the evening of Monday, May 15th, I hosted a live chat on my supporter Discord server. Which is something I do every month. Mostly. People can listen to me yammer and then participate in a question-and-answer thing. I then make the recording available to all of my supporters, regardless of their tier of support.
I’m making this month’s available to all y’all. Everyone’s welcome to listen. Why? Two reasons. First, there’s a supremely important discussion about game design, game structure, and the concept of Macrochallenges as they relate to tabletop roleplaying game design. And the discussion clarifies — and expands on — some of the points I made in my recent article about The Attrition Macrochallenge. I figure everyone can benefit from it; so I’m sharing it around.
Second, though, there’s an important discussion at the start about the recent difficulties I’ve had keeping on my release schedule. And an important message for everyone out there whose struggling to be the best version of themself and maybe not quite accomplishing what they want to accomplish. I think it’s something that everyone should hear. And that message also helps put the bad news in context.
Download Angry’s May 2023 Mostly Monthly Live Chat
The Bad News: Another Article Delay
I find myself once again editing the May content calendar to give myself some extra time to get stuff done and in my ongoing effort to just get myself back on schedule as it were. And those efforts were shot down with the accidental destruction of several pages of notes and outlines for upcoming articles. So this week’s article will come out next week. Next week’s article will also come out next week. And the Tension Dice Angry Hack will come out in the last week of May as planned.
Here’s the new calendar.
Angry May 2023 Content Calendar
| Production Code | Tentative Title | Early Access | General Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| F0501 | Random BS: On Challenge and Difficulty | Thursday, May 11, 2023 | Tuesday, May 16, 2023 |
| F0502 | True Game Mastery: The Combat Narrative | Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | Thursday, May 26, 2023 |
| F0503 | True Game Mastery: It's a Trap | Thursday, May 26, 2023 | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 |
| F0504 | Angry Hacks: The Tension Pool | Tuesday, May 30, 2023 | Tuesday, June 6, 2023 |
And that’s it. That’s the update.
What software do you use for things like notes and outlines?
Immediately after posting that, I realized context might help. I’m wondering what sorts of automatic backups can be done, but that at least partially depends on what software you use.
Pen and paper. Not looking for help. Destruction of notes is extremely rare. But no matter what tool you use, it’s possible. Nothing is 100% certain.
Sorry to hear about the loss of notes. I know how frustrating that can be. I respect that you are working to meet a schedule, but I expect that your fans will understand.
I watch release schedule with morbid fascination and every time I’m assured of one thing: the Tension Pool article is cursed. Come winter, we’d be getting true game mastery block 3 content on homebrewing, and tension pool would still be on delay, to be published later this month.
I’m sorry. I know I am letting a lot of folks down by pushing that back repeatedly. I promise I am doing my best and it is very close to a releasable state at this point.
I think almost everyone here appreciates the work you put into this site, providing free entertainment and education to all of us. I think it is important to remember that there is a human behind the other screen. Take the time you need, because quality matters. I’ve been loving the site’s new direction this year. I feel it has been a huge step up in quality. Sorry for rambling a bit, I just wanted to say that I appreciate this all.
Hook: the famous author Angrian is late with his latest work again. He says he wrote it and goblins stole it, but Patrons at the local tavern don’t believe him. Is there really a goblin clan stealing parchments? And if so, why? Can the party investigate?
More seriously, you’re putting out some of the best content on the web for DMs, for free. (It’s close between you and the Alexandrian – I prefer your writing style and his beard – but you cover different stuff and your content compliments each other wonderfully.) So anything your happy to share with us is very appreciated, whenever it comes.
If stuff’s later than you wanted, we’ll wait. Don’t rush it. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from owning a dog, it’s that shit happens, and sometimes it’s not convenient. And sometimes it comes several times in a row and you you’ve only got one poop bag on you.
You’ve got an awesome backlog of articles so if your readers really want it, they can concoct some workable version of it based on old articles. The New Final Guide on Tension Pool is just a cherry on top by now. I hope you’re doing well.
Would you say wondering monsters are useless if a game does not use attrition as a macrochallenge? I feel like they aren’t, but I struggle to find another meaning for them.
And of course, thank you for all that you are doing 🙂
Wandering monsters seem to be useful to play with tension; most likely increasing it, but I could be convinced otherwise. Additionally, they punish PCs wasting time which is likely ever-presently attritable. Then again, there could be a “warp to” or “jump to next scene” thing a GM is doing that negates even that.
Lastly, random encounters, including wandering monsters, help the world feel alive. So, not useless.
As a content creator immersed in the TTRPG realm, I find myself engaged in extensive reading and research as I flesh out my content. Yet, among the vast array of available resources, there is one exceptional source that addresses the header problems facing GMs, the Angry GM! I delve into your content, often pausing at times to contemplate the concepts and ponder the grander scope of GMing. It has been hugely influential on my work.
Your work stands apart from the rest, skillfully navigating the philosophical aspects of Game Mastering without becoming entangled in the minutiae of mechanics, which often bog down so many other resources. This unique approach is a breath of fresh air, providing a valuable perspective on understanding the craft.
For this, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and eagerly anticipate the release of more True Game Mastery.