Friday freedom, adventurer!

Although not so much for me.

Today, when you receive this, I'll be at my booth at CometCon.

The biggest alternative entertainment event in Asturias!

If you come, you'll see the new contraption I gave you hints about last week.

(And a few more surprises, which I'll tell you about below.)

But first!

I'm here to tell you about something else.

One of the role-playing adventures that changed my destiny as a game master.

And why I think this story can change yours too.

A kleptomaniac wizard

My character, Aldara, was a level 3 mage obsessed with learning every spell she could find.

The more the better, even if she didn't know how to use them.

So we arrived in the city of Neverwinter.

Neverwinter has a huge university, and that university has...

A library full of spells!

So off Aldara goes, without hesitation, to try to hoard as many spells as she can.

But there was a problem...

Invisible walls

That wasn't the game my master had prepared.

So I say: I'll go in and try to cast as many spells as I can.

Response: You can't, because you have to get a library card.

Me: I'll get a library card.

Game Master: Okay, but you can't access the spell area because you're not a student at the university.

Me: I try to sneak in.

Game Master: You can't because it has a very complex security system with guards and turnstiles, and it would be impossible.

I think you get the idea.

And maybe you've come across a GM like that.

Or maybe it was you!

And that's okay. It's normal for a first-time GM.

But at that moment, I felt like the game had stopped and a debate had started.

And do you know the effect of that?

It shows you the invisible walls.

It makes you feel like the world is a hallway.

And the fantasy and fun disappear.

In role-playing games you can do whatever you want

The reason why, for me, role-playing will always beat video games is that you can do whatever you want.

Or rather, you can try whatever you want; whether you succeed is another matter.

That's why that specific phrase, “you can't”, ruins the game.

Try whatever you want. Then deal with the consequences.

This can be difficult for the game master. What do you do if, for example, you have combat scenarios prepared?

No problem, here's a trick I use quite a bit:

For example, stealing something from the library could be part of the villains' plan. Aldara's infiltration is something they didn't count on, and the commotion she causes affects their scheme.

Now the characters are in the villains' crosshairs, and they're going to make them pay.

A good director needs good tools

Reaching a high level of improvisation and freedom in my games has not been easy.

And even less so while maintaining the quality of the plots.

It takes time and practice.

But you can shorten it considerably with clear principles and references...

Like those included in my GM's Workshop.

The GM’s Workshop is the name given to the panel that you can now find inside my screens.

It's full of tips, tables, and tools that any game director can use in their game.

So that your world feels alive.

So that there are no invisible walls.

So that you and your players can enjoy true role-playing freedom.

Do you want it?

You have two options:

a) Stop by CometCon and show me this email.

b) Reply to this message.

It's going to be one of the main products of the Christmas campaign, and I wouldn't want my subscribers to miss out on it.

That's why I'm letting you know now.

Plus, if you buy it before the end of September (CometCon counts), you'll receive an exclusive bonus.

The Game Master's Survival Kit, an eBook in which I elaborate on each of the tips and tables on the screen and how I use them in my games.

Ideal for enhancing immersion and freedom in your games.

Now, I'm going to continue crafting screens, because CometCon won't wait.

Bountiful quests and successful rolls!

🦉 Irene the Wizard

🦃 Saul the Bard

P.S.: Is there a game that changed the way you play or direct? Tell me about it!

P.P.S.: If you're in the area, stop by CometCon—I love talking to you, adventurers!