Resource Management in RPGs

Roleplaying games are all about resource management. This game of D&D we play is often the ultimate game of resource management. Whether is be ammunition, weapons, magic, or even gold, the characters need to manage resources in order to improve. Why am I checking the stormtrooper's body in Star Wars? Because I only have so many shots left until my blaster is empty. At that time, I can either be weaponless or I can use that scavenged blaster. Why his breastplate? Well, next time I get shot in the chest, I can either say "good thing I had the breastplate" or I can say "that jerk GM told me not to worry about looting the stormtrooper in the last room." Why do I take as much gold as possible out of the dungeon? Because I, my family, and my friends have to eat.

In a roleplaying game, you put yourself in the shoes of your character. Does your character want to live? Does your character want to eat? Does your character have to support themselves outside the dungeon environment? If so, I'm looting whatever it takes to survive. Resource management.

Popular posts from this blog

[D&D 5e] Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden 17

The party left the ice fortress to check out the dead body we heard was frozen in the ice halfway up the island. The body was of Nas. It turned out she was still there in spirit, and she possessed Vael. In Vael’s body, she went after the Codicil that Ylenn had her face stuck in. When Vael couldn’t get to Ylenn, Nas possessed Prax instead. Prax also couldn’t get there, as Ylenn cast Hold Person on him, and the rest of the party dragged him away from Nas’ dead body. After he was far enough away, the spirit had to return to the dead body…which Morgan had burned to a crisp. We got the orb containing Professor Scant from Nas’ dead body. We circled the island, looking for the whale or another good way off. We couldn’t find one. Ylenn said she could summon the whale, if we could just last the night. We made a lean-to to sleep in and keep cover from the roc. As an octopus, Morgan was able to get some sail from a sunken ship to cover our lean-to. He also was able to find a huge treasure che
Read more

The Gathering Storm Complete Play Report

 (I have merged all my Gathering Storm posts into this one for easy access) [WFRP 1e] The Gathering Storm 1   A Quest from A Merchant   Kraft was contacted by a local member of the Merchant’s Guild. He was given the party’s name by one of his financers, von Bruner. It seems a member of the guild traveled to Stormdorf to sell a few loads of coal. The merchant should have returned by now, and the guild is getting worried. They would like to know the whereabouts of the merchant, Florian Wechsler, and the return of his guild ring if he is no longer alive.   They party accepted the quest without hesitation. The merchant felt compelled to inform them that things are very wet in Stormdorf, as it rains a lot. He suggested making sure they had hooded cloaks and/or wide brimmed hats.   The group returned to the dwarves, hoping against hope that they could find some rain gear on the cheap. The dwarves were planning to go to Stormdorf themselves to sell some coal after visiting Grunwald Lodge. The
Read more