Micah from Pyromaniac Press had his third interview ahead of SHO is with the ever enthusiastic Matthew McKail. (First published via Pyromaniac Press on Facebook)
1. What games are you running at SHO?
I’ll be running demo games of Numenera by Monte Cook Games and D&D 5th Edition Lil’ Venturers League for the Kids.
2. Tell us about Numenera. How would you describe the setting?
The Numenera is a Sci-fi Fantasy. A world built upon the bones of civilisations past. A game for explorers and delvers, seeking to uncover troves of artefacts and wondrous treasures. In this world the Numenera surrounds (and is part of) everything. Technology has long since transcended human understanding and appears as magic. Where the impossible is possible.
3. Describe the game mechanics. How does it work?
The Cypher System is a d20 system where players attempt to reduce levels of difficulty, making inhuman tasks achievable. Players reduce the target difficulty number by using; XP, Effort, Skills and Assets. A mundane task is difficultly level 1 (roll of 3 or more on d20). A level 2 task requires a roll of 6 or more and a level 6 task would require an 18 (a very challenging feat). The use of Effort, XP, Skills and Assets can reduce the difficulty target by one level.
Cyphers, oddities and artefacts are objects, while the use is not inherently obvious, that can assist the explorer to gain benefit in a situation, deal with an unexpected threat or simply be a curiosity that can be traded away for Shins, the games currency. Shins are curious things like mechanisms or trinkets found in sunken cities and hidden ruins.
4. You are also running D&D for kids. How does that vary from regular games?
Running games for kids is challenging all in itself, attentions are shorter, exposition is more succinct, action is favoured over intrigue. As a teacher, I’ve acquired a good handle on making everyone at the table feel valued by delivering instant feedback and acknowledgement of great choices and achievements. Enthusiasm grabs their attention, it’s easily the most infectious part of working with kids. Battle maps and miniatures are fantastic visual tools for kids, and I definitely use these more when gaming with children than adults.
5. Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been playing/running TTRPGs, and what do you like best about them in general?
While RPGs and gaming in general has always been there for me (very much in the background) when I was younger, it wasn’t until latter in my adult life that I became so invested. I owned several core books from many notable TTRPGs such as: Cyberpunk 2020, Twilight 2000, Vampire:Dark Ages and Traveller. Yet I never played any of them.
While at University I took advantage of counselling services and the subject of gaming came up. I explained that I played D&D every Monday night, and that I was always the groups Cleric. It was my choice, but the councillor confronted me and said “You’re always helping and healing others, try something different and outside your comfort zone”. So I became a Barbarian. Quite possibly the worst (or best) there ever was. But, I had a blast and that was it. I was hooked.
My favourite RPG game systems include: Deadlands Reloaded, Star Wars by FFG, Dread, and the End of the World series by FFG. I love games that include the narrative in the mechanics. Interpreting results is a great way to bring out the drama and provide boons and banes.
Catch Matt at SHO, Claremont Showgrounds June 1-3
Southern Hemisphere Open RPG