# Theory

**URL:** https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/c/theory/9.md

[Latest](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/tags.md)

---

## [What is The NSR All About?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/what-is-the-nsr-all-about/250)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@flyrefi](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/flyrefi)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [September 25, 2021, 4:41am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/what-is-the-nsr-all-about/250 "2021-09-25T04:41:30Z")

</div>

I figure I may as well post this message I wrote in the #introductions channel of our NSR Discord a few days ago, so it doesn’t get lost. I’d like to think it will double as an introduction to the Cauldron, if we’re doi…

---

## [Welcome To Theory!](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/welcome-to-theory/38)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Cosmic-Orrery](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Cosmic-Orrery)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [September 12, 2021, 1:16am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/welcome-to-theory/38 "2021-09-12T01:16:41Z")

</div>

Discussions on the nature of roleplaying games, how we play, why we play, what we play, and other abstract topics. Discussions about different play-styles, the history of ttrpgs, and so forth go here.

---

## [Non-Mechanical Strategy—How do we Encourage This?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/non-mechanical-strategy-how-do-we-encourage-this/775)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@SageDaMage](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/SageDaMage)\
**Replies:** 12\
**Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 2:01am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/non-mechanical-strategy-how-do-we-encourage-this/775 "2026-09-24T02:01:25Z")

</div>

I was very surprised when running Freeform Skirmish Referee (a referee’d wargame) how players who previously weren’t very strategic previously became incredibly tactical and, basically, handled combat in a way that I wou…

---

## [12 Cursed Illusionary Goblins](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/12-cursed-illusionary-goblins/3684)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Rickard](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Rickard)\
**Replies:** 0\
**Last updated:** [September 24, 2026, 1:55am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/12-cursed-illusionary-goblins/3684 "2026-09-24T01:55:47Z")

</div>

Here is how I look at a roleplaying session, and how I have gone from the typical combat system to playing combat more like a skill challenge (as it says more about the character than focusing on dice rolls). It also pre…

---

## [Open questions at character creation: what's your experience?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/open-questions-at-character-creation-whats-your-experience/3665)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@GoblinShield](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/GoblinShield)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [August 23, 2026, 1:42am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/open-questions-at-character-creation-whats-your-experience/3665 "2026-08-23T01:42:31Z")

</div>

Hi there! In some way or another, many TTRPGs include a formal step in character creation about the character’s stance related to… something. As examples: (a) Most PbtA’s playbooks come with choices, like You can’t re…

---

## [Gaming at Conventions](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/gaming-at-conventions/3518)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@xaran](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/xaran)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [April 30, 2026, 6:26pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/gaming-at-conventions/3518 "2026-04-30T18:26:00Z")

</div>

What can you do at a convention that you can’t do elsewhere? It’s a unique opportunity that differs from most of our gaming tables. An extended period of gaming with a larger pool of gamers. As I ran one shots at my loc…

---

## [Personal TTRPG History](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/personal-ttrpg-history/3471)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@cobb.land](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/cobb.land)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [February 28, 2026, 6:16am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/personal-ttrpg-history/3471 "2026-02-28T06:16:44Z")

</div>

Here’s a navel-gazey topic for ya, but I’m curious to learn about y’all’s personal history with tabletop roleplaying games.

---

## [The Expressionist Games Manifesto](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/the-expressionist-games-manifesto/3270)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@moss\_hall](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/moss_hall)\
**Replies:** 10\
**Last updated:** [October 4, 2025, 4:36pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/the-expressionist-games-manifesto/3270 "2025-10-04T16:36:13Z")

</div>

I am curious about folks thoughts on Jay Dragon’s Expressionist Games Manifesto. I was intrigued by the focus on players and their characters and how they rub against the rules and world too develop an inner world that i…

---

## [What’s the correct way to organize a TTRPG library?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/what-s-the-correct-way-to-organize-a-ttrpg-library/2925)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@rolledlow](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/rolledlow)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [September 27, 2025, 4:39am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/what-s-the-correct-way-to-organize-a-ttrpg-library/2925 "2025-09-27T04:39:59Z")

</div>

In your humble (or not) opinion, What’s the correct way to organize a TTRPG library? I’ve got four general categories: Sci-Fi: since it is smaller than fantasy and bigger than any other genre, I group the systems alon…

---

## [Supporting emotionally resonant play](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/supporting-emotionally-resonant-play/587)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Shane](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Shane)\
**Replies:** 17\
**Last updated:** [September 26, 2025, 4:55pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/supporting-emotionally-resonant-play/587 "2025-09-26T16:55:05Z")

</div>

This post and discussion is for people who are interested in emotionally resonant experiences in their games. If that is not something you are interested in that is totally cool - no need to respond letting me know that …

---

## [Linear reaction rolls](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/linear-reaction-rolls/3225)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@martin](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/martin)\
**Replies:** 15\
**Last updated:** [September 11, 2025, 8:59pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/linear-reaction-rolls/3225 "2025-09-11T20:59:16Z")

</div>

I entered the hobby via 3E and later discovered old school roleplaying culture via the OSR movement. I have been slow to realise the importance of reaction rolls. So this question is aimed at people who have used them th…

---

## [A little overview of Discord Servers, their Userbase and Growth](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/a-little-overview-of-discord-servers-their-userbase-and-growth/3239)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@paradisebunny](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/paradisebunny)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [September 6, 2025, 7:42pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/a-little-overview-of-discord-servers-their-userbase-and-growth/3239 "2025-09-06T19:42:56Z")

</div>

I’ve been keeping track of several OSR discord servers userbases over time to get a rough idea about game popularity. Take this with a grain of salt, as some games communities do not prioritise discord as their social hu…

---

## [Rumors about the dungeon](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/rumors-about-the-dungeon/1337)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@oats](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/oats)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [August 11, 2025, 10:04am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/rumors-about-the-dungeon/1337 "2025-08-11T10:04:15Z")

</div>

For rumors about a dungeon that the DM gives to the players before they go: if they could be a lie Then I’m inclined to disregard them all. I’d rather not indulge any of them if one could be a lie. This is an overly pe…

---

## [Fun with hexflowers](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/fun-with-hexflowers/3182)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@pladohsghost](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/pladohsghost)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [August 10, 2025, 9:16am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/fun-with-hexflowers/3182 "2025-08-10T09:16:02Z")

</div>

Anybody here used hexflowers much? I spent a bit of time considering whether I could use any in my projects. I think they can add something here and there, so I’m tossing ideas around to figure out how to make them fun a…

---

## [Converting Cairn Backgrounds to OSE // B/X](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/converting-cairn-backgrounds-to-ose-b-x/3140)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@IwarTheHomeless](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/IwarTheHomeless)\
**Replies:** 3\
**Last updated:** [July 22, 2025, 5:09pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/converting-cairn-backgrounds-to-ose-b-x/3140 "2025-07-22T17:09:10Z")

</div>

I am currently working on a mini setting zine, that I hope to finalize soon. I have been designing it for Cairn 2e, but as system neutral as possible. One of the elements of the zine are six new backgrounds. Seeing as I…

---

## [Domain Play rules and tips feedback](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/domain-play-rules-and-tips-feedback/3118)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@oats](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/oats)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [July 14, 2025, 2:05pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/domain-play-rules-and-tips-feedback/3118 "2025-07-14T14:05:32Z")

</div>

Please share any feedback for this doc. Anything it’s missing? I’d like to help and give more confidence to DMs for Domain play. thanks Domain play In Dungeons & Dragons (and other tabletop RPGs) refers to a style of g…

---

## [ShadowDark & ICRPG](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/shadowdark-icrpg/2953)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@rolledlow](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/rolledlow)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [May 10, 2025, 8:21pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/shadowdark-icrpg/2953 "2025-05-10T20:21:31Z")

</div>

These are the systems I have most experience running. In some ways they overlap, in others they’re complimentary opposites. I’m going to ruminate about my experience with each. From a design perspective, ShadowDark asks…

---

## [Cauldron System Design Reference Library](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/cauldron-system-design-reference-library/2456)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Stepnix](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Stepnix)\
**Replies:** 11\
**Last updated:** [April 29, 2025, 5:27pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/cauldron-system-design-reference-library/2456 "2025-04-29T17:27:26Z")

</div>

The purpose of this thread is to collect examples of systems that have particularly strong design in a certain area, or are exemplars of their design lineage, or are otherwise interesting and compelling in a way worth be…

---

## [Story game Big Three Questions and the OSR/NSR version](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/story-game-big-three-questions-and-the-osr-nsr-version/894)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@yoshi](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/yoshi)\
**Replies:** 28\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 1:52am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/story-game-big-three-questions-and-the-osr-nsr-version/894 "2025-04-21T01:52:32Z")

</div>

So there are “The Big Three” questions that get quoted for TTRPG game design. What is the game about? How is the game about that? What behaviors does the game incentivize in the players? I like them, but I am also a s…

---

## [One Year Since "Six Cultures of Play"](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/one-year-since-six-cultures-of-play/837)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@flyrefi](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/flyrefi)\
**Replies:** 40\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 1:37am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/one-year-since-six-cultures-of-play/837 "2025-04-21T01:37:43Z")

</div>

I meant to do this thread on April 6, but time this past week has gotten away from me. So, I guess it’s “a year +4 days.” So… It’s been a year since RetiredAdventurer’s “Six Cultures of Play” post. I don’t think it’s a…

---

## [Looking for group to read with ~ Playing Fans: Negotiating Fandom and Media in the Digital Age](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/looking-for-group-to-read-with-playing-fans-negotiating-fandom-and-media-in-the-digital-age/2889)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@rolledlow](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/rolledlow)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [April 21, 2025, 12:50am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/looking-for-group-to-read-with-playing-fans-negotiating-fandom-and-media-in-the-digital-age/2889 "2025-04-21T00:50:00Z")

</div>

This book looks highly relevant to many discussions on “What is the OSR?” “What is state of the OSR?” and arguably, “What is the future of the OSR?” (Seems like this trifecta needs a name.) From the description on the w…

---

## [Talkin' "Usefulness" in Module Design](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/talkin-usefulness-in-module-design/484)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@andymc](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/andymc)\
**Replies:** 31\
**Last updated:** [April 15, 2025, 10:17pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/talkin-usefulness-in-module-design/484 "2025-04-15T22:17:35Z")

</div>

I’ve been reading tons of modules lately with wildly different approaches to page layout, visual design, and general presentation of information. This got me thinking about what the “ideal” module should do–for GMs durin…

---

## [Overdesigning Restrictions. Safety net not required](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/overdesigning-restrictions-safety-net-not-required/2733)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@garyD.Pryor](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/garyD.Pryor)\
**Replies:** 2\
**Last updated:** [March 20, 2025, 12:29am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/overdesigning-restrictions-safety-net-not-required/2733 "2025-03-20T00:29:40Z")

</div>

Reddit Crosspost, because I always forget this place exists, but the feedback and discussion here is generally better. I just published a big update to Chronomutants, trying to put the last 2 years of playtest feedback …

---

## [An expanded discussion of how to easily run a mystery in anTTRPG](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/an-expanded-discussion-of-how-to-easily-run-a-mystery-in-anttrpg/2682)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Joseph\_Krausz](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Joseph_Krausz)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [March 17, 2025, 10:58pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/an-expanded-discussion-of-how-to-easily-run-a-mystery-in-anttrpg/2682 "2025-03-17T22:58:39Z")

</div>

I wrote a blogpost looking at an easy way to run mysteries in a TTRPG.

---

## [Options for B/X Compatible Magic Systems?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/options-for-b-x-compatible-magic-systems/1580)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@originalgoat](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/originalgoat)\
**Replies:** 7\
**Last updated:** [March 7, 2025, 9:14pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/options-for-b-x-compatible-magic-systems/1580 "2025-03-07T21:14:21Z")

</div>

By B/X compatible I just mean not so dependent on a particular system’s ruleset that it would be a significant undertaking to drop it into a typical OSR game. I found this old post regarding Alternative Magic Systems, w…

---

## [An Easy Way to Write a Mystery Scenario](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/an-easy-way-to-write-a-mystery-scenario/2531)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Joseph\_Krausz](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Joseph_Krausz)\
**Replies:** 5\
**Last updated:** [February 9, 2025, 8:23am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/an-easy-way-to-write-a-mystery-scenario/2531 "2025-02-09T08:23:08Z")

</div>

I recently wrote this on Discord and felt that it could have a more permanent home here, and maybe spark a discussion. I’m eventually going to blog about it, when I feel like I’ve worked more out: After writing a couple…

---

## [Paul T's History of Innovation at the Forge (Compiled from NSR Discord)](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/paul-ts-history-of-innovation-at-the-forge-compiled-from-nsr-discord/2471)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@proton](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/proton)\
**Replies:** 16\
**Last updated:** [February 5, 2025, 2:14am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/paul-ts-history-of-innovation-at-the-forge-compiled-from-nsr-discord/2471 "2025-02-05T02:14:18Z")

</div>

Below is a history of game design innovations on the Forge as told by Paul T on the NSR discord, in the Storygames channel. This whole thing was buried in a thread, and I wanted to preserve it somewhere, so I’ve collecte…

---

## [Elusive Shift thoughts and reactions](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/elusive-shift-thoughts-and-reactions/1696)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Stepnix](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Stepnix)\
**Replies:** 6\
**Last updated:** [February 1, 2025, 4:30am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/elusive-shift-thoughts-and-reactions/1696 "2025-02-01T04:30:08Z")

</div>

I’m partway through The Elusive Shift, an excellent history of early TTRPG play and theory. It’s fascinating how many recurring topics of conversation were debated from a very early stage (genre convention vs realism, in…

---

## [Answers, In No Particular Order](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/answers-in-no-particular-order/1611)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@yochaigal](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/yochaigal)\
**Replies:** 8\
**Last updated:** [January 14, 2025, 10:09pm UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/answers-in-no-particular-order/1611 "2025-01-14T22:09:43Z")

</div>

I wrote a blogpost that answers a number of questions that Prismatic Wastelands asked me on Bluesky a few weeks ago. I hope you find it as entertaining to read as I did to write.

---

## [State of the Community?](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/state-of-the-community/1564)

<div class="topic-metadata">

**Author:** [@Stepnix](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/u/Stepnix)\
**Replies:** 27\
**Last updated:** [January 12, 2025, 12:42am UTC](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/t/state-of-the-community/1564 "2025-01-12T00:42:19Z")

</div>

I started following TTRPGs closely around the time that Itch and Twitter really started becoming major community institutions, so they’re my major reference point for what ttrpg communities “typically” look like. Twitter…

[Next page](https://discourse.rpgcauldron.com/c/theory/9.md?page=1)