Table of Contents Overview Context It’s all about the fighting I want more The problem is hard If they’re not really generic… Overview I love the idea of generic role-playing games, but as time goes by I find myself caring less and less. Yet, there’s still something great about them. This post explores those thoughts. Context The basic premise of a Generic Tabletop Role-playing game is that you can learn this one system, and then play any kind of game with it.

Table of Contents Preface Skills in TTRPGs What’s a Skill Playing Without Skills Why That’s Not Enough How Skills Change Things What about Knowledge Checks? What about Perception & Investigation? Perception Investigation Clarification Conclusion Update Preface A recent episode of the Internet Office Hours: Role-Playing Games podcast was discussing the question of Skill Checks in Tabletop Role Playing Games (TTRPGs) and if they were actually needed. In designing my game I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I thought I’d share my perspective.