April 14, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 14: What are your Dreams and Plans?

April 14, 2018

#14: What are your Dreams and Plans?

Among my dreams are the following:
a) Help bring tabletop role-playing games to the forefront in the Philippine tabletop scene.
I dream of a day when tabletop rpgs would be as widespread and as common as say basketball or esports gaming.  Where more and more local game designers take the terrifying leap and release their work out there in the wild for more people to experience and find inspiration from. 

I dream of a day when a tabletop RPG convention happens and celebrates tabletop RPGs as its primary focus and joy.Where it isn't maligned or misused to gatekeep or push bigotry and homophobic agendas. Where it isn't used as a weapon by political forces to infiltrate the geek community and spread fake news. I dream of helping bring my hobby up to a level of familiarity where more of the fun can be shared not just with friends, but with family members and significant others.

b) I want to win an ENnie.
I want to be able to show my parents the award and make them proud.

c) I want to truly recover from it all.
After nearly giving up on role-playing games altogether because of events in the past, I know I am still on the gradual journey out of the fear and trauma, but it has helped big time to be surrounded by people who have been extremely supportive and inspiring. I still am working on being back in more public events. Admittedly, stuff as simple as watching plays or musicals at the theater, or joining boardgame or rpg events, still takes some getting used to. Some time back, a very kind group called the Greasy Snitches invited me to give a talk on rpgs. I nearly had a panic attack out of the sheer fear of bumping into certain people. But I'm getting better. When we took part in the Retrocon, it felt very good reconnecting with the community and being able to share my talents with them.

I've wasted too much time hoping for reparations. I have only hurt myself more by hoping things could still be repaired and I've definitely come to the realization it is time to just move forward, learn from the past, forgive them for what they've done to me, and never forget that they can always do it again. If I see them then so be it. I just have to accept the fact life goes on and while some injustices will never be settled fairly, the most we can do is just know better next time.

d) Write for Houses of the Blooded, officially.
I would LOVE to be given a chance to bring this game to a new level. I would love to be part of an official project under this title.  Who knows, it may happen?  Some years ago, I just wanted to get a chance to write a game and share it.  Barely two years in, I find myself writing for 7th freaking Sea and the book I'm part of actually gets a Silver Ennie.  So yeah, who knows what other miracles may happen?

e) Write for the World of Darkness, officially.
Gotta admit, I still have a lot of love for this game world. It would be a dream come true to also be given a chance to work on some official book for the World of Darkness. I don't know though if I have the knowledge and historical know to write a good one. Admittedly, that's also why I haven't gotten around to writing a Manila by Night sort of book, even for the Community Creator's thing.

My plans?
Lin-Manuel Miranda put it best when he wrote Non-Stop in Alexander Hamilton. "Why do you write like you’re running out of time?" I'm gonna keep active, keep writing, and keep creating. I'm gonna make a mark in the industry, even if it means to just serve as stepping stones for future creators.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Day 6: Fiasco

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 6: Fiasco

Oh my god. This game. The way this game made me realize how GMless games can be insanely fun and funny without being nonsensical and absurd. This game even showed me they can be serious and deep and were so system-lite, there were new paradigms being born in my head. I sincerely believe people should try Fiasco at least one in their entire gaming lives, just to shake up what they thought was the one true way to play rpgs.

April 13, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 13: Biggest Influences?

April 13, 2018

#13: Biggest Influences?

Among my biggest influences are the following:

a) That horrible first game
My first game ever was such a powerful moment that it had a profound effect on me for the rest of my life. First, it made me realize roleplaying games were awesome and fun. It allowed me to have a world to explore and adventure in that was magical and yet felt real. Secondly, it reminded me to never treat my players like shit. Even today at 2018, I am aware of some groups with GMs who are still as spiteful and as exploitative as that first one I played under. But I've at most promised myself to just be a better example of what GMs can be for those who opt to see it. In the end, I have to just respect boundaries and leave them to play how they want to.

b) Houses of the Blooded
This game opened my eyes to so many new paradigms in gaming, with the biggest being shared narrative control and open secrets. Many fault the game for its seemingly "incomplete" system or complicated crunch, but I personally feel they're just too set in the games they prefer to see the gems this game offers.

c) Everyday Life

I am thankful that my life is surrounded by people of different backgrounds, lifestyles, and stories who inspire me in various directions. I have people who encourage me to reach for new horizons, to spread my wings and be less afraid to share what I have to share with the gaming industry. From my parents who give constant support and faith in my abilities, despite not quite grasping what gaming is like, to my partner, Rocky, who has always been my anchor and my creative compass. He gives me just enough room to go crazy, then reels me back in when I teeter to close to the edge. And so many other people, it would probably take a short book to thank them all.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Day 5: Wraith the Oblivion

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 5: Wraith the Oblivion

Wraith taught me to see role-playing games as more than just a game. It was a medium of exploring anything. Fun stories. Dark stories. Introspective thoughts of an existential nature. It taught me to see players as people who can also offer options as antagonists in a game. It was a dark and dreary game that enthrals, inspires, seduces, and terrifies.

And I still seek for the day I can run this with a group that is willing to dive into the darkness with me. A group that absolutely trusts in me and in each other. A group mature enough to explore disturbing topics without using it for cheap self-fulfilling gains at the cost of other player's comfort.

April 12, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 12: How do you get your work out there?

April 12, 2018

#12: How do you get your work out there?

Currently, TAG Sessions stuff are available via DrivethruRpg. The site has been quite a resource in reaching an audience and finding new readers and gamers.  I've also signed up with Gallant Knight Games and through them, books like A Single Moment continue to gain traction and find a fanbase of its own. Then, there are the Community Creators stuff for 7th Sea and the World of Darkness.

These, of course, are for stuff I try to release on my own. Thankfully, I've been fortunate enough to be invited or contracted to be part of other projects.  And so Kickstarter has been another way that my work has found itself in the hands of other people. Locally, Abubot.ph has also made my book available.

I also have a Patreon, a Blog, a Twitter feed, a Google Plus page, a and a Facebook Page.

Finally, for my fiction work and non-directly RPG related stuff, I've got some stuff appearing on Amazon.com as well as locally via Talecraft Publishing, which releases stuff both in Amazon, Buqo Bookstore, and through Komikasi's tie in with Cherry Mobile via Sachet Novels..

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Day 4: Psychosis

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 4: Psychosis

Tremendously few are even aware of this game. It is a role-playing game where your character starts with barely any knowledge of who you are. The game uses Tarot cards instead of dice, and even more interestingly, has no character sheet.  The game has been out of print for a while, with a few modules still available, such as Ship of Fools and Solitary Confinement available.

April 11, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 11: What's yer brand

April 11, 2018

#11: What's yer brand

Currently, I don't think TAG Sessions has a brand, per se. At most, I can say it is a brand that tries to be innovative and emotionally true. I'm not too keen on writing supplements or games that just do more of the same thing that's already out there. I like creating stuff that offers a new way to try something or explores a new mechanics that does something familiar in a different way.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Red Sickening Lights, Manila - Now Available

Red Sickening Lights, Manila is the first book of the Reconquista saga, a story that explores the Camarilla’s attempt to regain control of the Philippines, a Ventrue Justicar’s search for an old enemy, and the unexpected bonds that form between two people. It is an insidious tale of revenge, obsession, and love.

This is a Vampire: The Masquerade novelette series by Tobie Abad.
Get the book here: http://www.storytellersvault.com/product/239493/Red-Sickening-Lights-Manila

Day 3: Houses of the Blooded

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 3: Houses of the Blooded

Houses of the Blooded was the game that opened my eyes to multiple new concepts and mechanics. The ideas of Sharing Narrative Control, of Failing Forward, of trusting players to handle the story well, of having Open Secrets, and of letting players have ANY power they want, because having it is not as important as giving them the challenging scenes of not wanting to use it. This game was a game-changer in so many ways. I feel sad when I read other people's reviews of this game and see how much they don't actually get the point.

Houses of the Blooded was the game I wish I can someday write for.

April 10, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 10: Favorite game to relax with.

April 10, 2018

#10: Favorite Game to Relax with.

I definitely found this to be an interesting question. People who game under me can attest how my games are usually powerfully emotional or suitably pathos releasing moments. I don't usually run games that are meant to be just relaxing ones. Many people play games for the laughs and the hilarity. I'm more in it for the drama and the unfolding narrative.

Oddly, I find such games relaxing though. I like the release and comfort that follows a lot of screaming and tears. And gratefully, my players feel the same way.  At best, the closest thing to a really relaxing game that I can mention would have to be Changeling the Dreaming only because we have lots of fun with the bunks. Alternately, there's games powered by the Apocalypse like Monsterhearts and Pasion de las Pasiones. We tend to enjoy the unpredictable insanity of those stories.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 9, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 09: Describe your Process

April 09, 2018

#09: Describe Your Process

It always begins with an idea.  The idea can be a new experience I want to explore, or a new mechanic I want to evolve. A Single Moment had me thinking of the dramatic moments in film and wanting to translate it into a gameified experience. Sickening Queens was about finding a way to celebrate the joy of drag. 

From there, I start writing stuff down. Ideas on what I want to capture. References I want to explore. I might consider looking at what game system to use, but more often than not, that comes a bit later.  What I instead explore are the three questions Jared Sorensen had established:

What is the game about? How is it about that? How you do encourage it?

John Wick added a fourth: How do you make it fun? although I admit I feel that fourth question should actually already exist as early as the idea phase. After all, if I cannot conceive how it will be fun at that stage, it probably didn't look into exploring it further.

I write. I don't edit. I just write. I play music that gets me in the mood of the game. I probably even re-reference inspirations and resources to keep the brain tank full. After, I reach out to friends and strangers for playtesting and to see if they "get it". If they don't get it, there's a huge chance a majority of others won't either once you release it.

Then, I release it in the wild. I hope for the best. I enjoy hearing from the rare few who make it a point to be thankful and express it. And I start anew.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 8, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 08: Describe your Routine

April 08, 2018

#08: Describe your Routine

Hmm I don't quite have a Routine when I work on RPGs.  I can say I try to sneak in some hours to write each day, although I do admit it isn't as regular as I hoped. I still have sporadic days of writing tons of pages one day, then barely a paragraph the next.  

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi
I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Day 2: Vampire the Masquerade

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 2: Vampire the Masquerade

Vampire the Masquerade was my first touch with horror in a role-playing game. While previous games such as Chill, Palladium, and the like had horror elements, being able to play the monster was such a ground-breaking moment for me, it was life-changing. Add to that the idea of experience points no longer being tied to kills and you got a game that was destined to make one rethink their paradigm on role-playing games.

April 7, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 07: Your Workspace.

April 07, 2018

#07: Your Workspace

I don't actually have a workspace. I have a laptop which I use to write stuff on, but otherwise I write and work anywhere I have to. I've actually worked on some games while in other countries because I was there for either events or for family stuff and inspiration happened to strike.

But yeah, I definitely have a virtual workspace. This is basically a Word, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Notepad, any web browser for research needs, and a great selection of music to give me writing vibes. I tend to have a drink or two nearby, not necessarily coffee but I do spoil myself at times and have a pint of ice cream or some sashimi to congratulate myself for finishing a writing milestone.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Day 1: Dungeons & Dragons Basic Rules Set 1

There are RPGs and settings that have had a lasting impact on us all. Over 10 days share 10 covers of games. Takes us all on a journey from earliest gaming through to where you are now. Tell us why it made a lasting impression.

Tagged by Alan Bahr of Gallant Knight Games.

Day 1: Dungeons and Dragons

It was the game that gave me my horrific first game ever. But thankfully, that was not enough to destroy the fantastic experience of living in a world created by your imagination with the help of other people. And it has lead to becoming a HUGE passion of mine now, if not the ikigai of my life.

April 06, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 06: Favorite Game Mechanic?

April 06, 2018

#05: Favorite Game Mechanic

Currently, there are three game mechanics I really love from the many games I've played so far. In no particular order, the first one would be Stunting/Flair.  Giving players extra dice as a reward for describing things better or making the scene more awesome is always a good thing.

The second would have to be the Heart Rate Mechanic of Lacuna. It was such an ingenious method of ramping up tension and giving the players a clear view of how much they were risking their lives with each passing moment while handling a mission. It was just elegantly perfect.

The last would be the use of flashbacks to further develop a story. I generously used this in my game, A Single Moment, and I really loved how it was capitalized on to capture the feel of the show, Leverage, in the Leverage RPG. It also makes a delicious appearance as Preparedness in Gumshoe and as the Stress spending actions in Blades in the Dark. 

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 05, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 05: Favorite Game You've Worked On

April 05, 2018

#05: Favorite Game You've Worked On

Having worked on a number of projects so far, I will have to admit that the favorite game I've work on as of now would have to be my experience working with Ole Peder Giæver and the gang for Itras By: Menagerie. While I had a fantastic time writing for other projects as well, such as for Ben Woerner's Blood and Honor, for Josh Jordan's Heroine, Alan Bahr's Cold Shadows (and more), Elizabeth Chaipraditkul's Witch: Fated Souls, John Wick's 7th Sea, and many others, writing up Imperia Manila was quite an experience. It was a heady mix of creative and editorial responsibility, with the opportunity to go crazy and find a way to make the Manila experience resonate with the surreal quality of Itras By. I loved being able to inject various mythological references, as well as have some shout-outs to other stuff such as Carlo Vergara's Zsazsa Zaturnnah to give it an old-meets-new feel. Thankfully, the reception to it has been quite remarkable.

On a related note, I've been invited locally to take part in an upcoming event called (AUTHOR)ities http://booksphilippines.gov.ph/9thpilfprogram/ to run demo games of Itras By: Menagerie to showcase the Manila Imperia setting. This feels like a huge thing for me cause it means a government-related event has just thought to feature tabletop RPGs as part of their event.  That is unheard of here in Manila!

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 04, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 04: Describe Your Work

April 04, 2018

#04:  Describe Your Work

My work is a celebration of new experiences.  Whenever I create a game, I try to imagine what new experience I can offer the gaming industry. I try to think of what new feeling I can evoke with the way the game flows. Or what new aspect of life the game can help others explore.

I'm no fan of games that just try to be some kind of derivative of a more popular existing game. Nor am I a designer who makes games have a cultural touchstone just for making it feel more local/unique. I design with intention and with empathetic attention.

That said, my games are designed to be fun and evocative without over-complicating things with crunch. My games are not meant for everyone, as there are certain types of play that I do not and probably will not ever see as fun (I'm looking at you, TPK games and games where the GM is the antagonist). My games bring something new to the table, and leave something memorable when it is done.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 03, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 03: How did you start creating TTRPGs?

April 03, 2018

#03: How did you start creating TTRPGs?

My first stab at creating my own role-playing game was waaaaay back when my friends and I were anxious to try Vampire: the Masquerade but we had no idea where to buy the book. Given it was an era when online purchases were unheard of, and there were very few stores that sold anything rpg related, we ended up homebrewing our own version of the game.


We had Jyhad cards (those cards which eventually would be renamed Vampire: the Eternal Struggle) and drew inspiration from those cards to create what we thought would be the Vampire Disciplines. We then used Palladium as the game system of choice, and soon ended up with a game where you can roll 70% to Throw a Gate, or try to do Alacrity with 56% chance of success. It was cooky, but it worked!

Fast foward to 2014, when I start offering to help copy write or do supplements for various Kickstarters I supported. Among the first few were stuff for Vas Quas Editrice and for Ginger Goat's Heroine RPG. Soon enough, it lead to finally publishing A Single Moment, which has been the first of many self-published games that I've released.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi

I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 02, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMaker 02: Where ya at?

April 02, 2018

#02: Where ya at?

I'm based here in Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila, Philippines.  It is a pleasant place where the streets are safe for walking, dogs are welcome, and most of the places are within walking distance. It is also sorta in the center of the main metropolis area, being the nice hub for people from Quezon City up north and Paranaque down South. 

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi
I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

April 01, 2018 #AprilTTRPGMAker 01: Who are you?

April 01, 2018

#01: Who are you?

I am Tobie Abad, game designer, storyteller, and the brains behind TAG Sessions.
I am the lifetime partner of Rocky and we celebrate BaduyPride.
I am the son of Lito and Dulce, the brother of Mike and Tracy.

I have once even been called the Table Top Evangelist.
I am me.

From https://twitter.com/Kiranansi I challenge ye, my dear fellow game makers, to answer my questions, on the corresponding day, this burgeoning April, and verily it shall be that ye shall be inspired by all makers around you and in this beautiful world henceforth. #AprilTTRPGMaker

Update for March 2018

Been a very active month for us here at TAG Sessions. Let it be known it has been so hectic, I've neglected to update the blog fast enough.  However, I do hope you will agree with me that blog post delays are fine if it means more games and books being developed and tightened sooner.

Firstly, A Single Moment was the Deal for the Day at DriveThruRpg last March 25, 2018. The response was quite phenomenal and we are extremely grateful to you all for continuing to be very supportive of our revolutionary two-player role-playing game. In the works are another set of supplements for it, including a set inspired by Broadway Musicals, and a second set that teases a few more new systems for it (just as Ten More Playsets introduced the Detective Stories rules).

Second, the Powered by the Apocalypse Wuxia game is now going through Beta testing. Currently, it is to be called Once Upon a time in Jianghu, which is going to be proudly released with the fantastic support of Gallant Knight Games. Over thirty people have tested the game so far and bit by bit we're getting their feedback on how to make the game system easier and clearer, how to make the setting more evocative, and how to make the game experience more awesome. The game is quite a big project for us, with the Beta document itself being over 39k words. But so far, the responses have been very exciting and I do hope this means the game will find its release within the second or third quarter of this year.

Third, my Studio Ghibli inspired solitaire RPG, Cat's Dream is now approaching its official release. With gorgeous evocative artwork by the amazing Ivan Frani (whose work also graced another book of mine, Sickening Queens), the game is an expanded version of a free game I posted online in this blog before. This book will have expanded tables for more adventures, as well as optional rules for group play in case you want to play it with your friends, or if you have any parents who want to play this with your kids. A glimpse of the concept cover (which may still be subject to changes) is here and I do hope you like it.

Then, there's the Vampire novella I'm working on for the Storyteller's Vault. The short novel series will be stories of vampire events set in the Philippines to serve as an introductory taste of the upcoming Philippines: Contested Isles supplement.

All in all, we're at full swing developing and writing stuff for you all to enjoy!  Still also in the works are A Second Moment and Dreamscrapers, both of which are slated for deeper development later this year (as we realized both need some more in depth investigation and editing of ideas to work sharper). But rest assured, TAG Sessions is alive and well with lots of stuff in the pipeline.

TAG Bites April 2018 - Tiny Dungeon 2e's Legacy:The War of the Widows

This April, try an incredibly simple yet awesome fantasy rpg!

“My grandfather once owned this blade. Carved from the tooth of a Goletia. Forged with the blood of a Ferrex horde. He died protecting the refugees that fed for the Northern Chasm from the onslaught of the Alavanche Wurm. I will not tarnish the legacy he has left behind.”
~Autark Darid, Tird Generation Swordpoet

The war began nearly 300 years ago, but no one remembers for certain why it began. Most only know that their very survival lies in fighting against the relentless Ferrex hordes that scour the land for any human settlement they can find. These scavengers tear apart any human settlements they come across, and strip them of all possible resources they need. Sadly, that includes human body parts they need to replace. The People barely recall a life without the constant war against the Ferrex. Worse, even fewer recall a time when the titans known as the Goletia did not serve the Ferrex’s dark hunger.

Very few of the People can claim to have an intact family, having lost fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters to the uncaring cycle of destruction and death that has become their daily experience. “We are all widows,” Autark Darid once said, “but this War is one we Widows must overcome.”

The nations have united against the singular true enemy, and armaments that once proved deadly to each other now are trained upon the greatest threat the People have ever had to face. There is finally hope.

Tiny Dungeon 2nd edition is available for purchase online.

Try this amazing game system, and the micro-setting, Legacy: The War of the Widows, written by Tobie Abad this April.  TAG Bites sessions are completely free, as we continue in our mission to help introduce more people to the diverse and wonderful world of indie rpgs and lesser known titles.

Learn more about TAG Bites here.

2018 's 12 New Games Challenge and March Update

So I've been kinda slower this year so far in hitting my 12 New Games Challenge. Despite having given myself focus on getting more TAG Sessions releases out, I've realized I've been stretching myself thin with so many projects, stretch goals, and experimental games... and I only mean that in a bad way in the sense that it has kept me from being active in other ways.

I have barely been able to update my personal blog, The Garapata Can Speak, nor our couple's blog, BaduyPride, for years now.  And I've been juggling time to find the opportunities to visit my family, to be able to travel and to watch movies.   Thankfully, my anchor my love and my heart, Rocky, remains forever supportive and stoic in reminding me to both reach for the stars and to remain realistically grounded. The last few days have been a challenge, with him at Singapore for work stuff, but I love the fact that despite the physical distance, I know he is in my heart and I am in his. And that our passion for each other and our passion for tabletop gaming both continue to grow with every single day that we continue to share our lives.

So, back to the challenge, it is now March 15 as of this blog post's writing and so far, the only new games we've played so far are the following:
1) Pasion de las Pasiones
2) Protocol: Virtuax

Set for this Sunday is the third new game, a session of jim Pinto's Protocol: Dead Things in the Walls.
The beauty of Protocol is how simply elegant the systems are, and yet how wildly different the experiences they can offer given each game has its own little twists and touches.

Workwise, I've been busy toiling away at the keyboard, hoping to hit the following projects this year:
a) Project "Beautiful Song, Deadly Blade" 
Which is a Powered by the Apocalypse WUXIA game which tries to capture the narrative drama that unfolds in such books and movies. While it seems to be a zeitgeist project (with so many other creators working on something similar), I'm thankful that everyone seems to be approaching them in their own ways. I do hope the people who take part in the BETA testing would have favorable things to say. If you are interested, do shoot me a message asap!  The current code is OUaTiJ, and beyond that I cannot say more for now.

b) A Second Moment
The deluxe edition and sequel to the almost-award winning two-player tabletop rpg, A Single Moment, continues to be refined and tightened. After the very colorful events of the previous year, I think the baby deserves to stand on its own two feet once again and bid farewell to the past. It was definitely a learning year for me, given it was my first game to ever be released as my first attempt at a fully professional solo venture. This Second Moment will be a chance to show I have not lost my touch. While I doubt one can ever hit lightning twice, once can at least learn from what the past has given and use those teachings to make things far better.

c) Dreamscrapers
My Steven Universe inspired game has taken a back seat, especially with the first two projects above taking center stage. But I definitely still hope to get back on the saddle and finish this Young Market friendly RPG which includes drawing as a mechanic in accomplishing things.

d) Neko Yume/Cat's Dream
The Ghibli-inspired Solitaire RPG is also hoping for a professional release this year. The artwork for it is just spectacular and I cannot wait to see the whole thing get completed and release. It is a project I never thought I'd ever release and I do hope people enjoy what I've made once it is out.

In addition, there are a bunch of other projects, stretch goals, and the sort which I cannot really talk about yet, but I feel tremendously honored and humbled to have been invited to be part of.  Then, there are also the Community Creators stuff that I've been working on for 7th Sea, 2nd edition and I do hope to soon release stuff as well for Pugmire, as well as for one of my old favorites, Vampire the Masquerade!  2018 continues to be an exciting and thrilling adventure.  I do hope you're all still choosing to be supportive of me in this wonderful journey.

Thank you.

TAG bites - March 2018 - Dead Things in the Walls

This March, let's discover how to do horror without a GM handling the scares.

Three players only.

"Something inside the walls was breathing. Calling for me in the night. I couldn't sleep or wake. I was trapped somewhere between consciousness and death. I knew whatever was calling for me wanted one over the other." 

Dead Things in the Walls is a roleplaying game about modern horror and the price we pay for greed. Based on films like Dark Water, The Fog, The Grudge, Hellraiser, and Ringu, this game explores the lives of people trapped in a vicious cycle of terror. Players take on the roles of characters replaying the horrible events that once took place in an aged, and obviously haunted, house. And while they can leave and go on with their lives anytime they wish, the cycle cannot end until the dead things in the walls are fed.

Protocol is a series of story roleplaying games that thrust characters together into dramatic situations. Each game uses the same set of rules, with vastly different parameters, start points, characters, and finales. Players take on the roles of directors outside the action and characters inside the action, using the ebb and flow of four different scene-framing styles (vignettes, interrogations, interludes, and ensembles) to tell meaningful stories about characters in crisis.

Each game in the Protocol series is zero-prep. The game length is exponentially long, so games with more players take more time to complete. The Protocol Series requires a deck of poker cards as well as tokens to track drama points.

TAG bites this March 2018 will be running a session of Dead Things in the Walls.

There will be seats for 3 players. Mature players only recommended.  Best for players interested in trying a horror game which is different from anything else they have played before.

Purchase the game here.

Learn more about TAG Bites.

Shaping the Indie Gaming Scene : A Thank You

TAG Sessions sends its appreciation for being mentioned in an article on how the Philippines has a steadily growing and evolving indie game development scene. It is not often that the Philippine mainstream media and online journalists give tabletop role-playing games as much love as they do the mobile game development industry, so this article was a true breath of fresh air.

Article quote:
"Right now, the Philippines has a lot of anticipated indie games in production, such as Shots Fired by Chryse, Garrison Archangel by Indigo Entertainment, and Tabletop RPGs being developed by Tobie Abad. The indie board game scene is also getting a foothold locally."

It really is nice to have such visibility, especially with the local tabletop role-playing community growing larger once more.  Seeing the increase in gamers is one thing.  Hopefully, with more people taking the creative leap of faith in releasing their own games, more gamers will be inspired to also take a stab at creating games to offer the world RPG market.

Article excerpt:
"How many indie game developers are in the Philippines right now? Please mention some of the most popular Indie game studios in the Philippines and their creation.

There are some of the most popular indie game studio and their creation now, such as:

1. A Single Moment by Tobie Abad
2. Academia: School Simulator by Squeaky Wheel Studios
3. Dream Defense by Altitude Games
4. Flippy Bottle Extreme by Most Played Games
5. Garrison Archangel by Indigo Entertainment
6. Mayari by Ingenuity Games
7. Nightfall: Escape by Zeenoh Games
8. Pets Race by Kooapps
9. Project Xandata by Secret 6
10. Shots Fired by Chryse
11. The Letter by Yang Yang Mobile"

Our country is such a rich nation when it comes to creativity and cultural touchstones, I wonder if we will someday reach the point where international gamers begin to clamour for more games that will allow them to explore our mythos.

Thank you so much, Gwen Foster, Gabby Dizon, and to Febrianto Nur Anwari of Game Prime for giving local game development (both analog and digital) more coverage!  It is truly appreciated!

Read the full article here:
http://www.gameprime.org/2018/02/philippines-indie-game-dev-scene-community/

TAG Sessions at CONclave 2018!

Last February 17-18, 2018, the Greasy Snitches, with the help of the D&D Adventure's League, iAcademy, IGDA, buku buku cafe, onboard, and tabletaft, held a Dungeons and Dragons event entitled, CONclave 2018 at the iAcademy Auditorium at Makati City.

TAG Sessions was invited to take part in the event and give two talks in the event to help both new and current role-playing gamers in mastering their craft. Given how we have always been open to sharing knowledge and helping others broaden their horizons in seeing tabletop role-playing games as more than just games, we were definitely excited to help out.

Livestream recordings of the talks can be found here:

Warm up and Tobie being all nervous
https://www.facebook.com/TobieAbadGaming/videos/1638320772944724/

Sharing Narrative Control
https://www.facebook.com/TobieAbadGaming/videos/1638334712943330/

How to be a Better Player (and GM) at least according to Tobie
https://www.facebook.com/TobieAbadGaming/videos/1638521912924610/

Photos here:
https://www.facebook.com/TobieAbadGaming/photos/pcb.1638739596236175/1638720596238075/?type=3

Thank you so much for inviting us to be at CONclave 2018! 

TAG bites - February 2018 - Pasion de las Pasiones

This February, let's indulge in our inner drama.

Four players only.

Fans of telenovelas and shows such as Jane the Virgin or Dynasty, prefered. 

Learn more about TAG Bites.

Prince Valiant is now available on DrivethruRpg!

 Prince Valiant The Storytelling Game is now available on DrivethruRpg! Set int he Arthurian world of Hal Foster's masterpiece comic strip, the game is by the world-renowned game designer Greg Stafford (Runequest, King Arthur Pendragon).

You can grab the book here:
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/216078/Prince-Valiant

Even more awesome for me is the game will have The Prince Valiant Episodes Book which is chock full of scenarios and adventures to send brave knights on.  I'm extremely fortunate and thankful to be part of that book and it is mind-boggling to find my name among other industry greats.

You can grab the book here:
http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/229208/Prince-Valiant-Episodes-Book