Introduction to Monster of the Week

May 24

Have you ever daydreamed about fighting monsters like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or joining the ranks of the Winchesters from Supernatural? Well, dust off your stake, grab your trusty shotgun, and get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Monster of the Week, the tabletop roleplaying game that lets you live out your wildest supernatural hunting fantasies!

Listen to the full Podcast of Dice and Dialogue as we talk Monster of the Week or Watch it on Youtube.

What is Monster of the Week?

In a sea of tabletop RPGs, Monster of the Week stands tall as a beast of its own. This game takes a refreshing approach, shedding complex rule systems in favor of fast-paced, narrative-driven action. Set in a contemporary world overrun by creatures that go bump in the night, Monster of the Week casts players as hunters—ordinary folks who have taken it upon themselves to battle the forces of darkness.

As a hunter, you'll investigate eerie occurrences, gather clues, and engage in heart-pounding battles with terrifying monsters. Inspired by beloved TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The X-Files, and Supernatural, Monster of the Week lets you channel your inner hero and create thrilling, monster-of-the-week adventures that rival your favorite on-screen hunters.

Mechanics of the Game

Welcome to the engine that powers Monster of the Week—the game's sleek and intuitive mechanics. Forget complicated rulebooks; this game operates on a straightforward "move" system. Whenever your hunter takes action, you roll two six-sided dice to determine the outcome. Moves cover everything from engaging in bone-crushing combat ("Kick Some Ass") to investigating paranormal phenomena ("Investigate a Mystery") and manipulating others ("Manipulate Someone").

But that's not all! Brace yourself for the harm mechanic, where battle scars become badges of honor. As hunters face off against gruesome creatures, they're bound to get a few bumps, bruises, and gnarly wounds. The harm system adds an element of risk and consequence, making each encounter a high-stakes gamble. Will you emerge unscathed, or will you end up nursing a broken nose and a bruised ego?

And let's not forget the experience tracks—your ticket to growth and development. As you conquer challenges, interact with the story, and triumph over monsters, you'll earn experience points. These precious XP unlock new abilities and options for your hunter, allowing you to tailor their skills to suit your playstyle. With each level gained, your hunter evolves, becoming a true badass in the supernatural realm.

Playbooks and Character Creation

Character creation in Monster of the Week is like opening a mysterious treasure chest of possibilities. With a variety of playbooks to choose from, you'll create a hunter as unique as a unicorn at a vampire convention. Will you be the Chosen, destined for greatness? Or perhaps the Expert, armed with knowledge and gadgets that would make even Q jealous? The choice is yours!

Through character creation, you'll not only define your hunter's abilities but also flesh out their personality, backstory, and relationships. Collaborate with your fellow players, weaving a web of connections that will strengthen your bond and make your adventures even more exciting. The process is a mix of creativity and camaraderie, resulting in characters that leap off the page and come to life at the gaming table.

Tips for Running a Successful Campaign (Word Count: 520): Calling all Game Masters (GMs)! If you want to orchestrate an epic Monster of the Week campaign, listen up. Crafting engaging mysteries is the key to unlocking the vault of player excitement. We're talking hooks that grab their attention like a vampire snatching a midnight snack, clues that lead them down dark and twisty paths, and jaw-dropping plot twists that'll have them shouting, "Holy silver bullets!"

But that's not all—monsters, oh my! Creating memorable adversaries is crucial. Dream up creatures with unique abilities, fearsome vulnerabilities, and motivations as wicked as a witch's cackle. Your monsters should be the stuff of nightmares, pushing the hunters to their limits and leaving them craving victory like a werewolf yearning for the moon.

Last but not least, pacing and tone. You're the director of this supernatural spectacle, and it's your job to keep the show running smoothly. Balancing moments of investigation, epic battles, and character development ensures a rollercoaster ride of emotions for your players. Read their reactions like a psychic reading tea leaves, and adjust the story to suit their preferences. A successful campaign is like a finely crafted spell—mesmerizing and unforgettable.

The Countdown

Hold onto your holy water, because Monster of the Week cranks up the tension with its adrenaline-pumping "countdown" mechanic. Each mystery the hunters face comes with a ticking clock, representing the monster's nefarious plans or a looming cataclysmic event. As the countdown inches closer to zero, the stakes skyrocket, and the pressure intensifies for the hunters to crack the case and save the day.

The countdown isn't just a gimmick; it's a pulse-pounding race against time. This ingenious mechanic injects urgency into the game, forcing players to make split-second decisions, take daring risks, and scramble for answers. As the tension builds, your heart will race, your palms will sweat, and you'll experience the sheer thrill of facing down the unknown with the clock ticking down to disaster.

Fun and Funny Moments

What's a tabletop RPG without a healthy dose of laughter? In Monster of the Week, the game's mechanics and collaborative storytelling often conspire to create hilarious and unforgettable moments. Picture this: a hunter's well-intentioned plan goes awry, resulting in a comical catastrophe. Or how about a series of ridiculously improbable dice rolls that turn a dire situation into a side-splitting spectacle?

These comedic interludes provide a welcome break from the intense action and foster a jovial and lighthearted atmosphere. They transform your gaming table into a comedy club, where laughter is the currency and every punchline is as precious as a phoenix feather. So embrace the absurdity, savor the laughter, and create cherished memories that'll have you and your fellow players laughing until the next full moon.

Final Thoughts

Monster of the Week isn't just a tabletop roleplaying game; it's a one-way ticket to supernatural adventures, heart-pounding hunts, and mysteries waiting to be unraveled. With its immersive mechanics, unique playbooks, and tips for successful campaigns, this game has everything you need to become the ultimate hunter. So gather your friends, unleash your imagination, and prepare for a wild ride that'll have you slaying monsters and making memories. Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of Monster of the Week—the hunt is on! Grab your copy here.

Capes and Crooks - A 5e Superhero RPG

Capes and Crooks utilizes the core rules for the 5th Edition of the world’s greatest roleplaying game and adds its own unique twist. You will take on the role of a superhero (or a villain if you prefer) and completely customize your character with unique origins, roles, powers, and alter-egos. With a group of friends and a bit of imagination, you will strike out on dangerous missions and terrifying challenges, from stopping bank robbers and handling deadly hostage negotiations to slaying monstrosities created from a mad scientist’s experimentations. You will also have to deal with the realities of a law and order society that doesn’t exactly look kindly on those with powers. This book contains a world setting, character creation rules, equipment, powers, enhancements, magic items/tech, monsters, villains & NPC’s, and a full adventure.

Capes and Crooks takes place in the ultra-modern world of Terra, a place of science, technology, evolution and even ancient lost magic. 25 years ago people around the world found themselves mysteriously imbued with fantastical gifts. Now called deviants, these people take on many roles as they struggle to find their place in this new world. Some wish to use their gifts to help others, some to gain wealth and power, and some to do evil to satisfy their darkness. In a world where what is right, and what is the law often conflicts, how will you choose to use your powers and conceal your identity from those who wish to stop you?

There will always be good and evil; light and dark. There will always be Capes and Crooks!

Get your copy here and make your next 5e tabletop adventure…super!

Unearthed Tips and Tricks

Monster: Rageblade Goblin

In ages past, a great conflict raged across the land, pitting goblin tribes against each other in a brutal struggle for power and survival. One tribe, in particular, was known for its skill in combat and the brutal efficiency with which they dispatched their foes. It was said that they were touched by some unknown force, a dark magic that gave them strength and ferocity beyond that of their kin.

As the years passed, the tribe grew in power and stature, raiding and pillaging their way across the land with reckless abandon. It was during one such raid that the event that would forever change them occurred. The tribe descended upon a small village, seeking to pillage and burn as they had done countless times before. However, this time they encountered a group of powerful adventurers, who were determined to stop their rampage.

In the fierce battle that ensued, the goblins fought with a ferocity that defied explanation, their battle cries echoing across the land. The adventurers were taken aback by the goblins' newfound strength and determination, and they soon found themselves struggling to keep up. It was then that the goblins' transformation began.

As the battle raged on, the goblins' bodies began to change, their muscles bulging and their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. They became consumed by a supernatural rage, driven to fight with an intensity that bordered on madness. The adventurers were forced to retreat, overwhelmed by the goblins' newfound power.

Unique Features: Damage reduction rage and axe frenzy. When it hits a target and rolls max damage on its attack die, it can roll another damage die, and so on, and so on.

Ways to use this Monster

Raiders of a Barbarian Tribe: The Rageblade Goblins may be members of a barbarian tribe that is raiding nearby villages and towns.

Mercenaries for Hire: Rageblade Goblins are also known to work as mercenaries or hired muscle for those who can afford their services. The players may need to negotiate with a group of goblins in order to hire them for a task, or they may be hired by an enemy of the players to provide additional muscle in combat.

Minions of an Evil Sorcerer: The Rageblade Goblins may have been transformed by a powerful evil sorcerer to do their bidding.

Warriors of a Tribal Confederation: The Rageblade Goblins may be members of a tribal confederation that is at odds with nearby kingdoms or empires.

Game Master Tip: Non-Material Rewards for Player Characters

As a Game Master, it's important to remember that not all rewards need to be tangible items or loot. Sometimes the most memorable and meaningful rewards are those that are intangible and offer a sense of accomplishment or personal growth.

Consider incorporating non-material rewards into your game, such as:

Reputation and Fame: Consider tailoring the recognition from NPCs to the characters' actions and personalities. For example, a character who is known for being brave may receive admiration and praise from the common folk, while a character who is notorious for causing trouble may attract unwanted attention and hostility.

Story Progression: Make sure to tie the plot advancement and personal obstacles to the characters' backstories and goals, so that the rewards feel more meaningful and personal. Additionally, consider providing clues and hints that are tailored to the character's strengths and weaknesses, so that they feel more engaged and invested in the story.

Relationships: Think about introducing NPCs that are relevant to the characters' backstories or goals, and encourage the players to roleplay their interactions with them. Additionally, consider creating relationships that are dynamic and can change over time, based on the characters' actions and decisions.

Power and Influence: When providing titles, political power, or access to resources, make sure to tie them to the characters' actions and accomplishments, so that they feel earned and deserved. Additionally, consider the consequences of the characters' newfound power and influence, and how it may affect the game world and the characters themselves.

Personal Growth: Encourage the players to explore their characters' personalities, morals, and beliefs, and consider providing opportunities for them to express and develop these aspects of their characters. Additionally, consider the consequences of the character’s choices and actions, and how they may affect their personal growth and relationships with others.

It's important to remember that the rewards you give to your players don't always have to be tangible items or gold. Non-material rewards can be just as valuable and memorable and can offer players a sense of accomplishment, personal growth, and a deeper immersion into the game world. By incorporating non-material rewards such as reputation and fame, story progression, relationships, power and influence, and personal growth into your game, you can create a well-rounded and immersive experience for your players that they will remember long after the game is over. So don't be afraid to get creative and give your players rewards that truly reflect their achievements and progress in the game.

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