TPT #385: How to Homebrew RPG Houserules That Your Table Won’t Hate

Scum and Villainy is a tabletop role-playing game created by Riley Blackthorne and based on the Blades in the Dark system by John Harper. It is set in a science fiction setting inspired by shows like Firefly and Guardians of the Galaxy. Players take on the roles of a crew of smugglers, mercenaries, or other rogues operating on the fringes of a galactic empire. The game uses a similar framework to Blades in the Dark, with an emphasis on heists, consequences, and crew-based gameplay. It has been praised for its versatility, its engaging setting, and its streamlined rules that allow for fast-paced and cinematic storytelling.

The Dungeon Master's Guide is one of the three main core rulebooks for Dungeons & Dragons, along with the Player's Handbook and Monster Manual. It provides the Dungeon Master with the tools and resources needed to create adventures, invent monsters, solve mysteries, and explore fantasy worlds. The book includes dozens of tables to inspire decisions and keep the game flowing smoothly, helping to immerse players in the game. It is essential for running D&D games and filling them with characters and stories.

Blades in the Dark integrates crafting into downtime actions, which are essential to the game's cadence. Crafting is a long-term project requiring multiple actions, competing with activities such as stress reduction and preparing for future jobs. Players can dedicate limited resources to crafting, leading to significant campaign changes. The game encourages long-term projects that can alter core assumptions, offering rewarding experiences, such as improving a ship's engine. This system highlights the importance of downtime and the impact of long-term crafting projects on the game world and campaign narrative.