Dark Arts

Horse Hockey

Can players get use from AI for their characters... and some other horse hockey... Pat and Che discuss the use of AI tools in tabletop role-playing games (RPGs), particularly focusing on GURPS. They addressed how players can use AI to assist with character creation while maintaining engagement with the game master (GM) and ensuring the process aligns with the game's priors, which emphasize long-form play, grounded otherworlds, and in-character agency.  Thanks to Thorlik for the call-in. GOT A QUESTION? Ask us via voice message: speakpipe.com/gurpstalk [https://speakpipe.com/gurpstalk] Ask us via an email: gurpstalk@pm.me [gurpstalk@pm.me] PAT'S BLOG: Processing GURPS – Enabling Longform, Immersive TTRPG play using GURPS [https://processinggurps.com/] OR https://processinggurps.com/ [https://processinggurps.com/] RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue [https://patreon.com/rpgrescue] THANKS: Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ [https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/] Logo by MJ Hiblen: https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ [https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/] DISCLAIMER & NOTICE: The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] system from Steve Jackson Games [http://www.sjgames.com/]. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games. GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy [http://www.sjgames.com/general/online_policy.html]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Dark Arts

What use might so-called AI tools have for an RPG? Che and Pat recorded an episode of their podcast discussing the use of "dark arts" - specifically AI tools like NotebookLM, Lumo, and Gemini - in role-playing game preparation. They shared how these tools help with research, analysis, and creating game materials more efficiently, while acknowledging the importance of user expertise in managing the limitations of large language models. The conversation covered specific use cases including world-building, character development, and creating game mechanics, with both hosts emphasizing that these tools serve as research assistants rather than creative replacements. They also addressed common concerns about AI in gaming, including copyright issues and the distinction between AI tools and true artificial intelligence. And yes, an LLM created that blurb. GOT A QUESTION? Ask us via voice message: speakpipe.com/gurpstalk [https://speakpipe.com/gurpstalk] Ask us via an email: gurpstalk@pm.me [gurpstalk@pm.me] PAT'S BLOG: Processing GURPS – Enabling Longform, Immersive TTRPG play using GURPS [https://processinggurps.com/] OR https://processinggurps.com/ [https://processinggurps.com/] RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue [https://patreon.com/rpgrescue] THANKS: Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ [https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/] Logo by MJ Hiblen: https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ [https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/] DISCLAIMER & NOTICE: The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] system from Steve Jackson Games [http://www.sjgames.com/]. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games. GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy [http://www.sjgames.com/general/online_policy.html]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Shenanigans

Can you run an open table in a long-form manner with a consistent, grounded campaign world? And what about mysteries: can you run an investigative game in an open world style? Pat and Che discuss the challenges of running an open table while maintaining a consistent, grounded campaign world. Pat argues that open tables inherently conflict with world consistency due to the transient nature of players, while Che defends the concept by referencing the West Marches movement and Justin Alexander's Open Table Manifesto.  Pat discusses the challenges of running open and emergent investigations, noting that it requires a group of seasoned TTRPG players who are interested in the long game rather than quick successes. Pat suggests that GMs need to be willing to throw away prep work and be committed to the ongoing narrative to fully enjoy such campaigns. Thanks for listening to and supporting the show. Pat mentions the 1ShotAdventures guy: Complete List of Adventures (GURPS 4th Edition) - 1Shot Adventures [https://1shotadventures.com/1shot-adventures-gurps/] OR 1shotadventures.com/1shot-adventures-gurps/ [https://1shotadventures.com/1shot-adventures-gurps/] GOT A QUESTION? Ask us via voice message: speakpipe.com/gurpstalk [https://speakpipe.com/gurpstalk] Ask us via an email: gurpstalk@pm.me [gurpstalk@pm.me] PAT'S BLOG: Processing GURPS – Enabling Longform, Immersive TTRPG play using GURPS [https://processinggurps.com/] OR https://processinggurps.com/ [https://processinggurps.com/] RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue [https://patreon.com/rpgrescue] THANKS: Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ [https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/] Logo by MJ Hiblen: https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ [https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/] DISCLAIMER & NOTICE: The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] system from Steve Jackson Games [http://www.sjgames.com/]. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games. GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy [http://www.sjgames.com/general/online_policy.html]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

On Time and Space

How do we track time in GURPS... and what is an Open World? Pat and Che discuss time management and pacing in role-playing games, particularly focusing on GURPS. They explore how different campaign settings require varying approaches to tracking time, with Pat emphasising the importance of keeping detailed time records and Che sharing his practical method of using simple paper notes. The conversation covers the distinction between unknown worlds (more sandbox-style) and known worlds (more open-world style), with examples from the hosts' campaigns including Karameikos and Dark Passages. They discuss specific techniques for managing time in different game scenarios, from tactical combat to long investigative tasks, and conclude by addressing how different game structures require different pacing approaches based on the genre and world being created. Thanks to the other Matt for the call-in. Thanks to you for listening and supporting the show. GOT A QUESTION? Ask us via voice message: speakpipe.com/gurpstalk [https://speakpipe.com/gurpstalk] Ask us via an email: gurpstalk@pm.me [gurpstalk@pm.me] PAT'S BLOG: Processing GURPS – Enabling Longform, Immersive TTRPG play using GURPS [https://processinggurps.com/] OR https://processinggurps.com/ [https://processinggurps.com/] RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue [https://patreon.com/rpgrescue] THANKS: Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ [https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/] Logo by MJ Hiblen: https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ [https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/] DISCLAIMER & NOTICE: The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] system from Steve Jackson Games [http://www.sjgames.com/]. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games. GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy [http://www.sjgames.com/general/online_policy.html]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

GURPS & Digital Tools

How can we use digital technology to improve our games? In this episode of GURPStalk, Pat and Che dive into the intersection of technology and tabletop gaming. They focus on how GCS (GURPS Character Sheet) automates the math of character creation, taking the headache out of tracking points and skills. Pat breaks down his setup using Foundry VTT via The Forge, showcasing how cloud-based hosting streamlines the remote experience. The duo explores the shift toward digital dice, automated sheets, and map management, reflecting on how the pandemic permanently evolved gaming culture. It’s a deep dive into balancing high-tech tools with the traditional spirit of the game. Thanks to Ubergrog for the call-in. Thanks to you for listening and supporting the show. GOT A QUESTION? Ask us via voice message: speakpipe.com/gurpstalk [https://speakpipe.com/gurpstalk] Ask us via an email: gurpstalk@pm.me [gurpstalk@pm.me] PAT'S BLOG: Processing GURPS – Enabling Longform, Immersive TTRPG play using GURPS [https://processinggurps.com/] OR https://processinggurps.com/ [https://processinggurps.com/] RPR PATREON: patreon.com/rpgrescue [https://patreon.com/rpgrescue] THANKS: Jon from Tale of the Manticore for the music: https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/ [https://taleofthemanticore.podbean.com/] Logo by MJ Hiblen: https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/ [https://www.patreon.com/MJHiblenART/] DISCLAIMER & NOTICE: The material presented here is our original creation, intended for use with the GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] system from Steve Jackson Games [http://www.sjgames.com/]. This material is not official and is not endorsed by Steve Jackson Games. GURPS [http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/] is a registered trademark of Steve Jackson Games, and any GURPS art here is copyrighted by Steve Jackson Games. All rights are reserved by SJ Games. This material is used here in accordance with the SJ Games online policy [http://www.sjgames.com/general/online_policy.html]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.