The Zen Game Master

Meditations on the games I play and the things I geek.


January 2023

  • 7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 5

    7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 5

    Isabella and Julianne were the two members of the crew most skilled in the arts of stealth. They decided to sneak around the Ussuran mercenaries to the back of the stables to prepare the carriage they arrived in to depart. Unfortunately, Julianne caught her dress on some hedges and knocked over some crockery while trying… Continue reading

  • 7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 4

    7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 4

    The crew joined the festivities at Lord Petrus Brosseau’s estate and drew the attention of several young nobles. Seeing the PCs making themselves comfortable Crespin Baudet bid them adieu and disappeared into the crowd. Isabella explored the gardens a bit and discovered another Vodacce woman attending the party. The mysterious guest did not provide a… Continue reading

  • 7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 3

    7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 3

    Montaigne, with its long history of conflicts between monarchs and knights, and of course, the other nations of Theah, has left us with a glorious legacy of fortified cities. This is doubly true of Montaigne’s coastal cities which must defend against threats from both land and sea. Ramparts, proud towers, and massive gateways ring the… Continue reading

  • 7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 2

    7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 2

    Tonight’s adventure began with a bit of brainstorming and chargen. I figured the crew of the Ruby Star should be as interesting as the rest of the PCs. No better way to ensure that than to recruit the players to help. Blinsky the QuartermasterDoc, the… doc…Kaylee the shipwright and engineerMama Booga the cook with a… Continue reading

  • 7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 1

    7th Sea: Blood Sails – Session 1

    We begin our tale in the town of La Motte on a small island just off the southwestern tip of Montaigne in the Widow’s Sea. Warm summer winds blow salty air across the people of La Motte, a good day for sailing. A good day to stay a new story as well. In a rundown… Continue reading

  • Fixing Inspiration in D&D 5E

    Fixing Inspiration in D&D 5E

    Inspiration in Dungeons & Dragons 5E is a great concept that was poorly implemented. Dungeon Masters rarely remember to award Inspiration and players hoard the resource to use it at the right moment (which rarely comes). After level 5, player characters have so many varied means to gain Advantage they rarely need to use Inspiration.… Continue reading