I just downloaded the Monster Hunter’s Club SWADE Kickstarter. I’ve been waiting awhile, but I know it will be worth it (fabulous team took over after a few stumbles). But it started me thinking about how much I purchase vs how much I actually use RPG products from Kickstarter.

Disclaimer. I have a ton of RPG product that didn’t come from Kickstarter that doesn’t get used in a game. I’m betting you might also. This article only focuses in Kickstarter.

• Fantastic Lairs and Boss Battles
• Dungeon Crafter’s Sketchbook
• Root: The Tabletop Roleplaying Game

Out of these three I expect to use at least two, Fantastic lairs and the sketchbook (if I can get it back from my son). The Root TTRPG is more just for fun or perhaps a GenCon game.

-I just got the playtest doc for Fantastic Lairs, and need to try it out soon. After a quick look, I’m very excited-

In looking back at the last few years, it appears that I’ve backed more accessories than games (My favorite being a D20 tie). The list includes a lot of dice (Double Six are awesome), maps (Christopher West especially), and tokens (Table Top Tokens). There are some more “substantial” RPG products. The one I’ve used the most is Savage Worlds SWADE. My local group converted to it, and we’ve been pretty happy with it. However, that’s really the only full RPG system that I’ve backed.

I have a fair amount of supplement style books that I intend to use when I get to GM next. My next game is going to be homebrew, so there are lots of opportunities to insert various supplemental helpers.

How about some examples.

Fantastic Lairs. At the very least, I can steal the maps. At the most, I can incorporate a full encounter (or two or three?). It will require matching the included monsters to the ideas that I have. But it is also possible to incorporate new monsters into the encounter ideas.

Table Top Tokens. I’ve backed a couple of sets of these, and they are great both for creating encounters, and getting ideas for encounters.

Poster Maps. If possible, having one map pre-made for an encounter can save a lot of time. The link is to just a couple maps, I’ve got a wide variety from previous Kickstarters.

Gaming Paper. Gaming Paper is a standard feature when I’m creating encounters, especially convention encounters. If I think I might reuse a map, it should go on gaming paper. They have expanded to lots of different products that are very helpful for in-person gaming.

Of course this is just a variation on the theme of stealing for your own game. I guess all Game Masters are Rogues at heart. Looking through my list of backed projects, it’s encouraged me to go through old RPG materials and make sure that I’m getting inspired, and stealing what I can use for my next game.

I hope it inspires you.