VisionStorm
Legendary Pubber
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And is there something RPGs could do - be it organization or otherwise, that would make them easier for you to learn the system?
Hmm, I sort of skipped this question in my last post. But a couple of crucial things include the following:
- Detailed Table of Contents at least two, preferably three levels in (seriously, sometimes two levels ain't enough). Chapter or Section Heading page numbers alone are NOT a real Table of Contents, IMO. This thing should NOT be optional in a TTRPG or ANY sort of "textbook", which is what TTRPG game manuals actually are. And if you include Section Headings and treat Chapters as one level inside the section head ADD THREE LEVELS MINIMUM.
- Content Organization should be: Basic Rules/Intro immediately followed up by Character Creation first. Then details of character features (Abilities, Races, Classes, etc.), followed by Equipment, followed by detailed/combat Rules. Then lastly GM section and Setting. If the setting is too expansive and detailed it should probably be a separate book.
- Use CLEAN Layout Design, with minimal, barely visible (if any) background images and Header/Footer/Frame elements, and avoid excessive use of images, particularly in the middle of text (top, down, sides or splash pages are OK and often help set the tone). This helps with readability, which indirectly helps learning the system and spotting information later on.
- Include Rules-Light Writeup at the Intro or near the start of the book (as some have pointed out). This not only helps newbs, but also helps even veterans do a quick refresher later on when making characters or if they haven't played in a while.