Publisher: Kobold Press

Publication Date: January 15, 2024

Game System: RPG Essays

Kobold Guide to Roleplaying

There’s a reason it’s called a tabletop Roleplaying game. Taking on the personae of different characters in the story brings a richness and depth to the experience and can make your game sessions exciting and memorable. But how can the poor, harried Game Master wrangle a whole slew of unique personalities on top of all the other work that goes into preparing each week?

The Kobold Guide to Roleplaying has the answers you seek. Inside, find over 100 pages of ideas and suggestions for bringing out all the exceptional dispositions, temperaments, emotions, and quirks of every NPC the player characters meet. Gain insight into:

  • Getting into the minds of your villains
  • Developing and roleplaying a character arc
  • Using roleplaying as a storytelling device
  • Roleplaying high or low ability scores
  • Game mastering more theatrically
  • Creating in-character connections at the table

The Kobold Guide to Roleplaying includes thoughtful and practical essays from seasoned RPG writers and roleplaying influencers including Keith Ammann, Sharang Biswas, Bryan Camp, Christopher M. Cevasco, Curtis Chen, Ginny Di, Shanna Germain, Basheer Ghouse, Luke Gygax, Luke Hart (The DM Lair), Shareef Jackson, Rajan Khanna, Chris Kluwe, Scott Lynch, Robert Mason (Bob World Builder), Clint McElroy, Erin Roberts, Michael E. Shea, Gail Simone, Sage Stafford, and B. Dave Walters.

Set the stage and bring down the lights. The curtain is going up!

Praise for The Kobold Guide to Roleplaying

2024 Finalist for the ENNIE Award for Best RPG Related Product

—ENNIE Award Finalist!

“What the Kobold Guide to Roleplaying does so incredibly well is that it manages to provide something useful to the open-minded veteran or the fresh-faced novice looking for ways to better hone their roleplaying tactics and grow their group storytelling skills without feeling at any point judgmental or critical of the skills you currently have in your toolbox.”

—Comicon.com

“The Kobold Guide to Roleplaying is a gem for anyone involved in TTRPGs, regardless of their experience level. It’s brimming with insight, advice, and encouragement. Plus, who knows? It might just lead you to a new favorite author or YouTube channel that’ll elevate your game. And that’s a win in my book.”

—Playing Games with Strangers