RPG Elite’s 2024 Journey: Yep. You Will Still Hate Me

[@RIVERSRPGChannel]

You correct, some companies treat their customers like dirt

[@ShinChara]

Always be the best you can be. If a company sees you as an obstacle between itself and your money, be the best obstacle you can be.

[@RPGElite]

😂

[@0num4]

QotV: I'd like to see coverage of Savage Worlds SWADE, Cypher System's various settings (Predation, Old Gods..., etc.), maybe Modiphius's Dune RPG. I really enjoy when people analyze and break apart systems to see what works and what doesn't, and to use what we can learn from these various systems to make us better Game Masters and make our tables more fun and meaningful. E.g. the Flashback mechanic from Blades In The Dark was something I stole for my own campaigns, once I learned about it--it's worked beautifully!

[@joshgeorge5433]

I like your idea of covering more indie rpg's in 2024. Since I've mostly played D&D and Fiasco, I'm interested in seeing more rules and gameplay from other games, especially those that are easy to pick up for first-timers. Just bought the Blade Runner RPG Starter set because of your video a few weeks ago. Thanks for making some great videos in 2023. Looking forward to seeing more next year!

[@oldmanofthemountains3388]

I think I saw something about Fiasco getting a re-release. Great time to review it!

[@Franimus]

I haven't stepped out of the traditional fantasy genre very much, so I'd love to hear your top recommendations for people interested in exploring sci-fi, modern superheroes, etc!

[@RPGElite]

It's all this channel is about. I do not do fantasy at all so you can go through my library and hit any video about any game and it won't be about fantasy. Enjoy! 😁

[@isaace8090]

I've been running Stars Without Number using my own setting over the book setting. It has a significant amount of tools for building a sector and filling it with planets. There are also online tools to generate a random sector. It also has a good roll20 character sheet that can also be used for NPCs, Ships, Drones, and Mechs. You can run a game with just the main book, but I have purchased all of the other books by Kevin Crawford to support the game. He also has Worlds and Cities without number which you might want to check out. One thing you can have fun with is skill rolls. You don't have to use something like shoot with dexterity for only shooting on a d20 attack roll. You could also use shoot and wisdom (2d6 roll for this as it is a skill roll not attack roll) to figure out the best point to set up an ambush, or figure out where you might get ambushed from. It can depend on the situation which makes skills more than one dimensional.

[@burkhardschmorell3973]

Grifters are great the first time you hear them and they're helping you conceptualize why you feel so discontent, but after that you're just stewing in their bad mood all the time. I appreciate you keeping it real, and I appreciate you focusing on doing rather than speaking.

[@SmugglerSteel]

I'd love to hear about some of your best gaming stories that transpired at tables you have DM'd or played at. Love your coverage, and looking forward to hearing about more indie games! Happy New Years!

[@tenbones1274]

Great commentary, as always. My sentiments are similar. The people destroying this hobby don't need oxygen, and it's irritating to watch their detractors spend so much time *buying* their product and complaining about it. It's time to do something about it and make the hobby better. You ever take a look at Savage Worlds?

[@Moto_Metal]

Savage worlds is fun. I've played it multiple times myself.

[@Skeloric]

Love Deadlands. Our GM is currently running a supernatural version of Inglorious Bastards in the Weird War II setting book. A nice no drama group.

[@isaace8090]

Since you mentioned it, I have been running Stars Without Number game for over two and a half years. It's nearing an end in a few months so we can move on to a different campaign. I still have over a year's worth of campaign material left because the game is so easy to make hooks and the development tools are great. It's been an easy system to learn. I've quickly become a Kevin Crawford fan and the "Insert Name" Without Number game books are great. The current game started as a short campaign for about six online sessions and then transition to a different GM and game system. That plan fell through and I had to scramble to develop some hooks and build out the sector in a short period of time. We are over 40 sessions now. I'm glad I do detailed adventure logs after each session so I can keep everything straight! Roll20's improvements since we started have been nice and made running the game much easier.

[@catholicphoenix7969]

Some people might say "Servant! You can't be Racist! You're black!" and You'll tell tell them "A black man can do anything that a white man can and I can do it better!". Jokes aside, you're a truly inspiring man Mr Servant of Shiloh. I hope you had a Merry Christmas and I hope you have a happy new year.

[@RPGElite]

Thank you much. 😊👍🏿 Merry Christmas (we're still celebrating since we're now in the 12 Days of Christmas) and Happy New Year! 🎉

[@Skeloric]

I'd call it "classist" as they are a subclass of what I avoid beyond the gaming table. A certain subculture even, but no clue how to turn that into an -ism.

[@edgarbryan9804]

I really appreciate your channel. I pray you are blessed. Yours is a voice that needs to be heard!

[@DMRaptorJesus]

One of my favorite superhero rpgs is Marvel Super Heroes classic, haven't really been able to find one thats as good imo and that rpg is as old as me! So hearing what you think is good or not would be cool, your gamma world content is what got me hooked on this channel so always appreciate your non-D&D content. Have a happy new year!

[@RPGElite]

Come on now! This is someone who knows his stuff when it comes to superhero RPGs. That is my favorite game of all time. Did a video on it (search for Top 3 Favorite Games of All Time on my channel). I’ve wanted to do a deep dive on my classic series but if I do, I won’t stop. I just know I won’t. Oh, decisions, decisions. 🙂

[@torenatkinson1986]

@raptorjesus4501 we're brothers from another mother. I came for the GW and I'm staying for the MSH

[@DMRaptorJesus]

@@RPGElite Oh man I'm embarrassed a little I didn't look through your backlog for it now! Hey you won't hear me complaining about MSH content! I think the system is great, I've even used it for fantasy campaigns before!

[@DMRaptorJesus]

@@torenatkinson1986 I'll be honest I was a bit wary of using MSH its why I spelled it out (shoulda known better with this channel heh), sometimes my younger players look at me weird when I bring it up then I have to use the full name haha

[@lauramumma2360]

Just have a good time gaming and doing your thing man. It’s all good. Yes the hypocrisy and abuse of customers is a problem I don’t think will end soon from certain companies.

[@oldmanofthemountains3388]

THAT company won't be happy until they drive away all their customers. It's almost like they WANT to fail!

[@derekburge5294]

@@oldmanofthemountains3388 It's likely they will be failing sooner than later. The fad has pretty well run its course.

[@billykoetter125]

I 100% agree with you. Love your channel....thank you for what you do!

[@cadenceclearwater4340]

I've played _that_ game since I was a kid. They treat me like dirt, they don't get my money. Now I just buy from other places. Too big to fail only works until you're too big to save.

[@hotemet]

Looking forward to hearing coverage of some new systems. Keep up the good work.

[@arlane32]

Thanks for the statement about fantasy orcs. I never saw that correlation, even when I heard it explained. It just never made sense and has always felt like a dog whistle for discrimination, looking for issues where none exist. I don't always agree with your commentary, but you always give me some food for thought and I appreciate it.

[@meatbyproducts]

Palladium games. They are some of the best with customers ever. Also R. Talsorian, The Pondsmiths are wonderful people.

[@The_Shadowy_Mr_Evans]

not so much on Kickstarter

[@roadwarrior6530]

Servant, how about Infinite Black? The company who made Vast Grimm, it's the Mörk Borg in Space! Brian Colin has superb, hands on customer service. GREAT VIDEO again btw. In 2024 I'd like to see you cover reading comprehension. I've had a huge problem with it in recruiting for my ttrpg games 😑

[@joshuashaw5524]

More Traveller, and real talk 😊 I'm interested in running Traveller or a homebrewed version of it thanks to your videos, so thank you for going over it.

[@hexenhammer483]

This is why I have no issues with being an RPG gatekeeper. My money. My game. My Time. 'You' did not pay for my game, my time, or give me money for the game so 'you' get ZERO voice in how I play.

[@RPGElite]

And then there's that, folks.

[@thefiendishdm9976]

In 2024, I'd love to hear why you'll never play that one game. Is that all editions? Just WotC's editions? Come on man, spill it! 🙃

[@RPGElite]

As I've said before, when I get to 100k subscribers, I’ll give you all seven reasons. The video will be queued up and ready to go. Not a moment before, however. 😉

[@InquisitorNocturne1]

question of the vid : i would like to see more rpg philosophies. i do appreciate your unique input as a black mans pov (or negroe as you prefer) maybe some more topics along that pov. some thoughts on christianity and tabletop mixing together might be interesting.

[@FHangya]

please, please don't ever do drama. That's one of the reasons you're great

[@steelmongoose4956]

The Company That Shall Not Be Named doesn’t like RPG’s or gamers. They want to transform RPG’s into something with a digital subscription service attached. The old school is an obstacle to this, so they’re reaching for a whole new audience. Old school gamers (and gaming) must be vilified to clear the way for the new business model. I won’t leave the hobby, but I won’t do business with people who hate me and lie about me. I also won’t start playing a different kind of game created to maximize profit at the expense of the gaming experience.

[@The_Shadowy_Mr_Evans]

What I'd like to see you cover in 2024: More TSR MSH content. You've mentioned it as one of your favourite games in the past.

[@NemoOhd20]

Youre one of my favorite subscribes.

[@RPGElite]

Thank you much.

[@garystinnett8323]

I would love to see you go through setting up Foundry VTT for traveller. I am using mongoose 2nd edition. But even if you went through using classic traveller, I am sure it would be helpful.

[@ottawamonsterpocalypse7729]

Well, that confession didn't go where I thought it would. I'm not sure I can call you racist so much as mature. Mind, the people I worked with who I considered racist were positively genocidal about it, and that is not an exageration. I pine for the world we lost where companies divorced themselves as much as possible from giving opinions. I think you know what I want from you. Deep dive into running Super Hero games with tips and pointers. I want to see how you do it. What are the pros and cons to different types? Can you get players who accept a villain of the week and recurring villains without giving you grief for being too close to Power Rangers or Super Friends?

[@DoctorPhobos]

This video, in my opinion, was something I needed to see. It also reinforces what a friend of mine had suggested to me. I've been railing against the Marxist destruction of the things I love. DC Comics, Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who, and, of course, RPGs. I've been watching those channels who, as you put it, are merely "RPG Drama/Complaint" channels. This is something I am going to stop doing. If there are channels I'm subscribed to that are "RPG Drama/Complaint" channels, then I'm going to subscribe. I'l also unsubscribe some of those channels that are merely "whinging" channels. It will not only do a lot for my mental health but also reduce the amount of brain power and time I've paid them and return it back to building my gaming company. As my friend told me, "ignore the haters", and I am taking that to also mean those companies that hate me, such as those companies and organizations detroying the things I love, including "The Company Who Shall Not Be Named". On the topic of mental health, I agree it is not a badge of honor someone is going to therapy, at least not in the way I'm sure you meant it. I wear my military service as a badge of honor. However, my seeing a therapist for my mental issues is not a badge of honor in that same sense. However, those who decided to reach out for help rather than enact a permanent solution to a temporary problem, should be a encouraged and praised, because it does take a great deal of strength to dial 988. I also need to apologize for not watching some of your other videos. I've set them on my "Watch Later" list and have been meaning to get back to them, especially the Gamma World and Traveller ones. At least without watching those drama channels, I'll have more time to do so.

[@Ravencross06]

Well said!

[@davidhobbs6292]

Question of the Vid - preamble - The game experiences of various TTRPGs are often influenced by game mechanics, leading to players, often subconsciously, aligning behavior to maximize benefits from the game system. This can be resolution mechanics, story mechanics, or reward and advancement systems. I normally address issues like this with a frank conversation and maybe a minor system adjustment, so the game course corrects. (I have played superhero style games where you get rewarded for combat vice heroism for a simplified example) So my question of the vid, is how do you approach that issue from an Elite mindset, and do you have any specific examples of how you have handled the issue?

[@robnecronomicon1570]

Makes sense.

[@Shadowofwampyre]

Thank you

[@RPGElite]

You're welcome. 😉

[@carlosrivera9047]

Will you finally be covering TSR' Marvel RPG, DC Heroes RPG and Star Wars RPG on this channel in 2024?

[@derekburge5294]

It is a weird time when you can openly hate your customer base and remain in business. Another year of SoS keeping it leet might be one of the few things to look forward to in 2024. QoV: what am I looking forward to from the channel in 2024? *The book announcement. WHEN BOOK? GIB BOOK.*

[@indyvisualist]

I love the ComicsGate motto "No Divisive Politics, Just Good Stories" Part of the problem is that these Mega Corporations can turn your game into HR HELL, the RPG because they are the only game in town so to speak. When you do walk away from them and start making your own thing, that is when the companies come after you. They will take Servant of Shiloh's "I guess I am a Wayciss" line and play that out of context and go to get him thrown of Big Tech platforms, get Patreons removed, even go after bank accounts. They have done this to so many people. The numbers of comic book pros fired, even leftwing ones now, just for not toeing the line and all things approved party politics is staggering. This is why the complaint channels exist. People are having to fight back. I like Servant's way of handling it. I wish I could let some of these things go but people in CG are trying to make their own and that is I guess what we have to do in TTRPG. Problem is I am older now and am set in the games that I like but I agree we need to make our own!

[@mikewalsh875]

Hello Sir, I would love a look at Alternity both 1st and 2nd editions. The later I consider the better version. I even like their Initiative system and would love to hear your honest opinion of it. May your New Year be positive. Thank you for your channel.

[@DJWidget]

I'm definitely down for exploring indie games. As soon as my current campaign wraps up, I'm wanting to move our group away from that company that told me to leave their community. I'm planning on making pre-mades and running a one-shot in each system and going with which one the group likes best, so having an arsenal of systems that don't suck and aren't woke trash would be great!

[@SokiHime]

BASED.

[@RPGElite]

Thank ya, thank ya. 😊

[@Skeloric]

As far as games and game companies go, I prefer smaller companies like Monte Cook Games and PEG (Savage Worlds, Deadlands). Love Sentinel Comics. Love very old school game TOON. I got a wall of old games I never got to play during the worst years of my illness. My life is starting in my 50s. I got time to game, just game. I want to leave my world behind.

[@templar51]

I look forward to your content in 2024! However, I have one piece of advice that may or may not be useful for you: I think if you really want to be the best possible RPG channel, you should consider watching other creators in the space. You should understand the content, editing style, and delivery that makes channel successful Obviously I'm not suggesting that you directly copy people, but I do think if you want to be excellent, you need to know what the standard is in those various categories. I think about it from an educator standpoint, if you were a student in a classroom, does your work meet or exceed the quality of other people in the classroom? Really hoping to see some more solo gameplay from you, because I think you could be one of the best around if you got into a good rhythm!

[@torenatkinson1986]

My favourites are Seth Skorkowski (also does a lot of Traveller stuff, and Call of Cthulhu), DungeonCraft (also features indie games) and Matt Colville. But I will say I think Servant does great editing so no need to fiddle with that. The only thing that I can do without is the unfinished teasers at the beginning of the vids like this one. I would love to see Servant gaming with his typical gaming group - I want to see what kind of people he hangs out with and how they RP!

[@templar51]

@@torenatkinson1986 I have been enjoying the beginning of video teasers, and his humorous snippets of other videos. I worked in education, and my comment came from the idea that comparing yourself to others in various categories can help you understand where you excel and where you have room for improvement. :)

[@Franimus]

That does come at the risk of losing uniqueness and innovation, if you're looking for ways to be the same instead of looking for ways to differentiate

[@templar51]

@@Franimus That's always a risk, but the method I'm talking about is understanding what excellence looks like in your chosen sector, and seeing how you can recreate it in your own style. There's always a fine line between copying and taking inspiration, but maybe I would just phrase it as understanding what the industry standards are. For example, I'm hoping to start a channel in 2024, and we're making videos. I would try to emulate servant when it comes to having a nice framework philosophy to underpin my videos. And if I were doing a solo game, I would try to match some of the energy and production value that me, myself and I die brings.

[@JAH711]

I believe almost all of Kevin Crawford games have a free pdf version

[@blankmike4613]

Dude not Racist, but Elitist. For the Agenda, embrace the true value.

[@trentmnoble21]

Getting back into RPG and hoping to start a group to play The Walking Dead, from Free League. Are you going to explore this at all? Thank you

[@Mcbuzz37]

I agree. Games are games. The game is not a tool for pushing political/ social/ religious propaganda. When I see that coming from a company, my wallet stays closed.

[@Skeloric]

On Orcs, Drow, etc. I have seen them depicted in a discrimatory manner. I have seen them as a placeholder to inculcate damaging stereotypes. I have seen it become moderately common in THAT GAME. One of the reasons why I walked away. Too easy to push such a viewpoint in THAT GAME and too many already receptive to it. Gaming should be fun, an escape from the "real world" but instead the bias and discrimination of this world has polluted gaming. And avoiding THAT GAME is the quickest and easiest way to avoid most that. The rest is avoiding those games that get described in certain ways - edgy or such gets me suspicious. Though the personalities at the table ought not to be the first time they are being encountered, which helps weed out a lot of crap. Even so, certain derisive and abusive traits can be hidden for a short time.

[@Skeloric]

The danger of sharing real world opinion in anything not connected to it is that at least a third of the populace disengages. The additional danger is in real world politics becoming so important that failing to disclose such might have two-thirds disengage. I do buy games based upon quality of setting and quality of system, but I also vote with my money as well to where if I get a whiff of maybe my money helps something I am opposed to, I will refuse to buy. My money, my time. If anything about a company feels political to me, it had better be congruent with MY politics - better not to bring that in overall, or hope you chose the correct side if you do. Otherwise, just make good stuff and keep it about gaming. Case in point: Ernie Gygax, I will never buy anything connected to him. I'll take my money elsewhere.

[@natesims1680]

Just curious, is Kenzer & Company a company with whom you no longer do business?

[@SilviuIM]

4:20 By the same definition, and only in this case, I'm a racist too! :D ... and F*** Kyle B! 2000 people laid off and he's still in the company!

[@RottenRogerDM]

How about reviewing GURPS.

[@andrewboydstun3541]

Hey so I'm boring and lame, so if you could discuss the vices and virtues of varried game mechanics that would be swell

[@marioevildm7410]

so, truth 😣 mmmhhh Heavy Gear from Dream pod 9 🙄

[@royclimer4311]

Cyberpunk. 2020, red

[@gavinruneblade]

Something to Cover in 2024: FASERIP. On this video's topic, I can't help but think about the third most downvoted reddit post of all time, and the fact that the poster is still that much of a jerk today. Got themself and every other mod of an entire sub demoted from mod status with a single post.

[@torenatkinson1986]

now I want to know more about this

[@gavinruneblade]

Alas, you'll have to search it because youtube deletes any attempt I make to post a reply explaining it. But it is a juicy story, worth the research. @@torenatkinson1986

[@JPGotrokkits]

That dude at that company started out with a great statement talking about how the hobby has widened out and more and more types of people are playing games. Then he went on to make this self-loathing statement in an attempt to show the 3BH podcasters that "he was one of the good ones". The 3 Black Hobbits channel wasn't even talking about any of that, and in fact looked shocked when they realized what he said, something they didnt even ask him about. It was total virtue signalling and was unnecessary, and offensive to anyone with a brain.

[@justinsutton3943]

Generationist?

[@Ratenef]

Interestingly, your revised definition of 'racism' is closer to the actual definition than the redefinition that is being used by those same persons. And with regards to those who have trauma, to which we all do, just in varying degrees, and decide to air it out to the masses, I cannot but think that they are looking for something to prop them up (i.e. sympathy, empathy, dopamine hits from the likes/follows, or they are trying to raise their social cred (essentially just social virtue signaling).

[@Bearwiffa228]

Welcome to the new normal, where Victimhood is celebrated and encouraged.

[@cleonanderson1722]

"The channels I don't watch talk about nothing and I have nothing to learn from them that could help me build things" "Making a drama video is actually fine as long as I say I don't like drama videos." *sure thing bud*. Prolly no need to change the definition of racism to be cute when you can just say your personal ideology is conservative when it comes to TTRPGs. Eighteen minutes might be a bit long for a virtue signal video though.

[@benjaminfenn3700]

Personally, I've long-suspected that gnolls are a dog whistle for Filipino people, and that's, like, super not a good look.

[@Bearwiffa228]

I JUST noticed this trend of channels devoted to complaining about the "woke" agenda invading the ttrpg space. Literally just videos calling out companies, creators, making enemy lists, etc. with zero solutions or constructive criticism. Some of the people they call out are also for the most part innocent(or at least ignorant). While i am vehemently against said agenda Its annoying seeing the hobby used for polical wars, dont care what wing of the bird you cling to.

[@Bearwiffa228]

Also! I would love to see you cover Delta Green in 2024, Merry Christmas and a blessed new year to you and yours 🤙🏽.

[@josephmelendez3327]

I mean, that is one of the reasons that we tell stories, to contextualize the movements of governments and body politicks. It's fine to not want that at your table, but there's a reason it exists at others.

[@Bearwiffa228]

@@josephmelendez3327 there's a difference between using atmosphere for context, and talking down to your player base telling them what to think.

[@NemoOhd20]

I appreciate the videos which show me what companies to avoid because they actively hate most gamers. It keeps me from wasting money. Without hearing those I wouldn't even know what servant is talking about today. I dont like the videos that are about Twitter or Reddit wars between people. No value to me.

[@NemoOhd20]

The funniest part about your comment is the videos actually show the Enemies List MADE BY the Woke Clowns, being flipped and used against them. Literally ironic. Or some other stupid saying.

[@pepperino-hotterino]

Why dont call Kyle Brink by his name?