Rule of Cool: Is It a DM Crutch or a Creative Tool?
HomeNo Plot, Only Lore › Episode

Rule of Cool: Is It a DM Crutch or a Creative Tool?

33:14 May 9, 2025
About this episode
Josh and Kris clash over the "Rule of Cool" in TTRPGs. Josh argues it's a crutch for lazy problem-solving and a logistical nightmare for DMs, leading to player attention-seeking. Kris defends it as a necessary tool to reward player creativity, encourage "big swings," and increase narrative momentum—provided it's negotiated, reserved for unique moments, and tied to real consequences. They debate its history and the problem of canonizing "community stupidity."
Select an episode
0:00 0:00