Killing the 5e Slog with Nimble's $1.1M Kickstarter (w/Evan Diaz)

In these highlights from my conversation with creator Evan Diaz, we look at how Nimble RPG targets the 5e combat slog by re-engineering monster design. ** Join the Adventurers Guild for the full interview at https://patreon.com/shortreststudios or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCychTZf1Z2Womi56s_Ddk9w/join Nimble Website: https://nimblerpg.com Nimble Discord: https://discord.com/invite/7xKRkHfDks More ways to support Short Rest Studios! ============ Short Rest Studios Merch: https://short-rest-studios.printify.me ============ Short Rest Studios PDFs: https://www.patreon.com/ShortRestStudios/shop ============ Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/C89CBNZpbe ============ My website: https://shortreststudios.com ============ My DriveThruRPG Affiliate Link https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/?affiliate_id=3260793 ============ Shop D&D, DCC, my video equipment and more in on my Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/shortreststudios ============ Get 10% off game tables and furniture at https://legacygametables.com/shortreststudios ============ Get 10% off dice and accessories at https://MistyMountainGaming.com with code shortreststudios ============ Get 20% off with Homie and the Dude: https://hatdbuilder.com/?coupon=shortrest ~~~~~~~~~~~~ By reducing the "Mental RAM" required to run an encounter, the system allows for faster, more tactical combat that prioritizes momentum over the traditional "physics engine" approach of older editions. Nimble's Unicorn design - an example of what's in the $1.1M Kickstarter success of Monsters & More - is a case study in how the system creates dynamic threats rather than static targets. Stripping the fat from a monster’s profile leads to more meaningful encounters - and more fun. Evan's design philosophy encourages GM rulings that favor hero momentum, ensuring that mechanics never get in the way of narrative speed. Evan explains the design logic of building a "fast, tactical TTRPG" that maintains depth while cutting out the math-heavy friction points. By analyzing these modern mechanics, it's clear how Nimble bridges the gap between traditional heroic fantasy and the streamlined, high-stakes combat found in the indie TTRPG space. 00:00 Intro 00:39 What Makes a Good Monster? 06:58 Rule in Favor of the Heroes. 07:59 Nimble is Flexible and Resilient. 09:11 Introducing New Players to Role Playing 09:56 Advice for Aspiring Game Designers