Role playing games inevitably focus on the unpleasant, or downright horrible, aspects of life & death. So in this week’s RPG brainstorming session we are going to balance the scales with nice encounters. People, creatures or places which characters encounter on their journeys which are pleasing, rewarding or just relaxing.
Unless their out in the far and distant wilds, characters are going to be inside the boundaries of somebodies claimed lands. That nation is going to have unique set of quirks and customs to hinder and help the adventurers. Add to this mix rulers with their own personal agendas and you’ve
A simple challenge this week. To create an interesting NPC ruler of a country or area or empire. They can be God-Kings, Queens, Presidents, tribal chiefs – anyone who is in charge in any setting or genre. There is no limit, only that we want someone distinctive who will make
Sometimes it is good to have a no-nonsense combat encounter. A chance for the players to roll dice and character’s to crush skulls without worrying about the consequences. Tonight’s RPG brainstorming topic is to think of a standalone combat encounter but with a twist. There must be a single boss
Deep in our monkey brains, there’s a little part of us that fears the night. Our primitive ancestors jumped at the slightest noise. Those who didn’t met death by big sharp point teeth. With our poor hearing and sense of smell, we’re very reliant on our eyes. When we can’t
Humans are very visual creatures which is a great evolutionary advantage but when the lights go out we are left with almost nothing except our over-active imaginations. Tonight’s RPG brainstorming topic is monsters (and other things) which prey in the dark. Dangers perfectly suited for the sloeblack darkness of a
The Book of Revelations, ragnarok, end times, global warming and the return of titans are examples of prophecies regarding the end of the world. Every culture has them and they speak volumes about the culture’s worries and preoccupations. The belief in apocalyptic prophecies also gives rise to strange cults and
Since my timezones makes it hard for me to make the think tanks, here’s my few pence worth on some of the ideas we presented. Star Doors: I’m very much picturing these are magi-tech stones circles which you stand in the middle of. You could make use of local alignments
Eclipses and planetary alignments, super-nova and comets may be natural events but they can also signify something magical or terrible is happening. This week’s RPG brainstorming is adventure plots involving astronomical bodies and heavenly signs. The adventures can be for any genre or setting, and anything from single session adventures
It’s a common thread throughout our known civilizations that humanity likes to celebrate or at the very least to have some kind of festival. Whether it’s setting off fireworks for the new year or eating a prized delicacy, these are times when communities come together to share in a common
