All That Jazz: Running a Tabletop Roleplaying Game in the Style of the Musical Chicago

 Chicago (2002) - IMDb

Chicago is a classic musical that is known for its catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers, and the theme of corruption and scandal. The musical is a perfect inspiration for a tabletop roleplaying game that is full of drama and intrigue. In this article, we will explore how to run a tabletop roleplaying game in the style of the musical Chicago.

  1. Choose a System

The first step in running a Chicago-style game is to choose a system that can accommodate the musical's themes and tone. Systems that focus on drama and intrigue, such as Gumshoe or Dramasystem, are good choices. Alternatively, you can modify an existing system to better fit the themes and tone of Chicago.

  1. Create Characters

Once you have chosen a system, it's time to create characters. Characters should embody the spirit of corruption and scandal and be willing to take risks to get what they want. Think about what motivates your characters, their strengths and weaknesses, and their personal stakes.

  1. Set the Scene

Chicago takes place in a prohibition-era setting, and the game should reflect this. Set the scene with descriptions that evoke the time period and the sense of scandal. Use props, such as jazz music or images, to create a sense of authenticity.

  1. Create Encounters

Encounters are a key part of any roleplaying game, and Chicago is no exception. Create encounters that challenge the characters and allow them to showcase their skills and abilities. Use corrupt politicians, rival gangsters, and other obstacles to create a sense of drama and intrigue.

  1. Use Scandals as Drivers

In Chicago, scandals often serve as the main plot driver. Use scandals as the driving force behind the game's story. Create scenarios where the characters must navigate the corrupt world of prohibition-era Chicago in order to achieve their goals and rise to power.

  1. Use Consequences

Finally, make sure there are consequences for failure. If the characters fail to achieve their objectives or progress through the game, there should be consequences that affect the story or the characters' relationships. This creates a sense of importance and makes the game more meaningful.

 Chicago | EW.com

How can I make sure the game stays true to the musical's themes?

To make sure the game stays true to the musical's themes, it's important to keep the following in mind:

  1. Emphasize Corruption and Scandal

The core themes of Chicago are corruption and scandal, so it's important to make sure that these themes are emphasized throughout the game. Create scenarios that involve bribery, blackmail, and other forms of corruption, and make sure that the characters are actively involved in these activities.

  1. Use Music and Dance

Music and dance are central to the musical, so try to incorporate these elements into the game whenever possible. Play jazz music in the background during the game or have characters break into dance during certain scenes. This will help to create a sense of authenticity and keep the game true to the musical's themes.

  1. Create Complex Characters

The characters in Chicago are complex and multifaceted, so make sure that the characters in the game are similarly complex. Give each character a unique backstory and motivations that tie into the themes of corruption and scandal. This will help to create a sense of depth and authenticity in the game.

  1. Use Dialogue and Monologues

Chicago is known for its sharp dialogue and monologues, so try to incorporate these elements into the game as well. Encourage the players to use witty banter and clever one-liners during the game, and give them opportunities to deliver monologues that tie into the game's themes.

  1. Keep the Stakes High

The stakes in Chicago are high, with characters fighting for their freedom and their lives. Make sure that the stakes in the game are similarly high, with the characters fighting for power and influence in a corrupt world. This will help to create a sense of tension and drama in the game.

 


What are some ways to create complex characters?

Creating complex characters is a key part of running a successful tabletop roleplaying game. Here are some ways to create complex characters:

  1. Develop Backstories: Give each character a detailed backstory that outlines their past experiences, motivations, and personal relationships. This will help to create a sense of depth and complexity for the character.

  2. Provide Conflicts: A character's backstory should include conflicts and challenges that they have faced or are currently facing. These conflicts should help to shape the character's personality and motivations.

  3. Define Personal Goals: Each character should have personal goals that they are working towards. These goals should be tied into the character's backstory and motivations, and should help to drive their actions and decisions in the game.

  4. Create Flaws: No character is perfect, so make sure to create flaws for each character. These flaws can be physical, emotional, or mental, and should help to make the character more relatable and interesting.

  5. Use Relationships: Give each character personal relationships with other characters in the game. These relationships can be positive or negative, and should help to create conflict and tension within the group.

  6. Define Beliefs and Values: Each character should have a set of beliefs and values that guide their actions and decisions. These beliefs and values should be tied into the character's backstory and motivations, and should help to create a sense of depth and complexity.

  7. Allow for Growth: Characters should have the opportunity to grow and change throughout the game. Allow characters to learn from their mistakes and make choices that challenge their beliefs and values.

 

What are some ways to introduce the characters' backstories into the game?

Introducing characters' backstories into the game is an important part of creating a rich and immersive experience for the players. Here are some ways to introduce characters' backstories into the game:

  1. Use Flashbacks: Flashbacks can be a powerful way to introduce a character's backstory into the game. Use flashbacks to show important events from the character's past, and how those events have shaped who they are today.

  2. Have NPCs Reference the Past: NPCs can be a great way to introduce a character's backstory into the game. Have NPCs reference events from the character's past, or have them recognize the character from their previous experiences.

  3. Use Personal Items: Personal items, such as a locket or a family heirloom, can be used to introduce a character's backstory into the game. The item can be a physical representation of an important event or relationship from the character's past.

  4. Create Personal Quests: Create personal quests for each character that tie into their backstory. This will allow the players to explore the character's backstory and motivations in a meaningful way.

  5. Use Dialogue: Use dialogue to reveal information about the character's past. Have the character talk about their past experiences, or have other characters ask about their backstory.

  6. Incorporate Past Enemies or Allies: Past enemies or allies can be a great way to introduce a character's backstory into the game. Have the character encounter someone from their past, and use that encounter to reveal important information about the character's backstory.

  7. Use Dreams or Visions: Dreams or visions can be a powerful way to introduce a character's backstory into the game. Use dreams or visions to show important events from the character's past, and how those events have affected them.

 

 

In conclusion, running a tabletop roleplaying game in the style of Chicago can be a thrilling and exciting experience. By choosing a suitable system, creating characters that embody the spirit of corruption and scandal, setting the scene, creating encounters that challenge the characters, using scandals as objectives, and using consequences, you can create a gaming experience that captures the themes and tone of Chicago. So gather your friends, create your gangsters and politicians, and get ready to experience all that jazz.

 

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