Solve Mysteries and Unleash Your Inner Sleuth: How to Run a Tabletop Roleplaying Game in the Style of Nancy Drew

 

Nancy Drew is a classic character that has been solving mysteries for generations of readers. If you're a fan of Nancy Drew and want to recreate that same sense of mystery and adventure in a tabletop roleplaying game, you're in luck. Here's how to run a tabletop roleplaying game in the style of Nancy Drew:

1. Choose a System

The first step in running a Nancy Drew-style game is to choose a system that's suitable for the genre. Systems like Gumshoe or Call of Cthulhu, which are designed for investigation and mystery, are ideal choices. Alternatively, you could modify an existing system to better fit the themes and tone of Nancy Drew.

2. Create Characters

Once you've chosen a system, it's time to create characters. In a Nancy Drew-style game, the players should create characters that are intelligent and resourceful, with a mix of strengths and weaknesses. Think about what motivates the characters, what their quirks and flaws are, and how they will interact with each other.

3. Set the Scene

Nancy Drew takes place in a world of mystery and intrigue, with a mix of real-world and fictional elements. Set the scene with descriptions that evoke a sense of mystery and adventure. Use props, such as mysterious letters or hidden clues, to create a sense of discovery and exploration.

4. Emphasize Investigation

Investigation is a key element of Nancy Drew, as the character must use their intelligence and resourcefulness to solve mysteries and uncover secrets. Emphasize this in your game by creating clues and puzzles that the players must solve to progress. Use red herrings and false leads to create a sense of uncertainty and doubt.

5. Use Intrigue and Adventure

Intrigue and adventure are defining features of Nancy Drew, so use these same themes in your game. Use descriptions and sound effects to create a sense of excitement and adventure. Use unexpected twists and turns to keep the players on their toes. The players should feel a sense of discovery and adventure at all times.

6. Incorporate Fictional Elements

Finally, Nancy Drew features a mix of real-world and fictional elements, including secret societies and hidden treasures. Incorporate these elements into your game to create a sense of wonder and intrigue. Use fictional organizations and hidden treasures to create unique challenges and opportunities.

 

What kind of NPCs should I include in a Nancy Drew-style adventure?

In a Nancy Drew-style adventure, NPCs (non-player characters) play a crucial role in creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. Here are some types of NPCs that you can include in your adventure:

1. Suspects: Suspects are characters who may have a motive or opportunity to commit a crime or be involved in a mystery. They can include family members, friends, business partners, or other acquaintances. Suspects are essential for creating a sense of tension and suspicion in the story.

2. Witnesses: Witnesses are characters who have information that can help the players solve the mystery. They can include people who saw or heard something, or characters who have knowledge of the victim or the crime scene. Witnesses can provide vital information that can help the players piece together the clues and solve the mystery.

3. Allies: Allies are characters who are on the side of the players and can provide them with support and assistance. They can include friends, family members, law enforcement officials, or other allies who can help the players gather information or navigate difficult situations.

4. Villains: Villains are characters who are actively working against the players and are responsible for the mystery or crime. They can include criminals, masterminds, or other characters who have a motive to commit the crime or conceal the truth. Villains are essential for creating a sense of danger and suspense in the story.

5. Experts: Experts are characters who have specialized knowledge or skills that can help the players solve the mystery. They can include scientists, historians, or other experts who can provide the players with information or tools that can help them solve the mystery.

6. Red Herrings: Red herrings are characters who are designed to mislead the players and distract them from the real clues. They can include characters with suspicious behavior or motives that turn out to be innocent or irrelevant to the mystery. Red herrings are essential for creating a sense of uncertainty and doubt in the story.

 

In conclusion, running a tabletop roleplaying game in the style of Nancy Drew can be a fun and engaging experience. By choosing a suitable system, creating intelligent characters, setting the scene, emphasizing investigation and adventure, and incorporating fictional elements, you can create a gaming experience that captures the spirit of Nancy Drew. So grab your magnifying glass and get ready to solve some mysteries!