Bleak West: Designing and Running a TTRPG Scenario Inspired by the Films of Sergio Corbucci

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Sergio Corbucci is a legendary Italian filmmaker known for his contributions to the Spaghetti Western genre. His films are filled with action, drama, and unforgettable characters, making them an ideal source of inspiration for a tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) scenario. In this blog post, we'll explore some tips and tricks for designing and running a TTRPG scenario inspired by the films of Sergio Corbucci.

Setting

The setting of a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario should be a lawless frontier town in the American West during the late 19th century. The town should be filled with interesting characters, including outlaw gangs, corrupt town officials and lawmen. The players should feel like they are part of a world of danger and intrigue, where every action and decision has consequences.

Characters

The characters in a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario should be a mix of cowboys, bandits, and lawmen, each with their own unique backstory and motivations. It's important to work with the players to create characters that fit into the world of Sergio Corbucci, and that have ties to the other characters in the group. The characters should be brave and resourceful, but also vulnerable and flawed. They should have weaknesses and secrets that can be exploited by their enemies.

Story

The story of a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario should be focused on revenge, justice, and survival, just like in the films. The scenario should be driven by the actions of the players, with their decisions and choices shaping the outcome of the scenario.

Gameplay

The gameplay of a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario should be focused on combat and exploration, with roleplaying and character development playing a secondary role. The players should have opportunities to use their skills and creativity to survive and overcome obstacles, but these should come with consequences. The scenario should be challenging, with the players facing dangerous enemies and navigating treacherous terrain.

Example Scenario Outline:The Price of Revenge

The players are a group of gunslingers who have been wronged by a powerful outlaw gang. The gang has taken over a nearby town and is terrorizing the inhabitants. The players must gather allies, train and improve their skills, and take on the gang in a final showdown. Along the way, they must navigate the corrupt town officials, avoid treacherous traps, and deal with their own demons.

Suggested Player Characters and NPCs

  •     Django - A former slave turned gunslinger seeking revenge against the gang that killed his wife.
  •     Tuco - A bumbling but lovable outlaw who is seeking to redeem himself and make amends.
  •     Sheriff Johnson - A grizzled lawman who is torn between his duty to the town and his desire for justice.
  •     The Governor - A corrupt politician who is in league with the outlaw gang and will do anything to maintain his power.
  •     The Leader of the Outlaw Gang - A ruthless and cunning criminal who will stop at nothing to maintain his grip on the town.


Suitable Systems

Creating meaningful relationships between the characters and NPCs can add depth and emotional weight to a TTRPG scenario. Here are some ways to create these relationships:

    Give NPCs Personalities and Backgrounds: NPCs should have their own unique personalities and backgrounds that the players can discover through roleplaying. By giving NPCs depth and complexity, the players will be more invested in their relationships with them.

    Use Shared History: Creating a shared history between NPCs and the player characters can create a sense of connection and investment in the relationship. This can be achieved by creating past events or experiences that the characters share with the NPCs.

    Use Dialogue and Interactions: Dialogue and interactions between characters and NPCs can be used to build relationships. Create situations where the players must negotiate, persuade, or intimidate NPCs to achieve their goals. Use these interactions to reveal more about the NPCs and their relationship with the player characters.

    Create Conflicts and Tension: Conflicts and tension can add depth and complexity to relationships. Create situations where the NPCs and player characters have conflicting goals or beliefs. This can create interesting dynamics and opportunities for roleplaying.

    Use Romance and Friendship: Romance and friendship can be powerful tools for creating meaningful relationships. Create NPCs that the players can develop romantic or platonic relationships with. These relationships can create emotional investment and add depth to the scenario.

    Use NPCs as Foils: NPCs can be used as foils to the player characters, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Create NPCs that embody qualities that the player characters lack or that challenge their beliefs. This can create opportunities for character development and roleplaying.

  •     Deadlands: Deadlands is a TTRPG system that is designed for the Western genre, with a touch of supernatural horror. It is a great choice for a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario that involves combat and exploration.
  •     Boot Hill: Boot Hill is a classic TTRPG system that is designed for the Western genre. It is known for its simple and intuitive gameplay, making it a great choice for a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario that focuses on combat.
  •     Savage Worlds: Savage Worlds is a flexible TTRPG system that can be adapted to a wide range of settings and genres. It is known for its fast-paced and action-packed gameplay, making it a great choice for a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario that focuses on combat and exploration.
  •     Dogs in the Vineyard: Dogs in the Vineyard is a narrative-focused TTRPG system that is designed for Western settings. It is known for its unique mechanics, which allow the players to escalate conflicts and take control of the narrative.
  •     Aces & Eights: Aces & Eights is a TTRPG system that is designed for the Western genre, with a focus on realism and historical accuracy. It is a great choice for a Sergio Corbucci inspired scenario that involves combat and exploration.

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