Creating and Running an RPG Campaign Inspired by "Brand New Cherry Flavor"

 

"Brand New Cherry Flavor" is a Netflix show that has captivated audiences with its dark and twisted tale of revenge and supernatural occurrences. If you're a fan of the show and want to bring its eerie atmosphere and intriguing storyline to your tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) sessions, you're in luck! In this blog post, we'll explore how you can create and run an RPG campaign inspired by "Brand New Cherry Flavor."

Setting the Stage

To start, establish the setting for your campaign. "Brand New Cherry Flavor" takes place in the gritty and supernatural underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1990s. Recreate this atmosphere by describing the neon-lit streets, the seedy clubs, and the eerie back alleys of the city. Emphasize the juxtaposition between the glamorous facade of Hollywood and the dark undercurrents that flow beneath its surface.

Themes and Tone

The show is known for its themes of revenge, manipulation, and the blurred lines between reality and the supernatural. Capture these themes in your campaign by incorporating elements of psychological horror, occultism, and a sense of creeping dread. Make the players question their own perceptions and challenge their moral compasses as they navigate a world where nothing is as it seems.

Creating the Storyline

The main plot of "Brand New Cherry Flavor" revolves around Lisa Nova's quest for revenge against the director who wronged her. Adapt this storyline by having your players take on the roles of individuals seeking revenge for their own personal grievances. Encourage them to create compelling backstories and motivations that tie into the themes of the show.

Introduce a mysterious figure who possesses supernatural abilities, similar to Boro the Jaguar. This character can serve as a guide or mentor to the players, leading them deeper into the dark and twisted world they're venturing into. Uncover secrets, unveil hidden agendas, and reveal the true nature of the supernatural forces at play.

NPCs and Factions

Just like the show, populate your campaign with memorable and enigmatic non-player characters (NPCs) who can aid or hinder the players' progress. Include influential figures from the occult underworld, eccentric filmmakers, and individuals with their own sinister agendas. Develop intricate relationships and alliances among these NPCs to create a web of intrigue and manipulation.

Additionally, introduce factions that players can align with or against. These factions might include rival occult groups, secretive societies, or even Hollywood power players who dabble in the supernatural. Each faction should have its own goals and motivations, providing ample opportunity for players to navigate complex political dynamics and make difficult choices.

Supernatural Elements

The supernatural plays a significant role in "Brand New Cherry Flavor," so be sure to include supernatural elements in your campaign as well. Explore themes of witchcraft, curses, shape-shifting, and the occult. Incorporate rituals, artifacts, and arcane knowledge that the players can uncover and use to their advantage. However, keep the supernatural mysterious and unpredictable, leaving room for surprises and moments of awe.

Game Mechanics

Consider which TTRPG system best aligns with the tone and themes of "Brand New Cherry Flavor." Systems like Call of Cthulhu, Unknown Armies, or Monster of the Week offer rules and mechanics that cater to the horror and supernatural genres. Alternatively, you can adapt an existing system to fit your campaign's needs by incorporating homebrew rules and mechanics that emphasize the psychological and supernatural aspects of the story.

Player Agency and Consequences

In a campaign inspired by "Brand New Cherry Flavor," it's crucial to give players agency and allow their choices to have significant consequences. Encourage them to make decisions that shape the narrative and impact the fates of both their characters and the NPCs around them. Highlight the moral gray areas and the often unpredictable outcomes of their actions. This approach will make their choices feel weighty and invest them more deeply in the campaign.

Final Thoughts

Creating and running an RPG campaign inspired by "Brand New Cherry Flavor" allows you to delve into a world of revenge, supernatural intrigue, and psychological horror. By capturing the show's themes, setting, and tone, you can provide your players with an immersive and unsettling experience. Remember to prioritize player agency, introduce memorable NPCs and factions, and weave a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and the supernatural. 

1. Occult Mysteries: Dive deeper into the occult aspects of the show by incorporating ancient rituals, forbidden knowledge, and hidden cults. Allow players to uncover ancient texts, decipher cryptic symbols, and perform rituals that grant them access to supernatural abilities. Make the acquisition of such knowledge a double-edged sword, as it may come with unforeseen consequences or attract the attention of malevolent entities.

2. Retro Aesthetic: Embrace the 1990s setting by incorporating the fashion, music, and pop culture of the era. Encourage players to create characters that embody the spirit of the time, whether they are grunge musicians, aspiring actors, or underground artists. Use the nostalgia of the era to immerse the players in the atmosphere and create a distinct visual style for the campaign.

3. Dreams and Hallucinations: Emulate the surreal and dreamlike sequences from the show by incorporating dreamscapes and hallucinations into your campaign. Create scenarios where the boundaries between dreams and reality blur, making it difficult for the players to discern what is real and what is merely a product of their own minds. These sequences can provide opportunities for character growth, self-discovery, and even terrifying encounters.

4. Symbolism and Metaphor: "Brand New Cherry Flavor" is known for its use of symbolism and metaphor. Incorporate these elements into your campaign to add depth and layers of meaning to the story. Use recurring symbols, cryptic messages, and metaphorical encounters to challenge the players' perceptions and invite them to interpret the narrative in different ways.

5. The Price of Power: Explore the theme of the cost of power and the consequences of seeking revenge. Portray the characters' pursuit of vengeance as a Faustian bargain, where every victory comes at a steep price. Showcase the moral dilemmas they face and the sacrifices they must make to achieve their goals. This adds complexity to the campaign and prompts players to question the true nature of their desires.

6. Cinematic Storytelling: Take inspiration from the show's visual style and cinematic storytelling techniques. Create dramatic set pieces, intense action sequences, and memorable encounters that feel like scenes from a movie. Use dynamic descriptions, dramatic lighting, and atmospheric music to heighten the tension and immerse the players in the campaign's dark and twisted world.

7. Collaborative Storytelling: Encourage collaborative storytelling by allowing players to contribute to the creation of the world and its mysteries. Give them opportunities to introduce their own narrative twists, hidden secrets, or NPCs that tie into the overarching storyline. This empowers the players and fosters a sense of ownership and investment in the campaign.

8. Incorporate Body Horror: "Brand New Cherry Flavor" features unsettling and grotesque body horror elements. Consider including moments of body transformation, grotesque mutations, or disturbing physical manifestations of the supernatural. Ensure that players are comfortable with this level of horror and establish boundaries beforehand.

Remember, as the Game Master, your role is to facilitate an engaging and immersive experience for your players. Use these ideas as a starting point and adapt them to suit your group's preferences and playstyle. With careful planning, creative storytelling, and a touch of supernatural intrigue, your RPG campaign inspired by "Brand New Cherry Flavor" will transport your players to a world where revenge and the supernatural collide in the most unsettling of ways.