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Showing posts from June, 2024

GM Tips: Running Sandbox Campaigns

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Sandbox campaigns offer players unparalleled freedom to explore, interact, and shape the world around them. Unlike linear campaigns, where the story follows a set path, sandbox campaigns give players the reins to choose their own adventures. However, running a successful sandbox campaign requires careful planning and a flexible approach. Here are some tips to help you master the art of sandbox Game Mastering (GMing). 1. Build a Rich, Detailed World Create a Living World A sandbox campaign thrives on a well-developed setting. Create a world that feels alive, with its own history, politics, cultures, and conflicts. Populate it with interesting locations, diverse NPCs, and dynamic factions. The more detailed your world, the more immersive it will be for your players. Use Maps and Resources Provide your players with maps and other resources to help them get a sense of the world. Whether it's a hand-drawn map of the realm, detailed descriptions of key locations, or an in-game encycloped...

Vulnicura: A New TTRPG Setting Inspired by the Music of Björk

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  Björk's music is a unique blend of ethereal sounds, raw emotions, and avant-garde aesthetics. Her discography spans a wide range of themes, from the natural world to human relationships, often infused with a sense of otherworldliness. This post will guide you through creating a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) setting inspired by Björk's music, capturing its surreal beauty and emotional depth. Setting Overview World Description Welcome to  Vulnicura , a fantastical archipelago where each island represents a different facet of human emotion and natural phenomena. The islands float in a vast, ever-changing ocean under a sky that shifts colors with the world's emotional tides. The people of Vulnicura draw power from the natural world, their emotions, and the intricate music that binds everything together. Key Themes Nature and Technology : A harmonious blend where technology is organic and intertwined with nature. Emotional Landscapes : Physical environments change in resp...

How to Run a Game Based on The Peripheral by William Gibson

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William Gibson's  The Peripheral  is a rich, multi-layered novel that deftly combines elements of cyberpunk with a dystopian future, creating a unique narrative ripe for adaptation into a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG). In this post, we'll explore how to capture the essence of  The Peripheral  and adapt its themes, settings, and characters into a compelling and engaging game for your players. Understanding the Core Themes Before diving into the mechanics, it's important to understand the core themes of  The Peripheral : Dual Timelines : The story takes place in two distinct timelines—one in a near-future America and the other in a post-apocalyptic London. The interaction between these timelines is central to the narrative. Technological Intrusion : Advanced technologies, such as 3D-printed drugs, telepresence robots (peripherals), and quantum servers, play a significant role. Socioeconomic Disparities : The novel explores the stark contrast between the impov...

Reef Harbor

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  Setting Overview Reef Harbor is a lively and somewhat rough-around-the-edges harbor town nestled in the Caribbean, where Spanish and English blend seamlessly in the vibrant daily life. The town exudes a distinct 1990s charm, with a grubby yet colorful atmosphere that tells tales of both hardship and joy. The salty air is filled with the sounds of reggae, salsa, and the occasional rumbling of rusty old trawlers. Key Locations Reef Radio Reef Radio is the beating heart of the town's music scene. Run by the charismatic DJ Ray, this station broadcasts an eclectic mix of Caribbean rhythms, local news, and community gossip. DJ Ray is a local celebrity, known for his deep voice and knack for spinning the perfect tracks to match the town's mood. The station's studio is a cramped, cluttered space filled with vinyl records, outdated equipment, and the ever-present aroma of strong coffee. Hernandez Autos Hernandez Autos is the go-to place for car repairs in Reef Harbor, but it...

Isle of Tiki

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Welcome to Isle of Tiki, a realm where the mystical and the exotic intertwine in a lush, tropical paradise. Here, amidst the swaying palms and volcanic peaks, adventurers find themselves in a land where ancient secrets, enchanted artifacts, and supernatural beings are as abundant as the vibrant flora and fauna. Overview Isle of Tiki is a setting for Old-School Revival (OSR) and old-school Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, drawing inspiration from the tiki-lounge aesthetic of the mid-20th century. This island world is a blend of Polynesian mythology, retro-futuristic design, and pulpy adventure tropes. Isle of Tiki offers a vibrant and adventurous setting, mixing the charm of the tiki-lounge aesthetic with the thrill of exploration and the supernatural. Whether seeking lost treasures, uncovering ancient secrets, or simply enjoying the island’s unique culture, adventurers will find endless opportunities for excitement and discovery. Geography The Great Volcano The heart of the Isle is th...