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Showing posts from July, 2024

Running a Game Based on The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

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  Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness is a masterpiece of science fiction, exploring themes of gender, politics, and humanity on the frozen planet of Gethen. Running a game based on this rich and complex world can be an incredibly rewarding experience for both the Game Master (GM) and the players. Here’s how you can bring the magic of Gethen to your gaming table. Setting the Stage: Understanding Gethen The World Gethen, also known as Winter, is a planet perpetually in the grip of an ice age. Its extreme climate shapes every aspect of its inhabitants' lives. As the GM, you should emphasize the harshness of the environment: freezing temperatures, treacherous ice, and the struggle for survival. The Inhabitants The people of Gethen are androgynous, becoming either male or female only during their mating period, known as kemmer. This unique aspect of Gethenian biology is central to the story and should play a significant role in your game. Consider how this impacts social ...

Plot Hooks and Adventure Ideas for a The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet TTRPG

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1. Wormhole Construction Contract Plot Hook The crew receives a lucrative contract to build a series of wormholes connecting remote planets to the central hubs of the Galactic Commons. However, tensions run high as not all local inhabitants are pleased with this new interstellar highway cutting through their space. Adventure Ideas Negotiation with Locals: The crew must navigate delicate negotiations with a planet’s inhabitants who are resistant to the wormhole construction, balancing diplomacy with the demands of their employers. Sabotage: A rival company or a group of activists opposed to the project attempts to sabotage the crew’s efforts, leading to a series of dangerous encounters and investigations. Environmental Concerns: The construction threatens a fragile ecosystem on one of the planets, forcing the crew to find a solution that satisfies both ecological and corporate interests. 2. Rescue Mission on a War-Torn Planet Plot Hook The crew receives a distress signal from a scientis...

Enchanted Evenings: Running a Game Based on Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

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If you’re a fan of Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, you’ve probably daydreamed about immersing yourself in its richly detailed world of magic, history, and intrigue. Good news! You can bring that fantastical universe to life at your gaming table. Here’s how you can craft an unforgettable experience for your players. Setting the Stage Understanding the World Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is set in an alternate version of 19th-century England where magic is real but rare. The novel combines historical elements with fantastical ones, creating a unique, immersive environment. To run a game in this world, you should:Familiarize yourself with the period: Understanding the social norms, fashion, and politics of the Regency era will help you create a believable backdrop. Embrace the magic: Magic in Clarke’s world is subtle, scholarly, and often dangerous. Think less Harry Potter and more arcane rituals and ancient tomes. Choosing a System Select a tabletop RPG system ...