“How do you design awesome RPG cities? You know, the kind that feeds your session with ideas, that comes alive in player’s minds and that is uniquely memorable. A city that players never forget.”
Throwing out all the usual fantasy roleplaying setting races, choosing completely different races, and then exploring what different cultures and adventure scenarios evolve from it…
The “concept of cool” does not necessarily have to cheapen our game worlds, but enrich them…
“We only keep track of money so we can buy better magic items.” I understand that it can be tedious to spend 5 cp on a meal when you’re saving up for a 20,000 gp item. I get that. But all that means is that money is indeed there just for purchasing magic items, and I guess that is what my problem is…
One of the most omnipresent – and most dangerous – opponents your PCs can face isn’t found in any bestiary and is often overlooked by GMs: the environment.
It strikes me as odd that castles existed in a world where dragons, griffons, manticores, and all manner of large, dangerous flying things ruled the air…
DM: “So you walk into the bar and see a table in the back of the room. The room is somber and filled with smoke. Sitting at the table is a Dragonborn, a Tiefling, and an Eladrin.” Player: “This must be the odd group of adventurers the Mayor was talking about! By the way, what is the name of this bar…” DM: “Ummmm… (Looks at [Read the article]
So how does a society hold together, if everybody is beating up everybody else? How do races known for thuggery keep any kind of order, do any kind of trade? This article addresses the way I handle such communities in my own RPG campaigns. It doesn’t have to be orcs – it could be any fairly brutal population. But I use this in particular for [Read the article]
We’ve already delved into how the size of the city, and the city’s residents, can help establish its importance and make it all the more engaging for your players. Remember, a city that makes sense adds that touch of reality to your fantasy world that can help immerse your players in your world. What about where the city is? This is often my first step [Read the article]
DM: “So you walk into the bar and see a table in the back of the room. The room is sombre and filled with smoke. Sitting at the table is a Dragonborn, a Tiefling, and an Eladrin.” Player: “This must be the odd group of adventurers the Mayor was talking about! By the way, what is the name of this bar…” DM: “Ummmm… The d20 [Read the article]