A specific published world with broad outlines of geography, population, culture, history, physics etc.
52
votes
18answers
3k views
I'm creating an original setting for D&D—where do I start?
Creating a new fantasy setting for D&D is daunting but I don't want to use one of the published settings. I have a blank piece of paper in front of me and a whole world to create. My friends want ...
21
votes
6answers
333 views
Techniques for communicating setting and campaign information to the PCs?
In the past, I've almost always had at least one NPC that would travel with the characters as a type of "lore master" to expand on the story. I've tried to make the character witty and, once the ...
18
votes
10answers
545 views
What RPGs treat magic as being common?
Some fantasy RPGs treat magic as arcane and thus rare, possibly subject to suspicion by the masses. Other games treat magic as somewhat more prevelant but not ubiquitous.
At some point in this trend, ...
61
votes
10answers
6k views
How many people does it take to steal a Star Destroyer?
The stats for the Imperial class Star Destroyer in West End Games's Star Wars RPG list the skeleton crew for the vessel as 5,000 people. They define the skeleton crew as "the absolute minimum number ...
32
votes
10answers
561 views
Helping new players learn a setting on the go
I started a new Eberron campaign last night, and I quickly ran into the problem of my players not knowing much of anything about the campaign setting.
What is the Mournland?
Where is the Eldeen ...
43
votes
10answers
888 views
Medieval problems in a magical world
This is a bit of a broad question, but I will try to narrow it down to this:
When GMing a medieval fantasy, and conflicts arise between the medieval times and the magical world (mostly D&D and ...
19
votes
12answers
337 views
How can you add character to in-game religions?
I'm thinking mostly from a DnD3.5 background, but am open to input for any setting - even non-fantasy - but my focus is on fantasy settings.
How can you add character to religions so that they're ...
17
votes
6answers
443 views
Suggested System/Mechanics/Setting Choices for X-Files/Fringe Inspired Game?
Requesting system, specific mechanic, and published setting recommendations for a recurring game inspired by the X-Files and Fringe.
Here are my goals and details for the game that may provide ...
14
votes
3answers
396 views
Playing Dungeon World in an established setting
World creation in Dungeon World according to its principle is meant to be broad and keep some blanks for the players to fill.
But what about an established setting like Forgotten Realm or Greyhawk? ...
14
votes
4answers
223 views
Is there a method for sliding seamlessly from one system into another during a campaign?
Has anyone changed system/setting/genre but kept the characters during a campaign?
Players can become very attached to their characters, even when the campaign/setting/genre or system is getting ...
13
votes
11answers
387 views
In a game set “ten years into the future” what are some narrative techniques to explain away the lack of significant tech advances?
Mutant City Blues, an excellent setting for a GUMSHOE system, is set "ten years in the future" of whenever the game starts.
However, as I want the game to be about powers (the heightened) and not ...
8
votes
2answers
243 views
Dystopian sword & magic settings
Actually something that just came to my mind and something I've never encountered before. Are there any settings or systems centering about dystopian worlds, but without technology, nothing more ...
5
votes
1answer
121 views
Materials for a post War of the Lance campaign
Soon we will be starting a DragonLance campaign, and we have settled on the post War of Lance, around a year after the official end of the war. The problem I have is that there are barely any ...
6
votes
9answers
1k views
Good RPG for pirate-oriented setting
What good, popular setting you have used for "Pirates of the Caribbean" types of adventures? What makes it good for running a pirate game?
