Christer Enfors

Today's #TTRPGDiscussion: How do you make your #TTRPG world feel alive?

When I play #DND or #PathFinder, I want the world to feel alive - not as a static movie set in which you have your adventures. Even though my PC may be a hero to some extent, I still want to feel like I'm just one of many adventurers / citizens in this world. But how do you, as a GM, achieve that?

How does one make the world feel alive and dynamic? What are your best tips related to this?

May 6, 2023 at 6:13pmWeb
Show threadDave ClarkMay 6, 2023
@enfors add third places that vary by culture, have glasses on some people, team sports should exist, get rid of racial languages and use cultures instead
Show threadChrister EnforsMay 6, 2023
@bedirthan Interesting. Why are cultures better than languages in this regard?
Show threadDave ClarkMay 6, 2023

@enfors because languages have never been by 'race.'

Rather than have every elf speak elvish, have them speaking the language of their nation/country/tribe is more real. Plus, you can treat Cultures as a tool.

I've written more here
https://fullmoonstorytelling.com/2021/01/03/adding-culture-to-your-game-a-new-tool/

Adding Culture to Your Game: A new tool

Get rid of languages; replace them with Culture: NAME.

Full Moon Storytelling
Show threadChrister EnforsMay 6, 2023
@bedirthan That's a very interesting blog post, thanks for linking it. I think you're right. For the TTRPG I'm developing, I'll have characters knowing cultures (as skills) rather than languages, as you suggest.
Show threadDave ClarkMay 6, 2023
@enfors awesome! I look forward to seeing it
Show threadunboxed cerealMay 6, 2023

@enfors

i think a big way to do that is with the presence of organizations (both to join and to interact with), as it highlights the existence and agency of people beyond the scope of the pcs' own direct observation

one great option is to adopt the "adventurers guild" trope from fantasy anime, contextualizing the party as rookies in a world where bigger adventurers are out there and interacting with society

Show threadChrister EnforsMay 6, 2023
@unboxedcereal That's a good point, and one I definitely agree with. One interesting application of this concept which you might be familiar with is "Fronts" from Dungeon World: https://www.dungeonworldsrd.com/gamemastering/fronts/
Fronts – Dungeon World SRD

Show threadRianqMay 6, 2023
@enfors In a city adventure, I'm using newspapers (or city criers in a less literate setting) to give another perspective on the party's adventures and other goings-ons. It's fun to write and the players enjoy a rainbow press take on their escapades
Show threadChrister EnforsMay 6, 2023
@Rianq Hmm, that's an interesting perspective. Yeah, I've thought of doing something similar, but never for the purpose of making the world seem more alive - besides, I never got around to it. But yes, I think you're right, this could help in that regard. Thanks!
Show threadRianqMay 6, 2023
@enfors Glad to help!