Roleplaying Game with Great Writing (#RPGaDay2024.05)

Today's prompt for #RPGaDay2024 is "roleplaying game with great writing." Let’s clear something up right away. If you’re on the hunt for a singular roleplaying book with “great writing,” you’re barking up the wrong tree. And if you’re clutching your pearls right now, hold on. We’re going to be intentionally obtuse here because that’s part of the Lightspress philosophy. Let’s dive into why.

First off, anything can be source material for a roleplaying game. Your favorite well-written novel that’s not even fantasy? Fair game. That obscure cozy mystery series only you seem to appreciate? Perfect. Inspiration is everywhere, and the best-written novels have the depth and complexity that can be translated beautifully into a roleplaying setting. You don’t need a book labeled “RPG” to find something with great writing.

Take your favorite classic novel (you have a favorite classic novel, right?). Maybe it’s a swashbuckling adventure like “The Three Musketeers” or a gothic romance like “Wuthering Heights.” These books have detailed settings, complex characters, and intricate plots that are ripe for worldbuilding. You can lift entire scenes, dialogues, and character arcs straight from these pages and plop them into your game. It’s not about the medium; it’s about the content.

Now, let’s address the point I’m going to continue to beat to death: a roleplaying game isn’t just a book. A roleplaying game is the activity around the table, the creative collaboration between you and your friends. It’s the spontaneous ideas, the unexpected turns, and the shared stories that make the magic happen. You could have the most brilliantly written roleplaying book in existence, but if your game sessions are dull, that book isn’t going to save you.

When was the last time a game session became legendary because of the written words in the rulebook? More likely, it became legendary because of the wild decisions your player characters made, the witty banter, and the epic failures that led to unforgettable moments. That’s the heart of the roleplaying hobby.

So, let’s humor the idea for a moment. If we’re talking about great writing that stands out, let’s think about literature, television, and film. The magic in a show like “Breaking Bad” or a film like “Pulp Fiction” isn’t in some dusty rulebook but in the gripping plots and compelling characters that draw you in and keep you hooked. That’s the kind of writing that can inspire your roleplaying game.

But honestly, even the best scripts and novels are just starting points. They’re tools for you to build upon. Your game’s true quality comes from the gamemaster’s improvisation, the players’ creativity, and the collective storytelling that unfolds. Just like directors and actors can elevate even a bad script, or utterly botch a great one.

Now, if you’re still with me and not too salty about the initial snark, here’s the bottom line: don’t get hung up on finding the perfect roleplaying book with flawless writing. Look for inspiration everywhere. Draw from your favorite novels, films, and even your wildest dreams. The magic happens when you and your group breathe life into these ideas.

So remember, a roleplaying game is a living, breathing entity. It’s not confined to the pages of a book. It evolves with every session, shaped by the personalities and imaginations of everyone involved. So, pick up that well-written novel you adore, let it inspire you, and then go create some legendary tales with your friends around the table. That’s where the real magic of roleplaying lies.