A Picture's Worth 1000 Words
By: Jesse C Cohoon
First of all before I start with this blog post I'd like to take the time to thank all my followers who have taken the time to look at the pictures and give me a +1 on them to show their support, as well as those who comment on them; I really appreciate it!
The reason that I post these images is not only that they are beautiful, but that they are inspirational for RPGs as well, and in some cases can be the cornerstone of an entire world.
There are a couple of obvious ways of looking at the pictures.
- You can give them out as a handout for your players saying that they're at some vantage point and are seeing the image that you just presented them with.
- Place them in the scene saying that they're in the midst of this scenery, hiking down the trail, in the midst of the spooky centenary,taking the rapids down the river, or climbing the mountains.
- Use the scenery as a type of a map of somewhere where the players must go to meet someone, do something, or build their base.
- Use the scenery as a backdrop of a battle
- Use the scenery as the entire setting, asking yourself
- Who lives here? What caused them to be there? What is their story as far as why they are there? How long have they been there?
- Where is this? Is it the mountains, a prairie, underground, beneath the sea? What is it about this setting that is unique? Is it the ancient trees that stretch up to the sky? Is it the the crystal clear blue waters. Is it the unique cave features? Make that feature prominent in your game.
- When is this? Is this before there are other races, during the "wild west," Samurai Japan, the modern day or the future? When is not only codified by technology/ magic/ culture, but by the type of government it has, the politics of the era, the attitudes of its people, as well as the religious atmosphere.
- What are the problems that this area is facing? Why are they facing them now? What is causing the problems? What else is going on in the area?
- Concerning the characters: Who are they? Why are they going to be the focus of the story above and beyond the fact that they got swept up in something bigger than themselves? More specifically why should they want to get involved? What's in it for them? If there's pay to be had (for instance they're guarding a caravan, getting rid of a marauding monster in the area, guiding a mage, finding a cure for the king who's been poisoned) how much? If there's a time limit on these activities, what is is?
- How will the group meet? Will it be in the vast woods searching for a lost child? Will it be while being guided through the caves and separated from the group? Will it be as a group of tourists who experience unbelievable things? Will it be as the survivors of a zombie apocalypse? Will it be at the death of a good friend? Do they all happen to be shopping at the time whatever happens to bring them together? Whatever the way that they meet it can be much more than "you meet in a bar" scenario.
- You can use a picture for an ally or an enemy. For a quick stat up consider: NPC class, basic stats, personality, basic equipment, skills, spells (if applicable), and any allies you might want to give them.
- If someone is new to RPGs, they might want to do a google search for the same types of characters that they wish to play. The image can give inspiration as to the type of personality, powers, and abilities that their character might have.
- This idea can even be expanded to such things as the mage's familiars, the druid's and ranger animal companions.
- If they're to be given to the PCs as a follower, you might want to go a bit more in detail giving them some personality quirks, a bit of history, and a reason for wanting to stick with them. Maybe they've just been saved from a life of slavery by the PCs, thought that it would be fun to go adventuring, or have some of the same goals as them.
- If you're using them as an enemy, think about why they would want to oppose the PCs. Maybe it was the fact that the PCs accidentally (or purposely) killed their parents, and they want revenge, have a racial hatred towards one of the players, or the players are opposing the organization that they're a member of.
- They can be a neutral third party who happens to cross the PC's path and it's interesting to have an illustration of them that you can pull out if through their interactions they become an important person later on.
- Regardless of the type of NPC, think about giving them a few lines when you create them, that way that you have less improving to do when you play them.
- Personality (110 choices)
- critical
- aggressive
- happy-go-lucky/ energetic
- touchy
- rude/ nasty/ inconsiderate/ thoughtless
- careless
- gullible
- frank/ straightforward
- inept / powerless
- polite / agreeable
- charming/ charismatic
- emotional
- powerful
- compulsive
- bossy
- grumpy / unhappy
- boastful/ pompous
- cowardly
- creative / entertaining
- depressive/ sad
- careless
- tidy
- cunning/ dishonest
- insane
- dull/ dumb as a rock/ boring
- patient/ calm/ collected
- brave/ determined
- indiscreet
- angry/ hateful/ intolerant
- patriotic
- unresponsive
- wise-cracking
- intelligent/ intellectual / wise
- friendly/ personable
- outspoken
- superficial
- religious/ dogmatic
- decisive
- adaptable/ easy going
- adventurous
- ambitious
- aloof / condescending
- compassionate
- belligerent
- sensitive /shy
- needlessly cruel
- foolish / big headed
- unassuming
- lazy
- conservative
- detached
- harsh / arrogant
- impatient/ impulsive
- materialistic
- diligent
- sneaky
- ruthless
- pessimistic
- impish/ evil
- enthusiastic
- controlling / Machiavellian
- pioneering
- flirtatious
- miserly/ greedy
- aloof/ detached
- clingy/ needy/ possessive
- finicky
- proactive
- witty / funny
- silly
- self-disciplined
- tough-as-nails
- jealous
- brave
- vulgar
- stiff
- indecisive
- cynical
- impulsive
- romantic
- intolerant
- respectful
- translucent
- sexy/ naughty
- good / righteous
- patronizing
- nervous
- hard working
- belligerent
- irresponsible
- courageous
- thoughtful
- dynamic
- secretive
- vain
- quarrelsome
- timid
- plucky
- self-indulgent
- optomistic
- sincere
- philosophical
- peaceful/ placid
- competitive
- diplomatic
- helpful
- sympathetic
- rational / problem-solving
- confident
- impartial
Places to find artwork for your games: (no guarantees on licenses... just don't try to sell them without doing your due diligence first!)
- G+ artwork & photo groups
- http://www.heromachine.com/ for custom graphics
- http://www.istockphoto.com/
- http://bootstrapbay.com/blog/free-stock-photos