A picture's worth 1000 words

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)
1. critical
2. aggressive
3. happy-go-lucky/ energetic
4. touchy
5. rude/ nasty/ inconsiderate/ thoughtless   
6. careless
7. gullible
8. frank/ straightforward
9. inept / powerless
10. polite / agreeable
11. charming/ charismatic
12. emotional 
13. powerful
14. compulsive
15. bossy
16. grumpy / unhappy 
17. boastful/ pompous 
18. cowardly
19. creative / entertaining
20. depressive/ sad
21. careless
22. tidy
23. cunning/ dishonest 
24. insane
25. dull/ dumb as a rock/ boring
26. patient/ calm/ collected
27. brave/ determined
28. indiscreet 
29. angry/ hateful/ intolerant
30. patriotic
31. unresponsive 
32. wise-cracking
33. intelligent/ intellectual / wise
34. friendly/ personable
35. outspoken
36. superficial 
37. religious/ dogmatic
38. decisive 
39. adaptable/ easy going
40. adventurous
41. ambitious
42. aloof / condescending
43. compassionate
44. belligerent
45. sensitive /shy
46. needlessly cruel
47. foolish / big headed
48. unassuming
49. lazy
50. conservative
51. detached
52. harsh / arrogant
53. impatient/ impulsive
54. materialistic
55. diligent  
56. sneaky 
57. ruthless
58. pessimistic
59. impish/ evil
60. enthusiastic
61. controlling / Machiavellian
62. pioneering
63. flirtatious
64. miserly/ greedy 
65. aloof/ detached
66. clingy/ needy/ possessive 
67. finicky
68. proactive 
69. witty / funny
70. silly
71. self-disciplined
72. tough-as-nails
73. jealous 
74. brave
75. vulgar
76. stiff
77. indecisive
78. cynical
79. impulsive
80. romantic
81. intolerant
82. respectful
83. translucent
84. sexy/ naughty 
85. good / righteous
86. patronizing 
87. nervous 
88. hard working
89. belligerent
90. irresponsible
91. courageous 
92. thoughtful 
93. dynamic 
94. secretive 
95. vain
96. quarrelsome
97. timid
98. plucky
99. self-indulgent
100. optomistic
101. sincere
102. philosophical
103. peaceful/ placid 
104. competitive 
105. diplomatic
106. helpful
107. sympathetic
108. rational / problem-solving
109. confident 
110. 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

If you find my writing, shared pictures, or lists interesting, inspiring, or useful please consider donating some money to me on my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/JesseC