Introduction
About ten years ago I was searching for a way to create fast impromptu settings for adventures. I was using ‘World of Dungeons’ as an introductory system for new players with zero experience in tabletop role playing games. However, this system should work for any TTRGP system.
I was looking at some Magic the Gathering cards that I had on my table and I thought, why not use them? The fantasy setting is there and each cards has a nice picture that can inspire with other cards having a flavor text that can help those who are searching for the inspiration.
I did not have that many Magic the Gathering Cards, so I used this link to a fan based collection of then available cards: http://magiccards.info/random.html.
The website is still up, but I have no idea if it has been updated, but I suspect even if it has not been updated you still have an enormous collection of cards that you can use to create your adventure setting.
How to Generate Your Adventure Setting
First, you will generate a random card using the website. Generate a new card until you fill, in any order, each of the following slots.
- The Problem; (Creature or Enchantment card): This is a problem that has always been in an area but only now became a serious issue for some mysterious event. Perhaps, you will see a card that inspires you to create an idea.
- The Setting; (Non base land card): This is where everything is set.
- The Solution; (Artifact or Sorcery card): This can be considered a MacGuffin, or a target that the party must obtain to resolve the problem.
- The Helper; (Creature): This is somebody that wants the problem removed, and will hep the party.
- The Antagonist; (Creature): This is somebody that doesn’t want the problem solved or removed.
This is not intended to be a hard set of rules, but a source of inspiration that you are free to use as you see fit. If you get a wonderful idea for your next RPG session, just start to write out your plans.
A Sample Start
You can get weird results of course, but this is where your creative skills comes into play.
Here is an example:
[The Problem]: Highway Robber
[The Setting]: Karplusan Forest
[The Solution]: Mind Rot
[The Helper]: Brother Yamazaki
[The Antagonist]: Hate Weaver
Possible Adventure Setting
I decided to focus on the Karplusan Forest which is a wild forest slowly being tamed by the people of Karplus Village located deep within the forest on the Karplusan River. The people of the village have become accustomed to the dangers of the woods, most notably the packs of Blink Dogs that roam the woods. During winter, when the game runs short, the Blink Dogs sometimes invade the village.
Blink Dogs
Group, Small, Magical, Organized
Bite; (d8); HP; 6 HP, No Armor, Close
Instinct/Goal: To hunt
Special Qualities: Illusion
Now you see it, now you don’t. Hounds once owned by a sorcerer and imbued with a kind of illusory cloak, they escaped into the woods around his lair and began to breed with other dogs. You can spot them by the glittering silver of their coats. They have a remarkable talent for not being quite where they appear to be. If you find yourself facing them you might as well close your eyes and fight. You’ll have an easier time when not betrayed by your natural sight.
Moves:
- Give the appearance of being somewhere they’re not
- Summon the pack
- Move with amazing speed
The Antagonist is the Hate Weaver. A new threat from the far north who now wants to destroy Karplus Village, turn its people into his mindless slaves, and make the Karplusan Forest his domain.
He travels with a group of bandits who have become loyal to him. He orders them to lay ambush on the main road and attack any trying to enter or leave Karplus Village.
Hate Weaver
Solitary, Magical, Stealthy, Magical, Terrifying
Sonic Attack (d12 damage), 16HP, 4 armor, Close, Ignores armor, Far
Instinct/Goal: Destroy Karplus Village, enslave its people, and take over the Karplusan Forest
Special Qualities: When the Hate Weaver uses his magic his eyes glow red
Moves:
- Empowers his followers with hatred.
- Can fool people into thinking He is a friend.
- Spells: Mental Attacks using Mind Rot Spell
Bandits
Group, Stealthy, Organized, Hoarder
Rusty daggers (d8 damage), 6 HP, 1 Armor, Close
Instinct/Goal: To steal what travelers carry and to OBEY The Hate Weaver
Moves:
- Attack from ambush
- Dive into the undergrowth and disappear
- Surround travelers with the help of confederates.
Bandit Leader
Same as above except for:
Battleaxe and Long Sword (2d8 Damage), 3 Armor, Close, forceful
The Brothers Yamazaki became the Player Characters whose travels bring them to the Karplusan Forest traveling along the road from east to west. They choose to defend the villagers against The Hate Weaver and his bandits.
And here is my elegantly hand drawn map:
Conclusion
There you have the setting, rough though it is. Notice how the Solution: Mind Rot became part of the problem as a spell used by the Hate Weaver. Also, the Helper: Brother Yamazaki ended up not really be used at all. And I decided I needed another Monster to attack the party as they were traveling, but before they became aware of the real problem, and thus the Blink Dogs were added.
I hope you decide to use the system to come up with your own setting based upon totally random cards from Magic the Gathering.
Good Hunting.
