The plot hooks are very good, and I really like this take on the forbidden text. I also think the introduction really sets the tone for the piece and probably describes as much in itself as all of the non-italic text. I am unsure if this is the place to discuss it, but it is a worthwhile question that could be explored through gameplay:
If stripped of all that a person values, what really is left?
Obviously there are those that have to survive the verses, how do they do it? What makes their mental state different?
A good and useful place for beginning adventurers. I would like to see it expanded with some links to the interesting fey mentioned, but it's short, sweet, and useful. The added cultural touch is very nice.
I think this idea is fantastic and goes in the category of "Why haven't more people thought of this?" It's a great way to switch up the pacing of a normal game.
I very nice look at a minor god / large being that answered any questions I had about him as it went. His usefulness is limited since, as is stated, he can only exist in darkness. Perhaps he has caught something, some trinket or person, and is running around the world with them in constant darkness. Would make for an interesting quest, always being in shadow and facing creatures of the night.
It is quite servicable and well written, but I feel it could be something better. I don't want to be too critical, but I feel no uniqueness since its entirety is "What if humans were leeches?" It is a typically structured patriarchal society, but why? How did they develop brains and psychic powers instead of more developed tentacles? Why do they value philosophy so much, does it expland their psychic powers? Why were they not overtaken by the humes eons ago since they are showing capacity for rapid intellectual growth? What I think this post is missing is how and why a world run by leeches is different from the one run by humans.
I suppose I should give a bit of backround. I plan to begin a horror game, and will post pieces of it here as I write it up. I've read many of the articles here and found it to be an amazing resource, so I felt I should join and contribute. This is the first town at the beginning of the game. Since the characters will be relatively weak they will be given small tasks.
Christian will not leave his vigil at the tavern as he waits for his daughters, so the PCs are sent to a grove he knows of to collect spices. A knowledgable character might realize that this spice (I used star anise as my model) has two varieties, one poisonous the other safe. They may find the remains of someone who was killed.
Eva is in constant demand and cannot leave her forge unattended besides. She requests they search for a black liquid (I used naphtha as my model) which is flammable (for her forge) and used as a solvent (for her metalwork). The group will be offered a wide array of hunting knives setting out on their expidition, as no other weapons are made.
Allie resides in the temple at the center of town, which is where the cemetary is. Only a quarter of the cemetary is occupied by bodies, and the remainder is an open area where the 'wedding' will be held. Clearing out the weeds and rats gives characters an opportunity to discover what is amiss with the cemetary. It's custom in the village for a boy to go into the forest and bring his lady a token to show his bravery for her. Jessie is less than physically inclined, so Allie will send them to the most dangerous portions of the forest when they start becoming suspicious and the new moon draws close.
The ultimate goal is that on the night of the new moon the players are being hunted by crazed villagers, and run to the village to find it in flames with half the population dying of poison thanks to them.
The ultimate goal is that on the night of the new moon the players are being hunted by crazed villagers, and run to the village to find it in flames with half the population dying of poison thanks to them.
I agree with Cheka. I would be more interested in a story of how the cloth came into being than how it was found, but the writing and the idea is great.
An infinitely practical list with some good extra thought. I'd like to see some places that are not typically thought of as bases of evil. None really come to mind at the moment though.
16-Animal Refuge
Cruelty to animals easily becomes cruelty to humans. If the area is a wildlife refuge poaching, waste dumping, and smuggling could be common problems allowed by lax rangers. More sinister is the individual who takes in homeless pets for sale to science laboratories or just tortured for 'fun'. It is possible for escaped pets to wind up in the hands of such monsters much to the tears of their owners.
I have to say this because it has been bothering me. What Lays Beyond sounds like the title to a bad porno flick, I am fairly certain the correct word is lies. Normally I wouldn't make an issue of it but ohmahgah it's right there in the title.
Wonderful description, great item, not overly powerful, interesting enough to inspire someone. A great submission.
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