Topic: RPGs
Wow. I've kinda taken some time off since Thanksgiving. Okeydoke... well, back at it. Where were we? Oh yes, my This Empire Earth sandbox brainstorming session!
Earlier in the sesion, I framed the evening's discussion and led the boys through the overall setting and spent a lot of time detailing the races of the Empire. They even created a brand new race! After that, we plunged headlong into the what they'd like out of the first several games.
At the conclusion of James' game in October, I briefly ran down a little of the setting and explained different types of games we might play in it. All in attendance were unanimous in their desire to play Rangers on the Empire's distant frontier.
The Rangers of the Frontier Batallion have much in common with the Texas Rangers of Earth's nineteenth century. They are over worked and under paid. There is no formal training program. Very few supplies are made available to the Rangers, thus they are accustomed to foraging in order to meet their needs. You got your own gear? You can work in the Batallion. As such, individuals of varied backgrounds with as many different motivations comprise the ranks of the Rangers.
And, oh yes, Rangers are cool. That aspect all agreed on.
The guys held that Rangers, while perhaps individually morally ambiguous, as an institution they are held in high regard. Rangers have a mystique about them. They've a reputation for dealing hard law. They're fearless, running to the danger. Children want to be Rangers when they grow up.
With their role as Rangers clearly defined, I directed them to consider the types of adventures they'd enjoy playing.
"You want to do cool things," I said. "Tell me about them."
Giant Monsters! The first thing recommended was 'giant monsters' which drew a full chorus of agreement. Of course, this may just be because we had been playing with my recently acquired Godzilla figure.
Rangers, they directed, should be responsible for responding to disasters, riots, and outlaws (brigandage?). They also liked the idea of rescue missions. Further, the guys wanted a recurring villain. Someone to be hunted down. Perhaps for crimes, but also for personal revenge.
One last thing, the players wanted cool rides.
I'm working on that.
Brainstorming the sanbox was a great success. My players are awesome. They totally brought it. They gave me lots to work with. I think we're going to have a tremendous amount of fun playing in the Empire. I
'll be running the first session in January for m'boys. After that, I plan to also run it at V3 in February and at Fear the Con 2 in March.
Details to follow.
Aron Head
www.EvilBastard.net
Twitter + AronHead
Original artwork provided by Jake Ekiss who draws one mean-ass Devil Dinosaur!
