This is a thread for things other than... that. I can't speak for Spostra, who started the thread, but if you're choosing to plaster that avatar all over the place, I'd rather not see it here thanks
I’m personally okay with it as long as they don’t write about that topic here. 🤷♂️
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
I have recently been reading through the first few pages of The Colour of Magic, which thus far has a near perfect combination of interesting lore and comedy. A while ago I also read through The Hobbit. Tolkien had such an elegant way of writing and describing scenes.
Aside from books, I also draw a lot of inspiration from The Elder Scrolls (which has some really weird/fun lore and characters) and Dark Souls. The Forgotten Realms wiki page is also an excellent resource.
This is a thread for things other than... that. I can't speak for Spostra, who started the thread, but if you're choosing to plaster that avatar all over the place, I'd rather not see it here thanks
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
Naturally, the Lord of the Rings was my main influence in the past, but I've mostly switched to D&D lore itself. All of my worlds and characters are now based on various D&D lore.
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DM for life by choice, biggest fan of D&D specifically.
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
Poorly written as it may be, Wheel of Time probably is the largest influence on my D&D games. Overall, it has the most themes and elements that resonate with my characters, making it a great drawing point for my tables. From epic battles to betrayals to political complexity to its view on multiple worlds, there is a lot going on in Wheel of Time that can be applied to D&D. For similar reasons, A Song of Ice and Fire likewise makes for good inspiration, with its complex suite of characters and less black-and-white system of morality than is typical in fantasy. Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles and Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series are also both good modern fantasy stories to build upon (even if both are presently caught in the same quagmire as ASOIAF ).
Then, of course, you have your standard D&D sources of influence--your Tolkien (who I am a massive fan of, but his elegant version of fantasy does not lend itself as well to the chaos of my play groups), Lewis, Howard, Lovecraft, Dante, Shakespeare, Virgil, etc. There's also the Matter of Britain, Icelandic Sagas, various global mythologies, etc.
Homer is a particular influence--even beyond the simple reality that the Odyssey's "bad stuff happens as you travel the world" narrative is foundational to D&D itself, Homer's death language in the Iliad plays a major part in how I narrate kills. Despite being remembered as high art and the birthplace of Western literature, Homer wrote in a way that reads more like 300 or a particularly gory anime (ex. "The helmet did not protect him, for the point of the spear went through it, and broke the bone, so that the brain inside was scattered about, and he died fighting."). Homer's rather horrific descriptions of how folks on the battlefield die certainly colors my own descriptions.
Then I try to draw inspiration from things my players enjoy. For example, in my current Strixhaven campaign Harry Potter is, of course, used frequently for inspiration--the entire setting was chosen because one of my players really, really likes Harry Potter and working in references to the books entertains her and the other more casual fans.
Then, of course, you need the more silly sources of influence--D&D is never truly just about being literary, after all. Monty Python, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Princess Bride, and the like are all much closer to how a D&D game plays out than any dramatic work of fiction.
Aside from all the well-known touchstones people have already referenced, some weirder works that color how I DM and create character backstories are things like Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast, ETA Hoffmann's stuff (the guy who wrote the story that became the Nutcracker, although the original is way, way stranger than the ballet), Neil Gaiman's various works etc.
Adding that one little discordant element can make all the difference
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
Then, of course, you need the more silly sources of influence--D&D is never truly just about being literary, after all. Monty Python, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Princess Bride, and the like are all much closer to how a D&D game plays out than any dramatic work of fiction.
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny. Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
I have recently been reading through the first few pages of The Colour of Magic, which thus far has a near perfect combination of interesting lore and comedy. A while ago I also read through The Hobbit. Tolkien had such an elegant way of writing and describing scenes.
Aside from books, I also draw a lot of inspiration from The Elder Scrolls (which has some really weird/fun lore and characters) and Dark Souls. The Forgotten Realms wiki page is also an excellent resource.
I love Terry Pratchett! While he's a brilliant satirist, he also shows a clear love of the worlds he builds; the humor wouldn't be so effective without the care and detail he provides. It's hard for me to pin down my exact influences for my characters and the world I've been building over the past few months, but I'm sure a lot of the classics (LOTR et al) are swirling around in there. I've also noticed a bit of video game influence in my ideas, particularly Legend of Zelda.
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
Poorly written as it may be, Wheel of Time probably is the largest influence on my D&D games. Overall, it has the most themes and elements that resonate with my characters, making it a great drawing point for my tables. From epic battles to betrayals to political complexity to its view on multiple worlds, there is a lot going on in Wheel of Time that can be applied to D&D. For similar reasons, A Song of Ice and Fire likewise makes for good inspiration, with its complex suite of characters and less black-and-white system of morality than is typical in fantasy. Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles and Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series are also both good modern fantasy stories to build upon (even if both are presently caught in the same quagmire as ASOIAF ).
I almost listed both WOT and ASOIAF - but their inspiration for me is almost purely in terms of worldbuilding excellence and immersiveness. I like both series but don't really find them overly compatible with D&D (especially WOT).
Forgot about Lynch's books - they're definitely an inspiration/influence in terms of worldbuilding and atmosphere.
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
Poorly written as it may be, Wheel of Time probably is the largest influence on my D&D games. Overall, it has the most themes and elements that resonate with my characters, making it a great drawing point for my tables. From epic battles to betrayals to political complexity to its view on multiple worlds, there is a lot going on in Wheel of Time that can be applied to D&D. For similar reasons, A Song of Ice and Fire likewise makes for good inspiration, with its complex suite of characters and less black-and-white system of morality than is typical in fantasy. Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles and Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series are also both good modern fantasy stories to build upon (even if both are presently caught in the same quagmire as ASOIAF ).
Then, of course, you have your standard D&D sources of influence--your Tolkien (who I am a massive fan of, but his elegant version of fantasy does not lend itself as well to the chaos of my play groups), Lewis, Howard, Lovecraft, Dante, Shakespeare, Virgil, etc. There's also the Matter of Britain, Icelandic Sagas, various global mythologies, etc.
Homer is a particular influence--even beyond the simple reality that the Odyssey's "bad stuff happens as you travel the world" narrative is foundational to D&D itself, Homer's death language in the Iliad plays a major part in how I narrate kills. Despite being remembered as high art and the birthplace of Western literature, Homer wrote in a way that reads more like 300 or a particularly gory anime (ex. "The helmet did not protect him, for the point of the spear went through it, and broke the bone, so that the brain inside was scattered about, and he died fighting."). Homer's rather horrific descriptions of how folks on the battlefield die certainly colors my own descriptions.
Then I try to draw inspiration from things my players enjoy. For example, in my current Strixhaven campaign Harry Potter is, of course, used frequently for inspiration--the entire setting was chosen because one of my players really, really likes Harry Potter and working in references to the books entertains her and the other more casual fans.
Then, of course, you need the more silly sources of influence--D&D is never truly just about being literary, after all. Monty Python, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Princess Bride, and the like are all much closer to how a D&D game plays out than any dramatic work of fiction.
All this, and i put something that some could see as strange, like Star Wars, Star Trek, Asimov, Dune, etc...
I read a lot of horror fiction, including classics like Dracula, which if why Ravonloft is my favourite setting. I also like to try to get in the cult pulp sentiments of Indiana Jones, the John Carter series, and classics like The Conte of Monte Cristo, and The man in the iron mask.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing) You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
Question for the day, somewhat related to yesterday's: how much do you enjoy having real-world references creep into your D&D, and in what ways?
I ask because in another thread I mentioned the homebrew magic item my party seems to love the most -- the Rod of Cake, which turns ordinary objects into delicious cake. It's a gag item based on this trend which I gave to a character on her player's birthday
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Question for the day, somewhat related to yesterday's: how much do you enjoy having real-world references creep into your D&D, and in what ways?
Well now, I guess that depends on the context. My friends and I have a lot of inside jokes based on IRL or older campaigns and sometimes those creep into the game. We all find it amusing. I also enjoy references to real world stuff as a kind of tongue-in-cheek thing, or a nod to a world before the campaign world that has long since been forgotten, but a magic tinderbox that runs on lamp oil and weighs next to nothing (zippo), or something like that is fun too.
I can't think of any real-world references that wouldn't already be expected in a fantasy RPG setting, but I did once weave in an appearance by the Doctor, making them cannon in my game world.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing) You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
I can't think of any real-world references that wouldn't already be expected in a fantasy RPG setting, but I did once weave in an appearance by the Doctor, making them cannon in my game world.
In my current campaign, what starred as a joke has turned into kobolds, canonically, being named after rock stars from the 70’s and 80’s. The extra fun part is having to explain to our gen z player who Neil young is.
I can't think of any real-world references that wouldn't already be expected in a fantasy RPG setting, but I did once weave in an appearance by the Doctor, making them cannon in my game world.
That’s cool. Which Doctor?
Tom Baker ftw
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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I’m personally okay with it as long as they don’t write about that topic here. 🤷♂️
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
Question:
What works of fiction do you draw the most inspiration from, whether it be for characters of campaigns? What's in your "Appendix N" so to speak?
I have recently been reading through the first few pages of The Colour of Magic, which thus far has a near perfect combination of interesting lore and comedy. A while ago I also read through The Hobbit. Tolkien had such an elegant way of writing and describing scenes.
Aside from books, I also draw a lot of inspiration from The Elder Scrolls (which has some really weird/fun lore and characters) and Dark Souls. The Forgotten Realms wiki page is also an excellent resource.
[REDACTED]
Me if I had to guess. I got over it.
First, great question!
Here is an incomplete list of literary and cinematic (including TV) influences for characters (as a player) and campaigns (as a DM):
Tad Williams, The Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Trilogy
Thanks for the great question!!
Here’s a shortlist of my “appendix N” books in no particular order:
That’s a short list. There are countless others, but that a good start.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
An insightful question!
EVERYTHING.
Naturally, the Lord of the Rings was my main influence in the past, but I've mostly switched to D&D lore itself. All of my worlds and characters are now based on various D&D lore.
DM for life by choice, biggest fan of D&D specifically.
Poorly written as it may be, Wheel of Time probably is the largest influence on my D&D games. Overall, it has the most themes and elements that resonate with my characters, making it a great drawing point for my tables. From epic battles to betrayals to political complexity to its view on multiple worlds, there is a lot going on in Wheel of Time that can be applied to D&D. For similar reasons, A Song of Ice and Fire likewise makes for good inspiration, with its complex suite of characters and less black-and-white system of morality than is typical in fantasy. Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicles and Lynch's Gentleman Bastards series are also both good modern fantasy stories to build upon (even if both are presently caught in the same quagmire as ASOIAF ).
Then, of course, you have your standard D&D sources of influence--your Tolkien (who I am a massive fan of, but his elegant version of fantasy does not lend itself as well to the chaos of my play groups), Lewis, Howard, Lovecraft, Dante, Shakespeare, Virgil, etc. There's also the Matter of Britain, Icelandic Sagas, various global mythologies, etc.
Homer is a particular influence--even beyond the simple reality that the Odyssey's "bad stuff happens as you travel the world" narrative is foundational to D&D itself, Homer's death language in the Iliad plays a major part in how I narrate kills. Despite being remembered as high art and the birthplace of Western literature, Homer wrote in a way that reads more like 300 or a particularly gory anime (ex. "The helmet did not protect him, for the point of the spear went through it, and broke the bone, so that the brain inside was scattered about, and he died fighting."). Homer's rather horrific descriptions of how folks on the battlefield die certainly colors my own descriptions.
Then I try to draw inspiration from things my players enjoy. For example, in my current Strixhaven campaign Harry Potter is, of course, used frequently for inspiration--the entire setting was chosen because one of my players really, really likes Harry Potter and working in references to the books entertains her and the other more casual fans.
Then, of course, you need the more silly sources of influence--D&D is never truly just about being literary, after all. Monty Python, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Princess Bride, and the like are all much closer to how a D&D game plays out than any dramatic work of fiction.
Aside from all the well-known touchstones people have already referenced, some weirder works that color how I DM and create character backstories are things like Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast, ETA Hoffmann's stuff (the guy who wrote the story that became the Nutcracker, although the original is way, way stranger than the ballet), Neil Gaiman's various works etc.
Adding that one little discordant element can make all the difference
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Rodents of unusual size? I don't think they exi-
15
3
Look at what you've done. You spoiled it. You have nobody to blame but yourself. Go sit and think about your actions.
Don't be mean. Rudeness is a vicious cycle, and it has to stop somewhere. Exceptions for things that are funny.
Go to the current Competition of the Finest 'Brews! It's a cool place where cool people make cool things.
How I'm posting based on text formatting: Mod Hat Off - Mod Hat Also Off (I'm not a mod)
I love Terry Pratchett! While he's a brilliant satirist, he also shows a clear love of the worlds he builds; the humor wouldn't be so effective without the care and detail he provides. It's hard for me to pin down my exact influences for my characters and the world I've been building over the past few months, but I'm sure a lot of the classics (LOTR et al) are swirling around in there. I've also noticed a bit of video game influence in my ideas, particularly Legend of Zelda.
I almost listed both WOT and ASOIAF - but their inspiration for me is almost purely in terms of worldbuilding excellence and immersiveness. I like both series but don't really find them overly compatible with D&D (especially WOT).
Forgot about Lynch's books - they're definitely an inspiration/influence in terms of worldbuilding and atmosphere.
All this, and i put something that some could see as strange, like Star Wars, Star Trek, Asimov, Dune, etc...
I read a lot of horror fiction, including classics like Dracula, which if why Ravonloft is my favourite setting. I also like to try to get in the cult pulp sentiments of Indiana Jones, the John Carter series, and classics like The Conte of Monte Cristo, and The man in the iron mask.
"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing)
You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
Question for the day, somewhat related to yesterday's: how much do you enjoy having real-world references creep into your D&D, and in what ways?
I ask because in another thread I mentioned the homebrew magic item my party seems to love the most -- the Rod of Cake, which turns ordinary objects into delicious cake. It's a gag item based on this trend which I gave to a character on her player's birthday
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Well now, I guess that depends on the context. My friends and I have a lot of inside jokes based on IRL or older campaigns and sometimes those creep into the game. We all find it amusing. I also enjoy references to real world stuff as a kind of tongue-in-cheek thing, or a nod to a world before the campaign world that has long since been forgotten, but a magic tinderbox that runs on lamp oil and weighs next to nothing (zippo), or something like that is fun too.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
I can't think of any real-world references that wouldn't already be expected in a fantasy RPG setting, but I did once weave in an appearance by the Doctor, making them cannon in my game world.
"Orcs are savage raiders and pillagers with stooped postures, low foreheads, and piggish faces with prominent lower canines that resemble tusks." MM p245 (original printing)
You don't OWN your books on DDB: WotC can change them any time. What do you think will happen when OneD&D comes out?
That’s cool. Which Doctor?
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
In my current campaign, what starred as a joke has turned into kobolds, canonically, being named after rock stars from the 70’s and 80’s. The extra fun part is having to explain to our gen z player who Neil young is.
Tom Baker ftw