CHAINMAIL: 12.22.2023

Gygaxian "Naturalism" - GROGNARDIA

This is a benchmark article, defining a specific style of dungeon design based off the original designs of Gygax himself. This isn't the only way to design dungeons, but it is a popular way and one that is important to understand. The idea is that the monsters, traps, and dressing of your dungeon should exist within a shared reality. Things should make sense, and as a DM when you design the dungeon you should take into consideration how they interconnect. What does the cave troll eat to survive? How do the goblins dispose of their waste? Where do the giant rats nest? These are all questions that need answering if you are attempting to create a naturalist style dungeon.

3 Ways Urban Legends Make Your Worldbuilding Better - Hello Future Me

Shrink down your mythology to the local level, creating smaller yet more intimate legends that can showcase a culture from a stranger angle. Cryptids, ghost stories, and other supernatural phenomena can help establish verisimilitude in your worldbuilding. Turn monsters and strange magic into a cultural tool using the knowledge from this video!

Revelations - ars ludi

"Revelations" in this context is referring to the big pieces of information your players discover that alter there perspective of the game world or the unravelling story. Plot twists, big reveals, the discovery of key information are all revelations that can enhance your story. This article by Ben Robbins (creator of Microscope) explains that you should be considering these revelations ahead of time in order for them to have the proper impact. Check out this classic article from 2006 and learn something.

I hope these resources inspire you! If you haven't already, the best way to stay up to date with everything hothead related is to join the discord. See you next week!