Day 12 of my Adventure Calendar. For 24 days, up until Christmas, I plan to release a lil bit of RPG content. Want to join as well? Join the jam!
Image: Final Fantasy VI
I found myself wondering fun ways to deliver exposition to players recently, when I remembered Final Fantasy VI‘s famous opera scene. So, the idea for today is quite simple: have stage plays and performances take place in your settlements, camps, and cities.
I’m now just going to list a whole bunch of things to consider, to hopefully fire up your own ideas!
Types of Plays
- Allegorical Plays: Used to convey moral lessons or explore complex ideas. These can reinforce cultural values and norms.
- Historical Plays: Depict significant events or figures from the past. Serve to keep the collective memory alive, and inspire patriotism.
- Mythological Plays: Bring legends and myths to life. They can grant spiritual enrichment and celebrate local folklore – or perhaps even give hints to the background of legendary places or items.
- Comedic Plays: Light-hearted stories meant for entertainment. They can provide a societal stress relief in dark times or mirror social quirks.
- Tragic Plays: Explore heavy themes, often ending in loss or death. They can grant catharsis, or serve as a cautionary tale (perhaps in regards to setting-specific threats).
- Political Satires: Critique or mock current events or leadership. Societal Function: Stimulate public discussion, and serve as checks on power.
Other Elements
Budget: This would influence the quality of costumes, sets, and maybe even the actors’ skills.
Audience Reception: This could affect the players’ perception or enjoyment of the play, possibly leading to different side quests or rumors.
Troupe Reputation: Indicates if the acting troupe is renowned or just a group of novices. This could impact the quality and complexity of the play.
Magic Level: Determines if magical effects are used in the play, ranging from simple illusions to grand spectacles.
Secret Agenda: The play might contain coded messages or be a cover for something else, like a heist or a secret meeting.
Prop Quality: From cardboard swords to masterfully crafted props, this could add layers of believability or hilarity.
Controversy Level: Dictates whether the play contains elements that are socially or politically controversial in the world, possibly sparking debates or even riots.
Musical Score: Determines the presence and quality of musical elements, from a lone minstrel to a full orchestra.
Famous Cameo: The inclusion of a well-known character in the world making an appearance in the play, with potential implications for the story.
Recent History: A play might reflect recent events in which the party themselves played a part, showcasing how these events are viewed by the general population.