If you have been hanging around the Variant Ventures page for a while, you will know I am the history guy. I like history, I write about it frequently, and I talk about ways to implement historical factors and events in your game. Today, however, I want to make a statement – most TTRPGs are …
I want to start off by sharing that there is no wrong way to homebrew a world or campaign. Some worlds and lands may be desolate and hostile, primarily inhabited by creatures and monsters that reflect their environment, others have flourished with the use of magic and/or technology and the population has prospered with the …
Creative Corner: Diversity and Inclusivity in Homebrewed Games Read More »
A few weeks ago, we discussed the types of kingdoms that may exist in your fantasy world. Today, let’s branch out a bit and discuss some other governments that could exist in your fantasy world. In our own history, kingdoms tended to be the most common type of governing body in the Medieval period, but …
With the weather patterns starting to change, and much to my relief beginning to cool down, a thought dawned on me that I hope is food for thought for other creators. How often when playing TTRPGs do the seasons change? Sure the game may start with everything being nice and sunny, but how long does …
Across the world we live in, and the many others from various fantasy and sci-fi settings, food is a great indication of culture and society. The types of fruits, vegetables, and meats a people or culture eat are influenced by geography, religion, and economics. All of these factors make for great world-building opportunities. Does your …
Why are most fantasy kingdoms ruled organized as kingdoms? And what even is a kingdom and how does it work? As part of my ongoing world-building, I find myself asking this question often. First, let’s establish what a Kingdom is. Simply, it is a region or nation ruled by a monarch, usually titled as King …
Volcanoes erupting over a village, dancing in Hell Fire and Dante’s Inferno are all imagery you can draw on for fiery encounters in your Dungeons and Dragons sessions. For those who prefer Charmander over Squirtle, this is your time to shine like a great flaming star in the sky! From the goofy to the noble, …
Why is every ship a party adventure’s on in a TTRPG a three-mast sailing ship? While I only mean this in jest, I would love to hear of examples of adventures on other styles of ships that are accurate to the Middle Ages that inspired so many fantasy settings. But it seems that even in …
Asking a layman about a knight, they would probably respond with a description of a nobleman on horseback, wearing heavy armor and charging into battle. The origins of this trope are, as always, more intricate than the stories we share. While the popular mythology of knights is based around King Arthur and other such tales, …
I had the privilege of working at the International Student Center while I was in college. A big part of my work there was to welcome students to the US, run orientations and teach them about American Culture. I had an amazing time meeting students from all over the world and I learned so much …
