In a few weeks, I’ll be getting together with 3 friends for our annual long-weekend get-together, continuing a…
In a few weeks, I’ll be getting together with 3 friends for our annual long-weekend get-together, continuing a modified Keep on the Borderlands campaign. As the GM, this year I am making the switch to Dungeon World. Part of my modification to the theme of KotB is the introduction of Lovecraftian horror. To that end I’ve developed a custom move that I would love the Tavern’s feedback on.
THE SETUP
First of all, I wanted to create something tactile that loomed over the players – a meta-game prop. We only play once a year so I wanted it memorable and aligned with the general spirit. Inspired by Dread, I’m setting up a Jenga tower and essentially asking them to pull bricks as a Soft/Hard Move (?).
In game, a Mind Flayer is ripping stars from the heavens to fuel a ritual that will open a rift to the Outer Dark, allowing the return of an Old One. The stars are actual characters that the PCs can attempt to save.
THE MOVE(S)
When a significant event has occurred (the GM will tell you), the most recently active player must roll+LUC (from Perilous Wilds). On a hit, you choose another player at the table to be active; on a 7-9, they must attempt to remove one brick from the Tower of Doom; on a 10+, they must attempt two bricks. On a miss, mark XP and attempt to remove two bricks yourself.
When you pull a brick and the Tower of Doom falls, a star is torn from the heavens to crash upon the earth. You experience a vision showing the impact of the celestial body; tremors ripple across the earth and through your mind as the fates give you a sidelong glance. Prevent two of the consequences below; suffer one:
* The actual location of the fallen star is unknown to you; your view of the impact was obscured.
* Burn 1 Luck; your personal fate has been twisted.
* Each member of the party suffers 1d6 damage; a destructive natural event occurs.