What you are looking for is a campaign model.
A campaign model is a conceptual framework for an entire roleplaying campaign. It begins with a pitch, a short description of what the campaign is about, what the Player Characters will be doing within the world of the game. The model describes the style of the game: is it lighthearted hack-and-slash, brooding horror, courtroom drama, or something else entirely? If there are any modifications or restrictions to the base rules of the system, the campaign model mentions them up front so players and GM alike are on the same page. It even gives a bit of advice as to what types of RP groups might enjoy playing in the campaign.
The meat of the campaign model, however, is in the campaign synopsis. This is, quite simply, a description of events as they shall happen in the campaign. If the campaign is in the epic mode, with a single main plotline tying the story together from beginning to end, the synopsis provides a detailed outline of the plot. If the game is more episodic, made up of a new adventure each week or short plot arcs, the synopsis lists several plot threads, NPCs, and ongoing meta-stories to weave throughout the campaign. In neither case is the synopsis restrictive. It is intended to spark creativity by defining the scope of the campaign and suggesting possible adventures, but a cunning GM can deviate from it as he or she desires.
With a campaign model at hand, you will not be running ‘just another’ D&D or Traveller or Vampire or Exalted game. The PCs are not just homeless people of questionable scruples, murdering and stealing for lack of something better to do. With a campaign model, your game has a direction, a purpose. Since you never have to worry about what’s coming next, you can spend more of your time thinking about how to weave in more advanced narrative devices like foreshadowing and subplot, character growth and theme.
I propose to present a new campaign model each month in this column. Each one will draw upon a specific system and setting– this column does not exist to detail new worlds, but to help you populate existing worlds with engaging stories. Each will contain all of the elements explained above: pitch, style, rules modifications/ restrictions, ideal group, and synopsis. This will be useful to GMs who are looking for ready-made campaign ideas, as well as spark creativity in GMs already committed to ongoing games.
Lastly, I hope this column will encourage more GMs to consider creating a campaign model before beginning a new campaign. I find them a useful way to organize my thoughts before setting out to run that vital first session, and having a ready-made pitch is a great way to bring players into the world of the game. Furthermore, and most importantly, I can always return to the campaign model if I’m lacking for ideas or inspiration as the campaign progresses. A good campaign model facilitates a richer gaming experience, which, in the end, is better for just about everyone.
The column proper starts next week.
