History SoYouWantTo / WriteAnRPG

WarIsHell. That's common knowledge. That's also very depressing. An angsty hero is a no-fun cliche'. Try making him [[BloodyHilarious gleefully]] [[CrossesTheLineTwice psychotic]] or a CombatSadomasochist for a change.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble {{Paladin}} to a slavering Daemonspawn, [[AndThenJohnWasAZombie the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor]]. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling or some other sub-set of LovecraftianSuperPower, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene (manky, pockmarked grey skin optional), and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss. One could even go so far as to let the player keep going as a Daemonspawn if they bottoms out their KarmaMeter, or a Zombie if their health hits zero.

Also, don't get stuck by BeautyEqualsGoodness: Ugly characters can be good, [[EvilIsSexy beautiful ones bad]]. In fact, ''mean'' characters can be [[GoodIsNotNice good]] and ''friendly'' ones [AffablyEvil bad]]. Study the ''HarryPotter'' series for some especially good versions of this twist -- it's an Aesop that should be drilled into kids very early, seeing as it reduces the chance of their going with nice strangers or shunning [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold "mean"]] [[IneffectualLoner kids]] at school (who might be won over by a pleasant interaction or two).

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble {{Paladin}} to a slavering Daemonspawn, [[AndThenJohnWasAZombie the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor]]. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling or some other sub-set of LovecraftianSuperPower, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene (manky, pockmarked grey skin optional), and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

WarIsHell. That's common knowledge. That's also very depressing. An angsty hero is a no-fun cliche'. Try making him [[BloodyHilarious gleefully]] [[CrossesTheLineTwice psychotic]] for a change.

Also, don't get stuck by BeautyEqualsGoodness: Ugly characters can be good, [[EvilIsSexy beautiful ones bad]]. In fact, ''mean'' characters can be good and ''friendly'' ones bad. Study the ''HarryPotter'' series for some especially good versions of this twist -- it's an Aesop that should be drilled into kids very early, seeing as it reduces the chance of their going with nice strangers or shunning [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold "mean"]] [[IneffectualLoner kids]] at school (who might be won over by a pleasant interaction or two).

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling or some other sub-set of LovecraftianSuperPower, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene (manky, pockmarked grey skin optional), and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

try adding ShowsDamage, and getting rid of BeautyIsNeverTarnished. And there's always some psycho (or someone looking for realism) who wants fully-destructable landscape and the ability to take out a wall with his BFG. so, for example; "You encounter locked door. Pick / use key /shoot hinges?"

{{Villain Protagonist}}s are underused. Seriously, it's our turn to kidnap the MacGuffinGirl, raise TheDragon , and lead an archeological dig for [[TomeOfEldritchLore How To Make Really Bad Things Happen Fourth-And-A-Half Edition]]. I want the sword forged from madness and the Crown of Broken Blades this time.

Whatever weapon your chartacter uses, the player will grow attached to it. Thgat is why the Rust Monster is so feared.

{{Villain Protagonist}}s are underused. Seriously, it's our turn to kidnap the princess, raise TheDragon , and lead an archeological dig for [[TomeOfEldritchLore How To Make Really Bad Things Happen Fourth-And-A-Half Edition]]. I want the sword forged from madness and the Crown of Broken Blades this time.

try adding ShowsDamage, and getting rid of BeautyIsNeverTarnished.

''{{Earthbound}}'' took a sudden veer away from the traditional RPG setting with a modern yet fantastic world that worked up from crazy townsfolk to cultists, zombies, bigfoot, aliens, robots, and an underground community of talking monkeys. The hero withdrew funds from an ATM [[strike:machine]], drove around on a bicycle, killed monsters with a baseball bat, and could catch heatstroke from being in the sun too long. He could also get homesick (a serious status ailment that needed to be cured by a quick phone home).

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling or some other sub-set of LovecraftianSuperPowers, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene (manky, pockmarked grey skin optional), and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

try averting BeautyIsNeverTarnished by adding ShowsDamage for everything.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene (manky, pockmarked grey skin optional), and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene, and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom (Grey, pockmarked skin optional). You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], weather with AbsoluteCleavage or Walking ShirtlessScene, and they could get UhOhEyes and SpikesOfVillainy and /or ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and hurt the character when they miss.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they could get RedEyesTakeWarning and SpikesOfVillainy /ShouldersOfDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and damage the player when they miss.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they could get RedEyesTakeWarning and SpikesOfVillainy /ShouldersofDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and damage the player when they make a CriticalFailure.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they could get RedEyesTakeWarning and SpikesofDoom. You could also have some weapons infected by TheCorruption, and make them steal HP whenever you make a successful CriticalHit, and damage the player when they make a CriticalFailure.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could [[AndYourRewardIsClothes make a character gain]] [[EvilIsSexy a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they could get RedEyesTakeWarning.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score could make a character [[EvilIsSexy gain a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they could get RedEyesTakeWarning.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard. Low Karma score makes your character [[EvilIsSexy gain a really slikny, revealing version of the Daemonhunter's uniform]], and they get RedEyesTakeWarning.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling, just to make it extra-difficult to resist using), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard.

Whatever kind of weapons the characters use, your players will grow attached to it. Remember that nothing is more feared than the Rust Monster!

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder (and the abilities are wicked cool, like AnimateDead or SpawnBroodling), but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he/ she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul. Getting a low Karma score brings into play "I-created-you-so-you-can't-touch-me", (which, as far as One knows, has no trope) making the FinalBoss fight very hard.

Another thing you could try is getting infected by TheCorruption while fighting the enemy, going from a noble Paladin to a slavering Daemonspawn, the very thing you're fighting do destroy, something the character has been raised from birth to abhor. Abilities granted by TheCorruption could be CastFromHitPoints, and tied to a KarmaMeter. Not using it makes the game harder, but using it untill you accidentally kill yourself or hit zero Karma leads to a DownerEnding or NonStandardGameOver because the BigBad considers TheCorruption to be "[[EvilIsOneBigHappyFamily A gift, given to my children]]," and he /she/ it therefore owns the character, body and soul.

Whatever kind of weapons the characters use, your players will grow attached to it. Remember that nothing is more feared that the Rust Monster!

''Fallout'' became notable by breaking the tendency of using a StandardFantasySetting. It also allowed open-ended character creation rather than the standard FighterMageThief ClassAndLevelSystem (though one may argue that it only used a hidden fighter/thief/diplomat selection of its own).

''Fallout'' became notable by virtue of using an original setting that ws well-developed yet not a StandardFantasySetting. It also allowed open-ended character creation rather than the standard FighterMageThief ClassAndLevelSystem (though one may argue that it only used a hidden fighter/thief/diplomat selection instead).
You should strongly consider both (and remember that a StandardSciFiSetting is only slightly better).