TTRPG Sampler Platter

rp and pbp thread starters inspired by indie ttrpgs!

[thread-starters]

What's all this?

Threadstarters is a resource for freeform and text rpers, writers of any stripe, indie ttrpg designers and enthusiasts, and anyone who is curious about roleplaying.

Neat! How do I use it?

Check out our posts, reblog 'em if they inspire you, tag your favorite mutual you think might get a kick out of it, and even start roleplaying or writing based on the post's prompt! Think of these posts as a little sampler of the game they're based on; if you like it and want to find out more, click on the title of the post to check out its source. :)

[thread-starters]

HARDCASE

.a thread inadvisably spun alone.

[thread-starters]

VOID 1680 AM

.a thread for a few brief moments.

The caller only has the length of a few songs to hold the DJ's attention. The DJ doesn't get to call back. The relationship is brief, often unrequited, almost always unresolved--but the caller makes the call, and the DJ picks up.

Why?

Well, aren't they the same kind of lonely? Driven by the same need to hear, and be heard? Why broadcast, or tune in, if you're already satisfied?

This programming block doesn't last forever. But for the next 12 songs, you have their attention. How will you use it?

[thread-starters]

Send me a color to say...

Black: "That's it: I'm replacing one of your limbs. It's not optional."

Green: "If you tell me what it is you regret so much, the next drink's on the house."

Orange: "Just surrender, and you'll never have to see me again."

Red: "What happened to the dream you had when you were young? I was so sure you were going to make it."

Blue: "Do you want to get dinner together after this match?"

Purple: "Did you see last night's documentary? Kept me up all night..."

[thread-starters]

Exquisite Biome

.an exploration for one or more.

Late at night, the programming gets downright esoteric. You've just been browsing, but this documentary--theoretically of real nature, but you've never seen animals or places like these--has you enthralled.

Relate these creatures to your companions. How strange do the details get before they become skeptical?

[thread-starters]

The Links Between

.a chain match for two.

[thread-starters]

Love Will Still Remain

.a reminiscence for two or more.

There is so much to cover; how can words possibly describe it all? But words are all you have. Disappear into reveries together; all the bright unreality, all the bitter lessons learned, the invitations, the chairs left empty. It is all important.

Who knows when your paths will cross again?

[thread-starters]

MEET ME IN THE FIELD OF HONOUR AT DAWN

.a thread for two.

You both know why you're here. It's well beyond words at this point. Time to settle this, once and for all.

Fight, knowing that to hold back is to insult an old friend.

Both of you: decide what you will say when you win.

Keep it secret until the bitter end.

[thread-starters]

Dive Bar in HELL

.a thread for two.

It's a classic beat for a creature like 1. Each cocktail 1 mixes brings up something different to feed on. Anger, bitterness, confusion, glee, and yes, even sometimes a distant and glimmering happiness. A soul like 2 has lots of old memories to dredge up, and nowhere better to be than this old barstool.

Better keep 'em coming.

[thread-starters]

D E T E N T E F O R T H E R A V E N O U S

.a thread for three.

1 is preparing for a job. Maybe the most important job 1 will ever do. But to do it takes sacrifice. To do it right...takes change.

2 is preparing 1 for that job. 1's weapon of choice must become a part of 1's body--and, for better or worse, 2 is the only one with the expertise to do it fast, and do it right.

To 1, this is just a job. But to 3, it is a sacred duty, the highest calling. For that, 3 is willing to shoulder as much of 1's pain as it takes.