cinefarious | Snowflake Challenge #7

Snowflake Challenge promotional banner featuring an image of a fir bough with a white ball ornament and a glass vial. Text: Snowflake Challenge January 1-31.

Make a list of fannish and/or creative resources.

I almost didn't do this challenge. I couldn't think of anything! But then my wife reminded me that I actually offered her resources a while back.

When I work on my D&D campaign I use The Solo Adventurers Toolbox Part Two. My favorite part of it, and the part that I get the most use out of, is the Keywords Table.

I will usually roll for about 5-6 keywords and try to string together a compelling backstory for characters using it. This method has allowed me to think about things in ways I never had prior. It forced me to think about possibilities my brain didn't naturally arrive at. And because these characters now have interesting and compelling backstories, they also affect the world they're in. I've been able to create unique lore in my setting as a result of unique character building.

I also enjoy using 'This is your life' dnd character generator. It's great for backstory and general upbringing information on characters, which I feel like I tend to fall short on some times.

In the same vein as the previous two, I also got some use out of GMs Miscellany: Wilderness Dressing. It's essentially tables to create scenery and landmarks. It's especially helpful if you're just looking for a little extra color in your descriptions! I rolled a really interesting cave once and it became a significant landmark in my world that I absolutely never would have imagined.

I just really enjoy randomized tables and how they help you create special and unique people and worlds that you might never have made on your own. Highly recommend for dnd as well as world building/character building for your writing in general.