Finding Resources

I often get a general idea of how I want my game to go, but don’t know how to get from point A to point B. Some of this is not just relating to story, but also to physical mechanics (battle maps, miniatures, props, etc.). So where does a GM who is homebrewing their game get these things? My favorite places to get resources are the internet and my local game store. 

The local game store has books of campaigns (both long and short) and other resource books to garner ideas. These books may inspire your own creation, or you may be able to use part of it directly in your homebrew world. If it doesn’t fit “as is,” reskin it to fit. You can have it take place in a town the players have already been to, add an NPC they’ve already met, or have the adventure affect another plot within the original campaign. If you’re not quite finding the inspiration or adventures that work, you can also find plot hooks and prompts online.

Putting those stories down in a physical sense takes a bit more digging. The internet has a universe full of information to fit any budget. There are lots of free maps, tokens, and adventure ideas, and even more options for a small subscription fee. If you are playing online, having a good virtual tabletop at the ready is helpful as well. There are free options of varying degrees of complexity, but I settled on a more simple program (it’s just easier with my group as we are at varying degrees of computer literacy).

Unexpected resources are often found among used books and stories of others’ games. I enjoy listening to friends tell stories about the games they have been a part of, and often get ideas for what I could include in my own game. Props such as letters, puzzles, and pictures I try to make myself. Unfortunately, my game is online, so I have to send this through email and it is just not the same.

Inspiration and resources come from everywhere. Anything that gives you an idea for the game, be it story or mechanic, is worth looking into and giving a try. Who knows what you may find.