Impossible Landscapes part 6 - Like a Map made of Skin by Arc Dream Publishing

Introduction

This tutorial explores the concepts presented in "Impossible Landscapes part 6 - Like a Map made of Skin" by Bud's RPG Review. It provides insights into creating immersive and eerie settings in role-playing games, particularly for the Delta Green RPG. By following these steps, you will learn how to build atmospheric landscapes that enhance storytelling and player engagement.

Step 1: Understand the Concept of Impossible Landscapes

• Research the characteristics of impossible landscapes, which often defy the laws of physics and logic.
• Familiarize yourself with the themes of horror and surrealism as they relate to RPG settings.
• Consider how these landscapes can serve as both a backdrop and a character in your game, influencing player decisions and emotions.

Step 2: Incorporate Unique Features

• Create distinct features that make your landscapes memorable. Examples include:
  • Unnatural Terrain: Mountains that float or rivers that flow upward.
  • Bizarre Flora and Fauna: Plants that communicate or creatures that blend into their surroundings.
• Use these features to evoke emotions such as fear, curiosity, or awe. Describe them in vivid detail to immerse players in the setting.

Step 3: Design Interactions with the Environment

• Plan how players will interact with these landscapes. Consider:
  • Environmental Challenges: Obstacles that require creative solutions, such as navigating through shifting terrains.
  • Mysteries to Solve: Puzzles or clues embedded in the landscape that advance the plot or reveal lore.
• Encourage players to explore and engage with their surroundings, fostering a sense of discovery.

Step 4: Use Descriptive Language

• When narrating the landscape, utilize rich and evocative language to paint a picture in players' minds. For instance:
  • Describe the texture of the ground (e.g., "the ground feels like soft, pulsing flesh").
  • Mention the sounds of the environment (e.g., "a low hum reverberates through the air, unsettling and constant").
• Make sure to adjust your descriptions based on player reactions—if they seem intrigued, elaborate; if they seem frightened, intensify the atmosphere.

Step 5: Integrate Themes of Madness and Fear

• Incorporate elements that challenge the characters' sanity, such as:
  • Illusions: Create scenarios where players cannot trust their senses.
  • Psychological Horror: Introduce NPCs or creatures that embody the landscape's madness, blurring the line between reality and illusion.
• Use the landscape to reflect the characters’ internal struggles, enhancing emotional depth and narrative tension.

Conclusion

Incorporating impossible landscapes into your RPG sessions can significantly enhance the atmosphere and storytelling. By understanding the concept, designing unique features, facilitating interactions, using descriptive language, and integrating psychological themes, you can create a compelling and immersive experience for your players. As a next step, consider drafting your own impossible landscape and playtest it with your gaming group to see how they respond!