Festivals can add colour and a change of scene and pace to our games, so grab a set of polyhedrals and let's see what's going on!
The d4 - origins:
The d6 - festivalgoers are encouraged (or forbidden) to:
The d4 - origins:
- It's ancient, dating back to before the current civilisation began. Perhaps the current rulers are trying to stop it, or perhaps it's important that the people who celebrate it don't die out?
- It's traditional and has been practiced for generations here. Perhaps the original meaning has been lost, or prophecy states it must run for 100 years?
- It's new. Perhaps the organisers could do with some help getting things set up, or perhaps someone is trying to make sure it's not a success?
- Outsiders. It's touring. Perhaps some mischief - or wonder - follows in its wake?
The d8 - this festival celebrates or ensures:
- Fertility
- Safe passage into the Underworld
- Safe return of kinfolk from afar
- An historic victory over enemies
- A local or mythical beast or hero
- Bountiful harvest
- Protection from an outside evil
- The holy day of a deity
The d10 - festival trappings:
- The streets are strung with lights or bunting or something similar
- Gender conventions are reversed or blurred
- A myriad of trinket stalls pop up all over town
- A special dish is only prepared during the festival
- The streets are strewn with flowers, coins, bones, or other small items
- Businesses change their opening hours for the duration
- A variety of street performers on every corner
- A trial, hunt, or gauntlet is the centrepiece
- A special symbol is worn and daubed on buildings
- Rare or unusual flora is planted - or appears - in the streets
The d6 - festivalgoers are encouraged (or forbidden) to:
- Dress in bright colours and dance gaily
- Dress in sackcloth and scorn luxury
- Feast for days, quaff wine, and fornicate
- Fast and meditate until near death
- Sacrifice something to a higher being
- Give to charity and show compassion
The d20 - adventure hooks:
- A child is lost, or appears from nowhere
- Something has been stolen, or given unwanted
- It's a cover for smugglers
- It's actually a ritual, for good or ill
- A politician wants to use it for their own ends
- The party loses a day but no-one will acknowledge it
- The veil between worlds or planes is lifted
- Something is summoned by accident
- Raiders attack without warning and carry something off
- The festivalgoers are transfixed or hypnotised
- Someone leaves the festival "changed"
- Nobody can leave or enter the festival grounds
- Fae, demons, or aliens are glimpsed on the outskirts
- Groups competing for a title or privelege are canvassing for support
- Folk from strange lands mingle with the locals
- A vital macguffin must be found before the festival ends
- Magic is amplified or negated in the festival grounds
- Someone must be prepared for a special role in the celebrations
- The festival appears or disappears at midnight
- Someone is trying to stop the festivities
The d12 - a key NPC is:
- The Master of Ceremonies
- The child with 100 year wisdom
- The mysterious masked mime
- The most beautiful maiden
- The unseen prowler in the crowds
- The Speaker of Tongues
- The murder victim
- The man with a cat's eyes
- The corrupt official
- The local celebrity
- The foreign Lord
- The fortune teller
Thank you to Of Dice And Dragons for running the Carnival, and to Roll4 for hosting this month's festivities! I would love to hear your feedback in the comments, or about the adventures you generated using these tables.
