As a Game Master (GM), finding inspiration for your next adventure can sometimes feel like a daunting task. That's where tools like The Oracle Story Generator come in. This card-based system promises to spark your imagination and provide detailed adventure outlines for your fantasy roleplaying games. In this review, we'll delve into the contents of the boxed set, explore its strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide if it's the right addition to your GM toolkit.
There's a certain allure to card-based accessories in the RPG world. They offer a tactile and visual way to brainstorm and develop ideas. The Oracle Story Generator taps into this appeal, offering a unique method for GMs to generate story ideas.
The Oracle Story Generator is a card-based system designed to provide GMs with detailed adventure outlines. By drawing cards from various themed decks, you can create a sentence that summarizes the core of a fantasy roleplaying game adventure.
The full boxed set of The Oracle Story Generator includes:
The box itself is sturdy and well-organized, providing a dedicated space for each deck and potential expansions.
Each deck in The Oracle Story Generator is composed of five card types:
Each card type contains twelve different options, with four variations listed under each option to further refine the prompt, offering a multitude of adventure possibilities.
For example, under the "Actor" card, you might find "A Leader," with sub-options like "Mayor," "High Priest," "Noble," or "Monarch." This allows you to either stick with the general idea or dive deeper for more specific inspiration.
While The Oracle Story Generator provides a wealth of creative prompts, it's essential to consider the potential for uncomfortable or problematic content. Some prompts, particularly within the Contracts and Bounties deck, delve into morally ambiguous or outright villainous scenarios.
Examples include prompts where characters are hired to terrorize, displace, subjugate, or even enslave others. While these can be used to create compelling narratives, GMs must be aware of their players' boundaries and employ safety tools, like the X-Card to ensure a comfortable gaming experience.
A discussion of safety tools and content calibration within the booklet would have been a valuable addition. If you are looking for more resources on player safety, consider checking out Tessa's article on safety in RPGs.
The instruction booklet includes:
While the prompts are setting-agnostic, the pre-generated adventures lean heavily on D&D-style fantasy, using familiar monsters and tropes. GMs can easily adapt these to other settings, but it's worth noting the D&D bias.
The Oracle Story Generator is a beautifully crafted and inspiring tool for RPG GMs. The cards are visually appealing, the box is sturdy, and the prompts offer a wide range of creative possibilities.
Pros:
Cons:
Recommendation:
The Oracle Story Generator is a recommended tool for GMs who enjoy using tactile aids and need help generating adventure ideas. However, GMs should carefully review the prompts and be prepared to adjust or discard those that don't align with their players' preferences and campaign themes. If you prefer digital tools, the PDF version offers the same creative prompts in a convenient format. Consider checking out other card-based RPG systems to find what suits your needs.
What are some of your favorite gadgets that facilitate RPGs? How integrated do you want those tools? How tactile do you want those tools? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
