Game for Free RPG Day 2025#
A table-top roleplaying game idea for Free RPG Day 2025
Free RPG Day 2025#
I’m pretty new to table-top role playing games (TTRPG). I’ve always wanted to try them growing up, but never really got into them. However, they are potentially really good for me. I like improvisation and acting. I’m also decently good at story telling. Both are key skills for running and enjoying a TTRPG.
Recently, I found out about Free RPG Day. On this day, stores that participate give out a bunch of free ttrpg (and general gaming) periphenalia, including books, magazines, dice, pins, and other fun things. Level 1 is a magazine published for Free RPG Day that includes numerous 3-5 page TTRPGs written by diverse audiences. The theme for the 2025 Free RPG Day is “how the west was lost.”
As an American, I assume when people hear that theme their initial reaction would be related to cowboys and first nations or recent threats to democractic and western hegemony in the world. In both cases, the loss of the American West and Western leadership both seem like really interesting topics. So, of course, I’m writing down some ideas for games that come to mind.
Game 1: Western Dam failure#
One of the key drivers for the United States to populate and take over the American West was through its mega infrastructure projects. The major dams along California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada are some of the most influential pieces of infrastructure for the functioning of current US Western society. What if a dam failed?
In 2017, this nearly happened. The tallest dam in the United States, the Oroville Dam, nearly collapsed. If the dam actually failed, it would have decimated Central California and caused untold destruction to the greater Western region. What if there was a TTRPG about dam management and dealing with this impending disaster.
Game Mechanics#
The game would need mechanics for: * water levels rising * what comprises the dam system * decisions on how to route and manage water * damage to the dame system that impact its ability to manage water
The game would likely be for a group. Ideally one with imperfect information and priorities. Some potential roles could be: * dam engineers, geologists * emergency managers * local community stakeholders (e.g., police chief, mayor) * some federal decision-makers
The win vs. fail conditions should be different for different players.