Players love equipment. There's no such thing as "too much loot" and the shinier the sword, scabbard, ring or gem, the better your adventurers will be pleased!
Problem is, some players care about nothing else. The hack n' slasher type!
So how do you turn that obsession with gear into something deeper?
Simple: you use loot as the gateway to lore!
For the better-than-average piece of equipment, invest some time in the name, description, abilities/powers and background. For one thing, "The Jewelled Sword of Ferroth" sounds a lot better than "a +2 sword of maiming". More importantly, a named item with
provenance quickly becomes integral to the identity of the character who owns it. It can define their identity and, to some extent, guide their actions.
The item’s provenance should be woven directly into your existing world. Who was Ferroth—and why did he forge this blade? Was it carried in a battle the players have already heard about? Does someone still have a claim to it? Aim to anchor at least half of the item’s history in lore you’ve already established, and include one familiar detail that sparks that quiet “oh… wait” moment at the table.
The item’s provenance should be woven directly into your existing world. Who was Ferroth—and why did he forge this blade? Was it carried in a battle the players have already heard about? Does someone still have a claim to it? Aim to anchor at least half of the item’s history in lore you’ve already established, and include one familiar detail that sparks that quiet “oh… wait” moment at the table.
The investment in time that background planning takes will offer ten-fold rewards to the GM when running sessions. Having allowed your players to become attached to their "precious", you have the opportunity for Fate or some external party to relieve them of it. Trust me - there is no better motivation than recovering a prized possession! Similarly, if an item holds power it may be balanced by certain duties or responsibilities. These can provide excellent plot hooks, either as side quests or an overarching campaign arc.
Note that items with a provenance need not be super powerful and risk unbalancing your game.
And if you tie in loot to your world, even your most hardened hack n' slasher just might start paying attention more to the details of your world!
And if you tie in loot to your world, even your most hardened hack n' slasher just might start paying attention more to the details of your world!
Happy Gaming!
-Stolph
PS: Have you created a particularly cool piece of equipment? One with its own history? Share your custom item by replying to this email.
PPS: Or try Scabard's Magic Item Name Generator for a bit of inspiration!
PPS: Or try Scabard's Magic Item Name Generator for a bit of inspiration!
