Talisman (and Ecos)

Things that make the Talisman campaign / setting unique:

1. I will lie to you.

   Is magic real? Is your character who you think they are? Do gods exist? Are your party members actually on your side? You will have to figure things out as you go along and decide for yourself; what one player is told is the truth may differ from another.

2. This is not a fantasy story.

   Talisman is about the human landscape -- the intrigue, connections, politics, and especially the goals of the PCs (and NPCs). It is no more a story about dream dimensions and fire elementals than Harry Potter is a story about dragons and giants. The fantasy elements are interesting and awesome, but to the characters they seem as mundane and commonplace as the internet does to us. As such, the fantasy elements serve only to paint an interesting backdrop and not to guide the narrative.

3. You are not a demigod.

   The PCs will level up (or gain XP) as time goes on, but the focus of levelling is not skill improvement. While you can learn new tactics, gain experience with new weapons, or become more politically savvy, just as often players will be spending their experience for narrative boons. The world is a harsh, complicated place and the odds are stacked against you. Spending XP on gaining allies, transport, a narrative lead, or some other twist of fate is strongly encouraged and may even be necessary at times.

4. The story is about you!

   The aspirations, beliefs, and personal connections of the PCs are the driving force of the narrative. I will sometimes throw plot hooks at you, but you are encouraged to take matters into your own hands. What will you do?