Desert Fantasy: A Foragers Guild Guide

A system-neutral fantasy environment toolkit.

In the heart of a vast and unforgiving expanse of shifting sands, where the scorching sun painted the dunes with hues of burning gold, our intrepid group of travelers embarked on a treacherous journey. Guided by the whispers of ancient winds and the secrets of forgotten oases, they sought a legendary relic, an enchanted object of immense power hidden deep within the arid wasteland. Their ragtag company consisted of a burly berserker, a nimble burglar skilled in the arts of stealth, a wise and devout priest, a mysterious mage with eldritch incantations at their disposal, and a grizzled desert scout who had navigated these treacherous sands for years. Together, they ventured into the scorching embrace of the desert, unaware of the perils and wonders that awaited them beneath the relentless sun.

Desert fantasy presents a captivating and challenging backdrop for players and guides alike. Picture a world where endless stretches of sun-scorched sands meet the horizon, and the relentless heat beats down on a diverse group of characters. The arid expanse becomes a character of its own, shaping the narrative and the experiences of those who venture within.

As the players immerse themselves in this unforgiving landscape, they are confronted with unique challenges. Survival becomes paramount as the scarcity of resources, especially water, forces them to make tough decisions. The struggle for sustenance and shelter adds depth to their characters' development, pushing them to their limits and testing their resolve.

Exploration takes on a new dimension in the desert. Players may seek hidden oasis havens, delve into ancient ruins buried beneath the sands, or negotiate with nomadic tribes and enigmatic desert dwellers. These quests not only provide opportunities for discovery but also foster cultural immersion, diplomacy, and intrigue. Mysteries abound in the vast desert, waiting to be unraveled by inquisitive adventurers.

The desert's mystical aura offers a unique canvas for magic and supernatural elements. Characters can tap into the eldritch powers of sandstorms or engage in rituals tied to heavenly phenomena. The interplay between magic and the desert's inherent mysticism adds layers of intrigue to the story, as players navigate the line between the eldritch and the natural.

A desert fantasy setting provides a rich and evocative world filled with survival challenges, exploration opportunities, cultural diversity, and mystical wonders. It encourages character growth and engagement as players navigate the trials of the unforgiving desert, making it an exciting experience for both players and guides alike.

This Book Includes

• Worldbuilding: How to utilize and develop the setting elements you’ll need to successfully run desert fantasy, including the genre, setting, theme, and tone.

• Characters: Information on the types of player characters, antagonists, and supporting characters most appropriate for Desert Fantasy.

• Guilds: The central organizations for desert fantasy, including their purpose, how they’re organized, and the types of resources at their disposal.

• Creatures: Advice on how to alter familiar creature types to better suit the specific needs of a desert fantasy setting, with examples of possible abilities that suit the genre.

• Magic: How the various categories of magic can be affected by desert fantasy, with examples of incantations tweaked to fit with the feel of the setting.

• Enchanted Objects: Thoughts on how each category of magical objects can be altered to fit the tropes of desert fantasy, with a selection of enchanted objects of each type.

• Adventures: Elements you’ll to run desert fantasy adventures. This chapter covers the premise, goals, obstacles, and stakes, and includes a selection of plot hooks to get you started.

Foragers Guild Guides

This book is part of our extensive collection of system-neutral sourcebooks, perfect for enhancing any fantasy roleplaying experience. Whether you're a guide, player, or creator, our books provide a wealth of information and inspiration that can be seamlessly integrated into any system. We believe in offering flexibility and creative freedom, allowing you to tailor your roleplaying experience to your preferences without limitations.

The Toolkit Approach

Roleplaying is a collaborative and imaginative endeavor, where the power lies in adding your unique ideas to the mix. Our approach is that of a toolkit rather than an intricately detailed sourcebook, granting you the space to unleash your imagination. We firmly believe that a manual should never confine or restrict you. Our objective is to provide you with the necessary tools to begin your adventure and then step back, empowering you to craft the roleplaying experience your group desires.

Content Warnings

When planning a roleplaying experience, it's crucial to consider the comfort levels and boundaries of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of providing content warnings for potentially distressing material. Here is a comprehensive list of content warnings that may arise while using this toolkit:

• Character Conflict: The narrative may involve interpersonal conflicts, rivalries, or betrayals among player characters or with supporting characters.

• Cultural Sensitivity: The setting includes diverse cultures and societies, so players should be mindful of potential cultural clashes and themes of cultural appropriation.

• Ethical Dilemmas: The narrative may present moral complexities, forcing characters to make difficult decisions with ethical consequences.

• Exploration Risks: Players should be prepared for the potential dangers of exploring unknown territories, including encounters with hostile factions or hidden traps.

• Mystical Practices: Characters may engage in rituals and practices with occult or mystical elements, which might involve themes of spirituality, magic, or esoteric knowledge.

• Sandstorms and Natural Hazards: The desert setting includes dangerous sandstorms, quicksand, and other environmental hazards that could pose threats to characters.

• Supernatural Entities: Players may encounter eldritch beings, mirage spirits, or otherworldly creatures with unsettling or frightening traits.

• Themes of Isolation: The vast desert landscape can lead to themes of loneliness and isolation, with characters facing emotional challenges related to their isolation.

• Violence and Combat: The setting may involve combat scenarios, including skirmishes with hostile creatures, bandits, or rival factions, with descriptions of combat and its consequences.

Lightspress Media

At Lightspress Media, we take a lo-fi approach to roleplaying. Our focus is on the utility and value of the content, rather than flashy production. Visual elements are employed strategically to amplify the message conveyed by the text. This aesthetic choice allows us to create powerful and affordable toolkits. Remember, the true essence of the roleplaying experience lies not within the pages of a book, but in the creativity and collaboration fostered around your tabletop.