Ralif Redhammer
Legend
For me, whimsy incorporates fun and bizarre elements that have long been with the game. Stuff like the "+2 Backscratcher" illustration in the DMG and the April issues of Dragon magazine.
One of the things that has helped Marvel succeed with its movies is that there's that element of fun present. Just look at Guardians of the Galaxy, which combines both giant stakes and humor perfectly.
I'm trying to include more of this in my games. Not to the point of blatant silliness, but adding little touches. Like in the last adventure I ran, where a sentient undead boy wanted to play riddle games and hide and seek with the adventurers.
I find I can get caught up in worrying about making the adventures challenging, about coming up with inventive scenarios. But getting back to whimsy helps remind me that adventures, above all, are supposed to be fun.
One of the things that has helped Marvel succeed with its movies is that there's that element of fun present. Just look at Guardians of the Galaxy, which combines both giant stakes and humor perfectly.
I'm trying to include more of this in my games. Not to the point of blatant silliness, but adding little touches. Like in the last adventure I ran, where a sentient undead boy wanted to play riddle games and hide and seek with the adventurers.
I find I can get caught up in worrying about making the adventures challenging, about coming up with inventive scenarios. But getting back to whimsy helps remind me that adventures, above all, are supposed to be fun.