How do you deal introducing internet memes into your games?

[trappedslider]

I'm currently running a d20 modern shadows game and I plan to have them face the Slender man, however I'm not sure as to how or if i should even acknowledge the mythos surrounding him that the internet has done. I'm wondering i should take a page from the Dresden Files and say that because so many folks are into it,it was created out of the hive mind of the internet.

 

[delericho]

I've never done something like that, but I'd be inclined to treat it the same way I do FR/Eberron lore, Star Wars EU material, or whatever - treat the material as a toolbox of stuff to pick and and use, alter, or ignore as suits the needs of the game.

The only other recommendation I would make is to be sure to tell your players that that's what you're doing, so they don't blindside you with something you weren't aware of. (That's probably less of an issue with real-world internet memes, but has been helpful with Eberron/Star Wars games for me in the past.)

 

[WayneLigon]

I'm currently running a d20 modern shadows game and I plan to have them face the Slender man, however I'm not sure as to how or if i should even acknowledge the mythos surrounding him that the internet has done. I'm wondering i should take a page from the Dresden Files and say that because so many folks are into it,it was created out of the hive mind of the internet.

Supernatural did that very plot a few weeks ago;

Spoiler

you could just take a play from that book and have the 'thing' actually turn out to be something totally made up by a third party, and whatever shenanigans are going on are the result of just normal old human evil. Could make a nice break from the norm.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

I'm currently running a d20 modern shadows game and I plan to have them face the Slender man, however I'm not sure as to how or if i should even acknowledge the mythos surrounding him that the internet has done. I'm wondering i should take a page from the Dresden Files and say that because so many folks are into it,it was created out of the hive mind of the internet.

The general term for entities like The Slender Man that you're looking for is "Tulpa", and they're perfect for that kind of game. You could include tulpas for all kinds of entities- the Boogeyman, Candyman, the Nonesuch- or objects- talismans, LeMarchand boxes, whatever.

 

[trappedslider]

The general term for entities like The Slender Man that you're looking for is "Tulpa", and they're perfect for that kind of game. You could include tulpas for all kinds of entities- the Boogeyman, Candyman, the Nonesuch- or objects- talismans, LeMarchand boxes, whatever.

Well d20 modern already has the stats for a booeyman along with a candyman as well, but thanks for that linke and you new word

 

[Umbran]

I'm currently running a d20 modern shadows game and I plan to have them face the Slender man, however I'm not sure as to how or if i should even acknowledge the mythos surrounding him that the internet has done. I'm wondering i should take a page from the Dresden Files and say that because so many folks are into it,it was created out of the hive mind of the internet.

My Deadlands game is set in the 1870s. The internet didn't exist, so my solution isn't internet-specific. But common stories are a whole lot older than the internet...

There are two basic approaches:

1) Belief in a thing creates that thing - in Deadlands they are called "Living Legends". John Henry and Paul Bunyan, for example, exist in the setting as tulpas, creations of the collective belief.

2) The current belief is based on some reality, with a lot of rumor-mongering poured on top.

I usually take the second approach - some time in the past, a creature similar to whatever legend, story, or meme existed, but that reality has been distorted by passing the story through many hands. This ensures that I can surprise the players, because when they meet the creature, it doesn't match their preconceptions

 

[trappedslider]

2) The current belief is based on some reality, with a lot of rumor-mongering poured on top.

I usually take the second approach - some time in the past, a creature similar to whatever legend, story, or meme existed, but that reality has been distorted by passing the story through many hands. This ensures that I can surprise the players, because when they meet the creature, it doesn't match their preconceptions

perfect, I do plan to use the photos that have been photo shopped to include slendy for the extra cool factor.