How do you make a campaign similar to Baldur's Gate in style and execution?

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

When I say similar to Baldur's Gate (the PC game), here is what I mean:

A campaign that has an overall storyline, but also a multitude of other adventures that either do or do not relate to the overall storyline.

Using Baldur's Gate as an example, as the player, you have the choice of following the set storyline or just wandering around the map looking for adventure. There are literally dozens, if not more, little side-quests and encounters to participate in. The storyline is always going to be there, but you can come back to it at anytime.

Now, has anyone ever run or created a campaign like this? One where the PCs were free to wander around and "do whatever they wanted", but there was always a story/plot going on if the PCs wanted to pursue it.

In the future, I believe this is the type of campaign I would like to run (and hopefully play in with another DM). A campaign that has a big plot/story, but also lots of other small/side adventures that occur that have nothing to do with the big plot/story.

Any tips or ideas on how to start on making a campaign like this, or just any thoughts in general?

Baldur's Gate took months or years to make, with the multiple employees not having another job, etc. As a result, it's impossible to actually copy it that way.

However, you don't need to come up with dozens of extra plot hooks either; it's easy to come up with NPCs ahead of time and toss some in if you need them.

 

[Grodd JoJoJo]

Check out Dragon#293; there's an article in it called "T.V. Structure." It may not be precisely what you're after, but it has some good ideas. Essentially, it shows a story that unfolds as a TV series - it's episodic, starting with character intros, a first quest that sets up the remainder of the "season," character development episodes focusing primarily on a single player, change-of-pace episodes, and continuity episodes (think X-Files). Finally, it suggests "cliffhangers," which may or may not bring the season storyline to a close.

 

[Ed Cha]

LOL. My book "The Hamlet of Thumble" was actually compared to Baldur's Gate in a review once:

http://www.gamewyrd.com/review/298

"I can't help it. I get Baldur's Gate vibes from this scenario. The reputation points, the busy hamlet, chance encounters, possible special encounters, the mini quests and even the sound bytes associated with key NPCs are strongly reminiscent of the computer game. This isn't a bad thing. The format produced one of the least linear CRPGs to date; it can only produce an even more flexible tabletop game."

 

[hong]

Well, you need to have two kinds of people in the world: those with blue circles around their feet, and those with red circles.

Also, every time you move your mouse on top of someone's head, their name should appear.


Hong "it is recommended that all players have access to laser pointers" Ooi