D&D General How would you do a fantasy mall?

[le grand fromage]

The Troika supplement "Get it at Sutler's" has lots of "scenario generation ideas" for a "Mall based local/campaign"? Tends a bit more towards Pythonesque than Tolkien but could be "an inspirational asset"?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

A slightly adjacent topic, but I recently reread REH's Red Nails, and I was stuck by how his lost city resembled an abandoned shopping mall. A large low rectangular building, lots of glass in the roof for light, a closed environment, wide east-west and north-south boulevards surrounded by dwellings (some called out as shops) on two levels, a large central atrium under a glass dome, an underground level infested with undead monsters, ornamental turrets and cupolas on the outside, etc.

The problem is, the novella was written 20 years before shopping malls were invented. So I got to thinking what else it resembled, and I thought of the Crystal Palace. I'm pretty sure REH never visited it in London, but it burned down the same year the novella was written, so he may have read descriptions in the newspapers. In addition, there were several copies built in the late 19th century, including a short-lived one in New York. REH couldn't have seen that either. But my research dried up when it came to copies of copies. I suspect there were quite a number built, and furthermore went on to become the architectural inspiration for the original shopping malls.

 

[MarkB]

Reaper Man

lets do a franchise.
Ye Olde Potion Hut (a franchise)
Like Starbucks/Orange Julius, but with health potions. Slogan: “Double-shot of Cure Light, no foam.”

Reminds me of Skyrim, where simple potions are easy enough to make that you see health and stamina potions set out at peoples' dinner tables.

In D&D healing potions are too expensive to be so ubiquitous, but maybe these are diluted versions that only heal a hit point or two - that'd be good enough for most civilians.

Actually, that gives an idea - maybe this is a franchise run by druids, and these concoctions are based on juiced Goodberries, with all the variants being based upon which type of berry was enchanted, whether they're served as juices or smoothies or flavoured yogurts etc.

 

[Baron Opal II]

Actually, that gives an idea - maybe this is a franchise run by druids, and these concoctions are based on juiced Goodberries, with all the variants being based upon which type of berry was enchanted, whether they're served as juices or smoothies or flavoured yogurts etc.

There was something I read long ago, I think a restaurant that served a number of exotic dishes that were actually harmful to other species. RuneQuest I think. Along with a series of liquors from the Arduin Grimoire, mashing both of those together could have some interesting flavor (ha!) to adventuring rations and an amusing return of the potion miscibility table. Deep fried troll toes are a pleasantly pungent cheesy snack (+2 max hp until next rest), but woe betide the gourmand that mixes it with Ol' Brimstone whiskey!

 

[aco175]

Picture what stores are in a mall, and have similar equivalents. Most are clothing stores that cater to men, women, or both. Fancy men/women, kids, work uniforms, etc... Book stores, toy stores and home goods such as crockery and bedding. Plenty of places for food from elegant to fast or cart vendors. Specialty stores for varied holidays can be a turn over.

 

[Tonguez]

A slightly adjacent topic, but I recently reread REH's Red Nails, and I was stuck by how his lost city resembled an abandoned shopping mall. A large low rectangular building, lots of glass in the roof for light, a closed environment, wide east-west and north-south boulevards surrounded by dwellings (some called out as shops) on two levels, a large central atrium under a glass dome, an underground level infested with undead monsters, ornamental turrets and cupolas on the outside, etc.

The problem is, the novella was written 20 years before shopping malls were invented. So I got to thinking what else it resembled, and I thought of the Crystal Palace. I'm pretty sure REH never visited it in London, but it burned down the same year the novella was written, so he may have read descriptions in the newspapers. In addition, there were several copies built in the late 19th century, including a short-lived one in New York. REH couldn't have seen that either. But my research dried up when it came to copies of copies. I suspect there were quite a number built, and furthermore went on to become the architectural inspiration for the original shopping malls.

I had that same thought in passing when trying to work out what the Red Nails city design was trying to describe too - I keep thinking, "why would anyone design a city like this, a shopping mall?"

Of course there were enclosed shopping Arcades with glass roofs around Europe (dunno when they first existed in the US) like Galleria Vitorrio in Milan

didnt make the association with the Crystal palace, but it works well. The Auckland Domain Winter Gardens feature a couple of Victorian style glasshouses which many suggest were influenced by the Crystal Palace (although of much more moderate size), its one of my favourite places to visit in that city.

 

[Koloth]

I would start with a real mall. Go visit and take pictures of the "You are here" map. If available, use one that is online. Note locations of the 'secret' employee only doors. Edit the map to replace JC Penny with something suitable for your plans. Repeat for other stores. Create uses for the secret doors. Movie theaters could become stage theaters.

Use it like a normal city bazaar.

Maybe it is its own merchant 'city state' complete with sheriff, guards, judges and such.

 

[Shades of Eternity]

I come from the city with the legendary mall (west Edmonton mall for those who are asking), and they have everything from car dealerships, amusement park, golf courses, skating rinks, a water park, casinos, hotels, and multiple food courts and theatres.

plus they used to have dolphin shows, and 2 really good arcades.

I already did my own legally distinct version of it for the hodgepocalypse, but taking these elements and making them fantasy have serious potential.

especially if you turn the underside into a dungeon, with its own factions.

I could see a really fun low level "mall rats" adventure and use it in a similar manner that most d&d games use that small village.

 

[Tonguez]

Maybe it is its own merchant 'city state' complete with sheriff, guards, judges and such.

IMC Karina the "City of Judges" has Low Judges who sit on raised platforms in the Market Souk, whose job is to witness contracts and ensure fair trade occurs around them. They are served by teams of Market Guards.
(The High Judges make up the ruling council of the city.)