Strange Happenings in Millfield: ChatGPT Writes a Boring TTRPG

Prompt: Write an original, very simple tabletop RPG system set in a small town with paranormal anomalies.

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Title: Strange Happenings in Millfield

Number of Players: 2-6

Objective: To investigate and solve the paranormal mysteries in the town of Millfield.

Character Creation:

  1. Choose a character archetype from the following list: Investigator, Journalist, Scientist, Occultist, Psychic, or Local.
  2. Allocate 10 points among the following attributes: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Perception, Charisma, and Willpower.
  3. Choose a talent or special ability for your character from the following list: Athletic, Investigative, Technical, Occult Knowledge, Psychic Powers, or Social.

Gameplay:

  1. The game is played in turns, with each player taking a turn to describe their character's actions and interactions with the environment.
  2. The Game Master (GM) describes the scene and any paranormal phenomena that the characters encounter. The GM may also ask the players to make a skill check if their character attempts a difficult action.
  3. The players must investigate the paranormal anomalies in Millfield, gathering clues and information to solve the mystery. They can talk to the locals, research in the library, or use their special abilities to uncover hidden secrets.
  4. Combat may occur if the characters encounter hostile entities or creatures. Combat is resolved by rolling a 6-sided dice (d6) and adding the character's relevant attribute score. The GM will do the same for the opponent. The highest roll wins the combat round, with ties going to the defender.
  5. The game ends when the players solve the paranormal mystery and uncover the truth behind the strange happenings in Millfield.

Example of Play:

GM: You enter the abandoned house on the outskirts of town, the air is thick with the scent of decay and the sound of creaking floorboards fills the room. Suddenly, you hear a ghostly moan from upstairs.

Player 1 (Investigator): I draw my flashlight and cautiously make my way up the stairs, keeping an eye out for any traps or hazards.

Player 2 (Psychic): I use my psychic powers to sense any supernatural entities in the area.

GM: Roll your perception check, Player 2.

Player 2: (rolls a 4 and adds their Perception score of 3) 7.

GM: You sense a strong presence of a malevolent spirit on the second floor.

Player 3 (Scientist): I pull out my EMF reader to try and locate the source of the paranormal activity.

GM: Roll your technical check, Player 3.

Player 3: (rolls a 5 and adds their Technical score of 4) 9.

GM: The EMF reader lights up like a Christmas tree, pointing you towards a closed door at the end of the hallway.

Player 4 (Occultist): I use my knowledge of the occult to try and banish the spirit.

GM: Roll your occult knowledge check, Player 4.

Player 4: (rolls a 6 and adds their Occult Knowledge score of 5) 11.

GM: With your knowledge of ancient rituals, you are able to banish the spirit and put an end to the haunting in the house.

Conclusion:

This simple tabletop RPG system allows players to investigate and solve paranormal mysteries in a small town setting. The focus is on using skills and abilities to gather information and solve puzzles, rather than combat. The system can be easily adapted and expanded to fit different settings and themes.

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