When it comes to tabletop roleplaying, setting the scene is more than just dropping a few adjectives and calling it a day. Today’s #RPGaDay2024 prompt is “Evocative environments,” which invites us to explore the art of crafting places that are not only memorable but also stir emotions, heighten immersion, and give players a reason to care about what’s happening in the story. So, let’s dive in and talk about how to create environments that make players sit up and pay attention—no matter the genre or system.

The Power of Specificity

First things first: generic is the enemy of evocative. If your environment could be swapped out for any other without anyone noticing, you’re doing it wrong. Details matter, but not just any details. It’s not about overwhelming your players with a laundry list of features; it’s about choosing the right ones.

Let’s say you’re describing a forest. “A thick forest with tall trees and a dense canopy” might technically be accurate, but it doesn’t do much to paint a picture. Instead, pick out elements that make this particular forest unique. Maybe the trees are so ancient their trunks are knotted with the stories of a thousand years, or perhaps the air is thick with the scent of pine and decay, the ground soft underfoot with years of fallen needles. Already, the forest feels like it has a character of its own.

Engage the Senses

A lot of gamemasters forget that players are more than just eyes with dice-rolling hands. If you want to create an evocative environment, engage all the senses. What does the place smell like? What sounds fill the air? How does the ground feel underfoot? These sensory details can do wonders for immersion, making the environment feel tangible.

For example, imagine a bustling market square. You might describe the smell of fresh bread mixing with the tang of sea salt from the nearby docks, the cacophony of merchants hawking their wares clashing with the sound of seagulls overhead, and the rough cobblestones underfoot that have been worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. Suddenly, this isn’t just any market—it’s a place that feels alive.

Let the Environment Tell a Story

Environments aren’t just backdrops; they can be characters in their own right. A well-crafted environment can tell a story before the players even set foot in it. This can be done through the state of the surroundings, the remnants of what came before, or even the atmosphere (find a better word?) that lingers in the air.

Imagine a crumbling castle perched on a cliffside. The walls are scarred with the marks of ancient battles, and the wind howls through broken windows, carrying with it the distant echoes of long-dead soldiers. The castle isn’t just a location—it’s a testament to the struggles that have taken place there, and perhaps a harbinger of those yet to come.

Use Contrast to Your Advantage

Evocative environments often stand out because they contrast sharply with what came before or what’s expected. Juxtaposition can heighten the impact of a scene, making it more memorable.

Let’s say your players have been trudging through a desert for days, with nothing but sand dunes and scorching sun as far as the eye can see. When they finally stumble upon a hidden oasis, the sudden appearance of lush greenery, cool water, and the shade of palm trees will feel all the more refreshing and surreal. The contrast between the harsh desert and the verdant oasis creates a moment that sticks in the players’ minds.

Avoid the Info Dump

One of the quickest ways to kill an evocative environment is to drown your players in exposition. Sure, you’ve spent hours crafting the perfect setting, but that doesn’t mean you need to share every last detail. Instead, reveal the environment gradually, letting the players discover it through exploration and interaction. This not only keeps the game moving but also allows players to form their own connections with the environment.

For instance, instead of launching into a five-minute description of a haunted mansion the moment the players arrive, start with a few key details: the creaking floorboards, the flicker of candlelight in the windows, the feeling of being watched. As the players move through the mansion, you can reveal more—perhaps they find a faded portrait on the wall, or hear a faint whisper that leads them to a hidden room. By the time they’ve explored the place, they’ll have built up a mental image that’s far more vivid than anything you could have delivered in a monologue.

Let the Players Influence the Environment

Finally, remember that an evocative environment is one that players can interact with and influence. If the setting is completely static, it risks becoming little more than a pretty backdrop. Give the players opportunities to change the environment, whether it’s by burning down that haunted mansion, negotiating with the spirits that linger there, or even just leaving their mark on the world in some small way.

An environment that responds to the players’ actions feels more alive, and players are more likely to care about a world they can shape.

Final Thoughts

Creating evocative environments in your roleplaying sessions doesn’t require a degree in creative writing. It’s about being mindful of the details that matter, engaging the senses, and allowing the environment to play an active role in the story. Whether your players are navigating a bustling city, a tranquil forest, or a desolate wasteland, a well-crafted environment can transform a good session into a great one. So, the next time you’re setting the scene, take a moment to think about what will make that place not just another location, but a character in the story that your players will remember long after the dice are put away.