User:Downzorz/Tome of Steel/Why Cities?

= Why Cities? Cities in Your Campaign = Cities have different levels of significance in different styles of campaigns. Here are three (loose) classifications.

Note that these classifications assume that the significance of cities corresponds with the significance of roleplaying. Though not always true, this is assumed because cities are more subtle, less combat-filled than the wilderness. A well-placed word can have more effect than a well-placed knife.

The City as a Rest Stop
"I don't want to go home. I want MORE SHINYS!"

In some high-combat campaigns, cities are insignificant features. They serve as nothing more than a place to rest, sell and buy things, and get quests. The NPC's are named "Shopkeeper," "Inkeeper," and "Mysterious Stranger." Maps are usually not needed, as the players simply plot-a-port to the nearest inn, shop, or tavern.

The City as a Backdrop
"The job of a sewer cleaner is a dangerous one. Mostly because of the man-eating slime and giant rats."

Some campaigns are in the middle, where the city is significant, but not central to the campaign. Important NPC's and ones that are frequently talked to usually have names not pulled from a list, and they may even occasionally do something campaign-significant that is unrelated to their position. There may be a few adventures in a city, but they are usually restricted to sewers, catacombs, or other areas that resemble dungeons. In essence, cities are still simply plot devices, and the significant parts of the campaign take place either in the wilderness, or in areas that resemble it.

The City as a Setting
Finally, there are some campaigns that are centered in cities. These campaigns are the ones that have to flesh out cities and citizens the most. Generally, the important citizens will be fully-fleshed out NPCs, with goals and motivations of their own. Even the lowly barmaid will probably have a name, and maybe even some personality traits. The city will be generally mapped out, and there will probably be detailed maps of some areas. This can be important, as sometimes there will be combat in the streets.

The social landscape of cities is also important in these campaigns, as they tend to be less combat-centered and more often include information gathering, spying, and other more social activities.