Introduction
Dungeons & Dragons and medieval fantasy have long dominated the tabletop RPG scene, but what about the enchanting world of Harry Potter? Kids on Brooms, the latest offering from Renegade Game Studios, steps into the realm of magic schools, giving players the opportunity to craft their own magical institutions filled with secrets, mysteries, and final exams. While the timing may raise eyebrows, considering the recent J.K. Rowling Twitter controversy, this game allows fans to immerse themselves in a world they love, devoid of any connection to a creator they may no longer respect.
An Enchanting Journey Through Magic Schools
Kids on Brooms is the brainchild of Doug Levandowski, Jonathan Gilmour, artist Heather Vaughan, and new addition Spenser Starke. It is the third game in a series that began with Kids on Bikes, exploring Stranger Things-style mysteries in eerie small towns, followed by Teens in Space, which thrusts players into a captivating space opera world with wondrous aliens and overwhelming emotions. Now, the designers transport players to the captivating realm of magic schools.
The game system prioritizes simplicity, making it accessible to both kids and novice roleplayers. Characters possess six traits, each rated as a different die type, signifying their proficiency in particular actions. When a player fails, they receive Adversity tokens to boost later rolls. Magic operates in a similar manner, with spells linked to specific abilities. Instead of a rigid spell list, spells fall under four categories, and the Game Master sets the difficulty based on the spell’s potency. This flexible magic system allows the plot to flow seamlessly, adapting to the writer’s narrative needs without being bound by predetermined spells.
Setting Creation: Where the Magic Unfolds
Character creation takes a back seat in Kids on Brooms as players focus on crafting the magical setting. Before diving into the game, they collaboratively establish their magic school by asking questions and defining various aspects of the institution. Is the school hidden in plain sight or connected to the real world through portals? Shared creation enhances players’ investment in the setting, providing a rich foundation for the GM to build upon. It also grants players the freedom to recreate the iconic Hogwarts swiftly or craft their own unique magical schools, addressing any inconsistencies and quirks that irked them in the original narrative.
Unveiling the Secrets: Advice on World-Building
Kids on Brooms truly excels in offering advice on creating the magic school and its surrounding world. The game scrutinizes popular tropes within the fantasy genre and delves into the implications of embracing or subverting these ideas. For instance, Harry Potter’s “Chosen One” narrative may work well for a book, but it can pose challenges in a roleplaying game where all players deserve to have equal fun. Aspiring Game Masters considering running a Harry Potter-style game using their preferred system can find valuable guidance within these pages.
Embrace the Magic of Kids On Brooms
Kids on Brooms provides an enchanting journey through the mystical realm of magic schools. With its straightforward system and focus on setting creation, it invites players to immerse themselves in a world filled with wonder, mystery, and the opportunity to shape their destinies. Whether you’re a die-hard Potter fan or a newcomer seeking a fresh magical experience, Kids on Brooms promises an unforgettable adventure.
Comments