Finding Inspiration: Derelict Places as Inspiration for RPGs

Innumerable forgotten and derelict spaces dot our real-world landscapes. Abandoned buildings, decaying factories, and forgotten ruins hold untold stories waiting to be unravelled. Derelict spaces can serve as rich sources of inspiration for planning tabletop RPG adventures with interesting and immersive settings.

Derelict spaces possess a mysterious allure that beckons adventurers to explore their depths. Whether it’s an abandoned mansion with a tragic history or an industrial complex left to rust, the atmosphere of neglect and decay adds a layer of intrigue that captivates players’ imaginations. The juxtaposition of these once-thriving structures now fallen into disrepair sets the stage for tales of forgotten civilisations, cursed legacies, lost secrets, or hidden treasures. 

Every derelict space has a story to tell, and the game master can weave these tales into the fabric of their campaign. The dilapidated walls of an old asylum may hide the dark secrets of experiments gone awry, or the crumbling remains of an ancient temple might hold clues to a long-forgotten civilisation’s rise and fall. By delving into the history of derelict spaces, game masters can craft intricate and immersive narratives for their players to uncover. 

I grew up near a Victorian-era asylum, and the remains of that building, the abandoned spaces inside which had housed generations of patients, were utterly (perhaps morbidly) fascinating. Being still in use well into the 1990s, there was this strange contrast between the crumbling masonry of the old Victorian building and the bleak, clean modernity of late 20th century NHS branding. 

Mechanically, derelict spaces are rife with potential environmental challenges that can spice up RPG encounters. Collapsing floors, unstable structures, and hidden traps add an element of danger to the exploration, forcing players to think creatively and work together to overcome obstacles. The very environment becomes a dynamic and unpredictable character in the unfolding story, creating memorable moments that players will talk about long after the session concludes. Some settings do this incredibly well, and some settings have the exploration of these spaces are their core premise. I’m thinking here of systems like Into the Odd and Heart.

The isolation and decay of derelict spaces provide the perfect breeding grounds for fantastical creatures or NPCs seeking refuge in the forgotten corners of the world. This is applicable in games taking place in historical, modern, fantasy, and sci-fi settings. It’s universal. A haunted asylum might be home to vengeful spirits, while a dilapidated factory overrun by nature could house mutated beasts. In Cthulhu-esque play, these spaces could be the home of cults and of ancient things that hide away from the world. These unique adversaries add depth and excitement to RPG campaigns, offering players challenges beyond the ordinary. 

Derelict spaces can serve as compelling starting points for entire RPG campaigns. A cryptic map found in the ruins of an ancient library, a distress signal emanating from an abandoned research facility, or rumours of a long-lost artefact hidden in the depths of a forgotten castle—all of these can spark the imagination and set the wheels of an epic quest in motion. This is actually why I really like the setting of Gary, Indiana in Vampire: the Masquerade. It’s quite a bleak place; a once-prosperous city in sharp, crushing decline. The unfortunate fact of this decay, and the quality of the photographs that document it, help to set a scene that is tragically appropriate to the tone of the World of Darkness:

Standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time, Derelict Places hold the potential for really interesting, engaging settings for our games. As game masters, tapping into the mysteries and stories of abandoned places can breathe life into our campaigns, offering players a unique and unforgettable journey through the remnants of forgotten worlds. In day-to-day life, if you find yourself passing by a crumbling facade or stumbling upon an overgrown ruin, let your imagination go for a run; within these derelict spaces lies the potential for epic tales of heroism, discovery, and triumph.