Story Inspiration: Random Magic the Gathering Cards

Note 1: This is Day One of writing a post each weekday. Let's see if I can keep it up!
Note 2: This is not an original idea, but really, what is? I may have gotten the idea from this article on Reddit, but it may have been a different source.

The next time you are stuck for a story idea for a fantasy-type game, give this a try. Go to magiccards.info. (Do this even if you have no idea what Magic the Gathering is.) Click on the "Random" link in the upper right corner of the screen. You'll be taken to a page with a random Magic card on it. If you like the card, record it. (Grab a screenshot, save the image, draw a picture of it in crayon on a napkin; Whatever floats your boat.) If you don't like the card, hit random again.

Do this until you have between 3 and 5 cards. I've had the best luck using three cards, but your mileage may vary. (Warning *TV Tropes* link.) Now, take the cards and use them to sketch the outline of a story, trying to incorporate the cards as best you can. The reddit article recommends creating slots like "the problem", "the setting", etc. That's perfectly valid if you find yourself needing some structure but don't feel too constrained by it. Also, don't feel you have to use a card exactly as it's presented; you're not going to get in trouble if you deviate from it.

Basically, just get your creative juices flowing! I've found this to be extremely helpful because it helps you look at different fantasy tropes in a new light. In all the D&D campaigns that I've run over the years, I've never used Merfolk of any sort. However, as you'll see below, I was able to come up with an interesting story involving them using this method. Maybe you'll have the same luck!

Here's a rough example of a story I came up with based on these three cards.

 

• A vicious plague is sweeping through a region. The local healers, usually known for their skill, are having problems trying to contain it.

• Their many tomes of healing are being erased by an unknown force. Investigating one of the 'crime scenes', the party discovers mud, puddles of water, and fish scales.

• These clues can be traced back to a nearby river, and a group of merfolk who have taken up residence there.

• The merfolk are using magical crystals that steal the text of the books and bringing them back to their master, Uthuun.

• Uthuun is a sphinx that has lived in the area for many generations. He resents the human civilization that is unknowing destroying his domain.

• Uthuun created the plague to drive out the humans or destroy them. However, due to his love of knowledge, he wishes to retain as much of their learning as possible.

• He also sees humans as being very powerful, and wants to unlock their secrets.

There you have it! A fast and easy method to generate a ton of stories. Give it a try the next time you are stuck for an idea.