Game Master Toolkit: 10 Urban Fantasy Dangers for your RPG
10 urban dangers to challenge your players and add depth to your fantasy RPG world
Are you a game master looking to add some excitement and danger to your urban fantasy campaign? Do you want to challenge your players with more than just the standard bandit or monster encounter? Look no further! In this blog, we'll explore ten urban dangers that will test your players' skills and wits as they navigate the treacherous landscape of the city. From corrupt officials to cursed objects, natural disasters to dark magic, these dangers will keep your players on their toes and add depth and intrigue to your world. So, grab your dice and get ready to immerse your players in a world full of peril and adventure!
CITY WATCH CORRUPTION
The city watch is meant to maintain order and protect citizens, but what happens when those in power become corrupt? The players may find themselves targeted by the very guards who are supposed to keep them safe. The corrupt watch may accuse the players of crimes they didn't commit, extort them for money, or even attack them outright. It's up to the players to navigate this dangerous political landscape and find a way to expose the corruption without getting themselves killed.
This danger can be approached in a variety of ways, from investigating and gathering evidence to going undercover and posing as corrupt themselves. It also presents opportunities for roleplaying and diplomacy, as the players may need to navigate the web of power and influence that keeps the corrupt watch in place. Dealing with city watch corruption can be a long-term goal for the players, with the ultimate reward being justice for the people and a safer city for all.
MAGIC FRENZY
Magic is a powerful force in fantasy settings, and in the cities, it can be both a blessing and a curse. The players may encounter individuals who have become addicted to magic, causing them to go on wild and dangerous rampages. These individuals may be powerful sorcerers, or they may be common citizens who have stumbled upon a cursed magical item.
The players must navigate the dangerous city streets, avoiding the rampaging magic users and finding a way to break the addiction or curse. This danger may also lead to interesting moral quandaries, as the players may have to decide whether to help the afflicted individuals or simply stop them by any means necessary.
MAGIC SUPPRESSION
In some cities, the use of magic is strictly controlled or outright banned. This can lead to a dangerous underground market of illegal magic, where unscrupulous individuals sell forbidden spells and cursed artifacts. The players may find themselves caught up in this underground world, facing off against dangerous smugglers and corrupt officials.
They may also have to navigate the tricky political landscape of the city, deciding whether to support the underground magic users or help enforce the laws. This danger can lead to interesting roleplaying opportunities and moral dilemmas, as the players must decide where their loyalties lie.
Related Article: The Fantastical Emporium: 10 Unique Shops for Your Fantasy RPG Adventure
HIDDEN DANGERS OF ARCHITECTURE
In cities, the architecture can hide many dangers, from hidden traps to collapsing buildings. The players may find themselves navigating treacherous alleyways and abandoned buildings, avoiding pitfalls and dangers at every turn.
This danger can be approached in a variety of ways, from simply being careful and observant to using magical detection spells or hiring a skilled rogue to lead the way. The danger may also lead to interesting exploration opportunities, as the players may discover hidden tunnels and secret passages.
MERCHANT GUILDS
In many cities, powerful merchant guilds control the flow of goods and money. The players may find themselves caught up in the machinations of these powerful organizations, facing off against rival guilds and corrupt officials.
They may also have to navigate the tricky world of commerce, negotiating deals and navigating the complex web of trade and finance. This danger can lead to interesting political intrigue and roleplaying opportunities, as the players try to make a name for themselves in the cutthroat world of business.
GANG WARFARE
In some urban areas, rival gangs vie for control of territory and resources, leading to violent conflicts in the streets. The players may find themselves caught in the middle of a gang war, forced to choose a side or navigate a delicate balance between multiple factions. They'll have to watch their backs and be ready for ambushes and other attacks, as the gangs don't take kindly to outsiders meddling in their affairs.
This danger can be used to add a gritty and realistic edge to a campaign, as the players navigate the seedy underbelly of the city and make deals with unsavory characters. It can also provide opportunities for combat and strategic thinking, as the players work to gain the upper hand in the gang war or broker peace between the factions.
CULTS AND RELIGIOUS EXTREMISTS
Urban areas can be hotbeds of religious and philosophical diversity, but not all beliefs are created equal. The players may encounter a cult or extremist group that seeks to impose its beliefs on the rest of the city, using violence or other means to achieve its goals. The players may need to infiltrate the group, gather intelligence, and stop their plans before they can do too much damage.
This danger can be used to explore themes of religious freedom, tolerance, and extremism in a fantasy setting. It can also provide opportunities for investigation and roleplaying, as the players try to understand the motivations and beliefs of the cult or extremist group.
NATURAL DISASTERS
In a city, natural disasters can become particularly deadly due to the density of buildings and population. Floods can leave citizens trapped on higher floors of buildings, while earthquakes can cause buildings to collapse or topple. Fires can easily spread from building to building, and if not contained, can consume entire neighborhoods. The players may need to quickly assess the situation and make split-second decisions to save lives, all while battling against the clock and the forces of nature.
CURSED OBJECTS
A cursed object may not always be apparent to the players, making it a particularly insidious danger. They may not even realize that the object they possess is cursed until it's too late. The cursed object may not only affect the player holding it but could also curse the entire party or even the city itself. The players may need to delve deep into the object's history or seek out the help of experts to break the curse. In doing so, they may also need to confront the object's original creator or those who seek to possess it for their own nefarious purposes.
POLITICAL INTRIGUE
In a city ruled by a monarch or council, political intrigue can be a complex and tangled web of allegiances and betrayals. The players may need to navigate the subtle power plays between different factions and make alliances to further their own goals. They may also need to decide who to support or who to overthrow, all while trying to avoid being caught in the crossfire. The players' actions may have consequences not just for themselves but for the entire city, including causing civil unrest, social upheaval, or even a full-blown revolution. The potential fallout from political intrigue can be immense, and the players may need to think carefully about every move they make.
SUPERNATURAL THREATS
In a city, supernatural threats can take many forms, from ghosts haunting buildings to vampires preying on unsuspecting citizens. The players may need to use their wits and their weapons to defeat these otherworldly creatures, who may have powers that are beyond the players' understanding. Supernatural threats can and should be tied to the city's history or legends, giving players a chance to delve into the city's secrets and uncover hidden knowledge. However, defeating these supernatural foes may require the players to make sacrifices, whether it's in the form of their own safety or the safety of the city's inhabitants.
Fantasy RPGs can be full of danger, and these 10 examples are just the tip of the iceberg. The city watch may be corrupt, but they're not the only ones looking to take advantage of unwary adventurers. From deadly cults to magical disasters, the city can be a treacherous place indeed.
As a GM, it's important to remember that these dangers don't have to be obstacles to overcome. They can also be opportunities for interesting storytelling and character development. Perhaps the players need to protect a powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands, or they must navigate a complex web of political intrigue to accomplish their goals.
Whatever dangers you choose to include in your urban settings, be sure to communicate them clearly to your players and give them agency in how they choose to approach them. By doing so, you'll create a world that feels alive and full of potential for adventure.
Capes and Crooks - A 5e Superhero RPG
Capes and Crooks utilizes the core rules for the 5th Edition of the world’s greatest roleplaying game and adds its own unique twist. You will take on the role of a superhero (or a villain if you prefer) and completely customize your character with unique origins, roles, powers, and alter-egos. With a group of friends and a bit of imagination, you will strike out on dangerous missions and terrifying challenges, from stopping bank robbers and handling deadly hostage negotiations to slaying monstrosities created from a mad scientist’s experimentations. You will also have to deal with the realities of a law and order society that doesn’t exactly look kindly on those with powers. This book contains a world setting, character creation rules, equipment, powers, enhancements, magic items/tech, monsters, villains & NPC’s, and a full adventure.
Capes and Crooks takes place in the ultra-modern world of Terra, a place of science, technology, evolution and even ancient lost magic. 25 years ago people around the world found themselves mysteriously imbued with fantastical gifts. Now called deviants, these people take on many roles as they struggle to find their place in this new world. Some wish to use their gifts to help others, some to gain wealth and power, and some to do evil to satisfy their darkness. In a world where what is right, and what is the law often conflicts, how will you choose to use your powers and conceal your identity from those who wish to stop you?
There will always be good and evil; light and dark. There will always be Capes and Crooks!
Get your copy here and make your next 5e tabletop adventure…super!
Click to learn more.
Thank you for reading our blog. If you enjoy the content and want to support us, visit our store or follow us on social media, join us on discord, youtube, and leave us a review.
Keep your blades sharp and spells prepared heroes!
If you're interested in advertising with us, click here to learn more.
