Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
With most of the articles still in need of some polishing, here’s a sort of summary of my activities and other stuff that happened in January. The blog is now active for more than a year, so onward to the next one!
David Lynch Died
… and the creative world is poorer for it.
Photograph: Chris Weeks/WireImage
I wanted to write a separate article, but found it redundant. After Lynch’s passing there was a myriad of articles summarizing his works, views, or talents. Instead I will share a few thoughts I have concerning David Lynch’s works that are relevant to this site.
The Weirding Dune
No matter how dissatisfied David Lynch (and the general public) was with his Dune, I loved the film. Probably a bit more as a child than I do now, but I still consider it a solid adaptation with a distinct style. There are more accurate adaptations (cheers, Syfy!), and it hasn’t aged that well. Some additions made by Lynch are unnecessary and some make no sense. But the surreal dreaminess goes well with Frank Herbert’s novel, and one can but wonder what would David Lynch’s Dune look like if he had full artistic freedom.
The weirding modules used in the movie are one of the additions that are not needed for the story. According to some they actually cripple the image of Fremen as a fierce and powerful military force on their own, replacing their prowess with technology. I can agree with that, but I think the idea itself is neat. An item that essentially makes you into a Skyrim Dragonborn, providing you with the ability to kill with your shouts, is something I can imagine in a setting. In the movie I believe they could also set things on fire with the right modulation.
What are your thoughts on David Lynch’s Dune? And would you like something like the weirding modules in your game?
Twin Peaks
The legacy of Twin Peaks is massive, with lots of great creators citing it among their key influences. Having seen it as an adult long after it first came out, I can’t quite imagine the kind of upheaval the series caused at the time it first aired. For me it’s a masterful blend of Americana, horror, fantasy, and mystery. All wrapped in that surreal style called “Lynchian”, a label probably destined to have it’s meaning debated forever in the vein of “Lovecraftian”.
There are many reasons why I hold Twin Peaks dear other than the basic enjoyment of a TV show. Frost and Lynch’s blend of cozy and unsettling, grounded and esoteric, heartwarming and violent, makes for a unique atmosphere. It wouldn’t work just anywhere, though many great shows, movies and video games were inspired by Twin Peaks. As for TV shows, Carnivale and True Detective are my personal favourites, and Alan Wake is the one when it comes to video games. I’m mentioning these three because I also intend to write articles about them, in time. I’ve already touched True Detective Season 4 here.
In dreams
David Lynch’s surreal style is great seen on the screen, but can it be translated onto tabletop? Some systems might be better than others, I can see a Twin Peaks-inspired game in World of Darkness, or Call of Cthulhu. But can you run a Lynchian game of Dungeons & Dragons, or Pathfinder? They are the kind of games where head on approach is preferable – you find monsters, you kill them, loot them, stick ’em in a stew… But the rules are not really accommodating to subtler modes of play.
If you want to try it anyway, above is a useful description of some Lynchian characteristics I found in an older thread on the RPGnet forum. Some are quite easy to achieve, others might be more difficult. A lot depends on your group, as always. I’ll also have to check some of the suggestions for other TTRPGs, such as JAGS Wonderland. If you are familiar with the game, leave a comment with your thoughts!
New subclasses
I’ve been working on a few options for 5e DnD, namely new archetypes for the existing classes. There’s a ranger conclave, and a barbarian path that are almost done. Also a bard college, and a druid circle that still need some work. To stay with the topic of David Lynch above, I’ve also been contemplating creating a Twin Peaks inspired subclass in the last few months. I’m not sure I’ll get to it, but Lynch’s passing has served as a reminder that I had plans in this direction.
Above is a teaser for the ranger conclave. It’s going to be less magical than those in Tasha’s and Xanathar’s. And a lot more setting-specific than your regular subclasses. While this limits its usability, I believe setting-specific options have their place in the game. If you play it once in ten campaigns, I’d say it’s still a win.
Arco
I’ve been playing this 2024 indie RPG in the last few weeks. It’s not that long, I just can’t dedicate that much time to gaming. However, Arco has it all: good story, great worldbuilding, humour. The graphics, soundtrack, and gameplay are just as great, though largely irrelevant for the kind of article I’m writing. I’m currently on my second playthrough, taking further notes, trying different approaches.
February
We’ll see what February will bring. I have too many unfinished projects on my desk and too little time to even write these short updates, but I’m determined to finish them.
What are you working on? Feel free to leave a comment and share this post on your favourite networks. It’s greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and see you soon!
Rashundai Games 