Pulp and Weird Fantasy: The Secret Sauce Behind Tabletop RPGs

 

When it comes to tabletop RPGs, the influence of pulp and weird fantasy cannot be understated. These genres have been the driving force behind many of the most popular and enduring role-playing games in existence. But what exactly is pulp and weird fantasy, and how has it influenced the world of tabletop RPGs?

Pulp fiction, also known as pulp magazines, is a genre of literature that emerged in the early 20th century. It is characterized by fast-paced action, larger-than-life heroes, and a focus on adventure and excitement. Pulp fiction often features stories of crime-fighters, detectives, and other heroes who take on powerful and dangerous villains.

Weird fantasy, on the other hand, is a subgenre of fantasy that focuses on the strange and unusual. It often features supernatural elements, such as magic, monsters, and otherworldly beings. Weird fantasy stories often explore the unknown and the mysterious, delving into the darker and more disturbing aspects of the fantasy genre.

Both pulp and weird fantasy have had a profound influence on tabletop RPGs. Many of the most popular and influential role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons and Call of Cthulhu, have been heavily influenced by these genres.

One of the most notable examples of pulp influence on tabletop RPGs is the character of the "pulp hero." This archetype of the larger-than-life hero, who is often a detective, adventurer, or crime-fighter, is a staple of pulp fiction, and it has been an important part of many tabletop RPGs.

Another example of pulp's influence on tabletop RPGs is the use of fast-paced, action-packed adventure. Many tabletop RPGs, such as D&D, emphasize the importance of adventure and excitement, and this is directly influenced by the fast-paced and action-packed nature of pulp fiction.

Weird fantasy, on the other hand, has had a profound influence on the horror and supernatural elements of tabletop RPGs. One of the most notable examples of weird fantasy's influence on tabletop RPGs is H.P. Lovecraft's "Cthulhu Mythos." The stories of H.P. Lovecraft, which feature otherworldly beings, ancient eldritch monsters, and cosmic horror, have been a major influence on many tabletop RPGs, such as Call of Cthulhu.

In conclusion, pulp and weird fantasy have had a profound influence on tabletop RPGs. From the larger-than-life heroes of pulp fiction to the supernatural elements of weird fantasy, these genres have been the secret sauce behind many of the most popular and enduring role-playing games in existence.

Some of the authors and books that have influenced the game culture are:

• H.P. Lovecraft and his "Cthulhu Mythos"

• Robert E. Howard and his Conan the Barbarian stories

• J.R.R. Tolkien and his "The Lord of the Rings"

• Michael Moorcock and his "Eternal Champion" series

• Fritz Leiber and his "Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser" stories

So, next time you sit down to play a tabletop RPG, remember to thank the pulp and weird fantasy authors who have made the game so much more exciting and thrilling!