Forum-based RPGs are some of the most fun and collaborative experiences on MTG Cardsmith. They blend roleplaying, card design, worldbuilding, and storytelling into an ongoing interactive adventure. This guide will walk you through everything you need to launch and maintain a thriving RPG discussion thread on the forums.

🎭 What Is an RPG Discussion?

A Roleplaying Game (RPG) Discussion is a collaborative storytelling thread where players:

• Create characters (often using cards)

• Roleplay their actions through posts

• Interact with a game master (you!) and each other

• Influence a shared narrative world

• Often include challenges, missions, or events

It’s like Dungeons & Dragons meets Magic: the Gathering card design.

🧱 Step 1: Plan Your RPG

Before launching, consider these essential elements:

🔮 RPG Type:

• Freeform Narrative: Story-driven, more collaborative, loose structure

• Structured Campaign: You act as a game master with rules, turns, and events

• Hybrid: Some structure, but allows player freedom

✏️ Prepare:

• A setting and premise (plane, world, or dimension)

• How characters will be created (usually via custom MTG cards)

• Your rules for participation (how turns work, power levels, etc.)

• The first scenario or event to kick things off

🧵 Step 2: Create the Forum Thread

Go to the MTG Cardsmith Forums and:

1. Visit the “Saga” category

2. Click “New Discussion”

3. Title it something fun, specific, and RPG-relevant
   Example: [RPG] Rise of the Etherborn – A Custom Card Roleplay Adventure

Suggested First Post Layout:

# 🌌 Rise of the Etherborn – A Magic RPG Adventure

Welcome to the Plane of Virelia, where the mysterious Etherborn have returned from extinction—and they're not alone. A cosmic storm approaches, and factions old and new rise to seize power.

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## 🎮 How to Join

1. **Create a character card**. Your character is a legendary creature!
2. Post the card image and a short backstory.
3. Include your character's goal or motivation.

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## 📜 Rules of the Game

- Keep posts **in character**.
- Limit card power levels to **uncommon or rare strength**.
- You may design **spells, items, or allies** later on.
- I’ll act as the **Game Master (GM)** to guide events and world developments.

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## 🌍 Setting

Virelia is a plane caught between dimensions. Magic is unstable, and reality fractures at the edges...

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## 🔥 First Prompt:  
*A strange aurora fills the sky as whispers echo through the forest of glass. Your character is drawn to the center of the disturbance...*

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## 💬 Let the Roleplay Begin!

Post your character below, and write your introduction post reacting to the first event!

🛠️ Step 3: Act as Game Master (GM)

As GM, you're both narrator and referee. You should:

• Set scene descriptions to move the story forward

• Introduce plot twists, villains, or magical anomalies

• Respond to player actions (e.g., “As you step into the cave, a rift opens…”)

• Keep the pacing going (2–3 updates per week is a good baseline)

Sample GM Update:

## 🌩️ GM Update: Stormfront

As the adventurers gather at the temple ruins, the storm darkens. From the shattered portal, a beast of light and shadow emerges!

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🧝 @Elven_Smith: Your character’s warning spell fizzles—magic is unstable near the portal!
🗡️ @KnightCrafter: Your sword hums as you approach—what do you do?

👥 Step 4: Encourage Participation

• Welcome new players warmly

• Highlight great character moments

• Allow players to design new cards for spells, items, or events

• Invite them to co-author events or side quests

• Make polls or mini-votes for story direction

Tip:

If players go inactive, you can:

• Gently nudge them via DM

• Continue the story with their character fading out or being sidelined

• Reopen the game to new players

🗺️ Step 5: Track Progress

If your RPG grows, consider:

• Editing your first post with a player roster

• Adding a world map or faction guide

• Creating a “recap post” every few pages

• Posting card galleries for player characters and major NPCs

Optional Thread Add-ons:

• Companion thread for character submissions

• Google Doc or Notion page for lore archive

• RPG wiki (if the world is expansive)

🏆 Tips for Success

✅ Be consistent – Regular updates keep it alive
✅ Don’t over-control – Let players shape the story
✅ Be flexible – Improvise based on character actions
✅ Reward creativity – Call out cool plays or clever writing
✅ Use your strengths – Combine story, card design, and flavor text!

🎉 You’re Ready to Launch!

A well-run RPG discussion is one of the most magical experiences on the MTG Cardsmith Forums. You’re not just telling a story—you’re helping others become a part of it. Be patient, be consistent, and have fun exploring your world together!