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UPDATE: Due to some confusion about time zones, we have reopened submission until 20th of May 23:59 BST.



Folklore Jam is a tabletop RPG jam on folklore, myths and the people in them. Submissions due May 3rd 19th!

Rules

Write a short tabletop role-playing game. ‘Short’ should ideally be under 10 pages, and no more than 20 pages. It should be a full/standalone game, and not a module for an existing one. Being standalone means that the game can be played by itself (with accessories like pen, paper, dice, etc.). A hack of an existing game is allowed as long as you include all the rules needed to play it. Hacks of pre-existing games are 100% allowed to be submitted. The writing and design should be done within the 2-week period of the jam but you are free to come up with ideas beforehand.



Your game must incorporate elements from folklore and myths. Folklore and myths from around the world can be used. However, be sensitive and respectful if you are writing about folklore and myths from another culture. Do your research! Interpret the ‘elements’ of folklore and myths as your see fit, but this could include: small local myths and urban legends; religious tales, epics, worship, rituals, rites, traditions; relationships between higher beings and humankind; cryptids, ghosts, monsters and classic beasts; magic, powers, hidden worlds, etc.



Have fun! Don't push yourself too hard. There are lots of game jams going on, and it's totally okay to take a break.



Additional guidelines on using myths from another culture

Follow these guidelines if you have decided to write about myths from another culture: Find a sensitivity reader from the culture you are writing about. Ideally, you should do it before you start writing, not as an afterthought. Do not use cultural stereotypes and slurs as a description of the characters. Do not use your game to criticise a culture your don't belong to.



Here are two good articles on how to role-play characters from another culture, which is equally applicable to game design:

“May I Play A Character From Another Race?” by James Mendez Hodes (on race issues)

A reply to "Tips and thought leadership on playing other ethnicities/genders/minorities" by Diana Moon

Best Practices For Historical Gaming by James Mendez Hodes (on history and religion)



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This jam is organised by W.H Arthur (@Aryl_Ether / https://aryl-ether.itch.io/) and Flowers (@swordsnflowers / https://swords-and-flowers.itch.io). Feel free to contact them with questions!

Find other people talking about the jam on Twitter at #FolkloreJam