taverncentered

taverncentered is a term used to describe a particular style of role-playing game campaign or a specific type of in-game social hub. It refers to a campaign where the central location for player interaction, quest acquisition, and downtime activities is a tavern. This contrasts with campaigns where adventures might originate from various locations or where the players' base of operations is more mobile or expansive.

In a taverncentered campaign, the tavern itself often becomes a character in the game, featuring a memorable cast of non-player characters (NPCs) such as the innkeeper, barkeeps, regulars, and potential patrons who offer rumors, quests, or challenges. The tavern serves as a consistent meeting point, fostering a sense of community among the player characters. This setting can facilitate character development through social interactions and provide a stable environment for players to plan their adventures.

The advantages of a taverncentered approach include ease of session setup, as players know where to begin each game session. It can also promote more organic storytelling, allowing the game master (GM) to introduce plot hooks and characters based on the players' current activities or conversations within the tavern. However, it can also lead to a more confined experience if not managed carefully, potentially limiting the scope of exploration and adventure. The effectiveness of this style often depends on the GM's ability to make the tavern dynamic and engaging, and the players' willingness to embrace this focused approach to gameplay.