Fantasy fiction has long been a source of inspiration for tabletop roleplaying game players and game masters. Whether you're looking for ideas for character backstories, plot hooks, or interesting NPCs, there are countless fantasy novels that can provide inspiration for your game. In this article, we've compiled a list of the top 10 fantasy novels that we believe every roleplaying game enthusiast should read. From epic adventures to dark, brooding tales of intrigue, these novels are sure to inspire your imagination and take your games to the next level.
1. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien J.R.R.
Tolkien's epic trilogy follows hobbit Frodo Baggins and his companions as they journey across Middle-earth to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. The Lord of the Rings is a classic tale of good vs. evil, with richly detailed world-building, memorable characters, and a sense of epic scope that will inspire your own adventures.
The Wheel of Time is a sprawling series that follows a group of characters as they battle against the dark forces of the Shadow. With detailed world-building, intricate politics, and a rich history that spans centuries, The Wheel of Time is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create their own epic sagas.
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3. A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
George R.R. Martin's series is a dark and brooding tale of political intrigue, war, and betrayal set in a fantasy world reminiscent of medieval Europe. With its complex characters, intricate plot twists, and vivid descriptions of a brutal and unforgiving world, A Song of Ice and Fire is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a gritty and realistic fantasy world.
The Kingkiller Chronicle follows the story of Kvothe, a legendary wizard and adventurer, as he recounts his life story to a chronicler. With its intricate magic system, detailed world-building, and compelling characters, The Kingkiller Chronicle is an excellent source of inspiration for players looking to create unique and interesting characters.
Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea Cycle is a classic fantasy series that follows the adventures of wizard Ged as he navigates a world filled with magic and danger. With its beautifully crafted prose, vivid descriptions of the natural world, and thought-provoking themes, The Earthsea Cycle is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a rich and immersive fantasy world.
The Malazan Book of the Fallen is a complex and challenging series that follows a vast cast of characters as they navigate a world torn apart by war, politics, and magic. With its intricate plot, detailed world-building, and memorable characters, The Malazan Book of the Fallen is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a mature and complex fantasy world.
Joe Abercrombie's dark and gritty trilogy follows a group of antiheroes as they navigate a world filled with violence, betrayal, and corruption. With its morally ambiguous characters, gritty realism, and intricate plot, The First Law Trilogy is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a dark and brooding fantasy world.
The Dark Tower is a series that follows gunslinger Roland Deschain as he journeys across a post-apocalyptic world in search of the eponymous Dark Tower. With its blend of science fiction, westerns, and horror, The Dark Tower is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a unique and unconventional fantasy world.
The Mistborn Trilogy is a series that follows a group of characters as they battle against the oppressive Lord Ruler in a world where magic is fueled by ingesting metals. With its intricate magic system, well-developed characters, and compelling plot twists, The Mistborn Trilogy is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a detailed and unique magic system.
C.S. Lewis's classic series follows a group of children as they journey through the magical world of Narnia. With its themes of good vs. evil, Christian allegory, and vivid descriptions of a fantastical world, The Chronicles of Narnia is an excellent source of inspiration for game masters looking to create a whimsical and imaginative fantasy world.
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