[Information] Question; How to Make Non-Fiction Interesting

[Damionovich]

So I've been tinkering with an idea to run a story from 1918 Russian Civil War.

However, I have reservations because I'm not certain how a non-fiction setting can present an interesting story. So I'm guessing such a story will need fictional details included. So, I'm all ears from the more experienced DMs around here.

1. What is the best system to use? (I'm considering GURPS)
2. How much fictional (encounters, missions) information should be included to make a compelling story?
3. Right now I'm thinking of a little city building management, creating projects to save the starving masses, while also fighting off the Red (Communists), White (Anti-Communists), and Black (Anarchists) Armies who are attempting to take control of the region.
4. I have the weapons list with damages already and every source can be found online for free.

[47Ronin]

In answer to your question, yes, historic fiction and historic TTRPGs would need to be dramatized in some fashion, which almost invariably means inventing detail and restructuring events so that they fit into a satisfying beginning-middle-end storytelling structure.

1. Dunno. GURPS is fine.
2. Personally, for a TTRPG it should be mostly fiction, with a thin veneer of historical detail. This helps alleviate the burden of excessive research for what should just be a fun game. Also, running a game too closely based on real events might feel constraining to both the DM and the players.
3. Anything can be made to work, so long as you have a system that supports it and the players are up for it.
4. Online for free is good, so long as it's legally free.

[Dworin]

For purposes of gaming, history is just another, very detailed, setting. That means you either allow deviations frim the canon, e.g. an assassination attempt on Lenin that succeeds, the Mensjeviks winning or something like that or else use real history as backdrop and play something insignificant enough that it never made it into the history books. (Basically one bit of advice in the sticky above 'games seeking players.')

For the rest, nothing to add to what 47Ronin wrote.

[Damionovich]

Originally Posted by Dworin

For purposes of gaming, history is just another, very detailed, setting. That means you either allow deviations frim the canon, e.g. an assassination attempt on Lenin that succeeds, the Mensjeviks winning or something like that or else use real history as backdrop and play something insignificant enough that it never made it into the history books. (Basically one bit of advice in the sticky above 'games seeking players.')

For the rest, nothing to add to what 47Ronin wrote.

Something I was thinking about. In the early stages of Lenin's reign, the Communist party raided the grain supplies that the peasants had gathered. They had extra at the time because they were planning for a famine which would take place every 7-10 years. Local Communist leaders told the peasants to dig up graves and grind the bones into flour for bread.

So, I was thinking of ghosts, zombies, and undead. Also, the famine was so bad that peasants resorted to cannibalism so I was going to alter them in a way to portray rabid animals.

[Dworin]

At that point, the actions of PCs and the reaction from the environment are not restricted by historical correctness, so in my opinion there wouldn't be any problem.

[Rasgorn]

Hi Everyone,

I have been Co-DM with Horseman for a D&D game based on historical Europe during the Medieval period for over twenty years now. We started in 2nd edition, went to 3rd, then 3.5 and we are now transitioning to 5th Edition with some 3.5 players still active. The mechanics change definitely affects spellcasters more, but not enough to change the tenor or flavor of the game. As DM/GM, I would use the system you feel most comfortable running.

Once you set the initial time setting and place, it is best to decide if you are going to stick with following history or are going to allow for historical changes if the PC's do something like assassinate Richard the Lion Hearted or Saladin. In your case, that would be like Dworin mentioned, assassinating Lenin.
If you don't choose to change history, you will find yourself bending the story and directing the players in directions to keep history intact. If everyone knows and agrees to that at the beginning, you are set. If they don't, there will be grumpiness if not more unpleasantness when players aren't allowed to follow through on actions that will change the historic path.
As an example, how do you handle players who want to assassinate Napoleon?

If you follow the plan to allow history to change, that creates more work for you as a DM, but I think creates more fun and chances for roleplay.
We had a player who acted as a handmaid and spy for Eleanor of Aquitaine. That worked well for everyone and we had plenty of story to work with due to all the intrigue between Eleanor and Henry and numerous other social events of the time.

[bananabadger]

Originally Posted by Damionovich

So I've been tinkering with an idea to run a story from 1918 Russian Civil War.

However, I have reservations because I'm not certain how a non-fiction setting can present an interesting story. So I'm guessing such a story will need fictional details included. So, I'm all ears from the more experienced DMs around here.

1. What is the best system to use? (I'm considering GURPS)
2. How much fictional (encounters, missions) information should be included to make a compelling story?
3. Right now I'm thinking of a little city building management, creating projects to save the starving masses, while also fighting off the Red (Communists), White (Anti-Communists), and Black (Anarchists) Armies who are attempting to take control of the region.
4. I have the weapons list with damages already and every source can be found online for free.

Hey, Damionovich! Great minds and all! I've had a game ad for Akers' "Comrades" (PbtA) ready to go for a long time. Haven't found the time to run it yet, but it's a great game system specifically for this scenario. It specifically includes the competing factions element you mentioned.

[Damionovich]

Originally Posted by bananabadger

Hey, Damionovich! Great minds and all! I've had a game ad for Akers' "Comrades" (PbtA) ready to go for a long time. Haven't found the time to run it yet, but it's a great game system specifically for this scenario. It specifically includes the competing factions element you mentioned.

Awesome, I'll check it out. Thank You.