Across the Whoniverse: Exploring Doctor Who RPG as the New Season Arrives

As the TARDIS re-materializes on our screens with the latest season of Doctor Who, it’s the perfect time to dive into not just the show’s history but also the thrilling adventures that await in the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game.

So, grab your sonic screwdrivers, and let’s embark on a journey through time and space, both on-screen and at your gaming table!

Doctor Who, a cornerstone of British television, has whisked audiences away on adventures through time and space since 1963. Created by the BBC, the show follows the exploits of the Doctor, a Time Lord from the planet Gallifrey who explores the universe in the TARDIS—a time-traveling spaceship that looks remarkably like a British police box on the outside. The show is renowned for its ability to regenerate not only its lead character but also its enduring appeal, evolving with each new iteration of the Doctor. From battling Daleks to negotiating with Cybermen, Doctor Who has become a beloved sci-fi saga with a global fanbase.

Parallel to the television series, the Doctor Who Roleplaying Game offers fans a chance to create their own stories within the expansive Whoniverse. First hitting the shelves in 2009 and published by Cubicle 7, the game captures the show’s essence, emphasizing story and character over combat and conquest. Players can take on the roles of the Doctor and companions or craft their own characters, from cunning Time Lords to resourceful humans. The game mechanics are designed to facilitate the narrative flow, ensuring that whether you’re solving cosmic mysteries or saving civilizations, the story is always at the heart of the game. I myself got to play in a few one-shots in the past, and absolutely loved the game.

Four Campaign Kickoffs for Doctor Who RPG

1. The Echoes of Gallifrey: Players are drawn into a twisted plot involving the remnants of Gallifreyan technology scattered across different timelines. The campaign could explore the moral implications of time travel and the burden of the Time Lords’ legacy, as players decide whether to safeguard this technology or destroy it to prevent potential misuse.

2. The Cyber-Revolution: Cybermen have won a critical battle and now dominate several systems. The players are part of a fledgling rebellion, dedicated to undermining the Cyber Empire and freeing subjugated planets. This campaign would mix espionage, high-stakes battles, and the challenge of rallying allies in a universe teetering on the brink of total conversion.

3. The Museum of Lost Species: Players are invited to the opening of a museum displaying extinct species from across the universe, only to discover that the creatures are being brought back to life by a mysterious force. The campaign can have a Jurassic Park flair, combining elements of mystery, horror, and survival as players navigate through the museum now teeming with once-extinct dangers.

4. Allons-y to Baker Street: A crossover campaign where the Whoniverse collides with the Sherlock Holmes universe. The Doctor and the players team up with the legendary detective to solve a series of time-related mysteries in Victorian London. This campaign would blend classic Holmesian detective work with the sci-fi elements of Doctor Who, creating a fun and challenging adventure for players.

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So, as the new season unfolds, why not let these ideas inspire your next RPG session? After all, in the world of Doctor Who, the possibilities are as infinite as the universe itself. Happy gaming, and remember – time waits for no one!

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