The Hero Within: A Wanted Hero TTRPG Adventure
I think this might be the start of something great.
Hey there, friends!
I want to talk about a project that’s been stirring in my soul for quite a while now.
You all know my love for creating immersive worlds, rich characters, and stories that (hopefully) inspire you to laugh, cry, and reflect. Well, I’ve been itching to take things to a new level.
What if we could create a way for you to step into the world of Wanted Hero? To be part of the lore, the action, and the laughter in a whole new way?
You heard me.
I’m talking about crafting a brand-new tabletop roleplaying game (TTRPG) that we’ll call “The Hero Within.”
Imagine a game designed for everyone: new players, families looking for a fun night of adventure, and even seasoned veterans of RPGs who crave something fresh. It wouldn’t just be about throwing some dice and leveling up (although there will definitely be dice…and maybe some unexpected aspects of luck, countered by equally unexpected consequences).
No, this is about immersing ourselves in the creative sea of Wanted Hero.
The world, the stories, the heart of what makes it special.
What Is An RPG (Role Playing Game)?
Let’s start with the basics for anyone who might be new to this whole TTRPG thing.
A Role Playing Game, or RPG, is a collaborative storytelling experience where players take on the roles of characters within a fictional world. You create your own hero, and together with your fellow players and a 'game master' (GM), you navigate challenges, solve mysteries, and shape a shared narrative.
Think of it as part improv theater, part board game, and part strategy session—all rolled into one.
The beauty of RPGs lies in their flexibility.
Want to be a brave warrior, a cunning thief, or a gnomish tinkerer armed with more enthusiasm than good sense? Done. You make choices, roll dice to determine outcomes, and react to the unfolding story as it’s shaped by your decisions (and maybe a little luck).
Whether it’s a daring rescue mission, an intense battle, or a heartfelt conversation with an NPC (non-player character), every moment is yours to experience.
And for the curious newcomers: Don’t worry if it sounds overwhelming!
The learning curve is part of the fun, and the goal is always to create memorable adventures with friends and family. With “The Hero Within,” we’re going to make sure that diving into the world of Wanted Hero is as exciting and approachable as it can be.
What Makes “The Hero Within” Different?
First, let’s talk mechanics. I’ve been brainstorming ways to make this game unique.
The goal?
A system that’s easy to learn but offers depth and creativity.
New players shouldn’t feel overwhelmed, but veteran RPGers should find plenty of nuance to explore.
And here’s the twist: the core mechanics will be intimately tied to the lore of Wanted Hero and Chronicles of a Hero. This isn’t about slapping together generic fantasy elements. We’re digging deep into the fabric of this universe, bringing in elements like gnomish tech, Ithari magic, secret societies, and the very real struggles of heroes who don’t always feel like they have what it takes…but somehow rise to the occasion.
For Families and Friends
I also want this game to be family-friendly and accessible to younger players. What’s more fun than sitting around the table with your kids, watching them outwit a cunning Black Market trader or survive a vallen ambush?
This game will spark creativity, laughter, and (probably) some ridiculous storytelling.
For Veterans
For those of you who’ve been around the TTRPG block, I promise you’ll find challenges that push your strategic skills.
Whether it’s the tension of managing resources in Clockworks City or deciphering the mysteries of ancient Iskari artifacts, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. I've been playing RPGs since I was eight, so there's a lot of passion and experience being applied to this 'must-have' list on my desk.
A Collaborative Process
Here’s the best part: this isn’t just my project.
It’s ours.
From the very beginning, “The Hero Within” will be developed live and openly with the Life of Fiction (LoF) community.
That means you get a front-row seat to the creative process. You’ll see rough sketches, mechanics drafts, and lore expansions as they’re built. Even more importantly, you’ll have a chance to share your feedback, vote on ideas, and help shape the game.
This will be an ongoing project. Supporters of Wanted Hero will get access to continual updates, expansions, and new scenarios. Think of it as a living, breathing adventure that evolves with us.
We Need Your Input!
Before I dive too deep into design, I want to hear from you. This is your chance to tell me what you’d like to see in “The Hero Within.”
Not sure what kind of feedback I'm looking for?
Here are a few questions to spark your imagination:
What kind of stories do you want to explore in the Wanted Hero universe?
Are you more drawn to strategic challenges, character development, or fast-paced action?
What’s your favorite part of TTRPGs: combat, roleplaying, worldbuilding, or something else entirely?
How important is player customization (creating unique characters, designing abilities, etc.) to you?
Would you prefer a narrative-driven experience or a more sandbox-style approach?
What elements from Chronicles of a Hero absolutely must be in the game?
Should there be a mechanic for moral choices that impact the world around you?
How can we make this game accessible for newcomers and families without losing depth?
Your answers to these questions will be the foundation of this project. Your voice matters here, and I want this game to feel as much yours as it is mine.
Don't hold back.
...especially you, Bendragon & Lucas!
I know you guys have opinions =)
Let’s Build This Together
If this idea excites you (and I really hope it does), here’s what I need from you:
Share your thoughts! Answer the questions above, or toss in your own ideas.
Spread the word. Tell your friends, your gaming group, or that one uncle who’s way too into dice collecting.
Stay involved. This is just the beginning, and your input will help shape every step of this journey.
Let’s make something unforgettable, together. “The Hero Within” isn’t just about playing a game. It’s about celebrating the world we’ve built, the stories we love, and the heroes we’re all capable of becoming.
Adventure is calling.
Let’s answer it, together.
~ Jaime
Want to help? Click the pen if you’d like to assist Jaime with office supply needs, or if you’d like to send him a treat. Everything is gratefully accepted and appreciated!
Bendragon did a fantastic job answering these questions, and honestly, I would have answered them pretty much the same way.
In my opinion, when it comes to TTRPGs, there are always two types of players—Dungeon Masters (DMs) and Adventurers. I think the answers to these questions will vary depending on which type of player you ask.
Personally, I love being a DM, though there are times when I just want to sit back and play. My kids, on the other hand, are definitely adventurers.
What kind of stories do you want to explore in the Wanted Hero universe?
Like Bendragon, my first thought was Clockworks City. I may be a bit biased since I haven’t yet read the Wanted Hero comics or Chronicles of a Hero series, but there’s something magical about the sounds and atmosphere of Clockworks that reminds me of the old days. The music alone made me an instant fan.
Are you more drawn to strategic challenges, character development, or fast-paced action?
I gravitate more toward strategic challenges, while my kids are all about fast-paced action with a bit of character development sprinkled in.
What’s your favorite part of TTRPGs: combat, roleplaying, worldbuilding, or something else entirely?
For me, in order of importance: Worldbuilding → Roleplaying → Combat.
For my kids? The complete opposite direction. 😂
How important is player customization (creating unique characters, designing abilities, etc.) to you?
This would be super important to my kids—especially Lucas. Since he’s grown up with games like Roblox and Fortnite, where there are unlimited skins, weapons, and abilities, he loves the idea of fully customizing his characters.
Idea: What if characters had abilities like singing, dancing, or drawing, and they could use these skills in-game to their advantage? Lucas and I were talking, and he suggested how fun it would be if players had to actually get up and perform their dance, sing a song, or create something in real-time to unlock special bonuses in the game. It would be a great way to get players off their screens and moving, too. I love this idea!
Would you prefer a narrative-driven experience or a more sandbox-style approach?
Again, I have to agree with Bendragon—both! A strong narrative-driven experience can inspire sandbox-style play, and vice versa. Plus, having a structured narrative gives those who aren’t comfortable creating their own adventures a way to play pre-designed stories without feeling lost.
What elements from Chronicles of a Hero absolutely must be in the game?
I’ll leave this one to the superfans since I have yet to read them!
Should there be a mechanic for moral choices that impact the world around you?
Absolutely! I think this would be a fantastic feature—especially for younger players, as it could introduce them to new ways of thinking and encourage them to consider different perspectives and solutions.
How can we make this game accessible for newcomers and families without losing depth?
I think the best approach would be a tiered system that allows both beginners and advanced players to enjoy the game at their own pace:
• Beginner Version: A streamlined version with simplified rules and a free starter adventure to help new players learn the mechanics without feeling overwhelmed.
• Advanced Version: A deeper, more complex ruleset with additional expansions for superfans who want more customization and challenge.
To enhance the experience, you could also integrate interactive lore elements by linking game mechanics to in-universe stories. For example:
“Want to know Wendell’s origins? Click here to read about him before your adventure begins!”
This way, players who are new to the Wanted Hero universe can immerse themselves in the lore without feeling like they’re missing something, while superfans can dive deeper into the world they already love.
What kind of stories do you want to explore in the Wanted Hero universe?
- I would love a story based in clockworks city, I have always loved that unique take on tech in a medieval world, and would like the capability to build on that for an adventure.
Are you more drawn to strategic challenges, character development, or fast-paced action?
-Personally, I’m more drawn to strategic challenges, however I’ve found that the other people I play rpgs with generally enjoy action/combat more.
What’s your favorite part of TTRPGs: combat, roleplaying, worldbuilding, or something else entirely?
I love worldbuilding, others I know really enjoy combat, roleplaying is something that I haven’t had much opportunity to do, but I think could be really fun. If I was to pick my overall favorite thing though, it would have to be just spending time having fun with friends.
How important is player customization (creating unique characters, designing abilities, etc.) to you?
I feel like it’s really important to have that option, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the default way to do things.
Would you prefer a narrative-driven experience or a more sandbox-style approach?
Is it bad to say both? I love doing prebuilt/narrative driven adventure, but at the same time that can remove the option to create your own story which I feel is a very important option to have.
What elements from Chronicles of a Hero absolutely must be in the game?
We need to have the world itself (obviously) I would also love to see a lot of the characters in form of npcs or playable templates. I think that’s about it for must haves for me, although there are many wants…
Should there be a mechanic for moral choices that impact the world around you?
This is an interesting idea, I’m not sure exactly how it would work, but its definitely worth exploring
How can we make this game accessible for newcomers and families without losing depth?
I think it might be good to have a prebuilt adventure, maybe following the storyline of Chronicles of a Hero. That could be your “introductory” level, then from there you could allow others to build their own stories based on the world and the mechanics you have set in place.
Just an idea, but it might be worth something