The Reverse Marco Polo
Molten Sulfur Blog
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Every month or so, I publish an article about something cool from real history or folklore: something interesting to learn about in its own right. Then I show you how to file the serial numbers off it so you can drop it into the RPG campaign you’re already running. Check the searchable, filterable back catalog to find the perfect scenario, NPC, or adventure site for your game tonight!
My name is Tristan Zimmerman (he/him pronouns). I’m a U.S. Navy veteran, author of several RPG books, and a big fan of RPG content based on real history. I believe such material is richer and more vibrant, and that your players will appreciate the difference. I’m always happy to appear on podcasts.
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The Reverse Marco Polo
The first Chinese person whom we know to have traveled to Europe arrived in 1287. Bar Sauma was a Chinese-born, ethnically-Turkic, Christian monk and an agent of two different Mongol empires. His travels from Beijing to Paris were missions both religious and geopolitical. He makes a terrific NPC and a great complication for politically-oriented adventures.
The Kickstarter for my next full RPG, Ballad Hunters, is