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I first became aware of The Fun List around 2010. A friend had pulled it from a D&D blog and encouraged me to try it in our next game. It’s important to note that I didn’t invent this. I have iterated on it quite a bit and converted it between several editions. However, I’ve been unable to track down its original creator, so if you know who came up with this, please let me know. I’d like to give them proper credit.
From the first session I used it, I was hooked. I can’t recommend this optional rule enough. After more than a decade of The Fun List, I can safely say it lives up to its name.
What is The Fun List?
The Fun List is a variant D&D rule wherein players can award each other for making the game more gratifying and earn in-game rewards. If somebody nails a difficult check, burns the BBEG with a particularly clever quip, remembers an obscure NPC’s name, or whatever, they can be given a Fun Point. Once a player accrues 10 fun points, they can roll a d100 and claim a prize on The Fun List.
What’s on The Fun List?
Entries range from simple buffs like +10 to your next skill check, to finding a magic item, all the way to the coveted #100 “You Win D&D: Succeed at anything (DM’s discretion).” I’ve included my full list below, but I encourage you to experiment and tweak it to your liking.
What does this add to a game?
The Fun List system allows players to reward each other for enjoyable play and encourages a collaborative environment. It also creates many avenues for creative problem solving, as many of the bonuses can help the players avert catastrophe (sometimes in extremely dramatic fashion). For instance, the players find themselves at the mercy of a vengeful barron, but are saved at the last moment by cashing in #62 “I Like the Look of You.” It then turns out the party’s rogue is actually a cousin of one of the barron’s most trusted advisers, who then vouches for the party.
What are the Rules?
One Time:
Write a character backstory- 10 points
Read the PHB (not every necessarily ever single spell or ability but the core rules)- 5 points
Make a list of three things you want out of the campaign- 5 points
Ongoing:
Arrive on time and ready to go- 1 point
Bring snacks to share- 1 point
Taking detailed notes and/or mapping- 1 point
Each player has two fun points they can award to other players for whatever reason they wish. They can’t grant points to themselves. Unawarded points do not carry over to other sessions.
Unless stated otherwise, all Fun List bonuses can be cashed in as a free action.
