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If players ever want to do something totally out-of-the-box, something that isn't supported by the game rules, something that honestly makes no sense whatsoever in the game world... maybe just let them do it.

If it's not going to break the game (like a wish for more wishes, or whatever) and so is relatively harmless, but adds a touch of the surprising, why not? Let them talk to their dead grandfather for a minute. Let them hold out their hand and a songbird immediately alights on it and chirps a song. Let them have an awesome entry song be playing as they stride into a saloon. Let them have a shaft of sunlight break through the clouds and point right at an interesting thing you want them to find. Let them have a memory from their childhood that gives them a quick insight into their current situation... or a weird flash of recognition for someone they think they've never met before...

aurilee writes:

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When players get jaded with piles of gold coins or other riches for their exploits, you can turn to symbolic rewards. A knighthood or a noble title. A medal. A bravery award. Having a school named after them.

The cool thing about these is that for some players they bring a great level of satisfaction. And for others they provide something which it's socially unacceptable to complain about, even though it doesn't come with wealth attached.

For bonus points, you can give adventurers a reward that comes with no money, and also a responsibility attached.

• The classic "white elephant": Honorary stewardship of some sacred animal, like a phoenix or a unicorn or a giant tortoise. It needs constant care, special food, and occasionally wanders off, causing a scandal if the heroes lose it.
• An impressive title (e.g. "Baron of the Southern Marais") that comes with a parcel of the worst possible land, like an insect-riddled swamp, or monster-infested mountains. The new Baron is expected to improve the land, encourage settlement, host expensive festivals, and deliver tax revenue to the king.
• The ceremonial Key to the City. Now the mayor expects them to show up to parades, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and businesses pester the heroes for endorsements.
• Honorary Chair of some prestigious elite society, such as a guild of mages or a scientific institution. They have to attend boring meetings, deal with budget arguments, and are constantly bothered by eccentric researchers eager for access to restricted and dangerous vaults.
• Keeper of the Town Clock. The most prestigious title that can be offered, but it means they are expected to maintain the ancient clock that constantly breaks down and personally climb the rickety tower in all weather to reset it when it goes awry.

aurilee writes:

Transcript

Many stories are allegorical. It can be tricky to work something like that into a game adventure, but sometimes it can be worth the effort. Players might not consciously notice the allegory, but the general idea can still get into their minds and make the situation an interesting thing to explore.

For example:

• A garden that grows plants corresponding to viewers' emotional states. Someone harbouring guilt might see thorny vines blocking their path, while someone full of hope sees bright blossoms leading the way.
• A bird that mimics people and echoes their secrets back to them.
• The flame of truth. A magical fire that flickers and spits angrily when someone nearby tells a lie.
• A beast that grows stronger as the heroes fight it. It's a problem that escalates only because the heroes are escalating things themselves. The secret to defeating it is to be conciliatory.
• And magical mirrors of all sorts, of course. They reveal things that the viewer either desires or fears about themselves.

aurilee writes:

Transcript