Sraëka Lillian’s one-a-week RPG “sketches” are a lovely series of experiments with hoary old conventions from Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest
Sraëka Lillian is creating an ongoing series of experimental RPG “sketches,” with over 31 entries now complete and released on a weekly basis. Each sketch serves as a focused exploration of game design principles drawn from genre classics like Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest.
The project systematically examines the conventions and tropes that have become standardized in fantasy RPGs over decades—including recurring geographic archetypes such as the starting village, forest labyrinth dungeons, bustling hub cities, and endgame airships. By creating multiple experimental iterations, Lillian investigates how these core elements function and explores possible variations or reinterpretations of established formulas.
The sketches are developed using accessible RPG creation tools like RPG Maker and EasyRPG, which provide pre-built assets and frameworks designed to streamline game development. This approach enables rapid prototyping and makes indie RPG creation more accessible, though it also means many homebrew projects can initially appear visually similar when working from the same asset libraries and architectural blueprints.
The series represents a form of systematic ludic research into game design fundamentals. Rather than creating a single polished commercial title, the sketches approach allows for consistent experimentation with how RPG conventions work and what design possibilities exist within established frameworks. This ongoing creative practice contributes to broader conversations about game design conventions and how longstanding formulas can be refined or reimagined.