The True History of Oz

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The Next Chapter.
Is The First Chapter.

A whispered legend has it that L. Frank Baum took his OZ story from a mysterious series of books called The True History of OZ.

The Wizard of Oz, the beloved movie from 1939, and all the other adaptations and variations – in books, on TV, other movies, several new ones currently in development in Hollywood – are all based on the book The Wonderful Wizard of OZ by L. Frank Baum.

The problem is, that that source material – Baum’s book – is, according to this legend, wrong.

Or, to be more precise, L. Frank Baum took the idea for his OZ from The True History of OZ, written by a native of the actual OZ named Calista Z. Turns out, Baum stumbled upon this strange 5-volume history while going bankrupt running a general store in the Dakota Territories in 1890. How they came to be in the back room of his general store in the Dakota Territories is a book unto itself.

Baum, at first, did not like these stories. They were dark, violent, full of revenge, terrible secrets, gangs, vice, war, apocalyptic magic, and more.

Nevertheless, Baum, so the still unproven legend has it, recognized the power of the stories and the characters and the world in which they lived. He appreciated the ultimate lesson and theme of those books, which was: If change is possible, then hope is justified.

After reading and re-reading the 5 books dozens of times, he decided to turn it into a children’s story. He made it cute, silly, and sweet, and, of course, it then became one of the most beloved books ever, and he became a fabulously wealthy man.

From a bankrupt shopkeeper, to one of the wealthiest men in America, in a few short years, from one short book. Very curious.

But the real story of OZ, according to Calista Z., who was there, was not cute. Or silly.

Or sweet.

At all.

In other words, there are other words.

This is:

The True History of OZ.

An Experimental Research Framework

Original art from The True History of OZ by Shayna

This guided simulation is not just a TTRPG; it is an experimental method of uncovering overlooked connections, testing theories, and challenging assumptions about OZ’s past.

This is an initiative to wrest meaning from myth, to approach the Mysteries through direct engagement, and to challenge the simplified tales that have endured for too long. As a trusted researcher and scholar, your insights and perspectives are invaluable.

Original art from The True History of OZ by Ben Strawn

It’s a dangerous setting that emphasizes roleplaying and decision-making instead of complex abilities and math.

The Tinker's blueprint for The Tin Man - Original art from The True History of OZ by Jessie

No need for buckets of dice and accessories – just your choices and the consequences. All you need is 1 six-sided die, the core rules book, and a pencil and paper.

Excerpt from the Core Rule Book

Will you rise up, clawing for power? Wealth? Freedom? Is the dream of the Emerald City really dead? Your actions will decide the fate of The Emerald City, and uncover dark secrets.

Excerpt from the Core Rule Book, Chapter 3: Character Creations

You and your Group play as Citizens of OZ. A lowly street criminal, a dazzling entertainer, a rebel noble? – YOU decide. Craft your characters with Backgrounds, Callings, and Special Abilities.

Core Rule Book, Characters Cards, and more!

Your feedback will help refine this initiative into a more robust and compelling treatise, one that does justice to the complexity of The True History of OZ. We eagerly await your theories, critiques, and discoveries, and we thank you for joining us in this journey of rediscovery.

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