RPG: Of Course There’s A TikTok Sea Shanty RPG

Have you not been able to get the Wellerman out of your head? Well good news, now you can play an RPG inspired by the viral sea shanty.

Who knew that 2021 would be the year that sea shanties returned to the public consciousness? It fits with everything else that’s happened so far this year. It’s as likely as anything else, and it’s not hard to see why it’s catchy. If, somehow, you’ve managed to escape Sea Shanty TikTok, then here’s your opportunity to be ensnared by the allure of the sea…

Now, of course, there’s an RPG based around this sea shanty that is everywhere.

One Day, the Wellerman Comes
a #ttrpg for three players

Each of you, a sailor on a whaling ship. Name yourself. As a group. Name your ship.

Roll a d6, three times.

The first result is your Sugar. The second, your Tea. The third, your Rum.

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— TheOtherGhoul (@TheOtherTracy) January 13, 2021

And the game proceeds with you taking it in turns to lead scenes of sailors using their tea, sugar, and rum as resources to strengthen bonds and address difficulties that hit your ship. You can find several hacks as well, so keep your eyes peeled.

One Day The Wellerman Comes – $7

There once was a ship that put to sea
The name of the ship was the Billy of Tea
The winds blew up, her bow dipped down
O blow, my bully boys, blow

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Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go

She had not been two weeks from shore
When down on her a right whale bore
The captain called all hands and swore
He’d take that whale in tow

Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go

Before the boat had hit the water
The whale’s tail came up and caught her
All hands to the side, harpooned and fought her
When she dived down below

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Soon may the Wellerman come
To bring us sugar and tea and rum
One day, when the tonguin’ is done
We’ll take our leave and go

Inspired by the viral sensation on Tiktok, now you, too, can tell the tale of three whalers south of New Zealand as they wish longingly for home.

Happy Adventuring!

Author: J.R. Zambrano

Bell of Lost Souls Staff Writer and DM, J.R. covers RPGs of all stripes and on occasion eats sandwiches. You can ask him about either at [email protected]