Some thoughts on giving information to players, spurred by a Discord conversation with friends.
Information and Perception
Tag: Advice
Pacing for Blades in the Dark
I've now run three sessions of Blades in the Dark for my "Doskvol Dalliances" campaign. The first two had some serious pacing problems in various ways; the third session finally started to get the pacing I want. The short version of this is that you should leave plenty of time for the Downtime phase. In … Continue reading Pacing for Blades in the Dark
NPCs with motivation and agency
If nobody in the game world wants anything, why even play? Player characters usually have some sort of motivation, whether that's "save the blacksmith's daughter" or "get treasure" or "seal away the ancient horrible evil before it can be unleashed upon the world". NPCs and monsters need to want things, too. What are the owlbear's … Continue reading NPCs with motivation and agency
Foreshadowing through treasure
When I want to set up a major villain or other danger, I like using treasure to signal some of their capabilities. "Khalni Gem" by Franz Vohwinkel Gems are popular treasure items - but they're also spell components. Players might initially think that you've given them these things because they can use them for their … Continue reading Foreshadowing through treasure
D&D Player Wisdom
Not the stat - the received body of knowledge that everyone "knows". Whether or not they're actually correct, here are some bits of wisdom for new players. Don't split the party. Even when it seems harmless, just don't.Let the Bard do the talking.Keep an eye on the Rogue (and check your pockets).Take good notes. You … Continue reading D&D Player Wisdom
The value of safety tools
NB: Based on a discussion I had in a local gaming Discord. A friend asked whether I have ever played in or run a game where players could indicate that they were uncomfortable with certain themes or topics that came up during the game. As previously noted, I use X cards and Lines & Veils … Continue reading The value of safety tools
Healthy GM Prep
"Leaning His Forehead on His Hand" by Hugh Thomson A lot of folks advocate minimal DM prep in favor of improvising during play. This approach definitely has benefits, not least of which that it encourages more folks to run games even if they have otherwise busy lives! But I also advocate for more substantial GM … Continue reading Healthy GM Prep
The GM tools I find most useful
I was talking to Variant Roles friends yesterday about GM prep tools and thinking about the ones I have found the most useful. Woodweaver's Puzzleknot by Volkan Baga Five Room Dungeons: This basically comes down to structuring encounters and making sure you have variety and some rising action with a climax. This incredibly useful tool … Continue reading The GM tools I find most useful
What other folks say about running versus playing games
Leave No Trace - Pat Lee I recently left my last Adventurers League campaign, in which a player from my Out of the Abyss campaign is now running Waterdeep: Dragon Heist for approximately the same group. A number of reasons led to this choice, including the AL Season 8 ruleset. However, the fact that I really prefer the GM … Continue reading What other folks say about running versus playing games
The secret to a fun roleplaying character
At some point, you've probably seen the cliched "brooding loner" character: hooded, sitting by themselves, maybe toying with a weapon. They're a strong independent adventurer with a dark past and a tortured psyche. When you look at them, you get a sullen glare in response. This character ends up not working, even when you try … Continue reading The secret to a fun roleplaying character
Technoskald's Forge 