Tag: Storytelling

(When) is it OK to TPK?
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(When) is it OK to TPK?

Character death is part of the stakes of a lot of our games. It keeps us on our toes as players. Hitpoints or harm are often one of the resources players have to manage. There can be a great deal of drama – and satisfaction – in epic battles against overwhelming odds, even if we lose.

Creating Dynamic RPG Plots from Plot Elements
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Creating Dynamic RPG Plots from Plot Elements

The elements in the grid and whether they are in the spotlight tells me where to focus my planning; I can draft up a couple of NPCs and a list of potential stat blocks for the Antagonists, and maps etc. for any Places I might need in the next couple of sessions. If it’s not likely to be relevant now or soon then don’t plan it! But do it in a way that can be reused in case it doesn’t become relevant immediately.

Creating Dynamic RPG Plots from Plot Elements
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Creating Dynamic RPG Plots from Plot Elements

The elements in the grid and whether they are in the spotlight tells me where to focus my planning; I can draft up a couple of NPCs and a list of potential stat blocks for the Antagonists, and maps etc. for any Places I might need in the next couple of sessions. If it’s not likely to be relevant now or soon then don’t plan it! But do it in a way that can be reused in case it doesn’t become relevant immediately.

Thrills and Chills: Adding Horror to your Game
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Thrills and Chills: Adding Horror to your Game

Fear is one of those primal emotions in humans–the other being laughter. Both a panicked cry and a sudden laugh are involuntary physical reactions to a stimulus. When role-playing, we’re embodying a character to feel their triumphs and pains, but fear and laughter are the most potent.

Well-used horror ramps up stakes, slowly winding up the tension before allowing for some kind of catharsis at the end. Let’s see how we can use those elements to improve our action-adventure D&D game!