• sbv@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    3·
    1 year ago

    Tremendous advice from The Alexandria echoes what other folks are saying here: Don’t Prep Plots.

    Basically, prepare scenes and think of what is going on outside the frame (basically, what are the NPCs and factions up to while the players enjoy their shopping trip?). That helps you avoid overthinking it and wasting prep time. It also makes the world more responsive to player actions.

    • Khrux@ttrpg.networkEnglish
      2·
      1 year ago

      I have a piece of counter advice that allows you to on occasion plan a plot point. Generally your PCs are most invested in their beloved NPCs, either from backstory or the plot you’ve developed. If you have a cool idea, these NPCs can often be inserted into it and offer exactly what the players enjoy.

      • sbv@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        That’s a great idea. The players have invested in the NPC, so make that pay off by involving them in the story.

  • pjnick@ttrpg.network
    2·
    1 year ago

    Over the years, I’ve found it’s less helpful to think of the campaign as a planned road trip - and more helpful to think about it like you’re in a car chase and your brakes have been cut.

    Don’t plan out meticulously, just prioritize steering into the next interesting thing that can happen, ideally one that the party is already kinda heading towards. You can have some ideas about things that could happen afterward, but you have no idea what your players will do yet.

    They could befriend the lich’s minions, commit the crime before the villain has a chance to, or just straight up die to terrible luck.