The Agenda of a Scene: Managing Real World Game Time in Scenes

Every minute at the table is a precious commodity. As a gamemaster, you spend real world game time – the most limited and therefore most precious meta-resource in your campaign – every time you zoom into the moment-to-moment play of a scene. The key to using that resource wisely lies in understanding one deceptively simple …

Connecting Narrative Levels: Action, Scene, Scenario, Campaign

Role-playing games are intricate, collaborative storytelling endeavors, where the flow of the game is structured by interconnected narrative levels. These levels – action, scene, scenario, and campaign – are the backbone of RPG storytelling. Understanding how they nest together provides game masters with a powerful framework to design compelling and cohesive narratives. The Foundations of …

Crafting a Strong Start: How to Hook Players from the First Moment

Beginning a session with a bang – what some RPG game masters call a “strong start” – is one of the most effective ways to captivate players and draw them straight into the scenario. Whether it’s a high-energy confrontation, a shocking discovery, or a sudden twist, a strong start immerses players immediately, setting the tone …

9 Types of Investigation Scenes to Help Players Uncover Leads and Clues

One of the most exciting aspects of running a roleplaying game is guiding your players through a narrative full of mystery and intrigue. The discovery of leads and clues is a crucial part of this process, as it keeps players engaged, gives them a sense of accomplishment, and drives the story forward. However, designing these …