RPG Design Panelcast Episode 42 – Adventure Design as Technology
Jan 10, 2015
Explore the fascinating intersection of adventure design and technology as Cam and Rob delve into codifying GM practices. They discuss the enduring appeal of the dungeon/map-with-key model and the balance between railroading and player freedom. Learn practical tips for writing engaging adventures, including crafting dynamic set pieces and utilizing villain motives. Discover how to enhance pacing with random tables and make adventures more manageable and replayable. This insightful conversation is packed with tools to elevate your game design.
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Episode notes
Fronts Make Factions Playable
- Fronts let you model factions and agendas as emergent threats that the GM can trigger.
- They convert sandbox noise into accessible, reusable hooks that evolve during play.
Trigger Fronts To Keep Things Moving
- Use triggers to tie fronts into the sandbox (e.g., first tavern visit triggers faction encounter).
- Triggers keep events visible and prevent plot threads from slipping out of play.
Use Plot Points For Flexible Arcs
- Spread plot points across locations so players can encounter them in any order.
- Keep outcomes flexible while defining what must happen to preserve narrative momentum.
