GM Writer's Block & Keeping Games Fresh - Fri 08/03/24 11:22 UTC
I read an article by Johnn Four (RPG Tips) recently on an approach to GMing that resonated with me. So much so that I created a 'methodology' to help my games. And I know recently a number of GMs have suffered from Writer's Block. Johnn's advice was to do a little each day. Too often prepping a game seems like a mountain that we don't have the energy to climb. So inspired, here are my thoughts - still a work in progress - but I thought it might help others.
Firstly I started to create a file for each character with relevant details and fleshed them out with details from events during the game. These cover family, romance, enemies, ongoing actions, plot hooks, history. And not just the past but notes for future hooks etc to be brought into play.
Then I created a list of ideas that I could select from to do a =small= daily additions to my games. Feel free to copy, change add or do your own. And share your ideas as they may help others which will benefit us all:
1. Add something to a character file
a. Expand background
b. Interested NPC
c. Enemy/Exploiter
d. Training/job
2. Next in line for TCS & JTM & DUC
a. Mission, job, discovery
b. Add detail
c. Link to a character
d. Bring in NPC
e. Dramatic event
3. Think about a link into current/next for
a. Political
b. Intrigue
c. Criminal
d. Romance
e. Friend in need
f. Enemy
g. Religious/herald
h. Useful information
4. Chance to utilise
a. Skill/edge
b. Connection
c. Knowledge
5. Extras for the game
a. NPCs for enemies, romance, friendship, intrigue
b. Treasures with a story
c. Useful items/info
d. Weapons with a story
e. Locations: rooms, buildings, shrines, statues
f. Interesting furnishings for the above
Hope you find this useful. And my players have been warned!
Firstly I started to create a file for each character with relevant details and fleshed them out with details from events during the game. These cover family, romance, enemies, ongoing actions, plot hooks, history. And not just the past but notes for future hooks etc to be brought into play.
Then I created a list of ideas that I could select from to do a =small= daily additions to my games. Feel free to copy, change add or do your own. And share your ideas as they may help others which will benefit us all:
1. Add something to a character file
a. Expand background
b. Interested NPC
c. Enemy/Exploiter
d. Training/job
2. Next in line for TCS & JTM & DUC
a. Mission, job, discovery
b. Add detail
c. Link to a character
d. Bring in NPC
e. Dramatic event
3. Think about a link into current/next for
a. Political
b. Intrigue
c. Criminal
d. Romance
e. Friend in need
f. Enemy
g. Religious/herald
h. Useful information
4. Chance to utilise
a. Skill/edge
b. Connection
c. Knowledge
5. Extras for the game
a. NPCs for enemies, romance, friendship, intrigue
b. Treasures with a story
c. Useful items/info
d. Weapons with a story
e. Locations: rooms, buildings, shrines, statues
f. Interesting furnishings for the above
Hope you find this useful. And my players have been warned!