Advanced Gamemastery: Mysteries in RPGs

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  • Опубликовано: 4 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 244

  • @TheAlexandrian
    @TheAlexandrian  3 года назад +131

    I've overwhelmed by your support for my first video! Thank you!
    To answer the biggest question: Behind me is a map of the Ninth World of Numenera; a map of Doskvol from Blades in the Dark; and also a Harptos calendar (from the Forgotten Realms) that was hand-crafted by one of the players from my Dragon Heist campaign.

    • @Stray7
      @Stray7 2 года назад +1

      This is my favorite article from your blog, and one I refer to over and over again. So yaaaaaay!

    • @browncoat73
      @browncoat73 2 года назад

      @@Stray7 same

  • @christianmilik485
    @christianmilik485 3 года назад +95

    This man is a genius! The only downside is once he starts covering his node-based design everyone will be as great a gamemaster as me after I read the articles. The secret will be out!

  • @ProfessorKuka
    @ProfessorKuka 3 года назад +94

    2020: Covid-19 strikes
    2021: The Alexandrian on RUclips
    Guess the universe felt the need to balance good and bad.

    • @russelllong3561
      @russelllong3561 3 года назад +5

      Perfectly balanced, as all things should be.

  • @borfaxer
    @borfaxer 3 года назад +65

    Very distinctive slightly theatrical style! Also loved: "You can watch more of them... nowhere, because this is the first one" :D

    • @5HT_Ronin
      @5HT_Ronin 3 года назад +5

      Absolutely right. I was trying to pin his accent and the very slightly dramatic delivery has me hooked.

  • @JohnSmith-zf1lq
    @JohnSmith-zf1lq 3 года назад +9

    The stage voice delivery adds so much

  • @PCFRYER
    @PCFRYER 3 года назад +66

    Would love to see a video on Jaquaying adventure sites (and adventures)

    • @SubjectTo
      @SubjectTo 3 года назад +10

      Same here, well designed dungeons is one of my favorite subjects Justin has tackled.

    • @Courtneydebarros
      @Courtneydebarros 3 года назад +5

      Me too #upvote

    • @justturbo7015
      @justturbo7015 3 года назад +4

      Agreed +1

    • @pateyler
      @pateyler 3 года назад +2

      I'd love to see this too!

    • @user-sr5iv9pp6p
      @user-sr5iv9pp6p 3 года назад +1

      Agree!

  • @JeremyTuohy
    @JeremyTuohy 3 года назад +27

    Justin on RUclips, all right! Welcome to the fold 😈

  • @DVDMaster2009
    @DVDMaster2009 3 года назад +31

    This is one of the articles on your site that I keep coming back to.
    The other ones I re-read a lot are Node based scenario design and Jaquaying the Dungeon.

    • @andrewhooks6843
      @andrewhooks6843 3 года назад +1

      Same. It's really helped my GMing (I think)

  • @aliceroorback3717
    @aliceroorback3717 3 года назад +28

    Been reading your articles for years and had no idea you had such an enthralling voice. I'd love to watch more video renditions like this of your Gamesmastery 101 articles (or future articles).

  • @francoquesada372
    @francoquesada372 Год назад +4

    I've been reading your articles on game mastery for almost ten years. They've been hands down the most helpful resource that have enabled me to run my best adventures ever. And now I find out you're on RUclips!
    Thanks for everything you do!

    • @TheAlexandrian
      @TheAlexandrian  Год назад +1

      You're very welcome. Thank you so much for the very kind words!

  • @Trillinon
    @Trillinon 3 года назад +1

    I'm thrilled to see The Alexandrian make it to RUclips. The style of this video was excellent. Succinct and useful. No rambling. You clearly planned this out, which will make this video a useful reference for time immortal, or until RUclips collapses.

  • @eldritchword6929
    @eldritchword6929 3 года назад +4

    Figures the Alexandrian would hit 1,000 subs in a few days. Great content for years.

  • @Nat-qm5vb
    @Nat-qm5vb 3 года назад +12

    Your ability to deliver that entire 13-minute spiel with no mistakes and I think only one cut is really remarkable. Looking forward to more!

    • @gchristopherklug
      @gchristopherklug 7 месяцев назад +1

      He’s a trained actor! I respect him immensely, but if he couldn’t do that …

  • @Noon3rs
    @Noon3rs 3 года назад +6

    Nice to finally be able to put a face and voice to the text articles after all this time!

  • @leonhardwittmann2575
    @leonhardwittmann2575 3 года назад +6

    The three clue rule, such a classy choice for the first video. Greetings from Germany

  • @andrewsnee
    @andrewsnee 3 года назад +1

    Great advice. Love your website. One thought: In my experience it's the clues you call "leads" -- the ones that lead to a new location -- that are truly necessary for players to find. Sometimes they can show up at the final location with absolutely no idea what's really going on, and it can still be a lot of fun.

  • @jdreedrn
    @jdreedrn 3 года назад +4

    "In my experience, you're probably wrong" actually made me LOL.

  • @geoffdewitt6845
    @geoffdewitt6845 3 года назад +1

    Fuck yeah! Justin Alexander is on RUclips, ladies and gentlemen! Now I get WebDM and Justin Alexander on the same day!!!! Whooo!!!

  • @michaelmills8205
    @michaelmills8205 3 года назад +13

    Perfect timing. I am currently preparing a mystery and was planning to re-read your article.
    Honestly, I think the best approach would be to start a series bringing over your core scenario design principles, starting with node-based design.
    The "Jaquaying the Dungeon" Series would probably benefit from having animated visuals, to help highlight the transitions between a full layout and a Melen diagram.

  • @Harringtone4
    @Harringtone4 3 года назад +12

    This is the content I want. YES

  • @SuperCaleb283
    @SuperCaleb283 3 года назад +1

    Jaqueying the dungeon is one of my favorite articles of yours (After the 3 Clue Rule, actually, so strong start). I'd enjoy seeing and sharing that in my GMing socials.

  • @AdamDray
    @AdamDray 3 года назад +8

    Ah, the heady combination of gamemastery and stage experience. Fantastic!

  • @jensreinecke7805
    @jensreinecke7805 3 года назад +3

    Dear Mr Alexander, you have a great and structured way to explain - and you are an extremely good talker. Me as a non-native speaker had no problem at all to follow your thoughts understand everything you say. And boy, I know people who would take double the time to explain it. I salute to you and your craft!

  • @mr.prohobo1397
    @mr.prohobo1397 3 года назад +1

    Have been following your content for sometime and believe it is the best.
    However, I have unfortunately run into far too many players that are...
    1. Not well read.
    2. Treat RPGs as more technical exercises. Treating as a wargame rather than a roleplay game.
    3. Do not fully understand the concept of roleplay.
    4. Wouldn't know what to do with 1 clue let alone 3 clues.
    5. More interested in building superheros and Min-Maxing.
    Your content is the best GM advice I find. Now I just need someone to produce Player advice to match.
    Thank you...
    Looking forward to more videos and dreaming of fellow players who can appreciate time quality of roleplay.

  • @vanexelfan
    @vanexelfan 3 года назад +2

    dude you come across so different on video compared to your alexandrian website presence. Really nice, insightful video. Looking forward to more!

  • @nhear001
    @nhear001 23 дня назад

    I’ve been playing RPGs for decades. This video is as important information as it comes. Every time I rewatch it, I get new ideas for how to position my players for greater rewards.

  • @MrAttentionHorse
    @MrAttentionHorse 3 года назад +1

    Excellent video. Your original article literally made my campaigns a lot better.

  • @natelowe6541
    @natelowe6541 Год назад +1

    Still one of the best resources out there to provide a framework for mysteries for DMs and address nuances of clues and leads.

  • @explodingsofa1563
    @explodingsofa1563 3 года назад +5

    The Three Clue Rule! Always a good reminder. Thank you, Justin!!

  • @enirfo
    @enirfo 3 года назад +1

    Well, this is just your blog in video form. I love it!

  • @Nightsparrow626
    @Nightsparrow626 3 года назад +5

    After your writing helped me out in running Dragon Heist back when it was released, you have no idea how excited I am that you're releasing content here now.

  • @Multiklaaas
    @Multiklaaas 3 года назад

    I love the 3 clue rule! It has, together with node-based design, completely transformed my prep approach. Thanks for making your thoughts extra accessible in videos, Justin!

  • @myssinglynx
    @myssinglynx Месяц назад +1

    How am I now just getting this gentleman on my DnD algorithm? Sub’d! Time to binge

  • @jcethan2859
    @jcethan2859 11 месяцев назад

    I just found this as it was linked in an article about making a mystery in your TTRPG. I burst out laughing at the "incontrovertible clue that the players can't HELP but find." Ahh... I was so wrong.
    Also, your speaking cadence is fantastic. I wish I could do that.

  • @BigBadBanana89
    @BigBadBanana89 3 года назад +8

    Amazing to see this finally happen. It might be worth including a link to any relevant article(s) you've written down in the description. Can't wait to see more of these

  • @penguindigo
    @penguindigo 3 года назад +1

    One of the very best ideas from one of and I'd argue the very best RPG blog, now in a new format with new insights. Love it

  • @simontmn
    @simontmn 3 года назад +2

    Re future content; I'm mostly a sandbox GM (have a 16 player/three PC group campaign running currently) and I'd love to see you discuss the Anti-Railroad Manifesto and other sandbox stuff.

  • @Rakkitt
    @Rakkitt 3 года назад +1

    Awesome welcome to RUclips! The Three-Clue Rule + Node based scenario design have had the most positive impact on my DMing out of anything.

  • @AstralMarmot
    @AstralMarmot 3 года назад

    I'm so glad you started a RUclips channel. Not exaggerating in the slightest when I say your website made me the GM I am today. I'm currently running a relatively complex mystery campaign and it's the first time I've really implemented your node-based design theory on a campaign-wide level. I don't think we've had combat in five sessions - in a DnD game - and my players are so eager to play and so thirsty for lore I have to keep reminding myself this is real. None of it would work if you hadn't given me the structures and systems that allow something this complicated to hang together. As always, thank you.

  • @diego_segura
    @diego_segura 3 года назад

    It's good to see the man behind those great articles at the Alexandrian. Please talk about "prep situations, not plots", and the loss of game structures in modern RPGs.

  • @QuolashMCDuck
    @QuolashMCDuck 3 года назад +2

    liked subscribed and commented. now off to watch it :D love your work. great to see you on youtube.

  • @sasquatchthesquatch3357
    @sasquatchthesquatch3357 3 года назад +2

    Great video and diction, Justin. Your three clue article is competitively the most useful article I've read on designing adventures, and it is great to have it in a succinct video as well. Good luck with the channel!

  • @DrMadPotato
    @DrMadPotato 3 года назад

    I've had just come from a session in which the entirety of the party was beyond lost. This helped a LOT in not making the same mistakes. Great explanation and presentation!

  • @natelowe6541
    @natelowe6541 3 года назад

    I can’t believe you’ve joined youtube. I’ve been on The Alexandrian for a few years now and it has been SO HELPFUL in the madness of ttrpgs. Love that you’re here. Thanks so much.

  • @davidgrubbs6362
    @davidgrubbs6362 3 года назад +2

    When I ran my first game 20 years ago, it was a mystery. Man, did I need this video then!

  • @bcolledge551
    @bcolledge551 3 года назад +1

    Loved it!
    How about a video about creating and maintaining atmosphere?
    Or one about the differences between systemic magic (usable by PCs) and narrative magic (not usable by PCs)? E.g. teleport spells versus a vanished civilisation's teleport gate network.

  • @Sulicius
    @Sulicius 3 года назад +4

    I’ll watch this tomorrow on my walk! Reacting for the logarithms.

  • @guillevera739
    @guillevera739 3 года назад +1

    Wow, for your first video on RUclips, you are on the level of the best. Keep it up!

  • @ToddRokely
    @ToddRokely 3 года назад +5

    Great video, love thealexandrian. I'd be excited to see a series on how to prep and run a hexcrawl.

  • @jorxfrux
    @jorxfrux 3 года назад +12

    Hey there Justin, I've been a follower of The Alexandrian for several years now. I find your content really helpful and interesting, so it's a pleasure to see you branching out into different kinds of media and getting out your ideas to a wider audience. I would love to see videos on 2 different topics:
    The first one is: How would you go about handling a bigger cast of NPCs? especially in situations where there's 3 or 4 different factions with conflicting goals, and each group is following their own plan/timeline. How do you avoid forgetting which NPC knows "x" key info or has "y" key goal/motivation when you are in the middle a session? Do you have any tips in how to handle the creation of these NPC's without spending a lot of (potentially wasted) prep time?
    And the second one: How do you mantain a useful Campaign Status document? Do you have any tips on what should or shouldn't go in there? How often it should be updated? Do you have a recommended layout for the document to make it easier to update or use it as a reference?
    Anyway, thanks for everything. I'm really looking forward to seeing more of your videos in the future!

    • @LegandsandLabyrinths
      @LegandsandLabyrinths 3 года назад +1

      Thanks for the suggestions! I'll take a look at those!

    • @Oniguma
      @Oniguma 3 года назад +1

      @@LegandsandLabyrinths Justin, you should use the same account that you posted the video to reply the comments. That way, the answers will be highlighted.
      Thanks for the awesome content, both here and on your website

  • @mckinleymike
    @mckinleymike 3 года назад +1

    Excited to see RUclips content from you! I used your Alexandrian Remix extensively for my small group's Dragon Heist campaign. We've moved on into Dungeon of the Mad Mage now!

  • @BFRonin
    @BFRonin 3 года назад

    YAY! You're on RUclips! I'm so happy you're here. Very nice Ninth World map! :-)

  • @kemvaros5031
    @kemvaros5031 3 года назад +3

    Damn, this is so good. You are very well-spoken and really smart about adventure desing, looking forward for more!

  • @anthonydipretoro8205
    @anthonydipretoro8205 3 года назад +1

    Very happy to engage with this content.

  • @AvengerYouT
    @AvengerYouT 3 года назад +1

    One of my favourite RPG blogs now on video format. Keep going with the awesome tips! But since you asked, I'd like to read your thoughs on how to prep homebases to exploration campaigns. Specially hexcrawl, megadungeon or west marches style.

  • @panelsofDOOM
    @panelsofDOOM 3 года назад +1

    I've been reading your blog for eons i never would have guessed your voice would sound thing good. Happy to have your insights on youtube.

  • @defuse00
    @defuse00 3 года назад

    Glad to see you on RUclips and performing as well as ever. The Alexandrian tone really does still carry through, which I'm very happy about.
    I love to see a video on prepping situations instead of plots. A lot of your other good advice follows from this, so I think it would give the channel a good foundation.

  • @hangarflying
    @hangarflying 3 года назад

    Welcome to RUclips! One thing I do with search checks, especially if its an important clue, is that they’ll find it, but success or failure determines how long it takes to find, with other possible complications if they fail.

  • @am-180
    @am-180 2 года назад

    been reading your written entries on this topic, and man, it's top tier content. it really feels like it's coming from a place of experience as opposed to theoretical "this should be how it works"

  • @claycle
    @claycle 3 года назад

    I enjoyed this very much - and that is EXTREMELY rare in the world of RUclips for me. If I could make a content request: It would be nice to hear a discussion about "splitting the party" - especially in horror/mystery scenarios, and how a GM should/could handle those situations. Especially touch on the phrase "if we split up we'll cover more ground" - in horror films this is a tool to cause suspense in the audience (we know it's the worst possible idea). Of course, in RPGs, players are both the actors and the audience, and different rules apply.

  • @oliveredensanchez
    @oliveredensanchez 3 года назад

    I'm mesmerized by his eloquence. The information and the delivery, make this a happy place for me.

  • @SANSd20
    @SANSd20 3 года назад +2

    Holy Hell! This is fantastic! I love the presentation!

  • @SubjectTo
    @SubjectTo 3 года назад +5

    Move over youtube advice-giving GMs, Justin has arrived! ; )

  • @donBaldwinio
    @donBaldwinio 3 года назад +3

    Although I heard it like 50 times already listening to Justin in other places it's still top quality stuff!

  • @JaredHayter
    @JaredHayter 3 года назад +1

    The Alexandrian blog has been a great RPG resource. I look forward to your continued success in this new medium and more videos about node-based design.

  • @hildissent
    @hildissent 3 года назад +1

    Alexandrian goodness I can listen to? Dude, sign me up.

  • @sgt-slag
    @sgt-slag 3 года назад

    Brilliant! Been DM'ing for 40+ years, still learning. Some of this made LOL as I've experienced it: players don't 'get' my seemingly obvious clues; players make up their own red herrings (makes me LOL at the table); I've had to hit them over the head with things to keep them on track towards figuring out what is really happening; and more. Fantastic information, spot on for DM'ing. Superb advice. Searching the remaining catalog of your existing videos... Cheers!!

  • @simontmn
    @simontmn 3 года назад +2

    Great first video Justin! You definitely have great voice & cadence.

  • @WilliamKellerTheSkeptic
    @WilliamKellerTheSkeptic 3 года назад

    As a long time reader of The Alexandrian, I love this new format. Your passion really comes through better in video.

  • @5HT_Ronin
    @5HT_Ronin 3 года назад

    Rediscovering my love of Call of Cthulhu couldn't have come at a better time. Your articles have been truth to me for a while and seeing you deliver them is a treat. Would love to see a video on NPC use.

  • @burtonmiller
    @burtonmiller 7 месяцев назад

    This is genius advice. Mystery RPG problems solved! I've struggled with this problem for years. Thank you for solving this odious and pernicious problem.

  • @0num4
    @0num4 3 года назад +2

    Outstanding introductory video. You covered the topic thoroughly without getting too verbose. Right up there with Matt Colville.
    Instant subscribe.

  • @stephengilbert8166
    @stephengilbert8166 Год назад +1

    The support is well deserved. Your information is well informed, and very interesting to listen to :-)))

  • @shrinefruit8629
    @shrinefruit8629 3 года назад

    This was amazing. I am running an 18th century horror investigation campaign in D&D 5e and it's been challenging on how to make investigations interesting, fun, and actually effective in advancing the story. Really great advice, and great presentation style.

  • @markdaley2145
    @markdaley2145 3 года назад +1

    Hello! I liked how digestible and succinct this was, I think that you have got the right tempo for the advice too.
    Suggested topic- Pacing a campaign. I am having an issue in my home-brew recently that the players are following the plot, and in some cases anticipating the hooks (but still biting). I have been developing side plots and distractions but the players seem to hone in on the main arc. The question is then how to get the pacing right so that every session isn’t “seat-of-the-pants” and player choices matter.

    • @khpa3665
      @khpa3665 3 года назад

      My, non-Alexandrian suggestion: let them advance on the plot and develop some new plot, based on the consequences of their progress, for after. I find it's never good to deny players earned progress, even if it screws with your plans for the campaign.

  • @JJMata
    @JJMata 3 года назад +3

    This is pure gold! I'm running a mystery one-shot at the moment and will definitely implement this :)

  • @SomeLutefisk
    @SomeLutefisk 3 года назад

    I wouldn't mind seeing videos on your reactions and thoughts on published adventures, your thoughts and ratings were always eye opening on thealexandrian. Looking forward to more!

  • @DanielMorozov-q4p
    @DanielMorozov-q4p 3 года назад

    Yesterday I've stumbled upon the Alexandrian blog and started devouring your content like a madman. Feels like I finally found something I always needed, but never knew about. Thank you! There are many amazing GMs and advice out there on the internet, but these by far are the most relevant to my own RPG journey. You have my deepest gratitude!

  • @LyonHart1313
    @LyonHart1313 3 года назад +1

    Loved the video - great content and delivery. Suggestion for new topics: effective encounter building; adventure prep tips; how to most effectively re-skin monsters and NPCs. Excited about the channel. Recently discovered you and love the blog and the first foray into RUclips.

  • @TikiCollection
    @TikiCollection 3 года назад +4

    Great to see you on RUclips! Your D&D Calibrating Expectations piece is what got me back into roleplaying games in general, and D&D in particular. Good luck with the channel!

  • @averyaves9217
    @averyaves9217 3 года назад +1

    Your voice+dialogue is so smooth and easy to listen to (I was listening to this as a podcast and usually get lost listening to those). I feel like you must have had some job as a course instructor or something haha

  • @BreDSite
    @BreDSite 3 года назад

    Started on your Dragon Heist remix and haven't stopped since! Glad you're on RUclips now. Thanks for all the content.

  • @alecmedlock75
    @alecmedlock75 3 года назад +1

    Hi Justin! So glad to see you're doing YT videos. I'd love some videos on game structures! Those articles really elevated my understanding of how to run a game.

  • @ScottyAU
    @ScottyAU 3 года назад

    Fantastic to have you on RUclips!

  • @khpa3665
    @khpa3665 3 года назад

    Fantastic to see you on RUclips! I've lost count of the number of people I've directed to your three-clue rule and node-based design posts. The one legit critique of the 3-clue rule I've seen made is that it may cover Doyle/Christie-style whodunnits, but many mysteries, especially the ones that are less puzzle-box and go more for emotional heft, are about discovering motive, the 'why', rather than bread-crumbs, the 'what'. Maybe a subject for a future video?

  • @ILikeIcedCoffee
    @ILikeIcedCoffee 3 года назад +1

    Never heard of you, but glad to add you to my watch futures. Welcome to RUclips. Very insightful.

  • @Prolink
    @Prolink 3 года назад +1

    I sometimes like to go through RUclips videos on game mastering as a podcast playlist, so I’m really glad to see you on here. A few of your twitch stream VODs would be great too...

  • @Generoman
    @Generoman 3 года назад +1

    Great to see you on youtube! I took a deep dive into the articles on your website recently, but as a visual learner, the fact that you're making videos now makes me super happy! This is quality stuff!

  • @madjic7760
    @madjic7760 3 года назад +1

    Yes! First vid! Great stuff bud.

  • @davidturner5
    @davidturner5 3 года назад +1

    Congratulations! Here's to many more.

  • @alexmellin6323
    @alexmellin6323 3 года назад +1

    Whoa excited to see you on RUclips!

  • @Oldkingcole1125
    @Oldkingcole1125 3 года назад +1

    Been hearing you referenced on the Mud and Blood Podcast. Really appreciate your video on the sandbox. I really like this one too.

  • @Daniel_Montenegro
    @Daniel_Montenegro 3 года назад +1

    Amazing video, Alex. Concise and objective tips that will help me running my first mystery! Thank you so much. Maybe one day you could show us on video how do you plan and advance different story arcs through a campaign.

  • @Courtneydebarros
    @Courtneydebarros 3 года назад +1

    Finally! Glad to have u on RUclips!

  • @nathanielmartin6514
    @nathanielmartin6514 3 года назад +2

    I've been a fan of your blog for roughly ten years now and just wanted to say I'm excited for the future of this channel! You're my biggest influence as an indy game designer.

  • @derek449
    @derek449 3 года назад +1

    Great content creator. Excited for the future of this channel.

  • @10lightshow
    @10lightshow 3 года назад

    Just found your website recently as I am preparing to run WDH. And my luck continues that you’ve decided to start making RUclips videos. Thanks for doing so! Great first one, look forward to more.

  • @CDNScience
    @CDNScience 3 года назад

    I just wanted to say thank you for coming to RUclips. I’ve been enjoying your blog for years and want to comment to help the algorithm :)

  • @rriosl
    @rriosl 3 года назад

    Why I’ve not seen your channel before is the real mystery to me, luckily I follow 3 clues to reach out from other channels and my search for knowledge about Hexcrawling. Please keep your great work here, this is the kind of content who need to have tons of followers on the internet, kudos

  • @TheNubiS
    @TheNubiS 3 года назад +1

    Oh wow, The Alexandrian finally comes to youtube! Awesome. Instant subscription. :)