i remember an encounter my former DM had, my character went hunting for some food before a long rest and another player came with, we came across a pure gold deer randomly and decided to follow it. instead of killing it we captured it and found out it could talk. it told us how it was an ancient high elf that had a curse placed on it, we followed it to a nearby ruin, broke its curse and was granted some +1 items and a newfound ally. was really cool
I don't agree with Ruty's philosophy, but that's just because I fall more on the verisimilitude side of things. If every encounter serves the story then the entire world and everything in it feels as though it was made for this particular group as opposed to a world within which the group happens to live. I know that both sides of that sliding scale are valid though.
John Cameron I think it also depends on your players and their sense of grandiosity/ego. I co-DM a game where I can only play like Rudy because the players do not care about anything other than their characters.
I don't know it it's what he meant, but when said "Serves the story" I took it to mean serving either the overall plot or the characters' stories. Like, don't just make encounters for the sake of encounters. For example, when my characters first started out I had more random encounters because they were weak and random baddies would attack them. As they get more powerful, random bandits think twice about attacking the Paladin in plate armor and the Cleric riding a Pegasus and so the random encounters get toned down. It also depends on the campaign and how long it is.
Right! That IS actually how I run campaigns. There is a fine line to walk between tailoring the WORLD TO a particular group and tailoring the EXPERIENCE OF that particular group. I believe in persistent universes, as you can see as a thread through all the Maze Arcana shows and Fury's Reach. Things are ALWAYS happening in the background, and if the players miss it, they just miss it. Every encounter serves the storyline like every patch makes a quilt. Players might never see it but they'll feel the chill if it's missing.
I'd like to start by praising this channel, Matt and Satine have been awesome hosts and the guests have all been super informative and super cool (TJ Storm's outro literally gave me goosebumps all of the dozen or so times i had to rewatch it). I am a relatively new GM that is trying to gain as much experience as I can, currently running a main campaign with a group of friends, a solo assassin campaign with a friend and some one shots to get some of my other friends who have never played or who rarely get to play excited for the game. (Pathfinder system) While I really love the current 3 questions Satine poses to her Guests (Pregame house rule, favourite DM moment and DM tip), I'd also really like to know about a lot of the mistakes that these experienced GM's made when starting out, or even still catching themselves make here and there today.
This is off topic i know but i have a DM tip of my own. Never assume anything when it comes to your players or their characters. In my session recently i as the DM set up what was admittedly a fairly unusual trap. the party, which included a cleric of one of the Dragon Gods, entered a large hall in a raised area in the centre of the hall was a life size statue of a young blue dragon. there was an inscription around the base of the statue in Draconic. having set the scene i turned to the cleric player and said confidently, "Odette speaks Draconic, right?" only to be greeted with a shake of the head and "Not a word." That was my first assumption blow out of the water. But I thought just the fact that the inscription was in draconic would be a hint that this was no normal statue. fortunately for the group one of the rogues in the party did speak draconic so i was still able to give them the translation "He who dares take the dragons eyes is doomed to look through them for ever." That should have been enough to scare the group off stealing one of the fist sized rubies the statue had for eyes, right? wrong. the half orc barbarian acted true to her 7 intelligence walked right up and tried to take one of the rubies thereby setting off the enchantment. the half orc is now a young blue dragon standing in the centre of a hall that has now doors or windows large enough for her to pass through.
Good to see that Ruty brings up things like how the opposition uses the environment to their advantage (that and the bouncing betty mention, lol). For those who haven't read about Tucker's Kobolds, google it. Just because a creature is considered weak doesn't mean it's stupid.
Our most interesting combat encounter occurred when two of five players were late, and both NPC followers had branched off. A moderately difficult encounter quickly turned deadly, knocking two PCs out twice each, but metamagic and some VERY clever healings saved the day.
My take on combat encounters is like this: Make a combat encounter into a mini-game of sorts, that will have its roots in the story. What do I mean? Well, in the times I've played Call of Duty online, there are a couple of matches I like to play: Capture the Flag, and Domination. How these translate into D&D could be similar to the following: Capture the Flag: Basically, an item -- maybe an NPC -- that will have consequences to whomever captures it/them. In essence, basically, the PCs try and get the item or NPC, rather than just killing enemies. Capture the Flag could also lead into a third variation for combat, the Running Battle. Domination: This kind of battle is timed -- usually for anywhere from a few rounds, to what could be 10 minutes in game time. The way I've thought about translating this to D&D is holding points that give a benefit or bonus, while multiple waves come into the battle, simply because the idea is that you're trying to kill the enemy combatants -- while defending what the opponents want at all costs. Running Battle: This variant is looked at as a couple of things, but the most stereotypical is to be moving as the battle occurs, such as the party being on a ship or even a wagon. It can also be environmental, where the party has to run as enemies chase them, or enemies ambush them -- kind of like running a gauntlet. The goal is not to destroy everything, but to simply survive. That being said, I think environment is key to a good combat encounter. Never underestimate including things like traps and other environmental hazards to throw off your players -- or rewarding them for solving a puzzle in the middle of combat that may, for example, negate a protection an enemy boss might have, or finding an item that makes the seemingly impossible battle easier to fight. In other words, while I think everybody likes combat in some sense, make things interesting. Don't be static or stale in how you approach battle. Lastly, don't be afraid to surprise your players with other enemies that may be looking for their opportunity to take on the players.
I disagree with Rudy's assessment of social encounters ... the court setup that he uses is still a social encounter because there are things like etiquette that may not be properly observed or a PC calls a noble by the wrong name or brings up the wrong subject of discussion and offends them or offends the monarch . These all still qualify. Of course, any social encounter can also be used to drop threads to potential current or future storylines to see where the PCs choose to take the adventure.
Following etiquette and not offending nobles or the monarch are not social traps. ... Now a NPC purposefully bluffing the PCs to elicit any information from them is definitely a social trap. Creating a bunch of possible adventure threads for the PCs to overhear in conversations is not a social trap but an opportunity for them to choose to take advantage of the information they hear. If the PCs are proactive and act on what they hear, then it can be a boost to a campaign and, if the right seeds are planted, they can be either red herrings or yield unexpected information for the players to ponder. It all depends on where they hear about the information in relation to the state of the campaign. In between adventures, you are providing several hooks for them to grab a hold. If in the middle of an adventure, maybe the info laying about that they overhear has a time effect to it where if they choose to ignore it (with or without knowing its importance) then it will affect the rest of their adventure. Sometimes, depending upon the situation, you can present the players with lots of seeming irrelevant information and it forces them to decide which they think is more important than others. As a GM, if you decide how those pieces of information are relevant to your world then it brings about opportunity and can provide "ah ha" moments for your players. For example, one of the pieces of information could include the mentioning of a town having trouble with the local bandits attacking caravans near it. If the players choose to act on the information, then you have an immediate adventure hook of them gather more information, heading to the town, discovering the actual situation and taking on the bandits. However, if they toss that information to the side, then a few or even several levels later, the players pass by the town only to discover it is now firmly in control of the bandits or perhaps has become a bit of a haven for bandits who do not take too kindly to the PCs showing up.
I also disagree with Rudy and believe I agree with you. All three types have objectives and consequences for success or failure. Combat; you win you live, you lose you die (or get imprisoned, etc). Social; you win, you gain information, influence, social resources, you lose you make enemies, you are left clueless, you have to pay more for items. Environment; (not just scouting), like you have to climb across a rotting rope bridge, you win you are across to your goal, you lose you have to go the long way and waste precious time, or you fall to your death.
I prefer to refer to "the pillars" as Social, Exploration, and Tactical. 1, you get the easy acronym, SET, but 2, there many skills and abilities that players can roll dice for tactically than just combat.
Good video, entertaining. Hybrid encounters with layered goals and activities are very important, not always easy to pull off. I consider all things non-combat first and then spice it with combat challenge if it fits it.
Also, the idea that each encounter has three key aspects, those key aspects have three distinct attributes or qualities is a nice way of designing original encounters. Just replace the parts until it does feel original.
When it comes to the style or type of encounter, it may be less about the purpose intended by the DM and more about the direction the players go. Their interpretation or spin can take a game well off the beaten path, so a willing flexibility in every encounter is key. Encounters might also be red herrings. Not every single thing is about the PCs. That's just narcissistic. They may be Beasts, NPCs, or events with no relation to the PCs that could easily take an adventure in a new direction. What's the purpose? Variety. To show a bigger world. I'll have wandering salesmen that are actually Hags, aloof nobles that are shape shifted dragons, veiled and mysterious ladies that may be succubi, and repentant Medusas that petrify victims of incurable conditions for future cures. There will be fallen pillars that have to be reassembled to spell an ancient warning, or Wild Magic areas around a wand overgrown into an ancient tree. Why are these here? They may have always been. Who knows? The real change is the PCs. The World is the world. It's living and dynamic... or it should be in my opinion. It's not always about the players...until the players make it about them. Then the trick is knowing how to bounce with your players.
I've found I only really pay attention to the initial parts of these with Satine by herself, and less the special guests, with rare exception. She's a lot better at sticking to a GM neutral stance, and making it interesting, as opposed to when the guests are on.
Wow tahnk just the list of the diffrent encounters gave me basicly the next session with my players. Sice I know kinda waht they wanna do and there end gole it was easy. Give them a social encounter when they get into the village, a smal comabt when the leav and go towards a militari outpost and then an enviromental one where they find the outpost raided and destroyed where someone set up a whole bunsh of traps to kill who ever is gonna go inside to see what happened. Also a noather combat as an optional thing to fight if they make it though the outpost fast and here is still game time. Hint its my 2nd session as a DM and after my session 1 I was kinda erm ok and now....? That episode of GM Tips really helped me figure that out! Thanks again and I am looking forward the the next GM Tips :D
I disagree with everything Rudy said. But only because I'm jealous of his best friendship with Satine. She's so cute I'm gonna die! So my unbiased verdict of this episode: it was awesome.
Devin Barr few sentient creatures are born evil. They may grow up within an evil society or have a predisposition towards evil acts, but sentient creatures have agency and can choose to be good.
I was thinking about some sort of scenario where you do a quest for a village where the whole village is secretly undead. You might come and go without ever realising if you dont do things that help you find out, and at the end Im just going to give them a perception check to realise nobody is blinking and theres a lot of flies. Deception checks to keep a straight face if you realise and want to get out of there without fighting. Combat if the undead suspect you know because they dont want to be destroyed. but asking for a perception check kinda tips them off so IDK if its a good idea.
You can use passive perception for this. Another option could be have some form of slaughterhouse and explain a terrible smell around the area as unused animal parts just being thrown in a pile nearby.
Could I suggest a topic here? I recently moved from a large town of about 80,000 where I had a well-established gaming group that met regularly to a town of 50,000 where I know no one, and where there doesn't seem to be a big gaming culture (despite the community college and branches of the two biggest state universities here). I would love to see a segment about good ways to find and organize tabletop gaming where it doesn't already exist.
What about Puzzle Encounters where your players can challenge themselves in trying to find their own unique solution to a situation they are thrust in, be it by negotiating a peace between two groups that want the same thing or by figuring their way through the winding corridors of a maze or several other possible situations they might find themselves in that don't necessarily have to be solved socially or violently, but often those two options are still available.
David Davison Puzzles are difficult. They have to be challenging, but at the same time, it can't be obtuse, and has to take player/character abilities into consideration.
So I had an idea about a dungeon with traps and puzzles with rarely used skills or skills used differently the first one is like a glowing floor that plays music and they have to use performance to get across what other traps would you all suggest? also Satine I would really like to hear your suggestions too.
I would let them also come up with ways to use other skills to get by. Not reasonable to plan for there to be only one skill method to get through the dungeon, as the players might not come up with this one method you want them to use, and if they don't come up with your solution and you insist on them doing so, it just won't be fun for your players.
But at the same time, sometimes its nice to just throw out something specially designed to 'reward' a less used skill. And dont be afraid to let your players know about it too You have a character that has had "Pilot: Fixed Wing Aircraft 6" for 27 sessions, and there has never been one on screen? Build a situation where they can gain an advantage because of it, and smile straight at the player who realizes that they have had the answer all along. Build a situation were someone needs to 'Evaluate' the real treasure from the fake one. Or use it to tell which bottle of fine wine is a poisoned fake, and which is real. Or sure, build a situation were they can take a short cut by knowing the correct Heraldry for a noble house during a specific dynasty. "Oh, well that suit of armor has the wrong surcoat for its era, on a closer look it looks to be hiding a lever" Dave is right though, if your players come up with a better way, or even a dumber way, roll with it. Sometimes all the swinging blades in the world can be beat with enough 10' poles.
I don't see what her being a former adult film star has to do with her knowledge or amount of time playing the game. I also don't see why people insist on bringing it up, when it has no relevancy here.
The Pillars of an Adventure seem to line up well with the different personality assessments and play styles, but they typically have 4 categories instead of 3 (see this awesome article for more depth: www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6474/personality_and_play_styles_a_.php). The one that appears to be missing is preparation/security. These would be things like base building, earning money, item creation/enchanting and creating/maintaining reliable working relationships.
Kenneth Slayor look at 4th edition design. They did defensive cr and aggressive defensive. and abilities are rated in their increased damage or round value
#asksatine Kudos on the videos guys! I really think the information on all these videos is great. I always use this stuff in my games. My question is as follows... I DM for my group and we have a predetermined "game night" where it's most convenient for us to get together. We're all adults and have regular responsibilities so sometimes we miss a session night or two (I'm assuming this is normal with most groups), but I find myself wanting to DM more. For other groups even. I just want the experience. I want to hone my craft. Sometimes I run an encounter and even if everyone had a great time at the table, I sometimes feel like I want to run that encounter again. Maybe for a different group so i can try to tweak a couple things. How would you suggest I go about running more games? Should I go to a local shop and say I want to run a game (maybe write up some one shots), or post something on meet up? Don't know if I'm willing to invite strangers to my home that I'm not comfortable with, but I'd definitely feel comfortable running a game for strangers. I have a lot of terrain and props that I built for my games that I want to share and have fun with. Lugging that stuff around may be a hassle, but I think I could manage it. Do people ever bring props like this to shops when running their games? My only experience playing has been with close friends and family. I want to branch out and do more! What should I do?
It sounds like you already have an outline to follow with Meet Up or the Hobby Shop. I completely understand and agree with you not wanting to have strangers in your home. Instead, try hosting/running games with the people you invite on Meet Up in a neutral space, like the hobby shop if they are cool with it, and see how your new group pans out. Good luck!
I’m kind of confused, not everything needs to further the direct story. It’s important for dms for build in natural aspects that don’t necessarily further the campaign, to add legitimacy to the world.
#asksatine your face was priceless the during his entire DMout, but I was wondering if you had tips for transferring a DnD campaign or even just a session into another medium (i.e. TV, Movies, Novels or Comics)?
It's story... so the common thread between the mediums you list are Scripts. So: transfer the campaign to script format. Then you can output to whatever you like.
I have to commend Satine for managing to maintain eye contact with that egregious fucking abomination of a tie knot right in front of her. I was expecting a "my eyes are up here" moment, but no. She kept it classy.
renterjack Some years ago that was one career she pursued. She has also been an author, a programmer, an illustrator, model, actor, painter, and of course a DM. She is open about her life, but it is not relevant to the topic being discussed. Her former work as an adult performer doesn't impact her ability to DM or affect her knowledge of the game. Bringing it up gratuitously just seems like some sad attempt to discredit or dismiss her and it only serves to make you look bad.
chatterbox11 not trying to bring her down. Just not something you expect to see when you look someone up. Props to her for keeping her name the same and owning it.
I know what you mean. Being a computer programmer, a stripper, an adult film star, and a dungeon master, are not careers you think a single person would take up.
I don't see how Rudy can be the "expert" on this, when he personally makes a lot of encounters that are--irrelevant (aka when Rudy made the "maze/labyrinth/pyramid mall" in his second to third episode of Fury's Reach. He tends to always go into "social encounter traps" as he describes it (even if the NPCs tend to be "innocent" bystanders or sellers at a market). It's to the point where his structure is so shoddy that he needs to stop his stream in order to explain (in episode 5), to the people he is gaming with, the meaning of his encounter in general. It just seems like he is out to screw his PCs and essentially make everything a DM vs PC encounter.
Ruty, mate. Talk to me about your tie. Do you not know how to tie one? Did you not have a father figure in your life to teach you? That is tragic, but you could have watched a tutorial on how to tie one. Or just don't wear one, you will be better off.
Mitch Cowan He always seems like a very polite and considerate person. And, he takes time to thoughtfully respond to fans and spend time with them at events/conventions. I am not sure where you are getting either arrogant or smarmy? Smarmy especially makes no sense. Satine is his best friend, so he would have no reason to act smarmy with her---he isn't trying to flatter or charm her. Smarmy is how a car salesman might act with a potential customer. As for arrogant, I think you are confusing his precise speech, crisp manners, and stylish flair with arrogance. He has exhibited neither disdain nor indifference to others. And, I think the word you meant is "pretentious," but it still would be wrong. He is authentic. Ruty is unique and a little colorful. He has found his own way to put his best face forward.
chatterbox11 w Well I guess we can all have our moments and one or two vids may not illustrate who he truly is but he comes off to mr that way and others have commented the same. Still, he could be posturing for the show or its just a quirk that is noy tranlated well, or its just my impression, but from the two videos, that is how I saw him. Yes, I dont know him personally, so its only an observation, that is true
Mitch Cowan It is certainly okay that you have an opinion, but I do not get what he does specifically that makes you think that about him? I think I read one other "arrogant" comment, but it also gave no details. Yes, he likes wearing colorful ties and he speaks precisely, but I am not sure how either of these things are problematic. Matthew Mercer also speaks in a very precise and controlled manner, too, because of his voice actor training. And, he can be rather formal in his videos. When most people give a presentation or do an instructional video like this, they typically act somewhat more formal and posed than if they were just hanging out at home in their pajamas, but that does not mean they are being arrogant. But, maybe you mean something else. I guess I am just not seeing what you are seeing.
I don't really like this guy. He comes across as arrogant and seems, to me, to be talking down to Satine as if she doesn't know as much as him which pisses me off bc Satine is awesome. It all rubs me the wrong way. Hope he doesn't come back
Thanks for sharing your initial reactions, Chris. But, given some time, we think you'll find that Ruty & Satine go together like PB&J! Check out their Maze Arcana series and their D&D Stream of Annihilation appearances for more.
i remember an encounter my former DM had, my character went hunting for some food before a long rest and another player came with, we came across a pure gold deer randomly and decided to follow it. instead of killing it we captured it and found out it could talk. it told us how it was an ancient high elf that had a curse placed on it, we followed it to a nearby ruin, broke its curse and was granted some +1 items and a newfound ally. was really cool
HotDQ?
Good, solid D&D right there.
Cause can
I don't agree with Ruty's philosophy, but that's just because I fall more on the verisimilitude side of things. If every encounter serves the story then the entire world and everything in it feels as though it was made for this particular group as opposed to a world within which the group happens to live. I know that both sides of that sliding scale are valid though.
John Cameron I think it also depends on your players and their sense of grandiosity/ego. I co-DM a game where I can only play like Rudy because the players do not care about anything other than their characters.
I don't know it it's what he meant, but when said "Serves the story" I took it to mean serving either the overall plot or the characters' stories. Like, don't just make encounters for the sake of encounters. For example, when my characters first started out I had more random encounters because they were weak and random baddies would attack them. As they get more powerful, random bandits think twice about attacking the Paladin in plate armor and the Cleric riding a Pegasus and so the random encounters get toned down.
It also depends on the campaign and how long it is.
Right! That IS actually how I run campaigns. There is a fine line to walk between tailoring the WORLD TO a particular group and tailoring the EXPERIENCE OF that particular group.
I believe in persistent universes, as you can see as a thread through all the Maze Arcana shows and Fury's Reach. Things are ALWAYS happening in the background, and if the players miss it, they just miss it.
Every encounter serves the storyline like every patch makes a quilt. Players might never see it but they'll feel the chill if it's missing.
Ruty Rutenberg I like quilts
They rock! Further, they can be really nostalgic, too, like RPGs! ~Hah~
I'd like to start by praising this channel, Matt and Satine have been awesome hosts and the guests have all been super informative and super cool (TJ Storm's outro literally gave me goosebumps all of the dozen or so times i had to rewatch it).
I am a relatively new GM that is trying to gain as much experience as I can, currently running a main campaign with a group of friends, a solo assassin campaign with a friend and some one shots to get some of my other friends who have never played or who rarely get to play excited for the game. (Pathfinder system)
While I really love the current 3 questions Satine poses to her Guests (Pregame house rule, favourite DM moment and DM tip), I'd also really like to know about a lot of the mistakes that these experienced GM's made when starting out, or even still catching themselves make here and there today.
Wtf was that GM-Outro bahaha, such a rollercoaster, this man is precious!
Her face at the very end was awesome.
Ruty's tie knot is all I looked at while listening.
That tie knot is going to be in my next encounter.
I can't un-see the tie knot.
It's a spiral that draws you in further... and further..
I believe it is the trinity knot
I thought that too, but it's a bit loose and there's something in there, a mic?
This is off topic i know but i have a DM tip of my own. Never assume anything when it comes to your players or their characters.
In my session recently i as the DM set up what was admittedly a fairly unusual trap. the party, which included a cleric of one of the Dragon Gods, entered a large hall in a raised area in the centre of the hall was a life size statue of a young blue dragon. there was an inscription around the base of the statue in Draconic. having set the scene i turned to the cleric player and said confidently, "Odette speaks Draconic, right?" only to be greeted with a shake of the head and "Not a word."
That was my first assumption blow out of the water. But I thought just the fact that the inscription was in draconic would be a hint that this was no normal statue. fortunately for the group one of the rogues in the party did speak draconic so i was still able to give them the translation
"He who dares take the dragons eyes is doomed to look through them for ever."
That should have been enough to scare the group off stealing one of the fist sized rubies the statue had for eyes, right? wrong. the half orc barbarian acted true to her 7 intelligence walked right up and tried to take one of the rubies thereby setting off the enchantment. the half orc is now a young blue dragon standing in the centre of a hall that has now doors or windows large enough for her to pass through.
I'm 100% stealing that
Good to see that Ruty brings up things like how the opposition uses the environment to their advantage (that and the bouncing betty mention, lol). For those who haven't read about Tucker's Kobolds, google it. Just because a creature is considered weak doesn't mean it's stupid.
That's how I play with goblinoids. A creatures CR isn't their Crafty Rating ;)
Ruty's eyes at 14:53 freaked me out. I was not expecting that. I appreciate the GM after-effects. :)
Those are not after effects! A real GM learns theese tricks!^^
Hi! FINALLY the topic of encounters!!! Thank youuu!!
So good! I learned some things I hadn't realized I didn't know. Thanks!
Our most interesting combat encounter occurred when two of five players were late, and both NPC followers had branched off. A moderately difficult encounter quickly turned deadly, knocking two PCs out twice each, but metamagic and some VERY clever healings saved the day.
My take on combat encounters is like this: Make a combat encounter into a mini-game of sorts, that will have its roots in the story. What do I mean?
Well, in the times I've played Call of Duty online, there are a couple of matches I like to play: Capture the Flag, and Domination. How these translate into D&D could be similar to the following:
Capture the Flag: Basically, an item -- maybe an NPC -- that will have consequences to whomever captures it/them. In essence, basically, the PCs try and get the item or NPC, rather than just killing enemies. Capture the Flag could also lead into a third variation for combat, the Running Battle.
Domination: This kind of battle is timed -- usually for anywhere from a few rounds, to what could be 10 minutes in game time. The way I've thought about translating this to D&D is holding points that give a benefit or bonus, while multiple waves come into the battle, simply because the idea is that you're trying to kill the enemy combatants -- while defending what the opponents want at all costs.
Running Battle: This variant is looked at as a couple of things, but the most stereotypical is to be moving as the battle occurs, such as the party being on a ship or even a wagon. It can also be environmental, where the party has to run as enemies chase them, or enemies ambush them -- kind of like running a gauntlet. The goal is not to destroy everything, but to simply survive.
That being said, I think environment is key to a good combat encounter. Never underestimate including things like traps and other environmental hazards to throw off your players -- or rewarding them for solving a puzzle in the middle of combat that may, for example, negate a protection an enemy boss might have, or finding an item that makes the seemingly impossible battle easier to fight.
In other words, while I think everybody likes combat in some sense, make things interesting. Don't be static or stale in how you approach battle. Lastly, don't be afraid to surprise your players with other enemies that may be looking for their opportunity to take on the players.
I disagree with Rudy's assessment of social encounters ... the court setup that he uses is still a social encounter because there are things like etiquette that may not be properly observed or a PC calls a noble by the wrong name or brings up the wrong subject of discussion and offends them or offends the monarch . These all still qualify.
Of course, any social encounter can also be used to drop threads to potential current or future storylines to see where the PCs choose to take the adventure.
NERD 🤓
Doesn't that feel like a social trap though?
Following etiquette and not offending nobles or the monarch are not social traps. ... Now a NPC purposefully bluffing the PCs to elicit any information from them is definitely a social trap.
Creating a bunch of possible adventure threads for the PCs to overhear in conversations is not a social trap but an opportunity for them to choose to take advantage of the information they hear. If the PCs are proactive and act on what they hear, then it can be a boost to a campaign and, if the right seeds are planted, they can be either red herrings or yield unexpected information for the players to ponder.
It all depends on where they hear about the information in relation to the state of the campaign. In between adventures, you are providing several hooks for them to grab a hold. If in the middle of an adventure, maybe the info laying about that they overhear has a time effect to it where if they choose to ignore it (with or without knowing its importance) then it will affect the rest of their adventure.
Sometimes, depending upon the situation, you can present the players with lots of seeming irrelevant information and it forces them to decide which they think is more important than others. As a GM, if you decide how those pieces of information are relevant to your world then it brings about opportunity and can provide "ah ha" moments for your players.
For example, one of the pieces of information could include the mentioning of a town having trouble with the local bandits attacking caravans near it. If the players choose to act on the information, then you have an immediate adventure hook of them gather more information, heading to the town, discovering the actual situation and taking on the bandits. However, if they toss that information to the side, then a few or even several levels later, the players pass by the town only to discover it is now firmly in control of the bandits or perhaps has become a bit of a haven for bandits who do not take too kindly to the PCs showing up.
I also disagree with Rudy and believe I agree with you. All three types have objectives and consequences for success or failure.
Combat; you win you live, you lose you die (or get imprisoned, etc).
Social; you win, you gain information, influence, social resources, you lose you make enemies, you are left clueless, you have to pay more for items.
Environment; (not just scouting), like you have to climb across a rotting rope bridge, you win you are across to your goal, you lose you have to go the long way and waste precious time, or you fall to your death.
Except, those nobles don't exist at the table. Those are constructs and therefore traps. Not social at all.
I prefer to refer to "the pillars" as Social, Exploration, and Tactical.
1, you get the easy acronym, SET, but 2, there many skills and abilities that players can roll dice for tactically than just combat.
Good video, entertaining. Hybrid encounters with layered goals and activities are very important, not always easy to pull off. I consider all things non-combat first and then spice it with combat challenge if it fits it.
Also, the idea that each encounter has three key aspects, those key aspects have three distinct attributes or qualities is a nice way of designing original encounters. Just replace the parts until it does feel original.
Is... Is that a combination of the trinity and eldredge knots?
That said, good discussion and good advice all around.
The Yawning Yuan-ti -- combo between a Four Corners and Serpentine knot.
Yeah, alright... 50 XP for spending the time to tie it and another 50 for the name.
Ruty Rutenberg Would consider a tutorial video? I came for the encounter chat and have stayed obsessively wanting to know how to tie that!
I love how Satine at the end was just as confused as me.
When it comes to the style or type of encounter, it may be less about the purpose intended by the DM and more about the direction the players go.
Their interpretation or spin can take a game well off the beaten path, so a willing flexibility in every encounter is key.
Encounters might also be red herrings. Not every single thing is about the PCs. That's just narcissistic. They may be Beasts, NPCs, or events with no relation to the PCs that could easily take an adventure in a new direction. What's the purpose? Variety. To show a bigger world.
I'll have wandering salesmen that are actually Hags, aloof nobles that are shape shifted dragons, veiled and mysterious ladies that may be succubi, and repentant Medusas that petrify victims of incurable conditions for future cures.
There will be fallen pillars that have to be reassembled to spell an ancient warning, or Wild Magic areas around a wand overgrown into an ancient tree.
Why are these here? They may have always been. Who knows? The real change is the PCs.
The World is the world. It's living and dynamic... or it should be in my opinion. It's not always about the players...until the players make it about them.
Then the trick is knowing how to bounce with your players.
Always great advice Mike!
The end edits were hilarious lol
you guys should put drunkens and dragons on!
Yes, get Hankerin on this. That would be awesome. Tap into his knowledge. Matt Colville too.
I've found I only really pay attention to the initial parts of these with Satine by herself, and less the special guests, with rare exception. She's a lot better at sticking to a GM neutral stance, and making it interesting, as opposed to when the guests are on.
Wow tahnk just the list of the diffrent encounters gave me basicly the next session with my players. Sice I know kinda waht they wanna do and there end gole it was easy. Give them a social encounter when they get into the village, a smal comabt when the leav and go towards a militari outpost and then an enviromental one where they find the outpost raided and destroyed where someone set up a whole bunsh of traps to kill who ever is gonna go inside to see what happened. Also a noather combat as an optional thing to fight if they make it though the outpost fast and here is still game time.
Hint its my 2nd session as a DM and after my session 1 I was kinda erm ok and now....? That episode of GM Tips really helped me figure that out!
Thanks again and I am looking forward the the next GM Tips :D
and I noticed its getting kinda late... english is not my mother language but still sorry for all thouse typos... :P
Ruty is a combat medical veteran. A hero.
Thanks. Much appreciated, Dennis.
Ruty Rutenberg As a former Army man myself I appreciate seeing us vets get the respect deserved. Great intro. Great DM.
Nice work, great advice and examples!
1:28
"Exloration."
That kinda made me giggle!
I disagree with everything Rudy said.
But only because I'm jealous of his best friendship with Satine.
She's so cute I'm gonna die!
So my unbiased verdict of this episode: it was awesome.
Red dragon's are born evil. Kill on sight.
Devin Barr few sentient creatures are born evil. They may grow up within an evil society or have a predisposition towards evil acts, but sentient creatures have agency and can choose to be good.
The only good (RED DRAGONS) are the ones that don't come out of their stinking holes.
I was thinking about some sort of scenario where you do a quest for a village where the whole village is secretly undead. You might come and go without ever realising if you dont do things that help you find out, and at the end Im just going to give them a perception check to realise nobody is blinking and theres a lot of flies. Deception checks to keep a straight face if you realise and want to get out of there without fighting. Combat if the undead suspect you know because they dont want to be destroyed. but asking for a perception check kinda tips them off so IDK if its a good idea.
You can use passive perception for this. Another option could be have some form of slaughterhouse and explain a terrible smell around the area as unused animal parts just being thrown in a pile nearby.
Could I suggest a topic here?
I recently moved from a large town of about 80,000 where I had a well-established gaming group that met regularly to a town of 50,000 where I know no one, and where there doesn't seem to be a big gaming culture (despite the community college and branches of the two biggest state universities here). I would love to see a segment about good ways to find and organize tabletop gaming where it doesn't already exist.
What about Puzzle Encounters where your players can challenge themselves in trying to find their own unique solution to a situation they are thrust in, be it by negotiating a peace between two groups that want the same thing or by figuring their way through the winding corridors of a maze or several other possible situations they might find themselves in that don't necessarily have to be solved socially or violently, but often those two options are still available.
David Davison Puzzles are difficult. They have to be challenging, but at the same time, it can't be obtuse, and has to take player/character abilities into consideration.
naturally, but they are still a type of encounter that aren't mentioned.
So I had an idea about a dungeon with traps and puzzles with rarely used skills or skills used differently the first one is like a glowing floor that plays music and they have to use performance to get across what other traps would you all suggest? also Satine I would really like to hear your suggestions too.
I would let them also come up with ways to use other skills to get by. Not reasonable to plan for there to be only one skill method to get through the dungeon, as the players might not come up with this one method you want them to use, and if they don't come up with your solution and you insist on them doing so, it just won't be fun for your players.
But at the same time, sometimes its nice to just throw out something specially designed to 'reward' a less used skill. And dont be afraid to let your players know about it too
You have a character that has had "Pilot: Fixed Wing Aircraft 6" for 27 sessions, and there has never been one on screen? Build a situation where they can gain an advantage because of it, and smile straight at the player who realizes that they have had the answer all along.
Build a situation were someone needs to 'Evaluate' the real treasure from the fake one. Or use it to tell which bottle of fine wine is a poisoned fake, and which is real.
Or sure, build a situation were they can take a short cut by knowing the correct Heraldry for a noble house during a specific dynasty. "Oh, well that suit of armor has the wrong surcoat for its era, on a closer look it looks to be hiding a lever"
Dave is right though, if your players come up with a better way, or even a dumber way, roll with it. Sometimes all the swinging blades in the world can be beat with enough 10' poles.
.. THE MOVIE BIG!
I don't see what her being a former adult film star has to do with her knowledge or amount of time playing the game.
I also don't see why people insist on bringing it up, when it has no relevancy here.
Then why did you bring it up
Trolling.
WHOA that ending though.
Glad you liked it. I wrote it but Stephen Sprinkles made it real!
The Pillars of an Adventure seem to line up well with the different personality assessments and play styles, but they typically have 4 categories instead of 3 (see this awesome article for more depth: www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6474/personality_and_play_styles_a_.php).
The one that appears to be missing is preparation/security. These would be things like base building, earning money, item creation/enchanting and creating/maintaining reliable working relationships.
Yes! It likely gets overlooked because it is campaign focused over adventure focused. Good call!
That red light reflection is tripping me out.
I have been thinking about rating encounters on the basis of DPS vs AC/DC. But haven't worked on any actual formula.
Kenneth Slayor look at 4th edition design. They did defensive cr and aggressive defensive. and abilities are rated in their increased damage or round value
#asksatine Kudos on the videos guys! I really think the information on all these videos is great. I always use this stuff in my games. My question is as follows... I DM for my group and we have a predetermined "game night" where it's most convenient for us to get together. We're all adults and have regular responsibilities so sometimes we miss a session night or two (I'm assuming this is normal with most groups), but I find myself wanting to DM more. For other groups even. I just want the experience. I want to hone my craft. Sometimes I run an encounter and even if everyone had a great time at the table, I sometimes feel like I want to run that encounter again. Maybe for a different group so i can try to tweak a couple things. How would you suggest I go about running more games? Should I go to a local shop and say I want to run a game (maybe write up some one shots), or post something on meet up? Don't know if I'm willing to invite strangers to my home that I'm not comfortable with, but I'd definitely feel comfortable running a game for strangers. I have a lot of terrain and props that I built for my games that I want to share and have fun with. Lugging that stuff around may be a hassle, but I think I could manage it. Do people ever bring props like this to shops when running their games? My only experience playing has been with close friends and family. I want to branch out and do more! What should I do?
It sounds like you already have an outline to follow with Meet Up or the Hobby Shop. I completely understand and agree with you not wanting to have strangers in your home. Instead, try hosting/running games with the people you invite on Meet Up in a neutral space, like the hobby shop if they are cool with it, and see how your new group pans out. Good luck!
Rudy! Unpack your acronyms! :)
Can we talk about that tie knot? I'm entranced.
Alex Devus he said it's a serpentine knot variant and he calls it the "Yawning Yuan-ti" and I want a tutorial!
1:28 - You didn't pronounce "Exloration" properly, Sat ;)
oh balls.
I cant pay attenion cause all Im looking at is Rutys necktie.
The gm us out made me trip balls
I’m kind of confused, not everything needs to further the direct story. It’s important for dms for build in natural aspects that don’t necessarily further the campaign, to add legitimacy to the world.
That tie knot though.
#asksatine your face was priceless the during his entire DMout, but I was wondering if you had tips for transferring a DnD campaign or even just a session into another medium (i.e. TV, Movies, Novels or Comics)?
It's story... so the common thread between the mediums you list are Scripts. So: transfer the campaign to script format. Then you can output to whatever you like.
Satine Thanks super fast response. I was ready for few weeks of waiting at least.
Loving those Power Rangers figures.
Jesus Christ...how far do I need to go before I find another person who loves his fucking tie knot.............brb, searching for this shit.
It's the Yawning Yuan-ti -- basically, it's my own twist on the Serpentine and Four Corners knot.
Ruty Rutenberg it's fly as hell, and I will for see research how to do it. Props man
Ruty Rutenberg Any possibility you'll be posting instructions on the DM's Guild? ☺
You want the tie knots released on the DM's Guild? Hmmm... Lemme talk to Chris Lindsay about that.
BATMAN!!!!!! That's what I see!
I could watch Satine read the phonebook.
You have an amazing story telling voice! I would love to have you as a DM :)
Ruty is pretty pretty
I have to commend Satine for managing to maintain eye contact with that egregious fucking abomination of a tie knot right in front of her. I was expecting a "my eyes are up here" moment, but no. She kept it classy.
looking up info on Satine Phoenix. first thing Google tells me is she's done 96 adult films.
renterjack Some years ago that was one career she pursued. She has also been an author, a programmer, an illustrator, model, actor, painter, and of course a DM. She is open about her life, but it is not relevant to the topic being discussed. Her former work as an adult performer doesn't impact her ability to DM or affect her knowledge of the game. Bringing it up gratuitously just seems like some sad attempt to discredit or dismiss her and it only serves to make you look bad.
chatterbox11 not trying to bring her down. Just not something you expect to see when you look someone up. Props to her for keeping her name the same and owning it.
I know what you mean. Being a computer programmer, a stripper, an adult film star, and a dungeon master, are not careers you think a single person would take up.
Would not a baby Froghemoth be a Tadhemoth?
not sure that tie not has been in fashion since 1879
nadia who? anyone has a link?
You look like a Kehjani mage from the Sin War Trilogy.
Ruty is quite the cutie. @w@
G&S this is a bit early?
7:30 "Peddlestool" ...heh
I don't see how Rudy can be the "expert" on this, when he personally makes a lot of encounters that are--irrelevant (aka when Rudy made the "maze/labyrinth/pyramid mall" in his second to third episode of Fury's Reach. He tends to always go into "social encounter traps" as he describes it (even if the NPCs tend to be "innocent" bystanders or sellers at a market). It's to the point where his structure is so shoddy that he needs to stop his stream in order to explain (in episode 5), to the people he is gaming with, the meaning of his encounter in general.
It just seems like he is out to screw his PCs and essentially make everything a DM vs PC encounter.
Pedestool :D
Ruty, mate. Talk to me about your tie. Do you not know how to tie one? Did you not have a father figure in your life to teach you? That is tragic, but you could have watched a tutorial on how to tie one. Or just don't wear one, you will be better off.
farst?
Bort?
Peanut
Gallery
His tie is amazing, his philosophy is not. Didn’t enjoy him in the last one either.
What the hell was that outro? Ruty looked like he was making Satine genuinely uncomfortable invading her personal space like that.
She has some good points to make, but dear God is that a severe case of vocal fry =/ Just about every single sentence ends on a fry
Is he gay? ;) Is he single? ;)
It's a bit distracting that in all of her interviews they constantly look like they're on the verge of kissing
This guy's stream of annihilation inclusion was nearly unwatchable. His smarmy arrogant disposition, on display here, was evident then too.
Seriously... Just look at his tie lol.
Mitch Cowan He always seems like a very polite and considerate person. And, he takes time to thoughtfully respond to fans and spend time with them at events/conventions.
I am not sure where you are getting either arrogant or smarmy? Smarmy especially makes no sense. Satine is his best friend, so he would have no reason to act smarmy with her---he isn't trying to flatter or charm her. Smarmy is how a car salesman might act with a potential customer.
As for arrogant, I think you are confusing his precise speech, crisp manners, and stylish flair with arrogance. He has exhibited neither disdain nor indifference to others. And, I think the word you meant is "pretentious," but it still would be wrong. He is authentic. Ruty is unique and a little colorful. He has found his own way to put his best face forward.
chatterbox11 w
Well I guess we can all have our moments and one or two vids may not illustrate who he truly is but he comes off to mr that way and others have commented the same. Still, he could be posturing for the show or its just a quirk that is noy tranlated well, or its just my impression, but from the two videos, that is how I saw him. Yes, I dont know him personally, so its only an observation, that is true
Mitch Cowan It is certainly okay that you have an opinion, but I do not get what he does specifically that makes you think that about him? I think I read one other "arrogant" comment, but it also gave no details.
Yes, he likes wearing colorful ties and he speaks precisely, but I am not sure how either of these things are problematic. Matthew Mercer also speaks in a very precise and controlled manner, too, because of his voice actor training. And, he can be rather formal in his videos.
When most people give a presentation or do an instructional video like this, they typically act somewhat more formal and posed than if they were just hanging out at home in their pajamas, but that does not mean they are being arrogant. But, maybe you mean something else. I guess I am just not seeing what you are seeing.
I don't really like this guy. He comes across as arrogant and seems, to me, to be talking down to Satine as if she doesn't know as much as him which pisses me off bc Satine is awesome. It all rubs me the wrong way. Hope he doesn't come back
aww that's too bad it came across that way. He's my best friend.
Satine I apologize if I misinterpreted anything, I think you are awesome
Thanks for sharing your initial reactions, Chris. But, given some time, we think you'll find that Ruty & Satine go together like PB&J! Check out their Maze Arcana series and their D&D Stream of Annihilation appearances for more.
These two are great friends and co creators of maze arcana which is an awesome d&d stream.