What awaits within the forgotten planar prison? Where is Bahamut, draconic deity of law and justice? Did the tiefling templar survive the deadly inquisition? How many years have passed since the party traveled to the Plane of Faerie? Why does the benevolent patron seek freedom from his gnomish bindings? These are all plot threads that should be tracked and solved by the end of a Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Pay attention to the key word there: should.
It’s understandable that not everything plot or story that comes to light during the campaign will be solved by its conclusion. Some of these threads can be left for future campaigns or adventures in the world. Others will comprise the epic ending of the campaign, bringing joy to the players and their characters. This is even more important when players deeply enjoy mysteries in the campaign. These players should be rewarded at the campaign’s end, the mysteries should have substance, meaning, and an effect on the world around them.
If keeping track of mysteries or loose plot threads is difficult, try to keep a running list of them. After every session, add new mysteries or unanswered questions of note to a document or spreadsheet, associated with their answers or supposed answers. As they are solved, mark them off. As new elements are added to them, evolve the plot threads and try to tie them into the end of the campaign or a certain arc.
Solve the ones the players think are important or the ones they want to solve and leave the less interesting threads for a future campaign. With time, they will become savory and even more mysterious.
Until next time, stay creative!
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