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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 19h

Yeah and it works really well to make one shots feel more open.
You can give the players a number of locations to hunt for clues, knowing that they will always find what they need.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 20h

I completely agree with you. The idea shouldn't be 'here's a thing you have to do regardless of your choices.
It should be, 'here's a challenge on whatever path you take, but your choices alter your approach to it.'
It also needs to make sense wherever it lands, or adapt accordingly.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 20h

I think it's okay if the party get some agency in the decision. If their choices affect the nature or challenges of the battle, or it can be avoided altogether, then it's not a railroad.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 21h

Movable Keys and Quantum Ogres can offer you the most flexible adventures you've ever created.

Today I'm talking about how understanding these mechanics is crucial to writing one shots.

This is part 3 in the series, but does stand alone, or you can start at the beginning by following the links:

How to write a one-shot: Part Three

Movable keys and quantum ogres

buff.ly

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 1d

Why learning to built a fort can help improve your one shots...

This is part two in the series, but you can enjoy it on its own or the follow the links inside to start at the beginning!

How to write a one-shot: Part Two

Tent poles and blanket

buff.ly

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 2d

Trying something a bit different this week, a seven part guide published daily.

How to write a one-shot: Part One

Skip to the End.

open.substack.com

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 5d

I was pleased with how quickly the group solved this one.

Although fans of a certain video game get a big head start!

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · 13d

This is my first ever attempt at crafting terrain.

Here's how it came together: buff.ly/Lrz4i9J

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Oct 4

"Perhaps down the road, counting gold will go the way of ammunition and encumbrance - embraced by those who love realism, but forgotten about at most tables."

More here: buff.ly/OHjyYQl

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Sep 28

The nice man from Amazon customer service assures me my copy of Daggerheart will be dispatched in 24 hours.

Seems unlikely, but he was far too polite for me to call him a liar to his face…

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Sep 12

Finally got a dispatch notice for my Daggerheart back order.

Looking forward to finally getting a look for myself.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Sep 9

I walked down the ruins of a Roman High Street today.

You wonder if they ever imagined it could all end one day.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Aug 30

In last night's game, my party earned the services of an animated armour they quickly named Arthur.

I did a funny voice for Arthur and chose a mini for him.

I will now let every party member die before Arthur comes to any harm.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Aug 25

These “Scarab Knights” kicked ass.

Its over 2 years since I forced my brother to paint these minis for our home game and ran out of time to use them on the day.

Totally worth it when I saw the players faces as I dropped them down on the map.

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Aug 14

Lovely formula!

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Aug 14

I would include half feats in that debate.

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Aug 14

Ability score improvement or feat?

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 31

Went for a walk today, spotted my new DM chair…

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 22

Adventure starter for ten...

You find a portable hole, what surprising thing is inside?

Leave your best ideas in the comments!

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 19

Summer holidays killing your regular game?

In August I'm running a free playtest of my new play by post game: Deal, Draw and Crawl. It's inspired by Dungeon Crawls and Fantasy Football.

Find out more and sign up to play here: buff.ly/3mLuIKl

#selfpromosaturday #ttrpg

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 13

I absolutely adored #Krypto in the new #Superman film.

Here's my thoughts on how to bring that magic to your game: buff.ly/OrgqPzy

#dnd #dungeonsanddragons #ttrpg #comicbooks #DC

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 12

I've seen the new #Superman.

I can confirm Krypto is the goodest boy.

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Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 12

I've seen the new Superman.

I can confirm Krypto is the goodest boy.

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 8

Applied for a job,
Didn't think I would get it,
Still disappointed.

Mage Advice @mageadvice.substack.com · Jul 7

Finally, make the duel feel unique. I suggested restricting to daggers only. Then we came up with an antiques auction, with cases filled with ancient weapons that are likely to break. As combat progresses you'll have to risk a charge to collect a new weapon each time yours shatters.