Keeping Players Excited
Exciting games happen when players face interesting choices and meaningful challenges. Here's a comprehensive guide to creating and running great encounters.
Types of Encounters - Detailed Breakdown
Action Encounters
Combat
- One-on-one duels
- Group battles
- Ambushes
- Defense scenarios
- Chase scenes
- Arena fights
Physical Challenges
- Climbing dangerous cliffs
- Swimming rough waters
- Jumping between rooftops
- Escaping collapsing tunnels
- Racing against time
Chase Sequences
- Urban pursuits through crowds
- Wilderness tracking
- Vehicle/mount chases
- Parkour-style rooftop runs
- Underground tunnel chases
Social Encounters
Negotiations
- Peace talks
- Trade deals
- Hostage situations
- Alliance forming
- Contract discussions
Interrogations
- Extracting information
- Breaking resistance
- Building rapport
- Detecting lies
- Offering deals
Social Gatherings
- Noble balls
- Tavern scenes
- Marketplace interactions
- Religious ceremonies
- Political rallies
Mystery Encounters
Crime Scenes
- Murder investigations
- Theft cases
- Missing persons
- Conspiracy theories
- Cold cases
Puzzles
- Ancient mechanisms
- Riddles and codes
- Magical wards
- Environmental challenges
- Time-sensitive locks
Exploration
- Forgotten ruins
- Haunted locations
- Secret passages
- Magical anomalies
- Hidden societies
Moral Choice Encounters
Ethical Dilemmas
- Sacrifice one to save many
- Personal gain vs. common good
- Loyalty conflicts
- Truth vs. deception
- Law vs. morality
Character Tests
- Facing fears
- Overcoming prejudice
- Resisting temptation
- Proving loyalty
- Showing mercy
Consequence Scenarios
- Short-term vs. long-term impact
- Visible vs. hidden consequences
- Personal vs. global effects
- Immediate vs. delayed outcomes
- Known vs. unknown results
The MEET Formula for Great Encounters
M - Meaningful
- Ties to character goals
- Advances the story
- Has lasting impact
- Reveals important information
- Changes relationships
E - Engaging
- Multiple approaches possible
- Interactive elements
- Dynamic environment
- Player-driven choices
- Clear stakes
E - Exciting
- High tension moments
- Unexpected twists
- Visual descriptions
- Emotional impact
- Physical action
T - Tailored
- Fits party composition
- Matches character levels
- Aligns with player interests
- Uses established lore
- Reflects campaign tone