| Sometimes, a "simple" layout is just what you need as part of a more complex storyline (a web of inter-related NPCs or whathaveyou). Complex isn't always good -- from the player's side, even a little complexity can be enough to add the right level of mental challenge to the game, and what seems straightforward to the DM can seem strange and mysterious to the player.
Those illustrations are great. They could just as easily become flow-charts for urban/political adventuring.
I happen to like choke-points in adventures -- and then sections that are more free-flowing -- and then another choke-point, and so on. I guess the pattern might be -- line --> loop --> line etc.
As you say, it is fun to discover a secret that can turn a "branch" into part of a "loop." Sometimes part of a loop will be hard to navigate by typical medium-sized terrestrial humanoids (gorges/ravines, underground rivers, small tunnels for rats, etc.). A good place for those who have focused on movement-related skills (climbing, swimming) and utility magic to shine.
Last edited by EricNoah; 15th July 2006 at 03:23 PM..
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