Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="TheSword" data-source="post: 8081076" data-attributes="member: 6879661">I’d say the main useful ways of conveying plot information are...- Foreshadowing. Rumors and encounters that indicate the BBEG’s actions or intentions. Disappearances, raids, a shortage of iron etc. History repeating can also be a form of this. Perhaps historically someone had a similar plan and the BBEG is repeating this. The portal on this site was opened 100 years ago and devils roamed the land...- Residue. The empty vial of iron corroding liquid, the poisoned dagger, the muddied boots, broken window pane.- Journals and letters. These can be fragmentary and help deepen mysteries while revealing small pieces of information that together make sense. I disagree with the assumption that letters are poor. Pictures and a physical handout are definitely fun and can give a personal slant on information. Don’t forget in history letters were the only real way of communicating and journal keeping was very common. It’s a human need to preserve records of their life. Perhaps other written forms than letter are more interesting.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Research notes</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Extracts from a reference book</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A racketeering or blackmail note</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A family tree with a name scratched out,</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A drawing of a particular creature</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A recipe or schematic for a poison/magic item</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A detailed description of a person</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A schedule or itenary.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">The blueprints of a particular building.</li> </ul>- Eavesdropping. When the rogue sneaks forward instead of just scouting or attacking from ambush why not listen to what those two guards are talking about. Play Sekiro to see how effective this can be for delivering clues. “Have you heard about the prisoner in level four, I heard he broke his restraints and the boss had to call in his pet wizard.”- Freed Prisoners. Their capture, status or own information gathering can give them an insight into the enemies plan. These can be found on locale or newley escaped.- Captured foes. These can be persuaded, tricked, intimidated or just bribed (always forgotten) to pass over information - limited by their position in the organization of course.- Boasting. Yes monologuing BBEG are probably best saved for Shakespeare but a little bit of banter and bravado before a fight can go a long way.- Orders to Minions. What a BBEG demands can give a clue to their goals and plans - “take the princess to the dungeon and don’t let her out until she’s told you the password to the Griffin Gate.”- Interrogating PCs. A lot can be inferred from the questions the enemies ask the PCs if they think they have them in their power. “Who sent you, what do you know about X”- Prophesy. There are several divinations that give cryptic clues to world events. Have you got one of these ready and a suitable method of delivery?While several of these are cliche, I think a mix of all these things prevent things becoming too hackneyed and keep it fresh.</blockquote>

Verification