Anybody tried a campaign "Machinations Meter"?

[haakon1]

The level of planning ahead you do so that things are in motion around the PCs, in their immediate vicinity or in farther off parts of the world is up to the DM to figure out based on the speed of the game and travel.
. . .
If I am understanding and the idea is "here is what this group is doing in the foreseeable future" then just set it up so the world doesn't look like it is waiting for the PCs. Let things happen as they were intended, and let them change when the PCs cause something to interfere with that "plan". Then with the PCs there the plans change, and after the PCs leave a continue set of advanced plans for this group can be made to let you know what this group is doing at all times, should they meet up with the PCs again.

Nod. I basically do this stuff in my head for several important factions and NPC's. But I don't write down most of it, because I think of better nuances and connections and influences between PC's and NPC's actions as we go along. Plus there's the whole "if the PC's get interested in this NPC, this NPC needs more background, motivation, and plans than you originally thought of, so figure them out". And there's the "so we meet again, time to wing what the NPC has been up to, if it matters". Part of the joy of DMing is making the world seem real and dynamic.

I guess this tool might help, if it's allowed to be interactive wth the PC's interests and actions.

 

[Quickleaf]

[MENTION=81800]Durn[/MENTION] Davethegame suggests giving an event horizon some kind of looming physical presence at the table to remind the players and give them feedback about consequences of a rest. How do you see this working with your 5x5 machinations table?

 

[BriarMonkey]

This is simply a boxy, narrow timeline with a fancy name.

Am I missing something? Or, is there supposed to be more to it than that?

All my campaigns have goings on that the PCs may or may not know about. It's part of that whole "living world" thing. Sure, the PCs are heroes and all, but there are always the workings of the kingdom next door; that tribal chieftan who wants more power; or even the merchant's guild. Having the PCs walk into events helps give some realism to the world.

With this format, you are just codifying that. However, I feel that this format is just to restrictive. How are you supposed to model that threads behind the scene can interact?

Personally, I prefer something more akin to multiple timelines. These then can cross, run in different directions, or stand by themselves. Too, with a timeline, your scale can vary, which allows for elements in the now, the later, and the more later.

Just my two shekels.

 

[Ryltar]

You must spread some XP around before giving them to Iron Sky again ...

*sigh*

 

[jdrakeh]

Why don't you post on topic rather than post something "that doesn't contribute anything worthwhile" to the topic.

Why don't you take your own advice?

 

[shadzar]

Why don't you take your own advice?

You have been a mod here how long? Funny you also didn't post a thing on topic.... What a surprise.

 

[shadzar]

I guess this tool might help, if it's allowed to be interactive wth the PC's interests and actions.

Well, the accessory of old I mentioned had in part a section for events. One page Has an example of what an NPC is doing at certain times of the day.

So depending again on how much detail you want to work out for individuals, or for entire groups is all that really matters.

The systems seem the same, just a reminder of something that hasn't been published for newer gamers and newer players. Those things old timer DMs learned that the games themselves no longer teach.

ANY thing done by the players can ruin change ANY plans the DM had.

 

[jdrakeh]

You have been a mod here how long? Funny you also didn't post a thing on topic.... What a surprise.

To answer your question: I'm not a mod. That's why I asked a question (still unanswered) instead of issuing some kind of an order. I was only curious as to why you're giving advice to other posters that you, yourself, seem to be incapable of following.

 

[shadzar]

To answer your question: I'm not a mod. That's why I asked a question (still unanswered) instead of issuing some kind of an order. I was only curious as to why you're giving advice to other posters that you, yourself, seem to be incapable of following.

I wasn't giving advice, just returning snark to both of you. If you aren't a mod, most forums prefer to let mods, handle mod activities.

Don't. If someone is rude, report it. If you're rude back, you'll find yourself censured as well. We don't have much tolerance for this sort of posturing. ~ Piratecat, who is clearly in a bad mood

 

[jdrakeh]

If you aren't a mod, most forums prefer to let mods, handle mod activities.

I wasn't engaging in "mod activities" of any sort, though - All I did was ask a question. One which, I guess, you can't answer. I'll refrain from pursuing the matter further. On with the thread!