Build, Then Describe?

[pjrake]

For those that use Dungeon Tiles (or more involved terrains like Dwarven Forge or Hirst Arts), do you build the room, then describe the scene, or vice versa?

Also, for those that use miniatures, do you describe the creature, NPC, etc, then place the mini on the board, or simply place the miniature, then describe him (or just place the mini and not use any description; maybe just name the monster).

-PJ

 

[ExploderWizard]

I prefer to describe first, and place the toys later. A cool scenery piece or great mini will distract players and they might miss important detail while being preoccupied with the props.

If an area is large/complex I like to have it drawn up ahead of time so it can be slid under the plexiglass for more instant action.

Doing it the other way around can also be misleading to the players. If they enter an area and I immediately lay down the map and get minis it is a cue that combat has started. By describing everything first, "battle scene" isn't being silently shouted to the players. They have thier information and may act on it without any preconceived expectations.

The players do not need to know that I spent 2 hours drawing an awesome custom battle map. If they choose to negotiate/parley with the area's inhabitants then thats how it plays out.

 

[The Ghost]

It really depends on what the PCs are currently doing.

If I know they are going to delve a particular dungeon I will have that all set up in Dwarven Forge prior to the start of the session. I will place tables, chairs, beds, coin, etc. throughout the dungeon and then cover up the various sections with paper revealing it as the party advances. I place monsters/NPCs as the PCs enter a new area or as the wandering monster chart directs. I usually keep my descriptions short but functional.

If I do not know where they are going or what they are going to do then I will describe everything first and then build the encounter setting if it comes to combat. In this case I do not go to great effort placing items (chairs, tables, weapons, etc.) on the map but rather describe where things are and how things look.

In either case I am pretty basic with my monster descriptions. I'll place the minis and leave it at that. Sometimes I will add a little information such as these bandits are wearing red cloaks or the goblins all have yellow moons painted on their shields.

 

[ForceUser]

I use Tact-Tiles, and I really need to get out of the habit of drawing the room before I describe it. Inevitably, players pepper me with questions as I'm drawing, which makes it hard to focus and is a little annoying. I want to give detailed descriptions in a narrative way, but I usually end up piece-mealing it while I'm drawing.

 

[pogre]

I describe and towards the end I will say something like the chamber is roughly 30' x 30'. My players will quickly assemble the room, while others may ask questions. I finish the chamber up with appropriate decor and monsters and we're ready for the encounter.

We're blessed to be able to use a designated gaming room and I have a huge set of drawers full of mastermaze and Hirst Arts within quick reach.

 

[Stormonu]

Usually I set up before I describe. If possible, I have the scene set up ahead of time so I can just reveal it without delay. I try to be uniform in setting up or not setting up minis. I don't like to announce "there's something special about this room" or "this is gonna be a combat" by setting out minis only for specific rooms/events. I'm either going to do every 5' square or the players are going to have to imagine it all.

I generally do this because describing, then setting up often gets into the "no, I was over here" arguments, kills the mood waiting for the set-up or can be disruptive for a build up ("That's the mini your using for Dread Jake? Really?").

 

[Garmorn]

Neither. I describe as I draw or place monsters. It is faster and more accurate. The player know exactly what I am talking about and there is no dead time. They are doing (listening) as I setup.