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Message: <blockquote data-quote="shilsen" data-source="post: 3438669" data-attributes="member: 198">I absolutely hate railroading, as a player and as a DM, but I like overarching plots. So what I do is start a campaign with absolutely no overarching plot, probably making the first session focused on an interesting combat ("Roll initiative" is now my favorite way to start a campaign) and introducing the flavor of the specific campaign. And in the second and third sessions, I'll throw out half a dozen very different plot hooks. Whatever the PCs decide to follow is then the direction for the game. Every 5-6 sessions, I'll continue to put things in there which may turn into plot hooks if the PCs follow them, and about every dozen sessions, throw in another half a dozen plot hooks. Also, on a metagame level, I explicitly tell my players there is absolutely no direction they cannot go. So, the direction for the campaign is dictated purely by the PCs' choices and actions. Simultaneously, I try to create overarching plots by working backwards. I take the decisions the PCs have made, their individual backgrounds, and their various motivations, and weave connections between them, until I have a functional overarching plot going. The big advantage of the above approach is that it lets me have both of my preferences, even if they seem contradictory. It also makes the players (and PCs) feel like their actions and choices are relevant, both in the sense of being the driving force for the campaign, and also because they are part of a bigger picture (i.e. the overarching plot). The downside, though I've never had problems with it, is that it requires significant flexibility and willingness to think on one's feet. Technically, another downside is that I'm adding meaning to things later, but as long as I'm internally consistent, I don't think that's any problem.The result is definitely worth the effort, at least for me. I've done it in one 2 year campaign and have been doing it quite successfully in the campaign in my sig (just entered its 3rd year), and that's the approach I'll continue to use, unless I can come up with a way to improve on it.P.S. Only ever actually plan a session ahead. Anything more than that is asking to have some of your work wasted. Have ideas in your head, but don't put anything down on paper (or computer).</blockquote>

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