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Message: <blockquote data-quote="MoutonRustique" data-source="post: 7475642" data-attributes="member: 22362">My general take on it is this : 3 per significant goal (as a rule of thumb)While this may look like the "delve system", in some ways it is, but in an other (important) way, it's the opposite.The basic idea is this :1- you have one combat* that's related to approaching2- you have one combat* that's related to overcoming the main obstacles3- you have the finale* The asterix here is important. One of the worst things about 4e modules is their presentation of "combat encounters". The language strongly leads a DM to assume this must be a combat. There are gajillizions encounters that state : "The monsters charge as soon as they see the PCs. They all fight to the death."... It's hard thinking of a worse way to present an encounter than this...It's very formulaic - but, for my group, it's become the sort of predictability you have from a good TV show : you know you're at point X of the episode and Y is certainly around the corner, but it's more anticipation than "predictable".So usually : - opening situation (often pretty free-form)- skill challenge (often pretty free-form) to get a handle on things, research, hide to get a breather, etc.- encounter (with opposition that will probably result in combat - but no door is closed)- skill challenge (often travel, or more resource obtainment from new info gained)- encounter (see above)- skill challenge (final traps, preparations - this one is often incorporated into the finale)- finaleThe skill challenges are almost always very loose affairs - but I use this presentation to write my things, or alter modules since it's easy to understand the flow and intent.As a very simple example : Kobolds are attacking villagers- get clues, figure out why the attacks are happening, where the kobolds are from- kobold encounter during the traveling part- the kobolds have access to much better tech than they should have, what's up with that? Also, must find the real source (old cave system adjacent to abandoned lumber mill)- kobold encounter (the whole cave system - not a room, the cave)- again, better the tech (the mill bits are an upgrade, but not enough), more clues - figure out that the kobolds are minions of gnome tinkerer near town (that bastard!)- deal with gnome tinkerer</blockquote>

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