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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BookTenTiger" data-source="post: 8469712" data-attributes="member: 6685541">I've been thinking a lot about Plot Points, a House Rule in the Dungeon Master's Guide.Here's a quick summary of the DMG's version of Plot Points:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Each player gets 1 Plot Point, and may spend 1 Plot Point per session</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Once all players use their Plot Points, all players regain 1 Plot Point</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Option 1: Plot Points can be spent to add a true element to a plot or setting (such as a secret door or NPC)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Option 2: When a player uses a Plot Point, another player adds a complication (that secret door had a magical trap)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Option 3: Whoever spends a Plot Point becomes the DM until another player spends a Plot Point</li> </ul>In my continual efforts to increase player involvement in narration, I want to use Plot Points in my campaign. However, for my particular players, they could use a more discreet and codified list of things to use Plot Points for. I also would like to expand Plot Points to be useable in combat.Here are my goals for Plot Points:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Plot Points should encourage players to add to the setting and narrative.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Plot Points should help characters feel connected to the world.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Plot Points should add fun elements to battles and adventuring environments.</li> </ol>So here's what I'm thinking. I would love some ideas from you as well!Plot Points: Each player (and the DM) gain 1 Plot Point as the start of a session. A player (and the DM) may have no more than 3 Plot Points at any time.Spending Plot Points:A player may spend a plot point to:Add to a Settlement<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A special shop (magic smithy, library, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A training school</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">An allied institution (a temple, a barracks, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Etc.</li> </ul>Create an NPC<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A helpful expert</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">A family member</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">An easily-captured enemy</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Etc.</li> </ul>Add to the Battlefield<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Create cover (large tombstones, fallen tree, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Create helpful elements (a blazing fire, a pool of water, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Create a distraction (a storm, a stampede, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Etc.</li> </ul>Create a Truth About the Setting<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Add to an environment (the forest has deer with golden antlers, the desert has naturally-occurring gems, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Create an organization (an order of knights, a merchant's guild, etc)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Establish historical lore</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Etc.</li> </ul>Using Plot PointsSometimes Plot Points are used when players come up with the idea; other times, they can be activated by DM Prompts. Plot Points should always be resolved through collaboration: other players and even the DM should offer up ideas.Here are some examples:DM: As you step into Wheatfield, you see the town is made up of a large meeting hall surrounded by farms and golden fields of wheat.Player 1: I'd like to spend a Plot Point to add a Temple of Gond.DM: Great! Tell me more about this temple.Player 1: It's on the opposite side of the main square from the Hall. In fact, the Master of the Hall and the Head Priest of Gond compete for control of the town.Player 2: I like the idea that it's got a market in front of it, displaying the crafts that members of the temple make.DM: Sounds good. You see across from the Great Hall a large Temple to Gond, a craft market spread out in front of its doors...DM: The path through the Webwood is lined by thick trees, the branches heavy with the abandoned webs of spiders.Player 2: My ranger wants to look for tracks. What kinds of animals are here?DM: Go ahead and make a Survival Check. [Sees results.] Okay, you see there are giant spiders as well as the small boot tracks of goblins.Player 3: Does it look like there are any predators that hunt the giant spiders?DM: If you spend a Plot Point, absolutely!Player 3: Okay, what if there are ankhegs that come up and grab the spiders when they touch the ground?DM: You see the burrow marks of ankhegs.The DM's Plot PointsOne idea I have is that the DM has Plot Points too. However, the DM can only spend Plot Points to add complications to a truth established by another player's Plot Point. Furthermore, when the DM spends Plot Points, they give the Plot Point to one of the players (either the player spending a Plot Point, or another player who comes up with an idea).For example:DM: More orcs pour into the temple's atrium, charging with a thunderous war cry.Player 4: I'd like to spend a Plot Point to have one of those columns crack and fall across their path, creating a barrier.DM: Absolutely, very cool. The column, holding the ceiling up for centuries, suddenly fractures at the rumbling of this stampede, and falls across the floor, cracking the massive tiles. I'm going to spend a Plot Point as well and say these other columns aren't going to last long! In fact, at the top of each round of combat there's a 25% chance of another column falling! [Hands a Plot Point to Player 4]Player 1: I'd like to spend a Plot Point to say that my cleric has a brother who lives in town.DM: Great! I want to spend a Plot Point to add some complication to this relationship... Anyone have an idea?Player 2: Oh, what if your brother worships a different god, and you've never really gotten along?DM: I love it. [Hands Plot Point to Player 2]Player 1: The last thing my mama said to me was, "Make peace with your brother..."So those are my ideas. Here are things I would love to get feedback on:Have you ever used Plot Points (or something similar)?Do you have any more ideas for how players could spend Plot Points?Do you feel like a list like this would help players use Plot Points in productive ways?What other ideas do you have?</blockquote>

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