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<blockquote data-quote="Henry" data-source="post: 51158" data-attributes="member: 158"><p>Hence the "matrix" idea, as proposed by both Joshua. Coming back to the idea of "only prep what you need," general responses and plots are better than ones that are specifically detailed out. You cannot, no matter HOW good you are, plan for what your players are going to do every time; even good DM's will get stumped. (I hope Piratecat can see this and comment on this one - the Defenders of Daybreak would drive me nuts!)</p><p></p><p>However, you can plan for most eventualities in broad terms, and learn to develop your skills at improvisation, being sure to take notes soon after you are done, so that you can remain self-consistent.</p><p></p><p>I once found an excellent resource on the Internet, of someone giving good tips on how to be a better DM - it contained suggestions such as "plan a hiking trip in the woods" "learn the basics of horseback riding" "read a wide variety of genres, not just fantasy" "visit a natural history museum" et cetera. It had tons of useful ideas besides these that anyone could do. Sadly, I lost the link long ago, but would love to find it again.</p><p></p><p>One interesting guide for suggestions is found at:</p><p><a href="http://members.aol.com/essuncius/cover.html" target="_blank">http://members.aol.com/essuncius/cover.html</a></p><p></p><p>While I don't agree with all his suggestions, He posts some very cogent arguments about planning ahead and "winging it."</p><p></p><p>I hope some of this is helpful.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Henry, post: 51158, member: 158"] Hence the "matrix" idea, as proposed by both Joshua. Coming back to the idea of "only prep what you need," general responses and plots are better than ones that are specifically detailed out. You cannot, no matter HOW good you are, plan for what your players are going to do every time; even good DM's will get stumped. (I hope Piratecat can see this and comment on this one - the Defenders of Daybreak would drive me nuts!) However, you can plan for most eventualities in broad terms, and learn to develop your skills at improvisation, being sure to take notes soon after you are done, so that you can remain self-consistent. I once found an excellent resource on the Internet, of someone giving good tips on how to be a better DM - it contained suggestions such as "plan a hiking trip in the woods" "learn the basics of horseback riding" "read a wide variety of genres, not just fantasy" "visit a natural history museum" et cetera. It had tons of useful ideas besides these that anyone could do. Sadly, I lost the link long ago, but would love to find it again. One interesting guide for suggestions is found at: [url]http://members.aol.com/essuncius/cover.html[/url] While I don't agree with all his suggestions, He posts some very cogent arguments about planning ahead and "winging it." I hope some of this is helpful. [/QUOTE]
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