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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lanefan" data-source="post: 8708707" data-attributes="member: 29398">In tandem with these I'd add something like "Account for some basic or obvious "what-ifs".  What if the PCs approach from the other direction.  What if the PCs have flight ability.  What if the PCs don't do what you-the-writer expects them to do. (corollary here: are you-as-writer expecting a certain outcome; if yes, allow for other possibilities)  Etc.  Here is one case where it can be best to err on the side of overkill; where writing too much is better than not writing enough, such that a DM isn't left floundering should the PCs not follow the script.A few other general notes that I didn't see:--- Write in brief and practical terms.  Remember a DM often has to be able to reference and parse this stuff on the fly quickly and easily.  Point form is always better than flowery prose.--- In any area or encounter write-up, write the descriptions in the sequence most likely to be encountered by the PCs, i.e. in the sequence the DM is going to need them.  For example, if there's monsters waiting in ambush behind the door write up the monsters and combat first, then the room description and treasure etc.; but if the monsters are hidden e.g. the chest of drawers is a Mimic, write up the room descriptions etc. first and then the monster/combat stuff.  Don't tie yourself to always using the same sequence.--- proofread to ensure the map and room write-ups agree on things like directions, dimensions etc. (so many times I've seen the map say it's in 5' squares and the dimensions given in the write-ups assume 10' squares; or worse, bear little or no relation to the map at all...)--- on the maps, always show which way doors open* and always show which way is up and down on stairs, preferably by actually using the words "up" and "down" or "top" and "bottom" somewhere.* - one module I have here (I forget which one right now) has in it "Unless stated otherwise, door handles and hinges are on the left".  Think this through for a moment... <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

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