Comments on: Dungeon World: Running a Mystery

By: John Lewis

John Lewis — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 20:12:07 +0000

A lot of GM’s are really intimidated by improvisation but I think that’s because they feel that improv is pulling together a great story out of thin air. It really isn’t. It’s about listening to your players and weaving all of the things they talk about, speculate on, and question into a story. Masterful improv isn’t making something out of nothing, it is making something awesome out of all the materials your players provide (which is much easier).
John Lewis recently posted…Dungeon World: Forget the Script

By: Phil Nicholls

Phil Nicholls — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 12:06:17 +0000

Hi John,

Great article, and a brilliant way to handle a Player-led mystery plot. Improvisation can feel quite scary, but the resulting game can be awesome.

Many thanks
Phil
Phil Nicholls recently posted…The Warlock’s Journal is Coming

By: John Lewis

John Lewis — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:38:23 +0000

@ Sam – I’ve tried to “plan” a good mystery way too many times only to have it turn out lukewarm at best. Oftentimes the mystery ends up with glaring “plot holes” that I failed to see in the design phase or because I failed to include a vital piece of information.

Using this system I can take advantage of a group of people thinking about the plot (instead of just me) and draw upon their combined creativity. In addition, the players instinctively put the pieces of the puzzle together in a way that is consistent and makes sense in their minds, which in turn eliminates plot holes and inconsistencies.
John Lewis recently posted…Dungeon World: Forget the Script

By: Samuel Van Der Wall

Samuel Van Der Wall — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 03:05:28 +0000

@ John – Great break down of how running a mystery can be done WITHOUT meticulous planning. I have always been guilty of paralysis by analysis. Trying to guess every angle that the PCs might go is incredibly time consuming and doesn’t work much of the time anyway. This way really could work 100% of the time if you can learn to go with what the players are giving you and adapt.
Samuel Van Der Wall recently posted…Dungeon World: Forget the Script