When you begin creating content for your DnD games it can often seem overwhelming. That is today we will focus on the topic, attention to detail.
Attention To Detail
As Dungeon Masters we are constantly trying to create the best content for our players. And sometimes we can go a little bit overboard trying to do all we can to achieve this goal! Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, but details whether too little or too much can leave your players feeling disconnected.
My Discoveries
I have found that for my general scenes giving a descriptive that includes simple but powerful elements such as smells allows my players to not only see my world but also let’s them see it in their own way.
Working in design I have learned that no matter how well I describe something people will always see it through their own eyes. So, for me the goal is to create a visual that is easy for my players to see and quickly become involved with. It also doesn’t leave room for them to get bored as I monologue and become distracted by their phones.
Example Time:
You have entered the city’s slums. The dirt roads smell of urine as you see very few people out and about. As you move through the narrow streets you occasionally spot shady individuals in the alleys conducting various deals and occasionally giving you a side glance. After a several minutes you catch sounds of laughs and shouts in the nearby distance and as the noises get closer the smell of warm food overpowers the other smells outside. You now find yourselves in front of the battered Tavern Lucky’s Brew…
Using a description like this allows players to see a dirty filthy dark section of a city where people are possibly watching them and it helps them realize that they may need to be careful.
And that’s all you need to capture your players in that scene. I do this by pointing out smells simple details in the roads and people around them. Too much can really bog down your game and leave your players feeling like they are listening to an audio book. That doesn’t mean that lots of details don’t have their part.
When To Use More Detail
Using much deeper details is great for describing a city when the players first arrive, or a plot item that is going to have a major importance later. These detailed moments help players learn to really pay attention when it’s necessary and take note of what is truly important in the story you all are building together.
Conclusion
I hope this was helpful. If you liked this tip and want more please follow us on twitter @MindflayedMon or on Facebook to see when we post new articles. If you want to share your thoughts or you have a question please leave a comment below. Thanks for watching
