This is one of the most useful and often difficult skills for a GM to master. Side note, I believe chitin is pronounced KITE-in and chitinous would be KITE-in-us. But TIL it's mah-tree-YO-shka, not mah-TROY-shka, so thank you. Great vid!
Well, this couldn't have come at a better time. I just picked up my first adventure-writing gig and my first thought was to check The Alexandrian's videos on reaction points and Matryoshka Clues. Lo and behold you've got an equally salient video out minutes before I checked.
Man, I need high level advice! Advanced knowledge is appreciated. Two groups, same home brew setting, different directions each week. I’m exhausted!! They tear through material relentlessly.
There is a similar tool in writing, where you think of the scene as a pyramid of description. In the first part of the scene, you set the essential foundation (just like your essential details). Then as the scene unfolds, you build upon that foundation, until at the climax you reach the point of the pyramid. Amazing vid as always, Justin.
Thanks! I really like that pyramid approach. I'll have to think about that. I've been thinking about pyramids quite a bit lately (with Conspyramids and Vampyramids).
Another technique I use when describing a scene/room is to ask the players to fill in with details. If it doesn’t go against the plot it is added. This way the memory of the game is more vivid. It is storytelling made together as friends.
Would add that occasional repetition of basic details/features (particularly for locations) helps distnguish one from another ... this city has steep streets on its hilly ridge, the characters are walking up or down all the time. This one rainy with muddy paths... etc
That is a great tip! Definitely should have been in the video! Similarly, recapping in action-packed scenes can really help the players keep track of the scene by reinforcing their mental picture. GM: Jean hits the orc. GM: Okay, just after Jean hits the orc, Sabine runs across the room. She ends up over by the bookcase. GM: The orc with the mohawk runs over to Sabine, who's standing by the bookcase. He slams into her, knocking her back into shelf. Books tumble to the ground. GM: Okay, so Jean hit the orc over by the door. Then Sabine ran across the room, chased by the orc with the mohawk who slammed her into the bookcase. Tom, what are you doing?
Genuinely life changing advice! I discovered the 3 of 5 rule on your blog years ago, and in addition to improving my GMing, I also use the rule every day for writing fiction! Super stoked for your book :D
Often, less is more when it comes to describing monsters, once the players know what they are looking at. The GM should be efficient and include only the most evocative details in their descriptions. Remember that describing the scene is a one-way street, so the players can't really act effectively until it is done. Learn to set the stage quickly, shut up, and let the players fill the space with their own meaningful actions.
An amazing video. It clearly shows why some descriptions stand out more than others. The concept of movement and purpose in your description never occurred to me, but it makes so much sense why it works.
@@TheAlexandrian I'll be using this from now on. Not only for DND but for my writing projects too. This just puts things into perspective for me, how language can be so flexible but also so potent. I always thought metaphors were the pinnacle of describing things, but The Verb Rule completely crushes that notion. Really happy I found this channel.
Excellent tips! Engaging the senses is a technique I've been using for years. It really sets the tone (no pun intended), especially for rooms with important details. Once again, Justin has the best calls to action on YT.
I love you videos and wise, constructive submission of information, honey for ears and mind. Thank you. You chanel is golden cave for gms. Also I like your opening and ending scatches and funny wording very much. Keep doing these videos!
@@TheAlexandrian I’m a red box kid (82’) that still plays with the high school guys as well as our sons! St.Louis Park is home base, local guys (old Arnison players) liked your stuff.
"Performance enhancing" (cuts to a scene of a big sexy demon wide stancing at the mini approaching them) We truly lost so much culture when the Lighthouse of The Alexandrian burned.
Absolutely love this video, but a couple things hit me while watching it not really related to the topic at hand specifically: 1. I can't believe you've been at this youtube thing for 2 years now. Been here since day 1 and you've always given me so much to think about, and I really appreciate how concise and on point your videos are. You always manage to put so many ideas out there, while giving examples of each one, and somehow you still manage to keep your videos a decent length. I've had a healthy appreciation for your content from your website, and your remixes of the official 5E modules, but these general tips videos are truly inspiring. 2. I love that shirt so much, and I want one so bad. haha As a trans woman, it's nice to see subtle but affirmative proof that there are allies out there, and people who don't hate us.
trans D&D shirt looks very cool, gonna get me one that isn't made by WoTC lol e: fantastic video, love picking 2-3 senses out of the 5 for my locations. I spend way too much time on that and wear myself out. thank you
