tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post434622345184867469..comments2024-01-06T04:13:41.492-07:00Comments on A Paladin In Citadel: Eye Contact Is ImportantAaron E. Steelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07789462075611254929noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post-29579338950862600022010-11-22T15:51:37.683-07:002010-11-22T15:51:37.683-07:00I tried drawing situations rather then the boxed t...I tried drawing situations rather then the boxed texted method, but it didn't work so well.LoneIslanderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03162172122869453950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post-83017552802805152042010-11-22T13:15:03.209-07:002010-11-22T13:15:03.209-07:00If there's something to be fought immediately,...If there's something to be fought immediately, I give a terse description of the room (with workman's prose) and draw their attention to the monsters. <br /><br />Then, afterward, if someone wants a more detailed description (or if there's something immediately interesting that would draw their attention), I'll give it to them.<br /><br />Usually, boxed text doesn't bother me overmuch (or my players). I am actually able to read the text out loud and keep their attention well enough. I read in a dramatic tone, anyway, so that plus eye contact and dramatic pauses are enough to make it work.<br /><br />I just don't read huge sections without paraphrasing. If a scene can't be described in 30 seconds or less, then it's probably too long to be read out loud. I'm not reading them a bedtime story or anything. ;)Eric R. Wirsinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04632409261940844934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post-40081374293303764112010-11-22T13:12:30.307-07:002010-11-22T13:12:30.307-07:00I don't object to boxed text unless the follow...I don't object to boxed text unless the following take place:<br /><br />1. The text is poorly written such that the delivery for the average joe leads to a disaster.<br /><br />2. There's reading and then there's delivering. Monotone reading I can do without, exciting delivery - all good.Kiltedyaksmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03462341093016199620noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post-13236075664333796872010-11-22T12:25:50.138-07:002010-11-22T12:25:50.138-07:00Some really great insights. Sounds like you came ...Some really great insights. Sounds like you came to the same solution as me, with regards the one-page dungeon format.Aaron E. Steelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07789462075611254929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4891509519427970698.post-79085135711118888362010-11-22T12:18:10.583-07:002010-11-22T12:18:10.583-07:00I agree totally on "boxed-text". when I...I agree totally on "boxed-text". when I first started writing adventures for players I'd always include a hefty block of description written in a (what I thought at the time) gloriously descriptive faux-pulp style. <br /><br />It was boring for my players, it was boring for me, I stumbled trying to read it out with dramatic flow, and most importantly it gave a video game-esque "cut scene" feel to the session, which drained any feeling of urgency and halted the pace.<br /><br />Being able to draw helps me a lot as I often draw features and furniture directly onto my dungeon maps- not only does it aid description and cut down on written notes, it's handy for when a fight takes place, as I can just draw a scaled up version straight on the battle mat.<br /><br />I also annotate sound effects and sensory information or even metagame "tone" notes by the sides of corridors (eg OMINOUS FEELINGS) <br /><br />I don't think I'd even be able to make use of something like the one page dungeon format at all if it wasn't for using these methods in conjunction. I suppose a downside is that even though I am quite neat, my maps would be near incomprehensible to anyone else using them! <br /><br />I also agree, though, that most obvious information shouldn't have to be pried out of the DM. The PC's aren't walking around wearing goggles of smoked glass and earplugs!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com