Enhancing Player Engagement in the Story of Your D&D Game
I've recently delved into various options and suggestions for different house rules for Dungeons and Dragons and other TTRPGs. One rule, in particular, caught my attention. I’ve already added this into my sessions: Declaring a Story Detail.
What is Declaring a Story Detail?
This house rule allows players to add minor story elements, enriching the narrative and enhancing player engagement. By declaring a story detail, players can creatively influence the story by adding benefits for their characters, such as having the right supplies or showing up at a crucial moment. These additions need to fit with the character’s traits and backstory and should make sense in the story and character development. The DM has the right to say no or request adjustments if the detail seems implausible or if the group finds it unconvincing. Doing that helps maintaining game balance and builds a collaborative and engaging storytelling experience.
How Does It Work?
- Point Allocation: Each player receives one point per day or game session to declare a story detail.
- Restrictions: This point cannot be used as a carte blanche to escape tricky situations.
- Character Consistency: The declared detail should fit within the character’s backstory and playstyle.
- Group Consensus: The proposed detail must make sense to all players involved.
- DM Authority: The DM has the final authority to approve or deny the suggestion.
- Encouraging Fun: If the detail enhances the story and everyone is enjoying it, embrace the idea and have fun with it.
Examples in the Game
In games examples are, players declaring that they having the exact tool needed for a task, even if it wasn't listed on their character sheet, or having a background connection with an NPC to facilitate an encounter. In my own game, a player known for dramatic and cinematic actions used their point to add a heavy chandelier hanging from the ceiling of a large hall during a fight. His plan was to cut the rope, letting the falling chandelier propel him to an upper balcony to assist his party. Everyone agreed it would be a fun addition, but I required an Athletics or Acrobatics check for him to land safely. We agreed. He failed the roll and crashed into the wall, but the entire table enjoyed the moment, laughing, and adding to our collaborative storytelling experience.
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Remember, house rules like delcearing a story detail are all about increasing the enjoyment and creativity at your table, making the game more immersive and fun for everyone involved. So, don't hesitate to incorporate them and watch your game's narrative come to life in new and exciting ways!
Oh, are some of the resources so you can have a read and have a listen to the podcast that inspired this.
https://dmofnone.libsyn.com/308-house-rules-for-all
https://fate-srd.com/fate-core/fate-points#declaring-a-story-detail
I hope this helps!
- Jesse -