Chapter 9: Encounter Design

Encounters are a key component of any roleplaying game, and Battle Masters need to be able to design encounters that are both challenging and engaging for their players. This chapter will provide Battle Masters with the knowledge and tools they need to create a variety of exciting and rewarding encounters for their players.

Encounter Phases in Tabletop RPGs: A Dynamic Cycle

Tabletop RPG encounters, regardless of their specific type or setting, generally follow a common structure that guides the flow of gameplay and player interaction. This structure can be broken down into three main phases:

Phase 1: Setting the Scene

This initial phase is where the Battle Master (or Game Master) sets the stage for the encounter, providing players with the necessary context and information to make informed decisions. Key elements of this phase include:

Description and Atmosphere: The Battle Master paints a vivid picture of the environment, using sensory details to immerse players in the scene. This includes visual descriptions of the surroundings, sounds, smells, and even the overall mood or atmosphere.
Introduction of NPCs and Objectives: Any relevant non-player characters (NPCs) are introduced, along with their roles, motivations, and potential interactions with the players. The Battle Master also outlines the encounter's objectives, whether it's defeating enemies, solving a puzzle, gathering information, or navigating a social situation.
Initial Player Positioning and Resources: The Battle Master clarifies the starting positions of the player characters (PCs) and any available resources, such as equipment, spells, or allies. This establishes the initial Status Effects of the encounter.

Phase 2: Player Choices and Actions

This phase is where the players take center stage, making decisions and taking actions based on the information presented in Phase 1. Key elements of this phase include:

Strategic Planning and Discussion: Players discuss their options, weigh the risks and rewards, and formulate a plan of action. This often involves considering their characters' abilities, the environment, and the objectives of the encounter.
Role-Playing and Skill Checks: Players may engage in role-playing interactions with NPCs, attempting to persuade, deceive, intimidate, or gather information. Skill checks, such as those for perception, sense motive, or diplomacy, may be required to determine the success or failure of these actions.
Combat and Tactical Maneuvers: If the encounter involves combat, players will choose their characters' actions, such as attacking, defending, casting spells, or using special abilities. Tactical positioning, teamwork, and resource management are crucial in this phase.

Phase 3: Resolution and Consequences

This final phase is where the Battle Master adjudicates the players' actions, describes the outcomes, and introduces any consequences or follow-up events. Key elements of this phase include:

Outcome Description: The Battle Master describes the results of the players' actions in vivid detail, including successes, failures, and any unexpected twists or turns.
Reward and Progression: If the players achieve the encounter's objectives, they may receive rewards such as experience points (given later on), treasure, new items, or story-related information. This contributes to their characters' progression and the overall narrative of the campaign.
Transition to Next Encounter or Scene: The Battle Master smoothly transitions to the next encounter or scene, building on the events of the previous one and maintaining the momentum of the story. This could involve a new location, a change in objectives, or the introduction of new NPCs.

Types of Encounters

There are four main types of encounters that players might face:

Combat Encounters are the most common type of encounter. They pit the players against one or more opponents in a battle.
Social Encounters allow players to interact with NPCs and learn more about the world.
Exploration Encounters challenge players to explore a new area and find clues for treasure.
Puzzle Encounters require players to use their problem-solving skills to overcome a challenge.

Creating Engaging Encounters

There are a few things that Battle Masters can do to create engaging encounters:

Make the encounters relevant to the story. Encounters should tie into the larger narrative of the campaign. This will help players feel more invested in the game.
Vary the types of encounters. Don't just have a bunch of combat encounters. Mix in social, exploration, and puzzle encounters to keep things interesting.
Challenge the players. Encounters should be challenging, but not impossible. Players should feel like they are in danger, but they should also be able to overcome the challenges.
Reward the players. Players should be rewarded for their success in encounters. This could include gaining experience points, treasure, or new items.

Balancing Encounters

It is important to balance encounters so that they are challenging but not impossible. The following factors should be considered when balancing encounters:

The number of players. The more players there are, the more difficult the encounter should be.
The level of the players. Higher-level players should be able to handle more difficult encounters.
The composition of the party. A party with a balanced mix of classes and abilities will be able to handle a wider variety of encounters.

Incorporating Story and Setting

Encounters can be used to further the story and develop the setting. Battle Masters can do this by:

Placing encounters in locations that are relevant to the story.
Having encounters with NPCs that are important to the story.
Using encounters to introduce new plot elements or themes.

Running Sessions and Encounters

Once an encounter has been created, it is important to run it effectively. The following tips can help Battle Masters run engaging and exciting encounters:

Set the scene. Describe the environment and the situation in detail. This will help players get a feel for the encounter and prepare them for what is to come.
Use sound effects and music. Sound effects and music can help to create a more immersive experience for players.
Encourage player participation. Don't just tell players what to do. Give them the opportunity to make decisions and influence the outcome of the encounter.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan. Be prepared to adjust the encounter on the fly if necessary.

When balancing encounters in Demayth, Battle Masters should consider the following factors:

The number of players: The more players there are, the more difficult the encounter should be.
The level of the players: Higher-level players should be able to handle more difficult encounters.
The composition of the party: A party with a balanced mix of classes and abilities will be able to handle a wider variety of encounters.
The strengths and weaknesses of the party: Consider the specific strengths and weaknesses of the party's classes and abilities when designing encounters.
The environment: The environment can have a significant impact on the difficulty of an encounter. For example, an encounter in a dark, enclosed space will be more difficult than an encounter in an open field.
The story: The encounter should be appropriate for the story and setting of the campaign.

By considering these factors, Battle Masters can create encounters that are challenging but not impossible, ensuring that players have a fun and rewarding experience.

To create engaging encounters in Demayth, Battle Masters can:

Make encounters relevant to the story: Tie encounters to the overarching narrative to increase player investment.
Vary encounter types: Mix combat, social, exploration, and puzzle encounters to maintain interest.
Challenge the players: Design encounters that are difficult but not insurmountable, providing a sense of danger and accomplishment.
Reward the players: Offer experience points, treasure, or new items for successful encounters.

Battle Masters can utilize encounters to enhance the story and setting in Demayth by:

Strategic Placement: Designing encounters in locations that hold significance to the ongoing narrative. This connects the action to the broader story.
Meaningful Interactions: Introducing NPCs who play key roles in the plot. These encounters can reveal crucial information, create alliances or conflicts, and deepen player engagement with the world.
Thematic Exploration: Using encounters to introduce or reinforce important themes or plot elements. This adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the campaign.

Remember, these tips are just a starting point. The most important thing is to be creative and have fun!

Encounter Example: The Ambush in the Whispering Woods

Phase 1: Setting the Scene

The Battle Master describes the scene: "As you venture deeper into the Whispering Woods, the air grows thick with an eerie silence. The sunlight barely filters through the dense canopy of ancient trees, casting long shadows that dance and twist on the forest floor. A sense of unease settles upon the party, as if unseen eyes are watching your every move."

The Battle Master introduces the objective: "Your mission is to deliver a sealed message to the Elven Enclave hidden within the heart of the woods. However, rumors of goblin activity in the area have raised concerns about the safety of your journey."

The Battle Master clarifies the starting positions: "The party is currently following a narrow, winding path through the woods. Dense undergrowth lines both sides of the path, limiting visibility and movement."

Phase 2: Player Choices and Actions

The players discuss their options: "Should we proceed cautiously, keeping a lookout for potential ambushes? Perhaps we should try to scout ahead or find a more defensible position."

The players decide to proceed cautiously, with one player taking the lead and the others staying close behind.

As the party moves forward, the Battle Master calls for a Perception check from the lead player. The player rolls a natural 20!

The Battle Master describes the outcome: "Your keen eyes notice a subtle disturbance in the undergrowth ahead. A group of goblins, armed with crude weapons, is lying in wait, ready to ambush the party!"

The players react quickly, drawing their weapons and preparing for battle.

Phase 3: Resolution and Consequences

The Battle Master initiates combat, describing the goblins' surprise attack and the ensuing chaos.

The players roll initiative and take turns battling the goblins. The Battle Master describes the blows exchanged, the spells cast, and the tactical maneuvers employed.

After a fierce struggle, the players emerge victorious, defeating the goblins and securing the path ahead.

The Battle Master describes the aftermath: "The goblins lie defeated, their crude weapons scattered on the forest floor. The path ahead is clear, but the encounter has left the party shaken and wary. The Whispering Woods hold many dangers, and the Elven Enclave is still a long way off."

The Battle Master transitions to the next scene: "As you catch your breath and tend to your wounds, you hear a rustling in the undergrowth behind you. A lone figure emerges from the shadows, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. 'Who are you,' the figure asks, 'and what business do you have in these woods?'"

The encounter has concluded, but its consequences will linger, shaping the party's journey and their interactions with the inhabitants of the Whispering Woods. The players have gained valuable experience, but they have also learned that the path ahead is fraught with peril. Their adventure continues, and the mysteries of Demayth await.