Tag Archives: linear adventures

The Grand Campaign, Dungeon Master Gear, Fourth Edition D&D, and Other Reactions From the Comment Section

Posted on June 26, 2018 by David Hartlage

I’m ready for another trip into the comment section. The Grand Campaign My post on the grand campaign prompted a couple of commenters to tell of their long-running grand campaigns. Michael “Chgowiz” Shorten’s game has run more than 10 years. Rick … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D fourth edition, Dungeon master's tools | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Are the Authors of the Dungeon & Dragons Hardcover Adventures Blind to the Plight of DMs?

Posted on March 20, 2018 by David Hartlage

Adventure paths reveal their linear design in the name: They follow a path. In a linear adventure every play group follows the same plot thread, through the same scenes, to the same conclusion. For adventure creators, linear adventures bring advantages. … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D fifth edition, Role-playing game design | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

5 Situations That Tempt Every Dungeon Master to Railroad Their Players

Posted on February 27, 2018 by David Hartlage

If you believe countless Dungeon & Dragons adventure reviews, nothing ruins an scenario as quickly as a linear design. In a linear adventure every group follows the same plot thread, through the same scenes, to the same conclusion. At best, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Do Dungeons & Dragons Players Hate Linear Adventures? Not When DMs Avoid Two Pitfalls

Posted on February 13, 2018 by David Hartlage

A linear adventure is written, or at least planned, so every play group follows the same plot thread, through the same scenes, to the same conclusion. In Dungeons & Dragons, linear dungeons set the pattern, with walls and doors that … Continue reading →

Posted in Advice, Role-playing game design | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments