Introduction to Plotrunning

This guide is currently being redone. Please refer to the PrP Policies in the meantime.

Introduction to PrPs

What is a PrP?

Player Run Plots (PrPs) are a welcome and desired series of events on this MUX. When we speak of Player Run Plots, we're speaking of any adventure or IC event that involves at least two or more players in addition to the one running the scene. This can be anything from an emitted scene of a bar room brawl to a dungeon crawl.

The system is set up in a way to encourage spontaneous plots as well as pre-planned scenarios with minimal fuss with the staff. In short, if you have an itch to run a player run plot, for the most part you're allowed to do so. There are some restrictions and guidelines in place to help keep a healthy mush atmosphere and there are also rules in place for plots that can be pre-approved for more elaborate adventure and awards.

PrPs tend to be brief adventures, though an experienced runner might span a tale over a few sessions.

Different types of PrPs

Tenebrae offers three different types of PrPs, each crafted with a different flavor, or type of story, in mind:

Plot Type	Story Flavor
Standard	Used for most any type of story, Standards may be run at any time without pre-approval, and minimal fuss.
Dramatic	If you prefer a diceless, but dramatic, storyline, this is for you.
Death-Consent	A more rare type of PrP, DC PrPs are high-tension, and require pre-approval from staff. We want to make sure you're comfortable within the setting, and know what you are doing, before running one of these.

Standard Player Run Plots (SPrPs)

Tenebrae has a system of trust that allows any willing and capable player the ability to run a Standard Plot without having to get the plot idea pre-approved. Standard PrPs (abbreviated SPrPs) are the most common type of PrP, and can be run anytime. They are not death-consent, and so are great for spending time with the community, as well as trying out new techniques and ideas.

Restrictions specific to SPrPs

• Encounters - Due to time constraints, a Player Run Plot is restricted to 2 encounters. A heavy storyline, puzzles, and solid RP can substitute for 1 encounter. Within a SPrP, you may use any creature within the B1 or B2, except dragons and creatures with the ability drain or energy drain special abilities.
• Death - If a PC ever reaches a point where they would normally die while on an SPrP, the plot runner is expected to presume the character is simply teetering on death's door and will recover following the scene's conclusion.
• Damaging Items - Items cannot be destroyed on a SPrP, and if damaged are considered to have been repaired fully at the end of the scene.
• Afflictions - Any debilitating effects that would linger past the plot's duration are cleared once it ends.

Rewards for SPrPs

• 75% XP awarded to the runner based on the runner's character level
• 75% XP and treasure (gold only) based on the challenge awarded to participants

Regardless of the encounter's Challenge Rating, rewards for participants will never exceed a certain threshold. Rewards will also often be modified to reflect such things as quality of storytelling, cooperation, behavior and so on.

The DM's role

• Crafting and telling a story
• Challenging the player characters
• Encouraging roleplay and making sure everyone has fun

Stepping into the DM's shoes

1 Crafting a story

Each plot is a brief story--even the most rudimentary "hack and slash" style plot should have an underlying tale to it. Our system is flexible enough to allow stories to be as simple or as complex as suits the need and the style of the plot you want to run, but ultimately it should all fit together and never amount to "just throwing a bunch of random monsters at the players".

Finding inspiration

You can seek inspiration in a multitude of places. Here are some of the most common:

• The Wiki - The pages detailing the world's nations, races, history or factions may catch your eye. A growing number of Nation pages have a "Plot Information" section that you may find helpful.
• The Bestiaries (1 & 2) - Many plots start with simply spotting a cool monster while browsing the books or the PRD. Each monster has an entry detailing its theme following the statistic block, which may get your creative juices flowing.
• Recent events - You're welcome to use recent events as part of your PrPs. These are found on the +bboard, and are also listed on the front page of the website. If you're unsure how far you can "push" with a particular event, page one of the staff.
• Asking around - You can ask your fellow players to share their own ideas with you, such as things they would like their characters to do or be involved in, and craft a story around the information you're given.
• Art and Stories - Fantasy art and stories are often a proverbial gold mine for inspiration.

Putting the story together

Once you've found your muse, it's time to construct a story skeleton. This step will often overlap and twine with that of creating a challenge for the player characters (see below) as you fill in all the relevant details.

There's no real step-by-step way to do this--simply let your imagination run wild. It's always a good idea to write things down as you go along.

Several important things to keep in mind as you proceed:

• Think about how your story fits into the greater game world. Although the focal point of the game is the city of Alexandria and the Alexandros region, you're welcome and encouraged to run plots anywhere in the IC world. Don't feel constrained by the landmarks detailed on the various nation pages - coming up with your own location (a town, a valley, a ruin) and nestling it in the existing world is perfectly fine and often done. If you go this route, something remote but not too remote is ideal.
• Think of a reason why your villain is doing what they are doing and why the monsters are where they are to create a cohesive storyline. Even if it doesn't end up figuring prominently into the adventure itself, it may result in roleplay later on.
• Don't plan too far ahead or write too specifically--players often won't do what you expect of them. This isn't necessarily a bad thing--the surprises are half the charm of DMing. Having a contingency plan is not a bad idea.
• Think of reasons the characters should help and get involved--have an 'adventure hook'. Different characters can have very different motivators. Money is a good bet, and a lot of PCs are assumed to be contractors of the Guild of Explorers (Alexandria's adventurers' guild), but it may not be enough for some characters. Something that often works is to make it personal (not necessarily to the point of pickpocketing the PCs or using their background - a simple NPC taunt might be enough). If the hooks you provide don't work out for someone and they feel they've no IC reason to attend your plot, work with them and try come up with one.

2 Creating a challenge

Choosing a level range

When you choose to run a plot, you'll generally need to pick a level range, as this tends to influence the type of story told. Too, it's easier to run within a certain range.

Range	Common Story Themes
Levels 2-5	Plots in this range have a down-to-earth, gritty feel. Characters are undeniably heroic, but still feel quite ordinary, with precious few powers and options in the realm of the supernatural. It is also the range of the greatest number of PCs on the game. This makes it an ideal range to start off in.
Levels 6-10	Plots in this range begin to incorporate strong magical elements and unique character abilities. Characters are still fairly limited in what they can and cannot do, but as levels advance, they start to become extraordinary.
Levels 11+	Plots in this range are in the realms of epic fantasy. Characters can often fly or reshape the environment. Challenges that may have been insurmountable at low levels (such as for example breathing underwater or getting past a well-barred door) can now be trivial, especially if the characters are aware they're coming.

Designing challenges and encounters

Generally speaking, a plot should feature some sort of challenge for the PCs to overcome. Often, the central element to this is a combat encounter, but it can also feature skill checks, obstacles or problem-solving.

The simplest way to design a combat encounter is to select a monster (or monsters) from the Bestiaries and using it as-is. Advanced runners may choose to modify existing monsters (for example, through Templates) or build foes with class levels instead. If you have never run an encounter in Pathfinder before, here is a tutorial on how to select an appropriate creature that will provide the right sort of challenge for your party.

Although you're limited to 2 encounters total, there's no limit to the CR nor number of monsters a PC group may face--use as many or as few monsters as you need to create a suitable challenge.

When designing a plot's challenges, keep in mind the following advice:

• Try make sure everyone has a way to contribute.
• Have a general idea of what the PCs can and can't do. Don't be afraid to ask for basic information like levels, classes and primary party roles.
• Have a map, even if it's rough and just for personal use.
• Be prepared for Knowledge skill checks. The Skill Descriptions section of the PRD describes how they work. You can also prepare the various bits of information you will provide beforehand and associate them with how high the check has to be for a particular information tidbit to be known.

3 Getting advice

There are players and DMs on Tenebrae who have plenty of experience. Don't be afraid to ask them for help or advice! Most will be more than happy to give you a hand with whatever you may need, or at least point you in the right direction.

4 Gathering players for the plot

There are two main methods to gather players for your plot:

• Spur-of-the-moment announcement
• Scheduling ahead of time

Both methods function well and are welcome--just choose the option which works best for you.

If you're running a specific plot for a fellow player, you can also ask them to gather others in your place if it is something the character would ICly pick their companions for. This often helps someone feel special and part of the storyline. Remember, however, that repeatedly running for the same circle of people to the exclusion of others may have you taken aside by staff, and result in a reduction of rewards.

Spur-of-the-moment-announcement

Spontaneous announcements of a plot about to take off suit runners with irregular schedules. They also ensure you fully feel like DMing and that all players who apply are actually available. The drawbacks are the much smaller number of players to pick from and inability to fine-tune the plot to the characters taking part. Continuations, if any, rely on scheduling and may be more difficult to manage.

To make a spur-of-the-moment announcement, simply state your intentions to run a plot in the OOC area of the game (the Gaming Table) and/or on the Public channel, including any relevant information. You can also post on the bboard. Advertising in more places will give you bigger chances of gathering interest--a lot of players keep the Public channel off, for example, and if you use it exclusively may not see your announcement. Players will generally page you with their interest.

Scheduling ahead of time

Using this method allows you to pick from a greater pool of players, as you won't be limited to just people online at a given time. Generally, this'll make rescheduling for any continuations easier as well. Sometimes, however, players will fail to show up despite applying, and you may need to replace them.

To schedule a plot ahead of time, make a post on the bboard. You can find posting commands by using '+help bboard' - the board where these announcements go is Plot Announcements, number 3. Make sure to include information such as level range, the date/time you intend to run the plot and anything else you consider relevant. Players will usually @mail you with their interest when using this option. Typing 'help mail' will list the commands of the @mail system.

As Tenebrae's player base spans the world, it's important to take into account time zones. The '+time' command lists the current time in several time zones around the world--be sure to always include which time zone the day/time you're scheduling for refers to.

5 Running the plot

Using the Plot Rooms

You'll be running your plot in a Plot Room. Tenebrae has five Plot Rooms, reached via the Roleplay Nexus.

Plot Rooms provide you with a Timestop for tracking initiative, as well as access to several DM-only commands, such as the ability to heal or harm PCs. Type '+prhelp' when in a Plot Room to see what these are and what they do.

Each of the five Plot Rooms also comes equipped with a dedicated channel, generally used by the players for out-of-character discussion that isn't directly relevant to you as a DM (though you may request it be used otherwise). As such, it's not strictly necessary you be on it, especially considering the potential for spam. Many DMs enjoy 'listening in' on their players, however, and a common practice to avoid spam is using a well-known alt character to keep tabs on the channel.

Before leaving a Plot Room, it's common courtesy to clear the inits. To do this, type '+cinit'.

Time management

Adventures in an online environs tend to take longer than their tabletop counterparts. Several hours free to play are required, and a second (or third) sitting might be needed to finish particularly long or involved plots.

If your plot does end up requiring a continuation, chances are very low the players involved will be around and free at the same time again without being explicitly told. From this point on, it's important to communicate with your players (@mail generally works) to find a day/time to continue that suits everyone (or the majority, if it is impossible to include everyone).

Due to the general length of plots and time zone differences, it's important to manage time wisely. Here are some tips you can use to speed up play:

• Be on time yourself, and expect your players to do the same. Unless a PC is somehow pivotal to the story or you agreed to let them join late in the first place, don't be afraid to drop no-shows after waiting a courteous 15-30 minutes.
• Have emits such as the introduction to the plot, descriptions of NPCs or locations and any mandatory exposition written beforehand, and simply tweak them as needed before using them.
• In combat, unless absolutely necessary, don't wait for a player to finish posing an action after stating it OOCly. Handle it and move on to the next person's turn. As part of this, ask players to state their actions in public (rather than paging you) whenever secrecy isn't badly needed, as other players may need to react to their actions before seeing the pose.
• In combat, ask players to try come up with an action and have it ready before their turn comes. Conditions will sometimes change and ruin the prepared actions, but doing this will still cut down thinking time some.
• Have clear and easy to reference notes on the various roll bonuses and most common combat actions of your monsters.
• Use fast forwards to keep things moving. Not everything needs to be roleplayed through in detail. If the players have stalled, nudge them along. For example, you might include in your pose that the characters had spent some time searching the room and had found only an old, rusty key and a piece of a gauntlet.
• Rules are important, but don't let a plot come to a standstill on account of them. If you don't know a rule and can't find it in reasonable time, make an on-the-spot ruling as needed. Remember to look it up after the plot for next time.

Interacting with your players

As part of running your plot, you'll obviously need to interact with the players on an OOC level. This is something that should generally go well, but problems can always arise.

Here are a few pieces of advice for dealing with some of the problems you may face:

• As the DM, for the duration of the scene, your word is law. Be careful not to abuse this--but don't be afraid to employ it as necessary, such as to quench arguments and keep things moving.
• If you face primarily OOC problems with a player, a few gentle nudges or reminders should be enough to make them stop. If the player is still unwilling to work with you or causing you problems, ask them to leave and alert staff to the issue.
• If there's conflict between characters, let them RP through it. Try help them reach a peaceful resolution as best you can. If you've no choice but to let one of the characters leave the plot, so be it--replace them if need be and alert staff to the problem.

As a plot runner, it's fine to ask for help from other players. For example:

• Delegate certain bookkeeping tasks to them. It's common to ask players to select someone to compile purchase requests before a plot, or have them track the number of rounds that have passed in combat.
• If you have a player unfamiliar with the system or theme in the group, point them at a more experienced player or at the channel and let their fellow players help them while you concentrate on the storyline. This doesn't mean you should refuse to assist--just that you likely have your hands full, and they'll probably get more personal attention, and assistance, this way.
• If you're unfamiliar with a ruling and have an experienced player in the group, don't be afraid to ask them, or staff.

The adventure

The core of the process is, of course, running the adventure. Much like in tabletop, your role as the DM is that of the narrator. You also directly control and pose for NPCs and monsters, and coordinate any combat encounters.

Here are some tips that may help you be a successful DM:

• Give players time to react to things that happen in the plot. Use fast forwards as needed to move the story along, but if RP is happening, try not to cut into it without asking.
• Encourage roleplay and character interaction. Create situations in which the characters can, and are encouraged to, roleplay with each other rather than just you.
• Have NPCs for the PCs to interact with. They're useful story elements and motivators, and helpful in encouraging roleplay. NPCs can also take over missing non-combat party roles (for example, a wilderness tracker, if the story requires one and the group lacks it). Be careful not to have them steal the spotlight, though - the story should revolve around the PCs.
• React to the actions of the PCs. Be ready to quickly adapt your story and don't be afraid to take a couple minutes to rewrite if needed.
• Reward solid roleplay and creativity. Allow the players to think outside the box, within reason. If a player's trying to do something not covered by the rules (or that nobody in the group is aware of the ruling of), feel free to make an ad hoc ruling and allow it at your discretion.
• Avoid making the players feel like they're being strung along. Players enjoy feeling like they're in charge and making important choices, so don't make it seem otherwise.
• Ask for a marching order, even if it isn't immediately or obviously relevant. It forces the players to think about their positioning in the environment and circumvents possible arguments the style of 'But I was next to person A!' later.
• In combat, call out whose turn it is. Even if aware it's their turn, players will generally wait for you to call out their name or otherwise indicate you're ready to handle their action before stating it.
• Some players may be slower than others. This is mostly relevant when in combat and is fine, as life tends to happen--but if you are waiting over 5 minutes, it may be time to skip that person and come back to them later. If you take this action, just announce it oocly.

Plot Types for Advanced Runners

Dramatic Player Run Plots (DPrPs)

A Dramatic PrP (DPrP) involves a story-focused scene or challenge where the resolution is not combat-related. Dramatics may also be ongrid events, such as the celebration of a major holiday.

DPrPs offer flexibility and the potential to include participants of wildly differing levels. They are perfect for putting together a meeting of the local druidic union, or an investigation into a crime scene.

All DPrPs must be pre-approved, and more so than other PrPs, runners may request announcements or aid from the staff. Due to their nature, however, DPrPs are also more difficult to design and run, and as such are best left for when one is more familiar with the game and its community.

Some DPrPs that have been run in the past include:

• Run, Thief, Run!
• Ancestor's Pyre
• Machinist's Grand Parade
• Gnomish Gnoodwill Festival
• Funeral for Versis
• Elven Culture Celebration (with Lady Sandiel)

DPrP rewards are:

• 200% treasure share awarded to runner for an encounter at the runner's level
• 50% XP based on character level for participants

Death-Consent Player Run Plots (DCPrPs)

If you're an experienced player-DM and have a story you want to tell that requires the drama and full risk of a staff-run scene, the Death-Consent PrP (DCPrP) is for you.

On a DCPrP, the restrictions of an SPrP are suspended--characters can die or walk away suffering afflictions, gear may be destroyed, and energy draining or ability draining monsters can be used.

DCPrPs must be pre-approved with staff before being run. Not everyone who asks will be given approval, and sometimes ideas may need to be tweaked and edited. Staff also takes responsibility for treasure rolls and may work with you regarding who the plot is aimed for, if necessary. Once the plot is approved, you may begin collecting players for it, as normal.

You must make your players fully aware a plot is Death-Consent before running it. Players have the right to refuse participation if they are not comfortable with the risks involved.

Rewards for a DCPrP are:

• 100% XP awarded to the runner based on the runner's character level
• 100% XP and treasure (including items) based on the party level awarded to participants

Things Not to Do

A PrP assumes the runner plus two individuals. It also assumes running for a variety of people, so "circle running" is not something we are looking for. PrPs should be a benefit to the community, and continually running for "friends-only" will result in a reduced award. If you've conflicts with a specific player, however, please let staff know.

PrPs should pose a challenge of some kind. For example, staff will note things such as ten CR 1 kobolds who don't use flanking. Awards and XP will be adjusted to the challenge of the adventure, as well as player cooperation, storytelling, and attitude. This isn't to say--everyone has to get along with everyone, but disruptive attitudes will be noted.

PRP DM's should not put their own characters into player run plots. We reward PRP DMs for their efforts so there is no reason to place yourself into a PRP you run. It typically creates awkward scenarios. We've tried it in the past to ill effect and this is the policy from here on out. The single exception to this rule is the Dramatic Plot. As with all PrPs, Runners shouldn't prominently feature themselves in a DPrP, though their character may be present. For example, a DPrP where other PCs follow you around on a personal quest for knowledge is a definite no. However, putting together and hosting a mage's knowledge symposium through an NPC and inviting other PCs to contribute would be okay and the type of thing we'd like to see.

When a Player Run Plot is completed, the Plot Runner has the responsibility of editing and cleaning the log and then submitting a message to the Plot Queue that a PRP is ready for review. Please be see #Sending in a Finished PrP for how to submit a PrP and guidelines for what must be included.

The CR of creatures used is up to the Runner's gauge of the party, though XP will not be given at higher than +2 the Average Party Level, no matter the circumstances. This rule exists because we are aware that our races and characters are somewhat tougher then more 'average' D&D worlds and so some things must be kept in mind to maintain a challenging atmosphere. Encounters must otherwise follow the Pathfinder guidelines, and there is a limit of 2 encounters per plot.

Plot Runners who design scenarios that cannot be won or that are logically impossible to deal with may be in risk of a breach of conduct. Plot Runners who use a scene to hi-light their own PCs are also in risk of a breach of conduct.

Sending in a Finished PrP

To submit a PrP...
Do This	Include This
Log your PrP	All poses All +rolls (all PrP rolls must be made in public, using the PrPs ingame roller) All relevent OOC chatter or comments
Post the log to the wiki*
Send in a +request (+help request)	Summary Character levels Type of PrP (Standard, Dramatic, or Death-Consent) Encounter CRs Purchases and costs Lasting effects, such as drains, that we should be aware of (DC PrPs only) Link to the PrP log on the wiki*

* Don't feel comfortable with the wiki? You're welcome to email your (formatted) log to a staffer, instead. Once a staffer claims the +request, just email the log to them. Most staff have an email listed in their +finger. Due to security concerns, we can't accept DOC/ODT, Google Docs, or similar files. Instead, and for general safety's sake, just plop the (formatted) log into an email if you choose this method.