We discuss puzzles and traps in episode 14. This ended up being longer than we expected so we split this up into two parts. We go over what we thing about puzzles in the game. We also go over what we think are good uses and bad uses with a few examples. Yes we are out of episode order but that is being corrected, LOL.
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https://linktr.ee/nerdandsonpod
Who are we?
We are just a couple of nerds who enjoy the game. Ralph, who has been running games, and Conner, who has watched his father run the games and who has ventured out into the world to run some of his own. Together we talk about our passion for role playing and some of our adventures along the way.
Please enjoy this journey with us.
Show Notes:
What do we think of puzzles?
Not really a fan, it’s very mathematical, pass/fail that requires a lot of work on the dm’s part to make interesting, especially if you don’t run dungeons too often. Feelsbadman.jpeg
DMG Pg. 120
Mechanical and magic traps:
Mechanical: Perception check to spot, Investigation to figure out, Dexterity (Thieves’ Tools) to disarm
Magical: Arcana (or detect magic) to spot, arcana or dispel magic to disarm
Xanathars Pg. 113
Traps
Campaign riddle- like a treasure map- not stopping the game.
Puzzle and Traps the same? Same concept?
Why to have a puzzle in a game
What is a puzzle?
Reasons?
Use books or supplements - examples
What is a good Puzzle?
Challenge character not player - (math genius playing a barbarian)
What is a bad Puzzle?
Converted puzzles
Logic
Math equations
Puzzles players can not figure out
Know when to give clues
Do not keep clues gated behind a skill check
Design
Make sense with the game
Know what your players can do
Mage hand
Number of players
Zone of truth
Know your game
Local with props
Theater of the mind
Players look at thing differently after first puzzle
Players know what to expect going forward.
Types of puzzles?
Video game - skyrim
Environmental
Something to protect
Physical
Map pieces
Puzzle pieces - 30 piece explain
One off
Abstract - multi game
Mystery - Clue
Security
Traps
10’ pole
Good Traps
Makes sense for place
Bad traps
Just to punish players
Players can not figure out
Encounter Corner
Letter E
