When you're watching a TV show and a dramatic moment comes up, it's going to mean a lot more when you hear a "bang" and then instantly cut to a confused look on a character's face, than if you're treated to a wide shot of a person shooting into someone clearly. If someone steps on a landmine and you give them a "you hear the floor go click" moment, it's going to be more fun than if you just say "you take 3d6 damage".
You can use this "click" moment for your games to have players on the edge of their seats- establish the deadliness of something, know your target's defenses (Armour Class, saves, number of hit points), and announce the attack. When you declare that "a crackling beam of sheer destructive energy issues from the wizard's outstretched finger, and you recognize the disintegrate beam as it unerringly streaks across the room, homing in on... <pointing your finger at Faragorn the Ranger's player> you", you're establishing the dramatic tension and then declaring the target. It means that people are waiting to find out the outcome, rather than just hearing that it's another attack that they can make a saving throw against. You can also allow players an instant out of the initiative order for the dramatic moment when they hit 0 (or less) hit points or are subject to an attack that will take them out-, a muttered apology, a shouted warning, or a declaration of love before everything gets high-budget and would require special effects. Also posted on Game Masters Stash on 28 August 2021. Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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