February 27, 2020

B005 - Campaign Builder - Foundations: Dynamic Encounters

1 hour 24 minutes

Dynamic Encounters are encounters that have more than a single action, and add depth beyond normal Dungeons & Dragons scenarios that players have seen before. They provide an infinite number of opportunities for surprises, improv, and creative reactions by players and dungeon masters alike. In this episode, Dan and Adam discuss the following:

Dynamic Encounters:

- combat-to-combat

- combat-to-exploration

- combat-to-roleplaying

- exploration-to-combat

- exploration-to-exploration

- exploration-to-roleplaying

- roleplaying-to-combat

- roleplaying-to-exploration

- roleplaying-to-roleplaying

- skill challenges

- downtime

- party politics

Other Dynamic Encounters:

- tactics (in-combat decisions)

- strategy (out-of-combat decisions)

- planning (meta decisions)

- puzzles (environmental problem-solving)

- riddles (language problem-solving)

Takeaways:

- dynamic encounters take place in a static location, using unexpected problems and stakes to increase engagement, while maintaining the same initiative

- downtime includes quest fulfillment, shopping, crafting, drinking, making money, and building relationships, among other simple character- or world-enhancing options

- action economy and initiative can be equally important tools to have in non-combat encounters

- know who the focus of every encounter is, and give everyone a rewarding turn in the spotlight

- "No plan survives contact with the enemy." - Moltke the Elder, Prussian Field Marshall

- "Plans are worthless, but planning is everything." - Dwight D. Eisenhower, American President

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Intro/Outro Music by: Cory Wiebe

Logo by: Kate Skidmore

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