**1:20 The importance of pacing** **3:40 What IS pacing?** Timing scenes vs. timing within scenes. A player’s responsibility as well - be aware, things need to end. **6:35 The basic structure** Opening , complication, climax and denouement. More on dramatic structures: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dramatic_structure **10:15 Planning ahead** Uri’s example of planning by pace: * Slow opening scene for character introduction * Quick action scene to make everyone work together * Slow horror scene of exploration * Dramatic scene of revealing the villain * Quick action scene of life and death battle * Slow scene of repercussions and closing loose ends. Notice that this plan has nothing to do with the mechanics, setting, and in some cases, the genre of the game. There is an excellent improv exercise called "a story in 7 steps". This is a narrative exercise that helps us create logical stories. 1. There once was a… 2. Everyday it would… 3. Until one day… 4. As a result… 5. As a result… 6. As a result… 7. And ever since then… A variant of this exercise: http://improvencyclopedia.org/games//Story_Spine.html **16:00 What to prep** Dig deeper: [What’s Included in Minimum Prep](http://www.uptofourplayers.com/2017/09/whats-included-minimum-prep/) What to prepare ahead of time: A scene takes between 30 minutes to an hour and a half, according to its role. Figure out what’s the role. For each scene, at least figure out the background (where and when) and what’s interesting in it (can be used for complications), and how it’s supposed to end - that is, connect to the next scene. Have loose threads to retroactively justify. Use a clock, and look at it periodically. Because looking at a phone might seem rude, either tell everyone beforehand why you’re doing it, or have a clock. **24:50 Extending or shortening scenes** Make it organic. Tie whatever happens into the game, build on what you have already established. **28:45 Extending or shortening combats** The chief’s wife resurrects him. The goblins run away. The bodyguard’s wound was a lot worse than it seemed. The dragon reveals its true form. The earth shakes, the weather changes, the ships drift apart. Article in Ensider about [creating evolving boss battles](https://www.patreon.com/posts/behold-my-true-15934987), using the bloodied condition. See our first episode: “[Better Battles](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/35a558edec85c6/)” **34:35 Creating transitional scenes** To lengthen the session. You can always add the following: Character development (and NPC reveals something new about themselves or you, and you can talk about it), world building (a cop stops you and you learn something new and interesting about the world), building atmosphere toward the next scene. [13th Age](http://site.pelgranepress.com/index.php/category/products/13th-age/)’s excellent travel college, we talked about it in [episode 3](https://dwarves.podiant.co/e/35b01984be7a3e/). **39:45 Controlling the pace through the players** Use rolls to provide information or the current situation in the game world. Use descriptions of the environment to push or stop progress. Hint at the next logical step: “Well, we’re finished here, are you going back to the princess?” **45:00 Finishing comments** [We did a year (well… two months) summary](https://dwarves.podiant.co/b/35d0df05c3ecd2/). **Taking the load off** Uri: [NPCs by Drew Hayes](https://www.amazon.co.uk/NPCs-Drew-Hayes/dp/1499307713?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=ontheshoofdwa-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=810534a1b9c742e4ed18f4d18b4c3e64&camp=1634&creative=6738). Eran: Started reading [Genesys](https://www.fantasyflightgames.com/en/news/2017/6/27/genesys/). Getting ready to check out the new Archway branch of the [RP Haven club](http://www.rphaven.co.uk/).