Let Your Players Shape the Story with These Techniques!

Welcome, fellow DMs, to a blog post that will have you passing the storytelling baton to your players faster than you can say "Oh sh—"! This blog post is about player-driven plots, where your players aren't just part of the story—they are the story. Buckle up, because this is going to be one heck of a ride!

1. Embrace the Chaos: Player Goals

You know what's more chaotic than a pack of goblins in a chicken coop? Player goals. Each player has their own ambitions, and trying to weave them into your narrative can feel like herding cats. But fear not, brave DM! This chaos is your greatest ally.

First, sit down with each player and ask them about their character's goals. Does your rogue, Sneaky McStabberson, dream of becoming the king of thieves? Or perhaps your bard, Lute Skywalker, wants to compose the greatest ballad in the land? Jot these down and sprinkle them into your campaign like plot seasoning. When players see their goals driving the story, they'll be more invested than a dwarf in a gold mine.

2. The Backstory Buffet

Player backstories are a treasure trove of plot hooks just waiting to be exploited. And by exploited, I mean lovingly integrated into your campaign, of course.

Does your barbarian, Thog Smash, have a vendetta against the Dragon Cult that destroyed his village? Perfect! Introduce a Dragon Cult plotline and watch Thog's eyes light up with the fire of a thousand burning villages. Maybe your wizard, Merlinda Sparkle, is searching for her long-lost mentor. Drop hints and clues like breadcrumbs, leading her on a magical mystery tour.

3. Choices, Choices, Choices

If there’s one thing players love more than loot, it’s choices. Giving your players meaningful decisions is like handing them the keys to the kingdom (or the dungeon, as it were).

When the party reaches a fork in the road, don’t just decide their path for them. Ask them: “Do you want to venture into the dark, ominous forest where the trees whisper secrets, or head to the bustling town of Punsville, known for its terrible jokes and excellent pies?” Each choice should have consequences, both good and bad, that ripple through the story.

Remember, players love to feel like their decisions matter. Even if they choose to adopt a stray goblin and it turns out to be a prince in disguise (plot twist!), let them revel in the chaos they’ve created.

4. The “Yes, and...” Technique

Time to borrow a page from the improv playbook! The “yes, and...” technique is your new best friend. When a player comes up with a wild idea, instead of shutting it down, say “yes, and...”

Player: “I want to use my Mage Hand spell to tickle the dragon awake!” DM: “Yes, and as the dragon awakens, it lets out a massive sneeze that blows you all backwards. Roll for dexterity to see who lands in the goblin’s stew pot!”

By embracing and building on player ideas, you create a collaborative narrative that feels organic and, more importantly, hilarious.

5. Integrate Player Suggestions

Your players are a goldmine of creativity. Tap into this resource by regularly asking for their suggestions. During your session zero, ask them what kind of adventures they want to experience. Do they want more political intrigue, dungeon crawls, or romance (looking at you, bard)?

Keep a suggestion box (virtual or physical) where players can drop their ideas for NPCs, quests, or even plot twists. You’d be surprised at the brilliant and bizarre ideas they come up with. And the best part? When you use their suggestions, players feel a sense of ownership over the story.

6. Character Arcs: The Long Game

Character arcs are the secret sauce of any great story. Work with your players to develop long-term arcs that give their characters depth and growth.

For instance, your paladin, Sir Righteous, might start off as a strict adherent to the law, but over time, his adventures and the moral gray areas he encounters could lead him to question his beliefs. Maybe he ends up breaking the law to save an innocent, causing a crisis of faith. That’s some juicy storytelling right there.

7. The Plot Thickens: Player-Driven Conflicts

Conflict drives narrative, and nothing spices up a campaign like player-driven conflicts. Encourage players to create characters with differing viewpoints and motivations.

When your ranger, Arrow Smith, believes in protecting nature at all costs, but your druid, Leafy Green, wants to use nature’s power to dominate, you’ve got a recipe for delicious drama. Let these conflicts play out naturally, with each side having valid points and potential resolutions.

8. Cliffhangers: The Ultimate Tease

End your sessions with cliffhangers that make your players beg for more. Picture this: the party has just unlocked the door to the ancient crypt, and as they step inside, they hear a voice whisper, “You shouldn’t have come here...” Boom! Session end.

Cliffhangers keep your players hooked and excited for the next session. They also give you a week to plan what the heck that voice was and why they shouldn’t have come there.

9. Reward Creativity

Players love being rewarded for their creativity. When they come up with a clever plan or a hilarious solution, don’t just give them a pat on the back—give them in-game rewards.

Did your barbarian use an improvised weapon in a way that made everyone laugh? Maybe he finds a magical version of that weapon later on. Did your rogue come up with an elaborate heist plan? Give them an extra reward for pulling it off without a hitch.

10. Player-Driven Plot Twists

Finally, don’t be afraid to let players introduce plot twists. This can be a bit tricky, but with the right setup, it can lead to some of the most memorable moments in your campaign.

Let’s say your cleric, Holy Moly, decides to secretly form a pact with a dark entity to save the party. This twist can create tension, drama, and an epic storyline about redemption and consequences.

So there you have it, fellow DMs—ten techniques to let your players shape the story. Embrace the chaos, lean into the madness, and watch as your campaign transforms into an epic tale driven by the creativity and passion of your players. Happy adventuring, and may your dice roll ever in your favor!