Comments on: Reinforcement: A Simple Tool for Conveying Theme, Tone, and Flavor

By: Sewicked

Sewicked — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:14:56 +0000

I don't remember who, but someone gave me the idea of having an index card. When I spouted something off the cuff that I thought would make a could recurring element, I wrote it down. Glancing at the card would remind me of that element for me to use it again.

By: Martin Ralya

Martin Ralya — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 02:28:01 +0000

@callin - Yep -- definitely. I picked one aspect of using reinforcement in your game; keeping a finger on an overarching storyline is another great usage. @Scott Martin - That's a good point. I've had players pick up stuff I wasn't aware I was doing, and it's generally a good thing.

By: Scott Martin

Scott Martin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:44:47 +0000

This is a great tool and really does add to the illusion of depth. Also note that players will often note your unconscious repetitions (like phrasings or descriptive touches)-- when they point them out you can embrace them and reinforce them throughout, or correct your presentation if you don't mean to imply what they're reading from you.

By: callin

callin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:40:12 +0000

This can be extended to the plot level as well. Even when the characters are not resolving an adventure that directly relates to the overall plot, I still try and throw one or two reminders in about the overarching plotline. A parallel between what is happening at the time and a past encounter, “This reminds you of the time you fought the demon insects” or “While they don’t look as fierce as the demon hounds you fought last week, they still look formidible”.

My rpg blog- http://bigballofnofun.blogspot.com/