The 5 by 5 method

wbcundiff

I'm working with the 5 by 5 method which I discovered on Critical Hits for our upcoming campaign. I'm curious about others' experiences with the technique. Did players have any trouble dealing with multiple active plots? Did it create enough "sandbox" feel or did they still wander off the map into impromptu territory? Any cool tips or pitfalls to avoid?
Thanks.

-Bill

edit: here's a link if you haven't heard of it. http://critical-hits.com/2011/03/04/the-5x5-method-compendium/

JaymesBolton

I have never used this method but it looks like a decent way. The only issue I see with this is that it might actually railroad them if you make it too obvious (GM to Players: are you SURE you don't want to check out the abandoned warehouse over there mentioned in the letter?). The other issue is not make it too obvious that they are checking things off a list but are actually "thinking of these things on their own" (players should never know the evil plots the GM had in store for them * *evil cackle** ) or it will become predictable and anticlimactic.

Honestly use whatever method fits both your gamestyle and your group's gamestyle. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. And remember there will always be a necessity for a GM to think of their feet and improvise as their players decide to follow the fluffy white rabbit that the ranger spotted. Good luck!

-Jaymes

"Changing History":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/l5r-changing-history