The Plot Thickens…

Okay, our topic for today is Plot Layering.  This can be pretty much described as arranging plot hooks so that they exist on multiple levels on any given time.  It’s a tricky thing, and sometimes a GM has to make sure that the players know that there might be more than one thing going on at once just to keep them from crossing wires and associating clues or details from one thing to another.

Why layer plots?

Because sometimes events don’t wait to happen one after another.  Much like in real life, we characters don’t usually enjoy the benefit of going up against one crisis first, before the next one happens.  As a GM this is a tricky stunt to pull off, but there’s a lot to be said about keeping players on their toes.  One reason to do this is to ratchet up the tension to ever increasing levels, without necessarily escalating the threat.

Considerations:

• Deadlines – Events and situations can end with or without player interference.  As such, prepare a rough window of opportunity wherein a player may still affect the outcome.  Sometimes, people can arrive too late.  Remember though, just because a character is too late to catch this thread and only arrives to see the failed outcome, doesn’t mean that you can’t use their failure to develop character, or launch the next one.
• Maximum of 3 - I’m certain smarter GMs can actually juggle more than these at a given time, but I like to try and keep myself sane.  Plot Layering is fun, but having 3 or so per character should be plenty busy.  Too many layers and players and the GM might just get lost.
• Keep the Threads Different - Keeping your plot threads to hit different points makes sure that they don’t all end up looking alike.  Having three of your rogues gallery trying to hunt your superhero down at the same time tends to lessen the impact.  On the other hand, having a relative in the hospital, struggling with your boss in your job, then having a villain trying to hunt you down at the same time is the stuff that makes Spider-Man so interesting.

Plot Layering is fun, but it requires a ton of preparation.  Consider your players, and make sure to go out on a limb and help them if it looks like they’re about to confuse one plot for another (unless that’s what you’re banking on all along.)  For newer GMs, try to focus on 2 at a time, these plots don’t have to be world-changing, but they should mean something to the character.  Once you get the hang of having 2 or so going on, then you can try experimenting with 3 or so.  Keep your notes clean, and focused, and keep an eye out for new plot hooks from the consequences of your players actions.

Once you’ve got these pinned down, you should be able to keep players on their toes no matter if they’re just trying to get an honest drink at the inn, or if they’re in the Duke’s court.