in my campaign, we have a current issue with the party needing to travel for a number of weeks across the top of Icewind Dale to Reghed Glacier. It’s the height of winter, so the going is slow, and while there are hazards, there’s not really anything that could kill them unless I really wanted it to. They have taken all the right preparations as far as gear etc, so they’re as safe as one could be. We’re also running on a bit of a real world timetable as they want to get something accomplished before we have to take a 6 week break due to my availability as DM. So we agreed to “fast track” the travel. Rather than me just say “you travel for 3 weeks and arrive at Reghed Glacier” I’ve been writing up a narrative and sending out part each day. About 2 pages each time, and in it I’ve detailed what’s happened, any interactions, the cold, the wind, the tedium. I send it each day by email so that if one of my party members read something that would change their behaviour or define their actions, they can tell me and I can build that in to the following tale.
Anyway, it’s been a lot of fun, and my group has REALLY been enjoying it. Just thought I’d suggest it here for the next time you have a long journey that you don’t want to do at the table.
I do this a lot, however, I've also taken to borrowing something from Angry GM that I read recently.
In addition to using text, discord, email, or whatever to cover the lengthy travel, I also use the last half of this article to handle long distance trips in game and leave a bit of room for random happenstance. It's really helpful for getting the players to discuss the game outside the sessions.
in my campaign, we have a current issue with the party needing to travel for a number of weeks across the top of Icewind Dale to Reghed Glacier. It’s the height of winter, so the going is slow, and while there are hazards, there’s not really anything that could kill them unless I really wanted it to. They have taken all the right preparations as far as gear etc, so they’re as safe as one could be. We’re also running on a bit of a real world timetable as they want to get something accomplished before we have to take a 6 week break due to my availability as DM. So we agreed to “fast track” the travel. Rather than me just say “you travel for 3 weeks and arrive at Reghed Glacier” I’ve been writing up a narrative and sending out part each day. About 2 pages each time, and in it I’ve detailed what’s happened, any interactions, the cold, the wind, the tedium. I send it each day by email so that if one of my party members read something that would change their behaviour or define their actions, they can tell me and I can build that in to the following tale.
Anyway, it’s been a lot of fun, and my group has REALLY been enjoying it. Just thought I’d suggest it here for the next time you have a long journey that you don’t want to do at the table.
Oooh I like this idea! Thanks for sharing it!
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Lol, I might use a group text message variant of this with a short daily update between game sessions.
I do this a lot, however, I've also taken to borrowing something from Angry GM that I read recently.
In addition to using text, discord, email, or whatever to cover the lengthy travel, I also use the last half of this article to handle long distance trips in game and leave a bit of room for random happenstance. It's really helpful for getting the players to discuss the game outside the sessions.