RPGaDAY 2019
8: OBSCURE
What kinds of secrets do you keep in-game, as player or GM?
There are two basic approaches, though there’s a sliding scale between them.
In-character secrets, played out at the table, revealed or hinted in advance. This means trusting the players and GM not to metagame adversely. Indeed it’s most likely to add to the fun if they lean into the things they know about and their characters don’t. However, some players don’t go for this style at all, so it’s good to see in advance.
Out-of-character secrets, where players and the GM keep things back, pass notes, have side meetings and so on. This is good for surprise and for personal plots, but can lead to excess scheming.
Generally I intercut at the table, while keeping some mysteries hidden, but it varies from game to game, sometimes with different adventures. It can be tricky to balance, but for GM secrets I aim for just the big reveals, the kind of thing the audience shouldn’t see in the trailer.
It can even vary from player to player in the same group! In The Watch House, Milli’s player co-plotted numerous episodes in advance, while Natalie’s player wanted to be surprised and react naturally at the table.
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