Advanced Techniques

Advanced Techniques

Parallel Plots

Run two 5-stage adventures simultaneously when the group splits:

• Each subgroup advances through their own stages
• The GM switches between groups at natural break points
• Both groups converge for a combined Stage 4 climax

Nested Adventures

A complete 5-stage adventure serves as a single stage in a larger arc:

• Each session is a self-contained adventure
• Stage 5 hooks connect sessions into the arc's overarching plot
• The arc's climax resolves all accumulated threads, see AX.C.15.05

Player-Driven Stages

Let player choices determine the path through the middle stages:

• Stage 1 is fixed, entry and the first obstacle
• Players choose between 2–3 distinct paths, each serving as a different Stage 2 or 3
• All paths converge on Stage 4
• Stage 5 surfaces the consequence of whichever path was not taken

Flashback Stages

Stage 2 or 3 takes the form of a flashback to past events:

• Players briefly portray NPCs or younger versions of their characters
• Decisions made in the flashback affect the current situation
• The twist is revealed through direct experience rather than exposition

Competitive Stages

A rival group is pursuing the same objective through the same structure:

• The PCs encounter evidence of the rivals' progress at each stage
• Stage 4 includes both the primary threat and the rival group
• Negotiation or temporary alliance is a genuine option

Extended Skill Challenge

Convert an entire stage into a structured skill challenge:

• Define a clear goal and a success/failure track (3 successes before 3 failures)
• Each player describes their character's action and rolls the appropriate pool against Threshold 2
• Successes build toward resolution; failures add complications
• The result, full success, partial success, or failure, determines starting conditions for the next stage