Stage Timing Guide
Stage Timing Guide
AX.C.14.07.01
Session Length: 3–4 Hours
| Stage | Duration | Session % |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: The Test | 20–30 min | ~15% |
| Stage 2: The Contemplation | 30–45 min | ~25% |
| Stage 3: The Twist | 10–20 min | ~10% |
| Stage 4: The Climax | 45–60 min | ~35% |
| Stage 5: The Resolution | 20–30 min | ~15% |
Adjusting for Table Preference
Combat-focused group: Reduce Stage 2 to 20 minutes. Expand Stages 1 and 4 with additional combat beats. Keep Stage 3 brief — deliver the revelation during an action scene.
Roleplay-heavy group: Expand Stage 2 to 45 minutes or more. Add NPC depth to Stage 1 before or instead of combat. Make Stage 3 a moral confrontation rather than a reveal. Stage 4 may resolve through negotiation rather than combat.
Puzzle-focused group: Build a complex puzzle into Stage 1 or 2. Include an environmental puzzle element in Stage 4 alongside or instead of combat. Layer investigative elements throughout.