Author: Peter J

This is a spinoff of +Gary Chadwick ‘s prior thread.

I would like to use a countdown clock as a measure of ambient threat within a dungeon. The clock is a way to visualize how much noise that the PCs are making, and how alter the dungeon is to the intruders. When the PCs do something that makes a lot of noise or takes a lot of time, a segment of the lock gets filled in. (A good use for moves that “attract unwanted attention” or make a lot of noise.) This is a mostly fictional thing, with the exception of the following move, which I am looking for feedback on:

When you try to Make Camp or otherwise rest for an extended period of time in a dangerous dungeon, roll+filled in Threat clock segments. *On a 10+, choose two. *On a 7-9, choose one.

– The dungeon becomes more alert, advance the Threat clock. You cannot choose this option if the clock is already at 12:00.

– A threat approaches, someone must Take Watch.

– It’s just not safe to stay here, you don’t have enough time to get sufficient rest to do what you wanted. The GM may offer an ugly choice or hard bargain.

*On a 6-, things remain calm, and you can rest safely. No XP is awarded for a 6- on this move.

0:00 The dungeon is calm and quiet, any monsters inside are going about their normal routines, unaware of any threats.

3:00 Some of the more wary foes may become suspicious, but they don’t know exactly what’s going on yet.

6:00 The enemy knows that something hostile to them is present, though details are yet vague. Monsters will not be caught flat-footed, but neither are they actively taking up defensive postures just yet.

9:00 The dungeon is aware of the party, as well as their rough location. The dungeon’s defenses come into play noticeably. Any quick defensive measures that can come into play are activated. The monsters are obviously ready for a fight.

10:00 The opposition steps up their game significantly. Expect cautious patrols designed to flush out the intruders, and the monsters taking on a much more active role in protecting their lairs. Moments of safety for the PCs to regroup and prepare are becoming noticeably harder to come by.

11:00 The party’s location and activity are pinpointed. Any remaining preparation or defenses that can be set up are. The enemy will actively hunt down the PCs, since they know where they are. Contingency plans are coming into play, such as hiding loot or taking escape tunnels out.

12:00 Anything left in the dungeon is now fully armed and mobilized, and the dungeon throws everything it has at the PCs, non-stop. Coordinated attacks, carefully staged defenses, loot spirited away, you name it. The PCs will not have a moment of safety until the dungeon is completely empty of foes or until they are running for their lives.

The goal is to make the dungeon feel more like a living ecology. Monsters will not docilely wait their turn to be slaughtered, nor should the PCs have free reign to recharge their abilities after every fight. It’s a way to combat the “15 minute adventuring day” phenomenon I have seen before in other games with powerful once-a-day abilities. The clock adds a visual reminder that this place is emphatically not safe, and keeps the adventure humming along without letting the stakes drop.