Minimal game preparation guide

When it comes to running a role-playing game, preparation is seen as essential. Many game masters spend hours crafting detailed maps, fleshing out intricate NPCs, and designing challenging encounters. However, some games, like Numenera, challenge this traditional approach by advocating for minimal game preparation. This method focuses on jotting down a few bullet points for potential scenes and creating a list of weird elements that capture the game’s unique science-fantasy flavor. The rest is left to improvisation.

For many GMs, especially those accustomed to meticulous planning, this minimalist approach can feel daunting. Yet, if we embrace it, minimal prep can become a powerful tool that forces us to think on our feet and improvise more effectively during the game.

A list of scenes

One of the key components of minimal prep in Numenera is creating a list of potential scenes. This isn’t a rigid script that dictates the session’s events but rather a flexible guide that offers a sense of direction.

• Potential scenes: The scenes we jot down are merely suggestions, not mandates. We should be ready to throw them out if the story takes a different turn. This approach keeps us open to the unexpected and allows the players’ actions to shape the narrative.
• Character goals and options: Including an overview of the characters’ goals and the options available to them in these scenes helps us stay aligned with the players’ motivations. This way, the game remains focused on what matters most to the characters.

By outlining potential scenes, we give ourselves a roadmap, but one that allows for detours and new discoveries along the way.

A list of weird things

In Numenera, »the weird« is central to the game’s atmosphere. The rulebook suggests creating a list of weird things—bizarre, mysterious elements that we can drop into the game. These weird elements help us create the game’s unique science-fantasy feel.

• Tools for improvisation: The weird elements can be strange NPCs, bizarre locations, or confusing monsters and items. During the game, we keep the list handy to infuse weirdness into a scene by dropping one of these elements in front of the characters.
• Weird mindset: The list of weird things gets us into a specific mindset, one that blends futuristic science fiction with ancient fantasy aesthetics. By preparing a few strange, unexpected elements, we ensure that the game maintains the science-fantasy vibe that Numenera is known for.

This list serves as a wellspring of inspiration, helping us inject that specific science-fantasy weirdness into our Numenera game. But what if we don’t play Numenera? Is there something to be learned from this kind of preparation for other RPGs?

Applying minimal prep to other RPGs

The minimalist prep approach isn’t exclusive to Numenera. It can be a refreshing and effective method for running any role-playing game, including more traditional ones like Dungeons & Dragons. Here’s some potential benefits of preparing for a RPG like D&D with just a list of potential scenes, and a collection of »weird« (or fantastic) elements:

• Improvisation skills: Minimal preparation forces us to improvise at the table, responding to the players in real time. While this might be challenging at first, it’s a skill that improves with practice. Over time, we’ll become more comfortable with improvising, leading to more dynamic, spontaneous, and even character-focused gameplay.
• Weird, fantastic, science-fiction: In other games, »weird« might not be the flavor we’re looking to evoke. For D&D, we can come up with a list of fantastic elements instead. For a science-fiction RPG, it might be science-fiction elements, and for a noir detective RPG noir elements.
• Try it out: If you’re used to heavy prep, try running a Dungeons & Dragons game with just a list of potential scenes and a few fantastic elements. You might find that this approach not only saves time but also leads to a more flexible and engaging game.

The benefits of minimal prep

Minimal game preparation might seem intimidating, especially if we’re accustomed to detailed planning. However, by embracing a minimalist approach—creating a simple list of potential scenes and flavorful elements—we can unlock a more improvisational, responsive style of gameplay. This method doesn’t just save time; it also encourages us to stay flexible, allowing the story to unfold in unexpected ways. Over time, minimal prep not only enhances our skills as a GM but also leads to more dynamic sessions that keep both us and our players on the edge of our seats.