These beats is a reference towards the players emotion. Upward beats uplifts the emotion of the players and give them hope while downward beats are potential setbacks bringing them a feeling of fear.
It is important to not have the same beat too much, or too much in a row. Improvising upward or downward beats is necessary to keep players engaged and not feel hopeless or bored.
Upward beat examples
- Winning a combat encounter
- Receiving rewards
- Uncovering Secrets & Clues (Depending on the content, it could be considered a downward beat)
- Saving a NPC
Downward beat examples
- Losing a party member
- Triggering traps
- Uncovering a secret that they’re being double crossed
- Uncertainty
Reference
E. Schea, M. (2018). Sly flourish’s return of the lazy dungeon master. Sly flourish shop
Referencing Hamlet’s Hit Points by Pelgrane Press
Highlights or timestamps
Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master Highlights
- Various beats aim either toward ‘hope’, ‘fear’ or emotionally neutral.
— ^c71d9a from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master highlights
- Hope beats occur when the characters learn something valuable to them, gain an ally, defeat a monster, complete a quest, or receive a new magic item.
— ^b52546 from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master highlights
- Fear beats might include facing terrible foes, discovering an unresolved question or mystery, triggering a trap, learning a grim fact or facing an unknown path filled with potential perils.
— ^70af88 from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master highlights
- Mixing these upward and downward beats keeps players interested in the game.
— ^df8d01 from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master highlights
- Improvising beats during the game to maintain modulation is crucial.
— ^b1c913 from Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master highlights