Secrets at the table aren’t free - they’re weight. Every hidden agenda, every concealed truth, is a stone in the pack. Carry too many, and the game drags. That’s why secrets should be used sparingly, but revealed generously. A secret is only fun when it hits the table - when the truth shocks, twists, or redefines what players thought they knew. You know it in the reactions of the players when it drops: The wide eyes, the 'Oh shit!' responses. Very gratifying, but keep it hidden too long, and it rots. Share it at the right time, and it explodes into story. Secrets aren’t trophies to hoard. They’re tools to shatter expectations and make the game burn brighter.
The best time to reveal secrets are:
At the Cliffhanger – End a session with the reveal, so players return buzzing.
During a Crisis – Drop the truth when everything’s already on fire.
At the Bargain Table – Let the secret change negotiations, alliances, or trust.
When It Hurts Most – The reveal lands hardest when it costs someone dearly.
At the Moment of Triumph – Victory twists when it’s not what the party thought.
When Someone Asks the Right Question – Reward curiosity by making the secret spill.
No comments:
Post a Comment