For your consideration as we close the book on 2006, a possible new year’s resolution for GMs:

In your next campaign, don’t use any plotlines or major encounters that you’ve used before.

With the New Plot Pledge, I’m riffing off of yesterday’s post about overused and clichéd plots in RPGs. There seems to be a consensus that clich&#233d plots are OK in RPGs (I’m in agreement) — but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to get out of your GMing comfort zone.

As a GMing goal, it’s similar to the haiku approach and its spiritual predecessor, the 20% rule. If you’re not in the mood for something as potentially work-intensive as the New Plot Pledge, one of those might be more your cup of tea.

How does the New Plot Pledge sound to you?