paizo.com Recent Reviews of GameMastery Plot Twist Cardspaizo.com Recent Reviews of GameMastery Plot Twist Cards2013-09-20T00:14:08Z2013-09-20T00:14:08ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: A good way to spice things up a little. (3 stars)Jhaemanhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2017-06-22T03:52:17Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>The premise behind Plot Twist Cards for Pathfinder is that they allow players to influence the story in ways other than what their character directly does. Each card has a theme, a picture to accompany the theme, a flat mechanical effect, and then four plot-related suggestions that could happen. For example, the "Bad News" card shows a picture of a burning building, has the flat mechanical effect of "Target gets a -4 penalty on a single roll", and then has these plot suggestions: "A messenger brings bad news", "An ally faces peril or death", "A favorite refuge is destroyed", and "Something important is stolen." Players can use the card either for the flat mechanical effect or for one of the story suggestions; the latter use requires GM interpretation and decision-making, and the instructions are quite clear that the GM should feel free to modify the suggestion (or even refuse it) as necessary for the story. The deck comes with 51 different plot twist cards, two cards of rules, a card with the Open Gaming License, and a card that's an advertisement for other products.</p>
<p>I've been using the Plot Twist Cards for about 20 sessions while running an adventure path. Instead of giving one to a player every time their PC levels up (as per the instruction card), I've been more cautious and handed out one to every player at the beginning of each chapter of the AP (and drawing one myself to use against them!), with unused cards going back in the deck. My players have used the cards to do some fun things, like have the "Broken" card cause the floor of an abandoned building to crack open, the "Sanity Check" card to have a tentacled water monster appear in the river, etc. In my limited experience, PCs don't use the flat mechanical bonuses and instead use the plot suggestions, saving the cards for when they're needed in an important fight and centering their suggestions on things that can hamper the enemies or help their allies. On the whole, I'm of mixed feelings about them. I really like the surprising twists that the card facilitates and it's great for the players to have a little something hidden away for a rainy day. On the other hand, it's often challenging as a GM to interpret the card and the player's suggested twist in a way that respects the integrity of the concept while also being careful not to trivialize an important encounter. I think I would suggest the cards are good for a group that is a little easy-going and understands the role of GM discretion, but they'd be a bad idea for a very strict "Rules as Written" group.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>The premise behind Plot Twist Cards for Pathfinder is that they allow players to influence the story in ways other than what their character directly does. Each card has a theme, a picture to accompany the theme, a flat mechanical effect, and then four plot-related suggestions that could happen. For example, the "Bad News" card shows a picture of a burning building, has the flat mechanical effect of "Target gets a -4 penalty on a single roll", and then has these plot suggestions: "A messenger brings bad news", "An ally faces peril or death", "A favorite refuge is destroyed", and "Something important is stolen." Players can use the card either for the flat mechanical effect or for one of the story suggestions; the latter use requires GM interpretation and decision-making, and the instructions are quite clear that the GM should feel free to modify the suggestion (or even refuse it) as necessary for the story. The deck comes with 51 different plot twist cards, two cards of rules, a card with the Open Gaming License, and a card that's an advertisement for other products.</p>
<p>I've been using the Plot Twist Cards for about 20 sessions while running an adventure path. Instead of giving one to a player every time their PC levels up (as per the instruction card), I've been more cautious and handed out one to every player at the beginning of each chapter of the AP (and drawing one myself to use against them!), with unused cards going back in the deck. My players have used the cards to do some fun things, like have the "Broken" card cause the floor of an abandoned building to crack open, the "Sanity Check" card to have a tentacled water monster appear in the river, etc. In my limited experience, PCs don't use the flat mechanical bonuses and instead use the plot suggestions, saving the cards for when they're needed in an important fight and centering their suggestions on things that can hamper the enemies or help their allies. On the whole, I'm of mixed feelings about them. I really like the surprising twists that the card facilitates and it's great for the players to have a little something hidden away for a rainy day. On the other hand, it's often challenging as a GM to interpret the card and the player's suggested twist in a way that respects the integrity of the concept while also being careful not to trivialize an important encounter. I think I would suggest the cards are good for a group that is a little easy-going and understands the role of GM discretion, but they'd be a bad idea for a very strict "Rules as Written" group.</p>Jhaeman2017-06-22T03:52:17ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: My Group Loves These Cards! (5 stars)James Mayhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2014-03-20T05:55:56Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>My players and I love the plot twist cards. At the beginning of each session, I give all of the players a card to play at will asking them not to show the card to me or anyone else in the group until played. In last week's game, right before they were about to enter a manor, my wife plays the "Path Least Traveled" card. So I have her discover a secret door leading to a stairway to some catacombs under the house. Another player immediately plays the "Fleeting Glimpse" card. He hears some ghouls that would have been in the next room waiting for the unsuspecting party members. My last player says, "Ah, what the heck." He plays the "Sanity Check" card and a tentacle comes out of the ground destroys the ghouls and all hell breaks loose… </p>
<p>These cards are a lot of fun. If you are a GM who is well prepared but looking for something to shake things up with some random happenings you should try them out. They may require a little bit of quick thinking and on the fly rulings, but they have so far always been the highlight of our game. We have been using them for a few weeks now.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>My players and I love the plot twist cards. At the beginning of each session, I give all of the players a card to play at will asking them not to show the card to me or anyone else in the group until played. In last week's game, right before they were about to enter a manor, my wife plays the "Path Least Traveled" card. So I have her discover a secret door leading to a stairway to some catacombs under the house. Another player immediately plays the "Fleeting Glimpse" card. He hears some ghouls that would have been in the next room waiting for the unsuspecting party members. My last player says, "Ah, what the heck." He plays the "Sanity Check" card and a tentacle comes out of the ground destroys the ghouls and all hell breaks loose… </p>
<p>These cards are a lot of fun. If you are a GM who is well prepared but looking for something to shake things up with some random happenings you should try them out. They may require a little bit of quick thinking and on the fly rulings, but they have so far always been the highlight of our game. We have been using them for a few weeks now.</p>James May2014-03-20T05:55:56ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: A Fantastic Way of Giving More Control to Players (5 stars)Fatespinnerhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2012-04-21T06:39:27Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I use these cards as a reward system for good roleplaying. In my games, we hand out votes after every session and each player votes for the person they feel roleplayed the most and/or furthered the plot the most during the session. When they accumulate 10 such votes, they get one of these cards which can be redeemed at any time. It rewards people who advance the story with the ability to alter the story in small (and sometimes not-so-small!) ways and encourages players to promote the story. Good stuff all around!</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I use these cards as a reward system for good roleplaying. In my games, we hand out votes after every session and each player votes for the person they feel roleplayed the most and/or furthered the plot the most during the session. When they accumulate 10 such votes, they get one of these cards which can be redeemed at any time. It rewards people who advance the story with the ability to alter the story in small (and sometimes not-so-small!) ways and encourages players to promote the story. Good stuff all around!</p>Fatespinner2012-04-21T06:39:27ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Whimsey Cards are back with a vengeance! (5 stars)Gorbaczhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2011-03-01T17:48:51Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>This card deck is one of the better prop/accesory ideas since, erm, Paizo's own Harrow Deck.</p>
<p>Allowing players to influence the narrative in a cool and unusual way is great. Especially as it helps me draw LARP/narrativist players to Pathfinder!</p>
<p>Great idea, great execution. Also, whoever references '80s Lion Rampant products by Tweet and Rein(dot)Hagen gets a point with me.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>This card deck is one of the better prop/accesory ideas since, erm, Paizo's own Harrow Deck.</p>
<p>Allowing players to influence the narrative in a cool and unusual way is great. Especially as it helps me draw LARP/narrativist players to Pathfinder!</p>
<p>Great idea, great execution. Also, whoever references '80s Lion Rampant products by Tweet and Rein(dot)Hagen gets a point with me.</p>Gorbacz2011-03-01T17:48:51ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Great story enhancers (5 stars)roguecophttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2011-01-26T03:05:24Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I decided to step-out a bit and order these. My fear was that maybe they had the power to greatly derail the storyline, but one of the things I like about the cards is the recommendation that came with them that states, basically, if the card will break your game, replace it with another card. This way the game doesn't go sideways, and your player doesn't feel cheated, but you still get a fresh turn of events to keep people interested.</p>
<p>Just reading them gave me and my players some great role-playing ideas, and my group can't wait to actually use the ones they were dealt. I'd recommend these to anyone who plays Pathfinder/3.5.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I decided to step-out a bit and order these. My fear was that maybe they had the power to greatly derail the storyline, but one of the things I like about the cards is the recommendation that came with them that states, basically, if the card will break your game, replace it with another card. This way the game doesn't go sideways, and your player doesn't feel cheated, but you still get a fresh turn of events to keep people interested.</p>
<p>Just reading them gave me and my players some great role-playing ideas, and my group can't wait to actually use the ones they were dealt. I'd recommend these to anyone who plays Pathfinder/3.5.</p>roguecop2011-01-26T03:05:24ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Loads of fun (5 stars)Itzeebitzeehttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2011-01-24T19:51:00Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I really enjoy my players having access to these cards. I usually give out one per game session of Star Wars. The players usually come up with really creative ways to incorporate them and its been a great laugh so far.</p>
<p>I hope that they continue with this line but that future releases will make cards similar to the new Gamma World ones where you can roll/gamble on making their effects better or worse. </p>
<p>Fits surprisingly well into Star Wars SAGA with only a little modification here and there. Definitely worth 5 stars.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I really enjoy my players having access to these cards. I usually give out one per game session of Star Wars. The players usually come up with really creative ways to incorporate them and its been a great laugh so far.</p>
<p>I hope that they continue with this line but that future releases will make cards similar to the new Gamma World ones where you can roll/gamble on making their effects better or worse. </p>
<p>Fits surprisingly well into Star Wars SAGA with only a little modification here and there. Definitely worth 5 stars.</p>Itzeebitzee2011-01-24T19:51:00ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Oh god yes! (5 stars)Kuraikumohttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2011-01-13T13:59:03Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I've only just implanted these cards in my and one of my players that is more of a power gamer and still trying to rp more used the "What are the odds" (this card makes the targets roll a natural 20) card to have an npc who was trying to remember plot related villain rants that this lich had told her before smashing his head years ago thus allowing them to know his plan. </p>
<p>That was mostly awesome because of the players use of it but the fact that these cards can allow something like that to happen is most excellent IMHO.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I've only just implanted these cards in my and one of my players that is more of a power gamer and still trying to rp more used the "What are the odds" (this card makes the targets roll a natural 20) card to have an npc who was trying to remember plot related villain rants that this lich had told her before smashing his head years ago thus allowing them to know his plan. </p>
<p>That was mostly awesome because of the players use of it but the fact that these cards can allow something like that to happen is most excellent IMHO.</p>Kuraikumo2011-01-13T13:59:03ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Very Cool Device!The great Rhinohttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-12-15T18:45:18Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I Use them instead of Action Points (Eberron Campaign Setting Special Rule) and it works great! We all have a lot of fun with them</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I Use them instead of Action Points (Eberron Campaign Setting Special Rule) and it works great! We all have a lot of fun with them</p>The great Rhino2010-12-15T18:45:18ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Excellent Addition to Any Game (5 stars)philreedhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-09-01T12:51:40Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>Last week I got a copy of the Plot Twist Cards and I'm happy to say that these are great. Gorgeous artwork, useful, and exceptional production qualities. I've posted a full review at:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gmoracle.com/?p=311" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.gmoracle.com/?p=311</a></p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>Last week I got a copy of the Plot Twist Cards and I'm happy to say that these are great. Gorgeous artwork, useful, and exceptional production qualities. I've posted a full review at:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.gmoracle.com/?p=311" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.gmoracle.com/?p=311</a></p>philreed2010-09-01T12:51:40ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Transforms the entire gameplay (5 stars)Can Sungurhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-08-12T01:39:58Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I received my Plot Twist Card just a week ago, and already my players have started to watch the game and the background story with even more attention, trying to jump on to any detail that they can use these cards to alter our game.</p>
<p>Well, yes, bad news for control-freak DMs, but these great deck allows your players to modify and change your game in a new direction. Which made the game even more enjoyable for me, now my players get to surprise me too! :)</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I received my Plot Twist Card just a week ago, and already my players have started to watch the game and the background story with even more attention, trying to jump on to any detail that they can use these cards to alter our game.</p>
<p>Well, yes, bad news for control-freak DMs, but these great deck allows your players to modify and change your game in a new direction. Which made the game even more enjoyable for me, now my players get to surprise me too! :)</p>Can Sungur2010-08-12T01:39:58ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: What a tweeest! (5 stars)DM_aka_Dudemeisterhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-08-04T00:56:34Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I threw these into my cart the second I heard about them. Now that they've arrived I've used them in my Kingmaker campaign. </p>
<p>Seriously, a great piece of tech. My players all enjoyed having the opportunity to twist the plot (they all used their cards in a single encounter with a Troll because they are lowly 2nd level characters). </p>
<p>The ability to affect the narrative is absolutely something that they love. I get to stretch my creativity as a GM and my players get to stretch theirs too. </p>
<p>5 stars Paizo, these will be used in all my campaigns.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I threw these into my cart the second I heard about them. Now that they've arrived I've used them in my Kingmaker campaign. </p>
<p>Seriously, a great piece of tech. My players all enjoyed having the opportunity to twist the plot (they all used their cards in a single encounter with a Troll because they are lowly 2nd level characters). </p>
<p>The ability to affect the narrative is absolutely something that they love. I get to stretch my creativity as a GM and my players get to stretch theirs too. </p>
<p>5 stars Paizo, these will be used in all my campaigns.</p>DM_aka_Dudemeister2010-08-04T00:56:34ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: SO Useful! (5 stars)Sketchpadhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-08-04T00:05:14Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>Anyone remember Masterbook or Torg? Both games came with this nifty little deck that allowed the player to alter the game in some dynamic way. Well, it's back in a fashion with the Plot Twist Cards! Dynamic RPing with a nice, random edge! Here's hoping for a Plot Twist II Deck :)</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>Anyone remember Masterbook or Torg? Both games came with this nifty little deck that allowed the player to alter the game in some dynamic way. Well, it's back in a fashion with the Plot Twist Cards! Dynamic RPing with a nice, random edge! Here's hoping for a Plot Twist II Deck :)</p>Sketchpad2010-08-04T00:05:14ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Looks Interesting!Zarzulanhttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-07-14T09:23:44Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I just got my pre-order today and I was very pleased with what came out of the box. The artwork is good, but the cards feel like they wont' stand as much wear as normal playing cards (but we'll see). I like that each card has a tactical use and a strategic/storyline use. I plan to introduce these to my players and see what the reaction is.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I just got my pre-order today and I was very pleased with what came out of the box. The artwork is good, but the cards feel like they wont' stand as much wear as normal playing cards (but we'll see). I like that each card has a tactical use and a strategic/storyline use. I plan to introduce these to my players and see what the reaction is.</p>Zarzulan2010-07-14T09:23:44ZGameMastery Plot Twist Cards: Great Product (4 stars)Greatfritohttps://paizo.com/products/btpy8x9v?GameMastery-Plot-Twist-Cards2010-07-10T19:23:27Z<p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I just received my Plot Twist cards today. Thus far, looking through them, I am very satisfied.</p>
<p>The cards are interesting, nice-looking, and useful. The added dynamic of players having a means of affecting the plot (or, at least, suggesting new ideas for the plot) is great. As a frequent DM, I'm either going to integrate them as-is, or I may simply use them for plot ideas for myself, either when the game drags, or when I'm just drawing a blank writing a plot.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the cards are back to their quality (smooth) finish, though the edges remain off somehow. It's really great that they got the quality back up, as this is the first GameMastery card set that I can't store in display-sleeves (because it's meant to be used as a deck).</p>
<p>The only real complaint I have is that the cards still feel.. -off-, compared to standard playing cards (though nowhere near as bad as the last few sets...). Oh, and as a 4th Edition D&D player, many of the mechanical effects (in the black boxes) will have to be changed - unsurprising, and no real harm for Pathfinder or 3.5 players. (Honestly, I'm surprised by how -few- of the cards really -need- to be changed to be compatible.)</p>
<p>Overall, a great product.</p><p><b>GameMastery Plot Twist Cards</b></p><p>I just received my Plot Twist cards today. Thus far, looking through them, I am very satisfied.</p>
<p>The cards are interesting, nice-looking, and useful. The added dynamic of players having a means of affecting the plot (or, at least, suggesting new ideas for the plot) is great. As a frequent DM, I'm either going to integrate them as-is, or I may simply use them for plot ideas for myself, either when the game drags, or when I'm just drawing a blank writing a plot.</p>
<p>Thankfully, the cards are back to their quality (smooth) finish, though the edges remain off somehow. It's really great that they got the quality back up, as this is the first GameMastery card set that I can't store in display-sleeves (because it's meant to be used as a deck).</p>
<p>The only real complaint I have is that the cards still feel.. -off-, compared to standard playing cards (though nowhere near as bad as the last few sets...). Oh, and as a 4th Edition D&D player, many of the mechanical effects (in the black boxes) will have to be changed - unsurprising, and no real harm for Pathfinder or 3.5 players. (Honestly, I'm surprised by how -few- of the cards really -need- to be changed to be compatible.)</p>
<p>Overall, a great product.</p>Greatfrito2010-07-10T19:23:27Z