PUM Quick Rules: Plot Beats
At the bottom of your log panel, you will find two main buttons: Random prompt and Modify proposal. These are called Plot Beats, and they are the primary way you advance your story and progress through your Plot Track.
Random prompt (Surprise Me)
Use this when you have no idea what happens next, or when you want PUM to completely take the reins and surprise you with a new scene or event.
- How it works: PUM rolls a random scene beat. Depending on your Plot Focus settings, it will often randomly select one of your active Plot Nodes (such as a character, location, or world element) and invoke it.
- The possible Random Prompt rolls are:
- Endure a difficult complication: A sudden obstacle or twist makes things harder.
- Play a triggering plot catalyst: Something happens that forces immediate action or shifts the plot.
- Deal with a difficult challenge: A direct test of skill, strength, or resolve.
- Put characters in a situation: A specific scenario or dilemma characters must navigate.
- Meet or recall a notable character: Introduces or brings back a character (often a Plot Node).
- Lead to an interesting location: The scene shifts to or highlights a location (often a Plot Node).
- Reflect a world or game element: A key theme or world element (Plot Node) becomes relevant.
- Deal with a potential problem: An active potential problem (Plot Node) demands attention.
- Locate or trace a useful finding: A useful finding (Plot Node) is discovered or pursued.
- Find answers to a pending question: A pending question (Plot Node) is answered or explored.
Modify proposal (Add a Twist)
Use this when you already have a cool idea of what should happen next in the story, but want to keep it solo-friendly by adding an element of uncertainty or a twist.
- How it works: You propose what you want to happen (e.g., "I want Silas to sneak past the guards into the castle"), and then tap the button. PUM rolls a random modification to your idea.
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The possible Modify Proposal rolls are:
- Increase the intensity and tension: Your idea happens, but the stakes or danger ramp up.
- Bring someone quite inconvenient: An annoying or hostile character interrupts or complicates your plan.
- Add some trouble, or bad news: A negative complication or piece of information is revealed.
- Make the location less favorable: The environment or terrain becomes a hindrance.
- Cause frustration, stress, or worry: The characters suffer emotional or psychological strain.
- Cause confusion, doubts, disarray: Misunderstanding or chaos disrupts the situation.
- Make the location more favorable: The environment turns to your advantage.
- Add some reward, or good news: A positive complication or helpful information is revealed.
- Bring someone quite convenient: A helpful or friendly character appears to assist you.
- Decrease the intensity and tension: The situation calms down or becomes easier to handle.
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Why this is crucial: It prevents your story from being too predictable. Even if you have a clear plan, PUM ensures that your own scene ideas must be subject to a random twist to "count" and advance the Plot Track, mimicking the surprise of playing with a real GM.