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$$ \small\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{WHITE}{A place to have the best West March Experience That Is More Than Just Games}}}}
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$$ \large\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Table of Contents}}}} $$
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$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{What is a West Marches Campaign?}}}} $$
A West Marches is a campaign that is shared with at least one game master and two groups of players. The adventure is mostly player led with the players deciding what to do, where to go, and when to play.
The West Marches campaign style is a form of open-world, sandbox-style play where players explore a vast, unpredictable world. Unlike traditional campaigns with linear narratives, West Marches thrives on player-driven exploration and discovery. Sessions revolve around the players' decisions, and the world evolves based on their actions, creating a dynamic and unpredictable game environment. This style emphasizes survival, teamwork, and the thrill of the unknown, encouraging players to approach challenges strategically and creatively.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Open-World Exploration Philosophy}}}} $$
In a West Marches campaign, the focus is on exploration and the consequences of player actions. The world is persistent, meaning that what happens in one session affects the world in the next. Players must take detailed notes and share information to survive and thrive. The Game Master (GM) provides a world full of dangers and opportunities, but it’s up to the players to set their goals and chart their course. This fosters a sense of ownership and immersion, as the world responds dynamically to their decisions.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{The Role of the Player}}}} $$
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Collaboration and Communication}}}} $$
In a West Marches campaign, player collaboration is essential for survival and success. Each session’s group composition can vary, so sharing information and coordinating efforts across different teams is crucial. Players should document their findings, draw maps, and share these with others between sessions. This cooperative dynamic fosters a sense of community and continuity, as each player contributes to the collective knowledge of the group, ensuring that new explorers are equipped with the insights needed to navigate the dangers of the world.
Document your findings, draw maps, and share information with other players
Create and maintain a collective knowledge base for all adventurers
Coordinate efforts across different teams to ensure overall success
Help new explorers by sharing insights about dangers and opportunities
Communicate clearly about your goals and intentions before each session.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Taking Initiative}}}} $$
Set your own objectives rather than waiting for plot hooks
Think critically about your goals and strategies before each expedition
Prepare adequately for journeys by gathering supplies and information
Decide where to explore, when to retreat, and which risks are worth taking
Be willing to face the consequences of your choices
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Responsibility in Exploration}}}} $$
Unlike traditional campaigns where the GM guides the plot, West Marches players are responsible for setting their own objectives. This self-directed play requires initiative and forethought, encouraging players to think critically about their goals and strategies. Players must also respect the decisions made by other groups, as the persistent world means actions have lasting impacts. This sense of responsibility enhances player investment and engagement, making exploration both rewarding and challenging.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{The Role of the Game Master}}}} $$
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Facilitating Exploration}}}} $$
The GM in a West Marches campaign acts more as a world-builder and facilitator than a storyteller. Their primary role is to create a rich, detailed world filled with potential adventures and dangers, then react to player choices. The GM should prepare various locations, encounters, and NPCs, but let players determine which areas to explore. This requires adaptability and a thorough understanding of the world, as the GM must respond dynamically to the players' actions and decisions.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{World Build And Facilitate}}}} $$
Create a rich, detailed world filled with potential adventures and dangers• Remain neutral about player choices rather than steering toward outcomes
Present consistent consequences for actions based on world logic
Develop factions, NPCs, and locations that respond organically to players
Balance challenge and reward appropriately for the environment
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Seesion Management}}}} $$
Begin each session by confirming player goals and destinations
Prepare flexible encounters appropriate to the chosen exploration area
Avoid predetermined plots in favor of reactive world development
Ensure proper documentation of world changes after each session
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Session Structure and Preparation}}}} $$
Each session should begin with players declaring their goals and destinations. The GM prepares by familiarizing themselves with the chosen area, populating it with appropriate challenges and rewards. Unlike linear campaigns, there is no predetermined plot; instead, the GM focuses on creating a consistent, immersive environment. Detailed notes and session logs are essential, as the persistent world requires continuity between sessions. By maintaining thorough records, the GM ensures that the world evolves logically and meaningfully in response to player actions.
$$ \huge\textbf{\textit{\textrm{\color{#ffffff}{Maintaining Continuity}}}} $$