Mad Lib Template for Hook, Line & Sinkers

Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #0780


The other day I talked about a classic GMing technique called Hook, Line & Sinkers. Use this three-part method to generate encounter skeletons fast.

I remember first coming across this method in the Knights of the Dinner Table Magazine. Each issue would have a few to inspire your game.

Victor Diaz recently posted about them, and that reminded me about this great format.

I have a GM Challenge for you today. It’s not what you think. You might expect I’d ask you to try out the Hook, Line & Sinkers method and create some for your fellow game masters.

Nay, dear reader. I have something even more challenging for you! Here’s the gauntlet I throw down at your feet.

My first thought Monday after creating the Campaign Logger stat block for this method was, “Hey, a Mad Libs template for these would be cool. Just fill in the blanks for even faster prep!”

Mad Lib Template

For example:

Hook: The PCs are travelling to _______ [destination] when they stumble across a _________ [creature/object].

Line: The _________ [creature/object] has a map where X marks a spot that’s nearby! If the party follows the map, they find ________ [discovery].

Sinker: Unfortunately, the _______ [discovery] is a trap because the map is fake, created to lure the foolish to this place. A _______ [danger] waits to ambush treasure seekers.

Hook, Line & Sinker Example

And here’s our Mad Lib template filled out:

Hook: The PCs are travelling to Greyhawk City when they stumble across three bodies filled with arrows like porcupines.

Line: One of the corpses has a bloody map clutched in its hand where X marks a spot that’s nearby! If the party follows the map, they find a dark cave entrance.

Sinker: Unfortunately, the cave is a trap because the map is fake, created to lure the foolish to this place. A group of bandits armed with bows wait to ambush treasure seekers.