For HP in specific, there’s also a sunk cost. If 3 out of 4 players are doing HP damage, it’s hard for the 4th player to justify not doing HP damage. And it’s hard for players to change tactics to a diegetic route as it negates what they previously did

Destinies also mean contrivances are needed when they meet failure. Let me build a kingdom from my own wit and own hand or die in the process!

Name of the Rose slaps. The exploration of the library is extremely dungeon crawl coded

I've been trying to design an OSR West Marches campaign, but the typical incentives for that play style (explore & bring back loot) are exactly what this post articulates. Been a challenge to try to redesign those assumptions

Just finished reading this, absolutely awesome.

Room #10- Mutant Barbarian camp. 2d6 barbarians being entertained by a crystalline juggler (who really wants to leave). Kennel/cages of 2d4 dogs. Barbs brew vile slime potion (ingesting gives rise to mutation). Looted crystals & gems stuffed in excess dog cages.