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Hey, any tips for ending my chronicles/campaigns?
(ttrpg.network)
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Rules (wip):
Hi! I have run one long-ish campaign and played in maybe two or three more that made it to a conclusion. So, not loads, but non-zero. Here are the useful things I have observed.
Out of game, out of character, pick a definite stopping date. It will be much easier to pace out the ending if you know exactly what time you have to work with. It gets players focused and bought-in too, mostly. Trying to let the story dictate a natural end risks things dragging out interminably and the campaign fizzling
Talk with players about what they want to see in the last few sessions as everything wraps up. Not saying you can't have surprises, but plot points they wished had got a resolutions final moments for their characters, old NPCs and locations they want to see one last time
Leave room after whatever climax you have planned for one more epilogue session, light or zero mechanical where the players get to send off their characters. This is the player's show mainly, as everyone is primarily attached to their characters after a long campaign, but you should use your time to tie up loose ends and show how the world has changed on account of their actions. Everyone should have at least one spotlight scene, and, if they're into it, players should feel free to call scenes with other players, old friends and foes, etc. to get all the closure they need
I feel like those have been the consistent elements on campaign endings that have been satisfying and memorable for me. Good luck!