Writing moves

To write a new player-facing move:

• 1) Take stock
  • What does the move reflect/model?
  • What constraints do you have?
  • What are your goals for the move?
  • Do you really need the move?
• 2) Draft the trigger(s)
  • When does the move kick in?
  • Do you need multiple triggers?
  • Do the triggers need limits?
• 3) Brainstorm results
  • What definitely happens?
  • What maybe happens?
• 4) Decide how you'll pick between results
  • A roll
  • Player's choice
  • Target's choice
  • GM's choice
  • A procedure
  • Consensus
  • Mix and match
• 5) If there's a roll, decide how it works
  • Should you define a 6- result?
  • What should be added to the roll?
  • Are there any other modifiers?
  • What does each tier look like?
  • Alternative roll structures
• 6) Write a full draft
• 7) Review and revise Imagine it in play
  • Make sure it meets your goals
  • Check for common pitfalls
  • Punch it up
  • Edit for length and clarity
  • Check grammar and formatting
  • Get feedback

You might not need this whole process. A move might spring to mind and you can jump straight to drafting it. Or, you might see how an existing move's structure could apply to whatever you're creating, and just write a quick variant. If you're pressed for time, and you'll only use the move once, then that might suffice!

But if you're stumped, or you want to hone your move or just practice your craft, then try working through this process. The more moves you write and see in play, the more intuitive this process becomes and the less rigorous you'll need to be.