Whether you’re a player or a DM, you’ll have a tough time with these.
Foreshadowing is one of the literary techniques that needs the biggest change in how you use it.
and preempting a twist you had planned for later.
Deciding on a goal will also help you decide how much attention to give to foreshadowing.
It is a fun narrative tool but isonly part of a broader toolkit.
Be careful that youdon’t compromise your narrativeor spoil your plot bybeing too eagerto give hints.
via Wizards of the Coast
It can also be an issue that different people have different expectations for foreshadowing.
Most D&D gamesdon’t open with a Greek Chorus coming on stageexplaining the conclusion.
It’s a common convention at most tables thatdescriptions are reserved for important details.
Foreshadowing isn’t exclusively about hinting at your final boss’s lethal dairy allergy.
Even an enemy from the random encounter table can be linked to events elsewhere.
Wolves and bears might turn aggressive after their territory has been encroached on.
via Wizards of the Coast
Intelligent Humanoids
A group of bandits extorts the party for money on a road or bridge.
Outlaws might bewillingly or unknowingly be carrying out orders from your greater antagonist or their proxies.
Magical Creatures
An enraged fire elemental assails a peaceful town the party is staying in.
Demons don’t just summon themselves: there must be more to be discovered.
The party might jump to accusing the local arcane experts, or recruiting their help.
All three of these leads can prompt players to remember details that build a picture of the mystery benefactor.
Use it naturally when it is relevant, but alsobe prepared for different outcomesbased onhow the players respond.
If they’re overt about suspecting a character, have that character begin taking extra precautions as a result.
