u/MasterWitch

What does a grappling hook do in shadowdark? I can't find any description of the benefit of using it. Does it lower the DC or give advantage on checks? Or is it just a narrative item?

I have played 2e, 3e, 4e, and 5e D&D. I have ran 4e and 5e each for over a year as a DM. So I kind of feel stupid asking this. What Does "outside the sheet" mean? I see people throwing it around and it sounds like it means, "use your imagination and make it up". It just always sounds like if a player can come up with a solution the charecter sheet and by extension the character does not matter. For example a charecter with low intelligence figuring out the a puzzle because the player is hobby puzzle master. It just seems to me a charecters stats and background should have more to do with their abilities over what a player knows. Any wisdom related to how you all see "outside the sheet" play and what that might looks like would be appreciated.

I am starting to use shadowdark for solo play and the occasional one shot at a local game night.

I am wondering if anyone has alternative Mcgaffin over standard treasure? For example, "collect the Seven Shards of Dangdar to trap the demon lord Stagmar the Destroyer". If you do have such a Mcgaffin how do you use them related to experience points? Do you still use normal treasure. Where is a healthy balance?

I want something more then treasure of the week to drive the game. I understand that treasure is often the main motivation for OSR but has gotten boring.