If you’ve ever felt torn between running an immersive, player-driven campaign and sticking to the carefully crafted beats of a pre-written adventure path, you’re not alone. I’ve been experimenting with ways to strike that balance, and recently, I stumbled across a method from an unexpected source: South Park.

Yes, you read that right. Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s storytelling technique, the “Therefore/But” method, is great for tabletop RPGs like Pathfinder and Dungeons & Dragons. Inspired by a video (linked below), I’ve started using this approach to give my players more agency in what might otherwise feel like a “railroad” campaign. Here’s how it works and why you should try it too.

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What Is the “Therefore/But” Method?

At its core, this method is about replacing boring, disconnected storytelling with something dynamic and meaningful.

• The Problem: Stories that rely on “and then” lack cohesion and depth. (“The players fought some goblins, and then they found treasure, and then they moved to the next town.”)
• The Fix: Swap “and then” for “therefore” (cause and effect) or “but” (conflict/obstacle). This simple shift creates interconnected narratives where events flow naturally and feel significant.

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Why It Works for RPGs

As a GM, you’re not just telling a story—you’re reacting to a living, breathing world shaped by your players. The “Therefore/But” method is perfect for this because it builds on player choices, making their actions feel impactful and driving the story in unexpected directions.

There are definite perks to using this technique:

• Player Investment: Players are more engaged because their choices have visible consequences.
• Simplified Prep: GMs can focus on the big picture and improvise based on the players’ decisions, rather than over-preparing every detail.
• Surprises for Me: As a GM, this method makes the story unpredictable in the best way.

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How to Apply the Method

Here’s how to use it as part of your GM prep:

1. Start with Broad Story Beats: Outline major milestones—like the villain’s ultimate plan or key artifacts the party must recover.
2. Let the Players Drive the Details: Instead of railroading them toward specific outcomes, let their actions and decisions shape the journey.
3. Use “Therefore” and “But” to Evolve the Story: For every choice they make, ask yourself:
   • What changes in the world as a result? (Therefore…)
   • What new challenges arise from this? (But…)

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Tips for Using “Therefore/But”

• Lean on NPCs: NPCs are a great way to show cause and effect. Did the party spare an enemy? Therefore, that NPC might warn them about an ambush. Did they steal from a merchant? But now they’ve got a bounty on their heads.
• Foreshadow the Domino Effect: Drop hints about how the world is changing. For example, if a town is burned during a battle, the refugees might crop up later, needing help—or seeking revenge.
• Be Flexible: Sometimes, your carefully planned “therefore” or “but” will get derailed by players’ actions. Roll with it! The method thrives on improvisation.

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Transforming Railroad Adventures

One of the coolest things about this method is how well it fits into pre-written campaigns. Adventure paths often feel linear, but by weaving in “therefore” and “but,” you can create the illusion of a player-driven story.

For example:

• The villain flees after a failed battle, but leaves behind cryptic plans that spark new quests.
• The party defeats a bandit leader, therefore a rival gang moves in to take control.

Even in a structured campaign, these cause-and-effect moments make the story feel alive.

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Why You Should Try It

Incorporating the “Therefore/But” method can make your sessions more vibrant and collaborative. Players constantly ask, “What happens next?”—and even the GM won’t always know! That unpredictability keeps the game fresh for everyone.

If you’re tired of predictable storytelling or feeling trapped by your own prep work, give this method a shot. It might just transform how you run your games.

Check out the video (linked below) for more inspiration, and let me know in the comments: How do you balance structure and player agency in your campaigns? Let’s swap ideas and make our stories unforgettable.