I wrote previously about using real magic tricks to enhance your Dungeons & Dragons adventures. Unlike a computer game, you can make a prediction on a real-life piece of paper and set it before your players, then you can have a trick in an encounter turn out to fulfill that prediction.

The Witch’s Brew

A mentalist trick that allows for a genuine free choice goes like this. The heroes visit a witch in the woods known for brewing potions. The witch asks them to decide on one of three potions she currently can make (given her ingredients on hand, time, and knowledge) that they would like for their next adventure, but–before the heroes discuss the potions–she reveals that she has already divined their choice and brewed it.

Peer at your players intently for a moment and write down the name of that potion on a small piece of folded paper you have lying nearby, fold it up again, and place it in front of the players under an object to keep it secure. They discuss the potions, come to a conclusion, then announce their choice. And you proceed to unfold the paper and reveal that “the witch” indeed predicted the potion they would choose.

How Does It Work?

Since this is a genuine free choice by the players, the trick uses what magicians call “multiple outs”, meaning you have a successful way out of the trick regardless of the choice they make.

In this case, you write down two of the potions on the piece of paper beforehand. First, fold it in quarters, then cut one of the folds, then write two potions on a part that folds away from the others. When the time comes, “find” the scrap of paper, add the third potion while they watch (but don’t let them see what you’re writing). For the reveal, unfold the paper close to you so they can’t see anything written on it until you present the side with the potion they chose.

If you practice ahead of time to get used to how to open it and reveal only one potion, but the effect is excellent. You way want to make small marks on the outside of the folded paper to help you remember which way to open it for which potion.

Take your time and pause while writing, so they can’t tell tell if you wrote a short or long potion name. Ditch the note quickly. It may help to pretend you used the paper previously for some secret DM-note-to-self that they aren’t allowed to see.

Other Versions

One variation of this uses three separate pieces of paper hidden beforehand under a drink coaster, a dice tower, and the underside of player’s chair. Whichever they choose, simply say, “She brings out the potion you chose, already brewed. Gary, look under your chair.” Gary does and pulls out the correct prediction.

It’s very likely the other players will check under their chairs as well, so be sure to make all three places different. Of course, this leaves the table “dirty”, and you have to find a moment later to remove the other two predictions, or the players will eventually find them by accident.

Another way to do it is to put an envelope on the table, and have the three possible choices written the outside of a folded card, the inside, and on the back of the envelope. Then for the reveal, pick up the envelope and, as appropriate, turn it over or slide the card out and turn it over or open it. Discard the envelope discreetly afterwards.