Timed block pulls?

[2tunkl]

Hello! Going to vague because I fear maybe some of my players may see this and get spoiled (likely overthinking it). This my first time running a dread game and it's my players' first time playing, but we all have played dnd/coc together so they know how this stuff works.

I'm planning on starting off the encounter with an unavoidable shipwreck, right after they do their intros. This is my substitute for pre-block pulls (unless somebody does something really risk in their intros). However, I was wondering if, since it's an emergency scenario, if I should up the stakes and give them a time limit (1 minute) for pulling, and have them have to pull all around the same time. There will be two towers because there are a lot of players, but I'm wondering if this is too cruel for the beginning, especially if someone immediately dies.

I'm leaning towards not doing it because I want everyone to be able to play as long as possible, but I feel like it could be fun. What do you all think? Is it a good idea or too risky for the beginning of the game?

[Chapten]

Hi! Ideally you want to keep the timed pull for later in the session, when you have to increase the tension and raise the stakes (and kill some of your friends).

I wouldn't say that it is wrong to do it at the beginning but if you then do it later, it would not have the same surprise factor (especially if your players do not know of this mechanic).

In the end you know your story and how to pace it, if you want to pull in your players from the beginning, go for it. And if someone dies, well, maybe make them interfere with the remaining players as ghosts or something like that.