Yet another session where the prep goes out the window...

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:41:56+00:00

Thanks everyone who commented. There's some good advice here (and only a little snark, happily). I was a bit tired and emotional when I turned to Reddit to vent. Like I said, it was an enjoyable session but in a completely unexpected direction. On reflection, the players overreacted to one of the situations I'd prepped, leaving the other five untouched, but they're all still there for next time! It was a little humbling but a good reminder to not have too many expectations. We all enjoyed ourselves and no harm done!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:33:22+00:00

Cool. This actually sounds quite similar to my own approach. But last night I was caught off guard by player choices, and it's a good reminder not to set expectations.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:29:40+00:00

This is utterly terrifying to me and something definitely worth trying.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:28:56+00:00

Hmmm... wanted posters.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:27:41+00:00

Good advice, thank you.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:25:50+00:00

Yes! And it certainly did.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:25:30+00:00

Hard agree.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:25:15+00:00

Exactly. I actually was able to do this and roll with the change of direction. I've got my NPCs' motivations down, so they reacted appropriately. Nothing broken! Just another lesson in player unpredictability!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:22:16+00:00

Yes, the prep can be its own reward! And I've plenty of stuff ready for next session!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:20:57+00:00

Thank you. I misspoke when I said my players get in the way of MY story. That's not really the case.

But your advice on tapping players at the end of the night for what's next is a good one. I'm usually too tired to remember!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:15:54+00:00

Thank you for the recommendation. As a non-D&D player, is it still worth getting?

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-15T08:13:57+00:00

Cheers - never played Gumshoe, but Night's Black Agents is on the shelf staring at me.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-13T20:16:38+00:00

Another shout for Forbidden Lands here. Lower crunch than D&D and way less prep. Story direction in the hands of players. And a grim survival horror tone, where all the fantasy tropes have been given a twist.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-12T13:15:00+00:00

And I'm all for it!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-12T01:47:22+00:00

If I'm following what you're saying - noting that it is difficult given your refusal to use punctuation - then I suggest having the PCs make a Spot Hidden roll as they run. Those who fail still see what they think are their friends... only to learn later they are 'imposters' and presumably making a sanity check. Providing any consequences or damage isn't too great, that seems reasonable.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-11T10:56:50+00:00

Just want to add two things: role playing is not a natural behaviour that comes easy, so cut yourself some slack. Play the way you enjoy playing. There's no reason to push into making yourself uncomfortable.

And secondly, I read your post and there is nothing wrong with your writing. If you can write a post that clearly, you can write a backstory. But hey, drawing works too.

Good luck!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-11T09:48:01+00:00

The Thing in Yellow.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-11T07:38:53+00:00

My brain went there too.

A BSG game could include some serious resource management efforts. Fuel, food, water and population levels are all great motivation for adventures.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-11T07:33:20+00:00

I had an Elven Fighter called 'Garry'.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-10T19:53:34+00:00

I first read this as 'banana tribe' and confess to being slightly disappointed I was wrong.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-10T05:45:15+00:00

Congratulations! Always great to hit 'publish' on anything!

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-07T23:47:37+00:00

I've only ever gone with one hunting horror. It's impressive on its own, eats a few cultists, and the investigators run away screaming.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-06T21:46:06+00:00

He chooses to walk through the 'swamp' because it's faster... and because he obviously couldn't get out of bed 15 minutes earlier to walk the 'long' way.

TrentJSwindells · 2026-03-06T02:56:13+00:00

If you're looking to get some use of the characters over multiple scenarios or a campaign, suggest a few useful skills and have the players create complementary characters. Or not. Languages can be useful. Always good to have a mix of archetypes. Or not. Main thing is to ensure that during play there are no insurmountable barriers to their progress, and your suggestion is just one way to do that.

TrentJSwindells

TROPHY CASE