Re: Re: Fearing Dragons

From: Stephen Tempest <e-g_at_...>
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2005 01:07:43 +0000

"ttrotsky2" <TTrotsky_at_...> writes:

> If the Narrator wants to
>have the Heroes run away, I'm sure he can find a way of doing it.
>
>But will the players forgive him afterwards? Does it make for an
>enjoyable game, or does it ruin the evening's play? Is it, in short, a
>good idea, regardless of the method used to implement it?

I think it's all about the way the events are presented. Let's take two options.

1. "Kallyr says you can't come with her because you're not important enough. Also, the big scary dragon frightens you all.."
2. "Kallyr warns you that no mere mortal could survive exposure to the naked mind of a True Dragon, and if you step inside your body and soul alike will surely be destroyed. Orlaront has HeroQuested and ritually prepared himself for six years for this moment, and he is fairly sure he can extend his magical protection to one other person - herself - but no others. She thanks you for all your efforts and bids you farewell - then, white-faced but determined, turns and steps into the dragon's maw."

Option a) makes it seem like the players have failed, because they aren't good enough. Option b) just tells them they don't have the right specialised skills and background - and no amount of spending hero points on the day can make up for the 6 years of preparation...

Personally, I think it also helps if the players are told _at the start of the adventure_ what their real objective is. If it's just a vague "accompany Kallyr and do what she says" then of course they're going to be unhappy about abandoning the quest, and her, before the climax. On the other hand, if they're told "Kallyr has something specific she needs to do at the climax of the quest, and she'll need to save her power until then. She'll need loyal protecters to help her reach that point." then they can feel a proper sense of fulfilment and resolution when she says "you've done your part, now it's my turn." They'll have achieved something special, not just gone along for the ride. (And the narrator still preserves the secrecy of what she's actually doing)

Stephen