Post by Drozgul on Apr 20, 2011 3:41:19 GMT -5
Okay, here we go!
I love a great scene in a role-playing game, but isn't everyone's idea of a "great scene" a little different?
Let me be specific about what I love to see in a scene.
1) Everyone has something to do!
-As a GM your biggest challenge is getting everyone involved. Does the encounter you built have a little something for everyone? Or does Jimmy get the spotlight again? Communication bonuses are an interesting idea too, watch any team in a film or sport, and you'll see that a little chatter or a plan can provide a little extra in the heat of things.
2) Aesthetics
-Role-playing games are meant to create an alternate reality of a sort, so what does it look like? Is the weather affecting anything? Is it close quarters, or open fields? I like a natural stone cavern, but a well built stone keep is just as good, but you don't fight the same way in both usually. Are there terrain advantages? Penalties?
3) Environment interactivity
-Can I actually reach and use the fire escape ladder, or is it just there because a modern building should have one? The edge of the bar has all those breakable bottles of flammable alcohol on it, and makes a great stationary blunt weapon for when I slam my opponents face on it! Not to mention the usefulness of a nice cliff face, or known but un-sprung traps. Is there a circumstance bonus based on your prior knowledge of the dungeon in this area? Maybe a tactical advantage that doesn't require a feat?
4) Enemies that make sense, and matter.
-Sure, any enemy could be here. But I like the ones that make sense for the story, or possibly a new story arch. Henchman for the BBEG we're after storm the warehouse we were sent to investigate...its a trap! We're trying to find out where the Orc chieftain took our friend to, but why do we keep encountering Gith? How about a favored enemy bonus or bane weapon since the minions are out looking for the party? Maybe a planned trap or move that plays into the BBEG's master plan for thwarting the "good guys"?
5) The chase!
-Any chase scene is difficult to do. Every chase scene is difficult to do well. Chases can be done so many ways. There's the foot-chase through the city, the carriage run through the woods, the natural disaster outrun, or the relay to pull of the heist with perfect timing! Terrain, endurance, athletics, acrobtics...so much fun to use.
I open it up for you guys to add to. I'd also like to see if you guys use some film or other media references of what your opinion of a well done scene would be, from fluff to mechanics.
I love a great scene in a role-playing game, but isn't everyone's idea of a "great scene" a little different?
Let me be specific about what I love to see in a scene.
1) Everyone has something to do!
-As a GM your biggest challenge is getting everyone involved. Does the encounter you built have a little something for everyone? Or does Jimmy get the spotlight again? Communication bonuses are an interesting idea too, watch any team in a film or sport, and you'll see that a little chatter or a plan can provide a little extra in the heat of things.
2) Aesthetics
-Role-playing games are meant to create an alternate reality of a sort, so what does it look like? Is the weather affecting anything? Is it close quarters, or open fields? I like a natural stone cavern, but a well built stone keep is just as good, but you don't fight the same way in both usually. Are there terrain advantages? Penalties?
3) Environment interactivity
-Can I actually reach and use the fire escape ladder, or is it just there because a modern building should have one? The edge of the bar has all those breakable bottles of flammable alcohol on it, and makes a great stationary blunt weapon for when I slam my opponents face on it! Not to mention the usefulness of a nice cliff face, or known but un-sprung traps. Is there a circumstance bonus based on your prior knowledge of the dungeon in this area? Maybe a tactical advantage that doesn't require a feat?
4) Enemies that make sense, and matter.
-Sure, any enemy could be here. But I like the ones that make sense for the story, or possibly a new story arch. Henchman for the BBEG we're after storm the warehouse we were sent to investigate...its a trap! We're trying to find out where the Orc chieftain took our friend to, but why do we keep encountering Gith? How about a favored enemy bonus or bane weapon since the minions are out looking for the party? Maybe a planned trap or move that plays into the BBEG's master plan for thwarting the "good guys"?
5) The chase!
-Any chase scene is difficult to do. Every chase scene is difficult to do well. Chases can be done so many ways. There's the foot-chase through the city, the carriage run through the woods, the natural disaster outrun, or the relay to pull of the heist with perfect timing! Terrain, endurance, athletics, acrobtics...so much fun to use.
I open it up for you guys to add to. I'd also like to see if you guys use some film or other media references of what your opinion of a well done scene would be, from fluff to mechanics.