Re: [DL] Game planning...

[Reemull <reemull@yahoo.co.uk>]

> 
> I'm always interested to know how much planning people 
> actually put into
> their games.

OK I tend to work with a central plot, plus a couple of minor ones.  In
my own created adventures - the minor plots are designed around
character backgrounds and other smaller scenarios some of which would
point towards the central plot line, others would just be
events/problems in the life of the town.  In the case where I ran such
a campaign - I did detail a town as a "home base" for them to interact
with - however as the central plot was integral to that base - I kind
of needed to flesh it out.  I sort of set it out like the "Harrowed
Ground" adventure in the Marshal's Screen - however that was before I'd
bought the supplement (I hate it when you think you are doing something
cool and original, only to find out not only has someone done it before
you - they've published it as well!)

Between sessions (the campaign ran on a weekly basis for about 18
months) I'd update what was going on depending on what the PC actions
were during the previous session - this kept everything moving and
meant I knew where everything (plot related) was and could throw in
some interesting tidbits and red herrings as it suited.

If I use a published adventure I generally try and work something from
one of the PC's backgrounds into it - even if it is just to break up
the pace of the adventure a little or to insert a fight scene to keep
their interest (bleed them of fate chips).

> I'm just curious.  (Also if you do these types of things, sharing the
> method: three ring binder, database [that would be me, the 
> geeky one! ;-)],
> note cards, whatever would also be appreciated.)

I actually used a 3 ring binder but am just upgrading to the 4 ring
model, which I plan to use to hold my house rules and such.
> 
> BTW: How have folks ended campaigns?  In all the years I've 
> been gaming,
> I've never been involved in a campaign that "wrapped up".  
> They mostly just
> evaporated.

The campaign culminated with them gaining the information that someone
was manipulating the local injuns into attacking the town that had
served as their base for the past few months.  Upon convincing the town
it was about to get wiped out - they then had to decide on the defences
and try to get help.  Of course once they dust settled from an
appropriately epic finale - they were then left with figuring out - who
it was that was manipulating the injuns and why he was doing it?  So
far they have found out a bit more on who he is and why - but
everything has yet to be revealed. 

> Thanks,
> 
> Derek
> 
> P.S. I'm attempting to detail Shannonsburg, which will be the 
> home base from
> my campaign.  So if you have any info about that town, I'd be 
> much obliged.
> I've already created some rough notes on key people in that 
> area and am
> working on more.

I had my PC's stay overnight there whilst in search of someone who
passed through - and I remember there was little detail on the town
apart from what is said in the Great Maze.

Cheers


Roy


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