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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JamesonCourage" data-source="post: 6488564" data-attributes="member: 6668292">I've been lightly following the thread, but I'll admit to being a skimmer, not a deep reader so far. It sounded like we need ideas for how to keep the group engaged during the storm? I'm not 100% (and I'm on my phone now while waiting on someone to finally come out to my car...), though.Anyway, this is something I usually wing. I never, ever, ever run preset skill challenges. I wing everything, and I see what clicks with the group the most. Where do they seem the most engaged? I'll press there. What makes them worry? What makes them filled with anticipation? What specifically makes this next check with rolling for in this skill challenge? That's where I push.And that often means pushing areas where the stakes are highest, even if the PCs are skilled in the area. If they can only fail on a 5 or less, but there's dire consequences if they fail, you'd better bet the players will be staring at that d20 pretty damn intently as it bounces and rolls and finally comes to rest on that 7 (or 4).That means picking on things that matter to them. Reputations (incompetence, savior, etc.), beloved PCS (man overboard), and the like. While the trained NPCs can do most of the heavy lifting (steering the ship), the PCs can be invested in what matters to them. To some, that's a meaningful contribution to success (assist checks to aid NPCs, Leadership checks to control fear and emotions as panic sets in against the impossible storm, etc.). To others, though, saving an NPC that goes on to hug them for not letting his children starve is worth far more.One of my players' most memorable sessions was helping a city after a red dragon devastated it. Their high base attack, walls of fire, and rage abilities didn't do anything. But some cross class ranks in Heal helped treat the wounded, while some cross class ranks in Know(religion) helped console people with tales of the gods kindness, etc. Well, she's here. Gotta go. Just improvise and push the players interests. That'll be more than enough to be fun, even if it's repetitive.</blockquote>

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