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<blockquote data-quote="Remathilis" data-source="post: 8695226" data-attributes="member: 7635">I want to address this specific part.I used Isle of Dread (and clearly the footnote didn't help) to express a scenario style, not the actual module. But to be fair, it doesn't really matter if it's the actual module of a lovingly created scenario made from scratch. (Actually, I think it's WORSE if it's not the module, since then I've wasted time creating an adventure locale that the PCs will never see.) Yes, it's a scenario that requires a lot of force by the DM, but fiction is full of events outside the decision process of the protagonist. Odysseus didn't want to stop at half the islands he ended up on, and I'm pretty sure if he heard rumors of a powerful sea witch that turned people into swine, he'd probably give that island as wide a berth as possible. As for the numbered list: I believe 1 and 2 are fine plot hooks. However, if the PCs are opting to avoid the hook, they are forfeiting the privilege of any meaningful adventure that session and have accepted either a series of random encounters or a premature end while the DM stops to start prepping for the next session. My prep time as a DM is limited by other factors in my life, so preparing multiple scenarios which may never see the light of play is a colossal waste of time. My players know this, so they are generally good at biting on the presented plot. Is this a railroad? Maybe not, but there is a whole lot of nothing between plot depots, so take that for what you will.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Remathilis, post: 8695226, member: 7635"] I want to address this specific part. I used Isle of Dread (and clearly the footnote didn't help) to express a scenario style, not the actual module. But to be fair, it doesn't really matter if it's the actual module of a lovingly created scenario made from scratch. (Actually, I think it's WORSE if it's not the module, since then I've wasted time creating an adventure locale that the PCs will never see.) Yes, it's a scenario that requires a lot of force by the DM, but fiction is full of events outside the decision process of the protagonist. Odysseus didn't want to stop at half the islands he ended up on, and I'm pretty sure if he heard rumors of a powerful sea witch that turned people into swine, he'd probably give that island as wide a berth as possible. As for the numbered list: I believe 1 and 2 are fine plot hooks. However, if the PCs are opting to avoid the hook, they are forfeiting the privilege of any meaningful adventure that session and have accepted either a series of random encounters or a premature end while the DM stops to start prepping for the next session. My prep time as a DM is limited by other factors in my life, so preparing multiple scenarios which may never see the light of play is a colossal waste of time. My players know this, so they are generally good at biting on the presented plot. Is this a railroad? Maybe not, but there is a whole lot of nothing between plot depots, so take that for what you will. [/QUOTE]

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