Bait-n-switch or screwjob campaigns

[Janx]

Never done it by GM fiat, no. (Is it just me, or does that sound like some kind of automotive joint venture?) Done it several times as natural and reasonable consequences of PC action, though. Or natural evolution of the campaign concept as it unfolds.

Well, in my OP, I do concede that natural transitions are fine.

Temporary switch-ups are fine (temporary assuming the PCs fix it)

Consequential switch-ups are fine (you do the crime, somebody gonna make you pay).


But it struck me as "not a best practice" to present Campaign X, but its really a 1 session transition into Campaign Y.

As with any "don't do this advice" there are likely examples where a GM has pulled it off and done it well. My consideration is that "don't do this advice" is for everybody else, and should only be ignored by GMs who actually know what they are doing.

 

[kitsune9]

I like to start a campaign with an unusual premise that doesn't start, "You all are in a tavern when...." however, if I say that the campaign will be about mind-bending horror, undead, and things that go bump in the night and the players make characters for that kind of campaign, that's what they are going to get. However, I don't mind at all starting them off where they are currently in prison or currently wanted by the religious Inquisition too.