Let me preface this by saying I may have been watching too much TV of late, and LOST in particular. But, I was trying to think of some non-standard ways to kick off my upcoming 4e campaign. I haven't DMed in a couple of years and I want this to be memorable because of my return to the DM chair and our groups launch of 4e.
I was thinking of starting by describing a scene the group sees as they approach their destination along a road. The destination is another point of light area. As they get within a couple of miles of the place they see a couple of farmers on a wagon being attacked. I want to play up the scene...and then switch to a flashback of them being hired to go do whatever it is that they are there to do. And then roleplay that to the point where the attack happens and finish up the session with the fight to rescue the farmers.
Here are my issues.
1) At first blush it sounds like railroading and I don't want to do that. But, I think if it is done right it doesnt have to be a railroad. As long as they end up on the road to that place and come across that scene everything else is up fro grabs. There could be lots of divergence as far as clues, equipment, goals, motivations, etc leading up to the scene as described.
2) How to pull it off without confusing or boring the players. In a tabletop game, unlike in front of the telly, if I start them on an obvious flashback they will know that whatever is done they will end up back at that scene.
But, I really think if it can pulled off it will be a very memorable campaign start.
I would like to hear some opinions, both of the idea itself, and some thoughts on how best to try to carry it off. Especially if anyone has already tried something similar.
I was thinking of starting by describing a scene the group sees as they approach their destination along a road. The destination is another point of light area. As they get within a couple of miles of the place they see a couple of farmers on a wagon being attacked. I want to play up the scene...and then switch to a flashback of them being hired to go do whatever it is that they are there to do. And then roleplay that to the point where the attack happens and finish up the session with the fight to rescue the farmers.
Here are my issues.
1) At first blush it sounds like railroading and I don't want to do that. But, I think if it is done right it doesnt have to be a railroad. As long as they end up on the road to that place and come across that scene everything else is up fro grabs. There could be lots of divergence as far as clues, equipment, goals, motivations, etc leading up to the scene as described.
2) How to pull it off without confusing or boring the players. In a tabletop game, unlike in front of the telly, if I start them on an obvious flashback they will know that whatever is done they will end up back at that scene.
But, I really think if it can pulled off it will be a very memorable campaign start.
I would like to hear some opinions, both of the idea itself, and some thoughts on how best to try to carry it off. Especially if anyone has already tried something similar.