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Message: <blockquote data-quote="S'mon" data-source="post: 2029036" data-attributes="member: 463">I definitely think "You all wake up in jail" at the start of the session a la Slave Lords is far preferable to the GM trying to force a particular result from a played-through event.  Giving the illusion but not reality that the PCs can escape is far more frustrating to players than an honest deus ex machina, I think, and has a respected literary tradition (qv Conan, a lot).If you want to play it through, you must recognise that the players have the freedom to derail your plans.  I agree that for lawful & good-guy groups, the respectful approach stands the most chance of success."My lords, I have been ordered to arrest you.  If we fight, many will die.  I humbly request you to set aside your weapons  and accompany me."This allows the PCs to surrender with their pride intact, knowing that they could have slaughtered dozens of guards, but choosing not to.  With mature players it can work very well.  With immature players, well, they get to kill the captain & lots of guards and probably their PCs too....</blockquote>