Describing things in Novel format

[SeaJay]

I've never done it in a game, though I have pondered with the idea of describing scenes to the players in a sort of past tense as used in novels.

For example, say the party are walking into an inn, it may go something like:

"Castor pushed open the door to the inn, and the party were immediately hit by a reek of stale ale and unwashed bodies. The inn had a darkly lit interior, with a low roof, and a dozen or so wooden tables. Various serving girls waltzed between eager punters, carrying trays of tankards."

The players can describe what they do any way they want, but I find it helps me to be more descriptive in my narration. But do you see any problems with it?

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

That's been how most groups I've played with have done it since 1979. It works fine.

 

[SeaJay]

That's been how most groups I've played with have done it since 1979. It works fine.

Really? I thought it was all; 'You push the door open to the inn...'. All present tense.