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<blockquote data-quote="BSF" data-source="post: 1561258" data-attributes="member: 13098">First of all, don't reward backgrounds/concepts that do not facilitate the game you want to run.&nbsp; This is different from trying to screw the guy over, but don't provide a reward for the &quot;lone wolf&quot; or the &quot;freak&quot;.&nbsp; Second of all, decide what kind of game you want to run ahead of time and build limitations around that.&nbsp; You want the PC's to know each other?&nbsp; Tell the players that ahead of time.&nbsp; Let them come up with a way to explain it.&nbsp; You want them all to be good aligned?&nbsp; Say so from the beginning.&nbsp; It is good to have an openendedness to the game, but ask yourself if you really want to run a game where anything goes?&nbsp; As the DM, you need to be able to run the game you want to run as well as allowing the players to play in a game they want to play in.&nbsp; Thirdly, bring in character backgrounds and use them.&nbsp; Use them as story hooks for and against the party.&nbsp; It is easy for Players to be afraid that their background will be twisted and used against them.&nbsp; Don't fall into that trap.&nbsp; Yes, it is acceptable to use background elements to drive the story, but don't always do it in a manner that is negative.&nbsp; In the end, it is easier to integrate characters with detailed backgrounds, who are team-oriented and who fit the game you want to run than it is to fit the mysterious loner who is just as likely to betray his companions as he is to attack their foes.&nbsp; Be up front with your players and explain what you are trying to achieve with the game.&nbsp; They will probably be pretty open to your ideas.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="BSF, post: 1561258, member: 13098"] First of all, don't reward backgrounds/concepts that do not facilitate the game you want to run. This is different from trying to screw the guy over, but don't provide a reward for the "lone wolf" or the "freak". Second of all, decide what kind of game you want to run ahead of time and build limitations around that. You want the PC's to know each other? Tell the players that ahead of time. Let them come up with a way to explain it. You want them all to be good aligned? Say so from the beginning. It is good to have an openendedness to the game, but ask yourself if you really want to run a game where anything goes? As the DM, you need to be able to run the game you want to run as well as allowing the players to play in a game they want to play in. Thirdly, bring in character backgrounds and use them. Use them as story hooks for and against the party. It is easy for Players to be afraid that their background will be twisted and used against them. Don't fall into that trap. Yes, it is acceptable to use background elements to drive the story, but don't always do it in a manner that is negative. In the end, it is easier to integrate characters with detailed backgrounds, who are team-oriented and who fit the game you want to run than it is to fit the mysterious loner who is just as likely to betray his companions as he is to attack their foes. Be up front with your players and explain what you are trying to achieve with the game. They will probably be pretty open to your ideas. [/QUOTE]

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