A random thought:
A heavy-handed but fun plot device is to start the game with the players captured. Just present it that they were taken with gas or magic or overwhelming force while asleep. The players will complain that their precautions made this impossible and insist on playing the capture. Just remind them gently but firmly that you are in charge, and that no one's precautions are perfect. If they are in a situation where they do not have their weapons, spell-books etc. they might realize they have to talk and think their way out of the situation. Put another prisoner with them. Devise a way for them to escape without a single fight if they are clever. Perhaps a secret passage or a corrupted guard. It might be even more dramatic if their friendly fellow prisoner sacrifices himself/herself to get them free.
A heavy-handed but fun plot device is to start the game with the players captured. Just present it that they were taken with gas or magic or overwhelming force while asleep. The players will complain that their precautions made this impossible and insist on playing the capture. Just remind them gently but firmly that you are in charge, and that no one's precautions are perfect. If they are in a situation where they do not have their weapons, spell-books etc. they might realize they have to talk and think their way out of the situation. Put another prisoner with them. Devise a way for them to escape without a single fight if they are clever. Perhaps a secret passage or a corrupted guard. It might be even more dramatic if their friendly fellow prisoner sacrifices himself/herself to get them free.
