Well, the 1st sesion was a bust tonight. I had hoped for as many as 5 players, but only 2 showed. I think that's just the way of our group right now. Lots of RL concerns. We fleshed out the 2 characters for these 2 "main" players and then quit early. They seem pretty excited about next week, though; so that is a good sign. The setting is just so great that I really want to afford them the opportuinty to explore it.
I'm pretty well settled on reducing the mooks' wounds to 0 and making them subject to sudden death criticals. I don't want to track all those wounds points and variable critical effects--those are fun for players. The main baddies will still have wounds, but will also be subject to sudden death criticals; which helps to differentiate them and the PCs. I hope it doesn't turn it too D&D-ish, but I want them to be able to explore the ruins and solve the mystery of what's affecting the undercity so.
Here's to a better beginning next week.