Running a random encounter only adventure...

[Storyteller01]

One of the characters screwed up, and has offended one of the other characters father. As panance, they get to go meeting him in the middle of the forest. I'm using S&S's Hornsaw source book as a template, but encounters will be more frequent.


That's the gist of the adventure. No real goal other than surviving to the center. Has anyone run something similar to this?

 

[Mark CMG]

A couple of times. Can be lots of fun, especially if you make up your own list of random encounters so it can be thematically tight with your setting.

(diaglo should be along any minute to explain how we all used to use a game board from Outdoor Survival (as per the rules!) as a outdoor map with OD&D. )

 

[Storyteller01]

Wish he would show up. That would be helpful!!

 

[Mark CMG]

Wish he would show up. That would be helpful!!

Do the encounters need to be randomly rolled in front of him?

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I would make up the random chart, but roll ahead of time to give you time to prepare for the major encounters.

 

[Rhun]

Some of the funnest adventures I've ever played in were random encounter only adventures. Of course, I had a great DM that could tie them all seemlessly together, but I always had a great time.

 

[Storyteller01]

I was wanting to roll the encounters in front of them. They know I tend to make sure that I don't kill their characters, so the visible random rolls may add to the suspense/fear of the adventure. No DM safety net.

 

[Mark CMG]

I see your point. Did you look through your books and bookmark or tag all of the particular tables you will need? What will you be using beside the core books, if anything?

 

[Storyteller01]

I see your point. Did you look through your books and bookmark or tag all of the particular tables you will need? What will you be using beside the core books, if anything?

Core books plus sword and sorcery's Hornsaw sourcebook. I'll have to rework the last's table somewhat. They have beasts on the tables that I don't have the books for.

 

[Andre]

One suggestion: make sure the characters have a chance (if they put in the effort) to figure out some of what they're facing. Whether it's the ranger using tracking to identify bear tracks, or the wizard spotting a feather on a bush and guessing that it could be from an owlbear, the players will be more likely to appreciate what's happening. I've played with GM's who would just throw in encounters willy-nilly, and it was a bit frustrating that we couldn't prepare - especially when we never spotted anything until the creatures were already within 30' of the party...

Of course, if it were a one-off, I could see having fun throwing anything and everything at the party - the more bizarre, the better.