Setting the theme, not just giving the name

[JacktheRabbit]

When DMing I try to create a scene that feels more like a novel or a movie and less like a board game. With that being said I try to use quick descriptions that create a sense or mood and allow players to figure things out.

Here is one example where I stole something from a movie to create a scene.

The party was spending the night in the large manor / small castle of a local lord. It was a stormy night with the typical crashing lightning and pouring rain. During the night three of the characters heard a noise and chose to investigate. Walking down the stone halls one of the players slipped on a pool of water on the stone floor (no damage, done to give a hint without being obvious). A few seconds later they are assaulted by the strong odor of wet dog.

At this point I paused. I gave the party a moment to talk, none of this connected the two hints and which meant when the werewolf in hybrid form attacked they were all caught by surprise.

What other methods have DMs here used besides the boardgame approach of "your walking down the hall when a werewolf rounds a corner at full speed, roll initiative"?


Bonus points of course to who guesss where I ripped off my wet dog foreshadowing.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Here is another I used that comes to mind.

Party was exploring an old dwarven tunnel complex. Though the place had been lost in battle with an unknown force they found no bones, no carrion or bugs, and the walls were clear of slime or lichen.

In fact the tunnels looked almost sanitized clean. The few bits of gear they found were all metal, shields were missing leather straps and swords had no wrapping on handle.

Later this became obvious when they were attacked by a Gelatinous Cube that had grown to perfectly fit the contours of the tunnels.

 

[GandalfMithrandir]

no idea on the wet dog foreshadowing but I have used something like this: you are walking through the woods, suddenly you hear a low growl and see a vaguely human shape swipe past to your right, this shape stops for a moment, then charges head on! Roll initiative!