Subtle hints of danger

[der_kluge]

In my game, if the PCs are entering an area where it's likely one or more of them will die, I will often put on a very dark selection on the CD player - something dissonant and dischordant. Though, I typically reserve that for the really high types of encounters, or encounters involving things like wights or wraiths.

If the party continues to fight, even though they should flee I'll make comments like "I've not seen such bravery" (an homage to the arcade classic Gauntlet). My players know that when I utter that phrase, they know they're probably in over their heads.

What subtle clues do you give your players to let them know they're going off the deep end?

 

[Umbran]

Subtle? In general, I've found that players often miss the subtle, and alternatively misinterpret things to see subtle clues where none exist.

I had one GM for a Mage: the Ascension game that was blatant. He put warning labels on his sessions: "Warning, someone might die if you are stupid tonight." "Danger: high threat level no matter what you do" and so on...

 

[The Shaman]

What subtle clues do you give your players to let them know they're going off the deep end?

The ranger finds tarrasque footprints going the same direction as the adventurers...

 

[kenobi65]

If the party continues to fight, even though they should flee I'll make comments like "I've not seen such bravery" (an homage to the arcade classic Gauntlet).

Except that I usually use, "Elf needs food, badly!"...followed by, "Elf is about to die!"

My not-so-subtle hints:
- "How many hit points do you have left?"
- "How many spells do you have left?"
- Opening the Monster Manual to the "D" section.

 

[Rhun]

Except that I usually use, "Elf needs food, badly!"...followed by, "Elf is about to die!"

Someone beat me to the punch...though I was going to say "Blue warrior needs food, badly."


Oh, and I usually don't give my players any clue that they are about to die.

 

[Umbran]

The ranger finds tarrasque footprints going the same direction as the adventurers...

Or, even better - a cut scene where the tarrasque finds the party's footprints going the same direction as it is heading...

 

[diaglo]

hint 1: Marching order?
hint 2: Are you sure about your marching order?
hint 3: The high lvl paladin in the party is turned by the evil cleric.
hint 4: What are you doing? Confirm marching order.

 

[Samnell]

My players always miss subtle. Sometimes they even misinterpret a PC becoming a corpse in the first round.

 

[Sledge]

I generally do the "how many hit points do you have left?" never works mind you.... the idea of blatant warnings is beginning to sound better after the party took on a full sized army (10,000+) of undead by themselves.

 

[Ed_Laprade]

I generally do the "how many hit points do you have left?"

The trouble with that is, if you have to ask its uaually too late.