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<blockquote data-quote="Desdichado" data-source="post: 817395" data-attributes="member: 2205">I glanced over most of the replies here, but I'm sure I'll repeat stuff that's already been said.&nbsp; Too bad!<ul>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Have a list of names handy for that on-the-fly guy you need to name.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Have a few NPC stat-blocks handy for impromtu scuffles.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Have a list of traits that can make NPCs memorable, and apply usually just one to folks that they meet.&nbsp; Whenever they meet them again, be sure to stress and repeat this trait -- it'll be a good hook for the PCs to remember him by, as well as making him more real.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">PCs typically need to have some involvement with the city; otherwise, why would they stay there?&nbsp; If this is so, they also need to have some knowledge of the city, so you may end up giving relatively detailed briefings to the players before the game starts just to get them up to speed enough to play their characters convincingly.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">PCs need some kind of reason to adventure in the city, and some kind of &quot;license&quot; to do so -- if they're constantly in jail for causing trouble, the game isn't very fun.&nbsp; There's a tricky balance between letting the PCs cut loose a little bit, but reminding them that they're smack dab in the middle of a civilized location and can't expect to solve all their problems with violence.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Maps are good, and a generic city map is a good tool for players, especially if their characters are supposed to be familiar with the city.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Plan out plots and intrigues ahead of time, and let the PCs discover layer upon layer of mystery as they adventure.&nbsp; City games need the convoluted plots, twisting intrigues and the like, since they don't otherwise have the straightforward excitement of wilderness and dungeon adventures.&nbsp; For this, you'll need a fairly good understanding of your power blocks, some NPCs within them, and their agendas.</li>
<li data-xf-list-type="ul">Read drnuncheon's Freeport story hour for inspiration!&nbsp; That's great city adventuring, IMO.</li>
</ul></blockquote>

[QUOTE="Desdichado, post: 817395, member: 2205"] I glanced over most of the replies here, but I'm sure I'll repeat stuff that's already been said. Too bad! [list] [*]Have a list of names handy for that on-the-fly guy you need to name. [*]Have a few NPC stat-blocks handy for impromtu scuffles. [*]Have a list of traits that can make NPCs memorable, and apply usually just one to folks that they meet. Whenever they meet them again, be sure to stress and repeat this trait -- it'll be a good hook for the PCs to remember him by, as well as making him more real. [*]PCs typically need to have some involvement with the city; otherwise, why would they stay there? If this is so, they also need to have some knowledge of the city, so you may end up giving relatively detailed briefings to the players before the game starts just to get them up to speed enough to play their characters convincingly. [*]PCs need some kind of reason to adventure in the city, and some kind of "license" to do so -- if they're constantly in jail for causing trouble, the game isn't very fun. There's a tricky balance between letting the PCs cut loose a little bit, but reminding them that they're smack dab in the middle of a civilized location and can't expect to solve all their problems with violence. [*]Maps are good, and a generic city map is a good tool for players, especially if their characters are supposed to be familiar with the city. [*]Plan out plots and intrigues ahead of time, and let the PCs discover layer upon layer of mystery as they adventure. City games need the convoluted plots, twisting intrigues and the like, since they don't otherwise have the straightforward excitement of wilderness and dungeon adventures. For this, you'll need a fairly good understanding of your power blocks, some NPCs within them, and their agendas. [*]Read drnuncheon's Freeport story hour for inspiration! That's great city adventuring, IMO. [/list] [/QUOTE]

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