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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Janx" data-source="post: 5764077" data-attributes="member: 8835">exploring some new area/plane itself could be designed as a sandbox, but the main play space doesn't have to be a sandbox.Smon's random tables could certainly name mega villans by name, and randomly generate their basic strategy.  Which the GM would then flesh out the details.I reckon the theory is, with the right tables, basic plot ideas are system generated and not just made up by GM.  I use random tables to stimulate such ideas and force me to adapt to what the table said to write up the adventure about.For myself:I would have some tables handy to generate random minor crime, should the PCs go on patrol.For a given session, I run about 4-6 hours worth of material.  So I figure out what would work for the player's goals and write material to support pursuing that goal (stopping Magneto).Since my sessions are short, I can generally predict what I'll need, and be able to stop when I hit a major deviation point (where the PCs are going in unexpected areas).I also try not writing my material in a linear fashion.  I document magneto's stats, allies and sites where he will be or places he will strike.At that point, the PCs get some info on what might be going on, and I roll with whatever they choose to do to stop him.  Maybe they look for Asteroid M and hit him at home.  Maybe they try to predict what science places he'll hit next so they can stop him there.What I don't do is make up the entire city, and assume the PCs need to wander everywhere and be prepared to have stuff happen.  Stuff happens when I need it to happen to spur the PCs on to action or as a consequence of their choices.All I need is:"while you were on patrol in the warehouse district, you notice some suspicious activity""you get a call ont he Super HotLine for help, it's a monster attacking Metro City!"</blockquote>

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