The slavery theme is one that should be explored. One of the Cagewrights is behind most of the slave trade in the region. Taking him (her? it?) out will be a good mid-level goal for the PCs.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Shackled City
Getting going with the prep work again. Now I really want to make this good. So far, I'm copying/converting stat blocks. I need to find some minor story arcs, some stuff that'll keep the campaign going on a smaller level. If everything points to an 18th-level showdown, the players will die of boredom even as their characters try to find out what the fuss is all about. I need to re-read the damn thing in search of foreshadowing clues and minor villains.
Friday, July 22, 2011
The ebb and flow of gaming
I've gamed since 1984. 27 years of making characters, getting to know them, putting them in harm's way, seeing them go.
I've DM'ed since 1986, I think. 25 years of helping others make characters, getting to know them, putting them in harm's way, seeing them go. And making stories, creating universes, and entertaining friends - many of whom I wouldn't have had, had it not been for this weird hobby of ours.
For a longish while, I had one campaign, the Dorm Campaign. I started it in 1990, when I returned from the UK, and even though pretty much all the players have changed, it's still one single campaign with a lot of continuity.
But after I met Marie, I started running a campaign for her son Sebastian. After a false start (coughDungeonADay*cough), we're getting into Serpent's Skull. Can't wait to get them off the island!
Then the wife of a friend wanted to game as well! And her kids wanted to learn, Sebastian wanted more, and my daughter Vibeke also wanted in on the action. And we're going for Shackled City here.
Best news is that Marie wanted to play as well. She tried a short, homemade adventure with Vibeke and Sebastian, and now she's very eager to take her half-elf fighter out for another spin. And this is where it, to me, gets interesting. To my kids, I'm a provider. Of everything, from food to parental guidance and entertainment. So while I think it's fun to DM, DM'ing them is part and parcel of being a parent. At least I don't have to take them to soccer matches...
But when you DM your spouse, it's another kettle of fish. Not only is she an adult who chooses to spend her valuable time doing this, so you have to make sure it's comes out on top of reading world-class literature, going for a long walk in the park, exploring the world of cooking or catching up on some work. She is also, you know, the one who you really want to look good for.
Well Dungeon Master's Angst aside, it's invigorating. I'm cruising the internet, scouring it for tidbits that have to do with the campaign, and I feel the simmer of my creative juices always popping with small ideas. God knows how long I'll feel like that, but for now, I'm enjoying it.
I've DM'ed since 1986, I think. 25 years of helping others make characters, getting to know them, putting them in harm's way, seeing them go. And making stories, creating universes, and entertaining friends - many of whom I wouldn't have had, had it not been for this weird hobby of ours.
For a longish while, I had one campaign, the Dorm Campaign. I started it in 1990, when I returned from the UK, and even though pretty much all the players have changed, it's still one single campaign with a lot of continuity.
But after I met Marie, I started running a campaign for her son Sebastian. After a false start (coughDungeonADay*cough), we're getting into Serpent's Skull. Can't wait to get them off the island!
Then the wife of a friend wanted to game as well! And her kids wanted to learn, Sebastian wanted more, and my daughter Vibeke also wanted in on the action. And we're going for Shackled City here.
Best news is that Marie wanted to play as well. She tried a short, homemade adventure with Vibeke and Sebastian, and now she's very eager to take her half-elf fighter out for another spin. And this is where it, to me, gets interesting. To my kids, I'm a provider. Of everything, from food to parental guidance and entertainment. So while I think it's fun to DM, DM'ing them is part and parcel of being a parent. At least I don't have to take them to soccer matches...
But when you DM your spouse, it's another kettle of fish. Not only is she an adult who chooses to spend her valuable time doing this, so you have to make sure it's comes out on top of reading world-class literature, going for a long walk in the park, exploring the world of cooking or catching up on some work. She is also, you know, the one who you really want to look good for.
Well Dungeon Master's Angst aside, it's invigorating. I'm cruising the internet, scouring it for tidbits that have to do with the campaign, and I feel the simmer of my creative juices always popping with small ideas. God knows how long I'll feel like that, but for now, I'm enjoying it.
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