Hi all, I'm nearly brand new to the whole Game Master role (ran one 1 shot previously) and I'm looking for some critique and feedback on a new one shot I'd like to run. I've been watching Mercer, Colville, and Guy Sclander's GM series and have picked up some great knowledge.
I'd like your thoughts on primarily the PC/setting interaction and to help me flesh things out a bit.
Here's the general story, setting, BBEG I have setup...
PCs marooned on an uncharted island in the late 15th Century.
Must use base survival skills to stay alive. Scavenge for food, water, and shelter. (I'm using tools-and-coconuts a Laser & Feelings RPG hack)
Antagonists - Native Tribesman, troop of howler monkeys, Flora & Fauna, and mother nature.
Settings - Aztec temple, Forest, Cave, Beach
Heavily inspired by Columbus' four voyages to the new world, Castaway, and Lost.
BBEG backstory
The last remaining tribesman is desperate to appease the gods. After witnessing his brothers and sisters fall ill and collapse after the pale men (previous explorers) came bearing gifts; he will stop at no cost to see a sign from the gods. Under the impression that his tribe has committed some wrong doing, he has escalated the amount of blood sacrifices to the gods. The near collapse of his tribe has began to throw him into mood swings and fits of frenzied rage. These sporadic tantrums have made his wife and child afraid, often fleeing the dilapidated village to let him cool down. His family has now run away to a nearby cave as they have grown increasingly uncomfortable around this man they once called husband/father.
Characters & Setting connections
Tribesman --- Aztec Temple and village
Howler Monkeys --- Forest
Tribesman family --- Cave
PCs ---- Beach
Communication from the tribes people (the man/family members) and howler monkeys will be rudimentary gestures and words.
How I plan to set up the situation to players and what I imagine happening. (This is where I believe I need the most feedback)
You are a collection of adventurers and explorers treading into uncharted waters and unexplored land. * Go into more back story and setup * then BAM oh no a terrible storm has shipwrecked your crew and your PCs are the few that managed to survive. * Describe beach and equipment that has washed upon shore * and then cue the panic with, "What do you wish to do?"
Here's where I stumble a little bit. I'd like to have these NPCs and settings explored once they have managed to get basic food, water, and shelter setup. I've been thinking of various cues to prompt the players to come into contact with them. But not so sure how to have the adventure naturally flow into what I hope to be the final climax where the PCs encounter the crazed tribesman who attempts to sacrifice a body (could be a PC, a tribesman family member, or collection of howler monkeys). I may just be railroading too much and have the players stumble upon them naturally as they begin to become more confident to explore the forest.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers
Hi all, I'm nearly brand new to the whole Game Master role (ran one 1 shot previously) and I'm looking for some critique and feedback on a new one shot I'd like to run. I've been watching Mercer, Colville, and Guy Sclander's GM series and have picked up some great knowledge.
I'd like your thoughts on primarily the PC/setting interaction and to help me flesh things out a bit.
Here's the general story, setting, BBEG I have setup...
BBEG backstory
The last remaining tribesman is desperate to appease the gods. After witnessing his brothers and sisters fall ill and collapse after the pale men (previous explorers) came bearing gifts; he will stop at no cost to see a sign from the gods. Under the impression that his tribe has committed some wrong doing, he has escalated the amount of blood sacrifices to the gods. The near collapse of his tribe has began to throw him into mood swings and fits of frenzied rage. These sporadic tantrums have made his wife and child afraid, often fleeing the dilapidated village to let him cool down. His family has now run away to a nearby cave as they have grown increasingly uncomfortable around this man they once called husband/father.
Characters & Setting connections
Communication from the tribes people (the man/family members) and howler monkeys will be rudimentary gestures and words.
How I plan to set up the situation to players and what I imagine happening. (This is where I believe I need the most feedback)
You are a collection of adventurers and explorers treading into uncharted waters and unexplored land. * Go into more back story and setup * then BAM oh no a terrible storm has shipwrecked your crew and your PCs are the few that managed to survive. * Describe beach and equipment that has washed upon shore * and then cue the panic with, "What do you wish to do?"
Here's where I stumble a little bit. I'd like to have these NPCs and settings explored once they have managed to get basic food, water, and shelter setup. I've been thinking of various cues to prompt the players to come into contact with them. But not so sure how to have the adventure naturally flow into what I hope to be the final climax where the PCs encounter the crazed tribesman who attempts to sacrifice a body (could be a PC, a tribesman family member, or collection of howler monkeys). I may just be railroading too much and have the players stumble upon them naturally as they begin to become more confident to explore the forest.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. Cheers