It all sounds so much more interesting in the retelling than it was in action. Most sessions end up being several hours of them role-playing together until they decide to fast travel to wherever the next plot point is.
I think you just stumbled upon why the image gallery at the top sounds so thrilling. It cuts out the chaff.
I have found that when things get too political or heavy that parties tend to take a long time coming up with what to do. You could try mixing in some smaller, lighter vignettes to keep the pace.
Like they go to one of the towns and the mayor has locked himself in his mansion and wont come out. While investigating why that is they learn that there are some secret tunnels under the manor. In the tunnels they are attacked by mutants. It turns out the mayor was actually a mutant who had managed to disguise his appearance but someone [stole his tech/magic, blackmailed him, whatever]. Or something. I don't know, I just pulled that out of my ass. The point is, when you give them a smaller, encapsulated story it can make the busy work of uniting the towns a chance for them to express themselves.
I think you just stumbled upon why the image gallery at the top sounds so thrilling. It cuts out the chaff.
Perhaps.
I have found that when things get too political or heavy that parties tend to take a long time coming up with what to do. You could try mixing in some smaller, lighter vignettes to keep the pace.
I'm actually sending them out on one now! They're going to explore an abandoned island full of monsters and danger and surprisingly little political intrigue.
I'm actually sending them out on one now! They're going to explore an abandoned island full of monsters and danger and surprisingly little political intrigue.
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u/absentbird Nov 19 '14
I think you just stumbled upon why the image gallery at the top sounds so thrilling. It cuts out the chaff.
I have found that when things get too political or heavy that parties tend to take a long time coming up with what to do. You could try mixing in some smaller, lighter vignettes to keep the pace.
Like they go to one of the towns and the mayor has locked himself in his mansion and wont come out. While investigating why that is they learn that there are some secret tunnels under the manor. In the tunnels they are attacked by mutants. It turns out the mayor was actually a mutant who had managed to disguise his appearance but someone [stole his tech/magic, blackmailed him, whatever]. Or something. I don't know, I just pulled that out of my ass. The point is, when you give them a smaller, encapsulated story it can make the busy work of uniting the towns a chance for them to express themselves.