I’m running a con-game this weekend, and I was wondering: is it worth spending time up-front to get people on the same thematic page? Is there any good way of doing this?
I had one idea (but it might be too much): start with a blank page, and write “VOID” in the middle. Then ask these questions and jot down the answers?
– What is a “fantasy” world – from a novel, movie or RPG – that you like but is not quite your favorite?
– What is something interesting you’ve read recently – fiction or non-fiction, but not “fantasy”?
Maybe more questions like this? But, I’m going to be coming to the table with my own ideas, and it may be better at a con game to simply come out with a strong creative hand. Thoughts?
A strong creative hand, to the point of premade characters, is often best for cons. Especially if you’ve just got a 2-hour time slot.
I have had good results with simply introducing the setting “You are freebooters, mercenary scum in the city of Dis, which is devouring the cosmos plane by plane”, having everyone make characters, and then reading out the starter letter from Dark Heart of the Dreamer.
After that is resolved, I give them two or three job possibilities and roll with whatever happens next.
There’s plenty of opportunity to get player input once you begin, simply by asking questions about anything that comes up.
E.g. Player: “What do I know about the parish of Thanoburg?”
Me: “I don’t know – what do you know? Have you been there before? What in particular do you remember?”
Update: game went well, doing much of what you both said above! Opening with a strong vision (and some pregen jobs) was the right way to go.