Author: Kenzie (---.o1.com)
Date: 02-15-2003 15:52
I've used a similar technique to great effect in my current Mekton Zeta: Operation Rimfire Campaign (currently on the verge of the climactic battle in Episode 22). For those of you who don't know: Operation Rimfire is a campaign for the Mekton Zeta system written in the style of giant robot anime series.
Basically, I went through the campaign guidebook and wrote up a quick, one-paragraph "preview" of the next episode (a.k.a. adventure) in the series. At the end of each roleplaying session, I had a player read the preview for the next episode in the style of those TV "coming attractions" previews. Worked really well, got the players interested in the campaign, and a couple of the more "roll-play" oriented players had great fun hamming it up for their fellow players at the end of each session.
The trick is to hint at a few major events while not giving away too many specifics and causing railroading. I've included a couple of these previews as examples. Those of you currently playing Operation Rimfire (if any exist. . .) might not want to read on: there are a few major spoilers.
(Previewing an adventure where the PCs defend a colony base from a terrorist attack led by a PC's long-lost brother.)
"An Ace pilot with links to a Fireflight crew member launches a deadly assault on Colony N-12. 250 souls stand on the verge of death, as Fireflight begins a desperate defense against a powerful new enemy ship. A battle will be fought, and dark secrets revealed. Next time on Operation Rimfire, Episode 18: The Attack on Colony N-12."
(Previewing an adventure where the PCs discover the fate of a long-lost lover.)
"This episode preview has no narration, just images of a space-suited figure making his way through a darkened corridor. He opens a door into a darkened room."
"His eyes widen in surprise."
"The camera pans up a stasis tube, revealing the nude figure of a young woman trapped inside, floating in a pale blue liquid. There are wires and tubes coming out of her body, and a pulsing life monitor nearby."
"Her eyes open. They are filled with sadness and pain."
"Operation Rimfire Episode 19. Asteroid Karmuria."
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