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Urutsk: Bad vibes on the bayou #2
Following Bad vibes on the bayou, here are Stephen Laidlaw's GM notes:
By the session the players had figured out which system we were using - TSR's Amazing Engine (which isn't really). I'd not used it in years but it wasn't too much bother.
During the game I relied upon encounter and reaction tables, but beforehand I had established what had happened to the characters before the first session. The characters had been fed certain images and memories which the players can either work with or ignore. They may prove to be important depending on the party's actions.
The session proved to be full of player paranoia as character secrets were not being shared, though the bouts of nausea telegraphed the fact that all the party were regaining memories.
Over the two sessions the players have missed out on finding/utilising equipment but as the game doesn't hinge on these items for completion I've no reason to drop hints to help them.
Generating the adventure as we game, reacting to the PCs actions but being aware of the actions/agendas of NPCs has made the sessions very interesting for me as I feel I'm exploring the setting with them. Some stuff I do just make up - the look of the Humanoids for instance, which usually leads to further questions to get my mind around.
The material Kyrinn has provided had been invaluable, as they contain the tools for hex-crawling as well as 'the big picture'. A working knowledge of the setting is enough to aid the GM in interpreting the rolled outcomes of the tables so as the game seems Urutskan rather than just generic play.
I have no game outcome in mind, no objective for the characters - but their actions or inaction will have consequences. Events will unfold and the players are aware that I'm rolling for the reactions/actions of others as things are happening in the wider world.
Thanks to Dave, Sean, Sue and Tony for their mad confidence in me.
Another atmospheric song used was 'In Dark Trees' :
Now we're off to watch Germany vs Spain down the pub.
A very good album. If you enjoy this sort of music I'd have to suggest look up the early German krautrock scene. Eno hung out with some of the musicians and his albums afterwards were a result of their inspiration. If you can find these albums they are a must have.
ReplyDeleteWendy Carlos - Sonic Seasongs * not part of the krautrock scne but a great LP*
Cluster - Sowiesoso
Amon Duul II - Carnival In Babylon
Tangerine Dream - Rubycon
Klaus Schulze - Irrlicht
Fripp & Eno - Evening Star
Thank you very much. :D
ReplyDeleteInteresting choices Delve, I got into krautrock through Hawkwind name checking Neu and Can, and I really like Popul Vuh.
ReplyDeleteOddly enough, Eno's 4th album is entitled 'Before and After Science', which reminds me of Urutsk.
Right you are Sean, NEU! and CAN are great addtions to check out as well, but more exp rock sound but amazing music. Popul Vuh's - Aguirre would be an addition to the list I wrote down. More absract sounds with chanting amazing use of the melotron. Very nice music for for writing and gaming.
ReplyDeleteHere is a link to the first part to a great documentary about Krautock - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B89-69icyc
I've been listening to Eno these past couple of days, and I'd have to say that I really like In Dark Trees, Big Ship, No One Receiving, King's Lead Hat. The rest of it is pleasant enough to listen to, and will likely grow on me.
ReplyDeleteRe: CAN: Yeah I really like(d) some of their stuff, but others were total misses for me.
I want that radio set that pulls in stations from parallel realities.
--Y'know, the ones in which J. Hendryxx went on to produce music scores, and where Cream stayed together and produced something to rival Tales of Brave Ulysses on three later albums, and where vinyl never wavered under the onslaught of digital media.
Just to also recommend Fripp and Eno's Evening Star. Great stuff...
ReplyDelete