A session of my very own - how to handle a PC-focused episode - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

A session of my very own - how to handle a PC-focused episode

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
mangoman72
Apr 09, 2013 17:36:01 Characters are my favorite parts of RPGs, and as such I've suggested a storyline to my DM concerning mine. This would take up one session wherein the character meets with a mentor and does some stuff; the specifics aren't important. But I'm wondering whether this will work out, as I've never done or seen anything like this.

In module fashion, I've given a basic outline for a beginning, middle, and end, with varying differences depending on how everyone else reacts and influences my PC. It's linear, but no more so than the module we're branching out of.

What's bothering me now is how it may run counter to the current gospel that all good things start collaboratively, and bad ones don't. I haven't asked for anyone's input with regards to its content, for two reasons. One is because I suspect they wouldn't really care all that much, or two, if they did, they wouldn't want something spoiled, and so would rather have it sprung on them.

To clarify, no one objects to this happening, period. No one will mind a session devoted to one person's CR. The question is if it has a chance to go off without a hitch given the disparity of investment; The GM and I being high, and everyone else's being low, but agreeable. In addition, I'm asking for experiences. Has anyone done a session that focused pretty exclusively on one character? Good, bad? Why?

It's a vague issue, I know, and I'll do my best to supply any additional info a potential answerer might need. Stay tuned too, cause I get the feeling there'll be more questions depending on what the answers are.
#2
iserith
Apr 09, 2013 18:06:06 In your scenario, while you're talking with your mentor, what heroic things are the rest of the characters doing? Assuming they are doing something other than watching an episode of Mentor & Me, how do go about sharing the spotlight?
#3
mangoman72
Apr 09, 2013 18:23:08 Before delving into specifics, is the key making sure everyone has something to do?

The situation in general will involve a Bioware style Big Decision, which I imagine would be controversial enough that everyone would wanna chip in their two cents.

After that, the mentor goes on to test the PC, and the PC will need the help of all the other characters in order to pass the trials. That will include the staples of combat, puzzles, etc.

Once the conflict is resolved, the PC will either be dead, or shaken up enough to need the support of the other PCs.
#4
iserith
Apr 09, 2013 18:31:32 A common complaint is that even with everyone having something to do (a standard combat, for example), there's still lack of engagement. I can only imagine this is exacerbated with them not having anything to do while the spotlighted PC is doing his thing. That'd be the first thing I figure out with regard to your scenario. Otherwise, it sounds just fine and it's in the vane of TV shows that focus on one character more than others for one or more episodes. It's just a matter of figuring out what the other characters will be doing that is engaging.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 mangoman72 Apr 09, 2013 17:36:01	Characters are my favorite parts of RPGs, and as such I've suggested a storyline to my DM concerning mine. This would take up one session wherein the character meets with a mentor and does some stuff; the specifics aren't important. But I'm wondering whether this will work out, as I've never done or seen anything like this. In module fashion, I've given a basic outline for a beginning, middle, and end, with varying differences depending on how everyone else reacts and influences my PC. It's linear, but no more so than the module we're branching out of. What's bothering me now is how it may run counter to the current gospel that all good things start collaboratively, and bad ones don't. I haven't asked for anyone's input with regards to its content, for two reasons. One is because I suspect they wouldn't really care all that much, or two, if they did, they wouldn't want something spoiled, and so would rather have it sprung on them. To clarify, no one objects to this happening, period. No one will mind a session devoted to one person's CR. The question is if it has a chance to go off without a hitch given the disparity of investment; The GM and I being high, and everyone else's being low, but agreeable. In addition, I'm asking for experiences. Has anyone done a session that focused pretty exclusively on one character? Good, bad? Why? It's a vague issue, I know, and I'll do my best to supply any additional info a potential answerer might need. Stay tuned too, cause I get the feeling there'll be more questions depending on what the answers are.
#2 iserith Apr 09, 2013 18:06:06	In your scenario, while you're talking with your mentor, what heroic things are the rest of the characters doing? Assuming they are doing something other than watching an episode of Mentor & Me, how do go about sharing the spotlight?
#3 mangoman72 Apr 09, 2013 18:23:08	Before delving into specifics, is the key making sure everyone has something to do? The situation in general will involve a Bioware style Big Decision, which I imagine would be controversial enough that everyone would wanna chip in their two cents. After that, the mentor goes on to test the PC, and the PC will need the help of all the other characters in order to pass the trials. That will include the staples of combat, puzzles, etc. Once the conflict is resolved, the PC will either be dead, or shaken up enough to need the support of the other PCs.
#4 iserith Apr 09, 2013 18:31:32	A common complaint is that even with everyone having something to do (a standard combat, for example), there's still lack of engagement. I can only imagine this is exacerbated with them not having anything to do while the spotlighted PC is doing his thing. That'd be the first thing I figure out with regard to your scenario. Otherwise, it sounds just fine and it's in the vane of TV shows that focus on one character more than others for one or more episodes. It's just a matter of figuring out what the other characters will be doing that is engaging.