Splatbook*

Refine your hook

You've identified the central opportunity or threat for the adventure. You've got some idea how that threat will manifest, based on the results of the first Seasons Change move.

Now, firm up the details. What exactly is going to happen? When will this happen? Where? Who will be involved? Who will witness it and what will they report? Don't get too specific just yet, but you should be able to answer these questions in general terms.

As you refine your hook, make sure that it...

  • … is actionable, giving the PCs some chance to actually do something about it, and implying an obvious first step for them to take;
  • … involves all of the PCs, giving them all a chance to react to it and have their input; and
  • … communicates urgency, making it clear that if the PCs just sit on their hands, something bad will happen and/ or an opportunity will be lost.

The details of the hook will help you identify the setup questions that you need to ask, as well as when and where you'll frame the first scene.

Vahid got a 7-9 for the first Seasons Change move and chose "unexpected bounty." I decided that spring broke warm and early, with small game abundant. Trappers are busy plying the Wood, despite the crinwin threat. One of these trappers will get abducted by crinwin.

But wait... that won't be actionable by itself. Plus, the crinwin have been abducting children; why would they grab a fully grown trapper?

Oh! They won't grab the trapper, they'll take his son (who's out with him checking snares). The trapper's son is bigger than the other kids, and the trapper will stab one of the crinwin, giving the PCs a trail to follow. That's actionable!

I consider having the trapper use some sort of signal whistle to call for help, drawing the PCs to the site of the attack. But I reject that, because it'd be too easy to have Rhianna and her crew rush out to help and leave everyone else behind in the village.

No, the trapper will run back into town yelling for help. That'll give all the PCs the opportunity to be involved. And all this will happen in the morning, meaning they have a chance to try to track down the boy in daylight. They might be able to save him if they act quickly!