[UA] In media res

[Patrick O'Duffy]

----- Original Message -----
From: <wild at park.net>

> We've been discussing the technique of 'in media res' recently - starting
the game in the middle of the action.  One of the points raised by one of my
players was that when it happens to James Bond whilst the _audience_ are
dropped straight into the action, Bond isn't.  He's gone through whatever
has taken him to the point where the audience join him.
>
> Can't really do that with the players - well, I can, but then they're
hardly starting in media res ....

IMR is a technique I use fairly often in my games - used it just last
weekend, in fact.

My preferred method is to start in the middle of things - usually somewhere
fast and exciting, like a car chase - and establish a few key points - where
you are, who's shooting at you, what McGuffin you're carrying etc.

After a couple of minutes, flashback to a more 'normal' starting point. Then
direct the action so that it flows into the established future scene.

Obviously this requires players who will co-operate with you. If your
players don't, they're useless arseholes and you shouldn't play with them.

--
Patrick O'Duffy, Brisbane, Australia

God, what a frightening afternoon that was... a nightmare of fluorescent
breasts and sentient ejaculate that wiggled all over the upholstery and sang
old show tunes...

 - Spider Jerusalem, TRANSMETROPOLITAN #32


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