Watching Again: The National Treasure Movies

While I've been waiting for each episode of National Treasure: Edge of History--which I've been enjoying, but that is for another post--I've also been watching the two films again. I previously posted about how they could serve as examples of pacing for a Treasure Hunter Adventures campaign,  and how to use downtime between adventures during a campaign, but here are a few thoughts that struck me this time around. 

One Way to Pace a Treasure Hunter Adventures Campaign

Book of Secrets—Using Downtime to Customize Adventures

-Nate 

Watching Again: The National Treasure Movies

Here are my thoughts.

1. Just as happens with the characters in the film, too many puzzles can become frustrating for everyone involved. As a GM, I need to keep that in mind.

2. With that in mind, knowledge truly is power for these scenarios. If the Player Characters themselves are not skilled in that way, then they need to have an ally who can assist them. In fact, that provides a good opportunity

3. Give the NPCs—even minor ones—some personality. Sean, one of Ian's enforcers, is a good example of that. When Ben kisses Abigail before a dangerous moment, Sean asks, “Why doesn't that ever happen to me?”

4. The premise for these scenarios is preposterous, but fun. The scope and scale of the adventure is set when Ben announces, “I'm going to steal the Declaration of Independence.”

5. Once Gates and his allies start planning their heist, and Ian does the same with his henchmen, we have a good example of how to approach a problem in different ways. Gates takes a more subtle approach, and the making of a duplicate fingerprint is inspired. A good GM would hear that suggestion and say, “Okay, here are the skill checks I need you to make.” Ian, on the other hand, resorts to good old-fashioned smash-and-grab, and that works for that group, too.

6. A good set-piece for an encounter can be a lot of fun. This includes the wooden stairs and lift mechanism from the first movie, and the stone mechanism—including the balancing platform—from the second. I should think more about creating such situation in my scenarios.

7. On the subject of Cibola, we have a good reminder that there should be multiple paths for the heroes to follow while exploring locations. When Emily and Patrick become separated from the rest of the party, they can follow a whole different route and still meet up with the others.

8. There's also a good example of how one scenario can introduce plot hooks for future ones. Just what is on page 47 of the President's Book?

9. Finally, both of these films reflect the play style that I prefer for Treasure Hunter Adventures. The heroes can handle themselves in a fight, but that is not their first instinct or primary tactic. The NPCs present a legitimate danger, and there isn't the expectation—typical for other RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons—that they should always be able to handle combat.