(( Slightly edited version posted with permission of the author. ))

Date sent:      	Mon, 10 Jul 2000 15:22:23 -0700 (PDT)
From:           	Miguel Duran <jayde@animal.blarg.net>

Quick voice of reason interjection:

	It is very easy for us, as STs, to look at things players do 
and laugh at their foolishness.  We figure they should know better 
and we go about laying the smack down accordingly.  The resulting 
antics generally leave our heroes sore in the most awful of places 
and their players jaded and bitter at the perception that STs exist 
only to punish their desire to do anything outside of the ordinary.  

	While I wholly support actions being faced with 
consequences, I think we should be careful not to make any 
decisions that punish players without offering hope of redemption 
or, at least, good story.  Make this ((snip)) story arc one that 
allows them to make decisions that can offer up something useful 
in the long term rather than screwing them regardless of what they 
do, simply because they decided to take the 'stupid' route of 
dealing with ((snip)).  

	If you paint the picture too bleakly, they'll either ignore it or 
tear it up.  They certainly won't thank you for the time you put into 
it. If, on the other hand, you paint some dark strokes and then 
show them how to use the brush in their hand, you're likely to see 
them give a damn about how the piece turns out.  

	Just something to think about.

- Miguel

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