The lower player caution is, the less information gathering
is necessary, and the more player confidence there will be. This will
give you a looser, more free-flowing, dramatic or cinematic story-telling
style of game.
Jade Avenger leaps to her feet, the forgotten ransom note
fluttering to the ground, "How dare Dr. Evil kidnap my cute
but helpless boyfriend?! I shall go at once to his secret base,
kick down the door, defeat whatever nefarious deathtrap the doctor has
built this time, and rescue my boyfriend!" She flies up into the sky,
her skimpy costume shimmering attractively in the bright sunlight,
"Jade Avenger -- to the rescue!"
Notice the signs of low player caution. The player either already
knows, or knows they can quickly find out, where the "secret" base
is. There's only one character -- back up isn't really necessary.
The ransom note is considered more of a plot starter than a real
'clue,' and the kidnapped dependent NPC is a genre staple. Neither long
descriptions nor armor are really necessary -- style over substance!
The higher player caution is, the more information gathering
is necessary, and the less player confidence there will be. This will
give you a more team-oriented, resource-driven, 'realistic' game.
The team sits in the cargo slings, the plane's engines droning
monotonously and dulling the team's anticipation of the upcoming
operation. Lawson passes around the photos and the tear maps to the rest
of the team... the photos came at a high price, but were worth it if
the team could come out of this unscathed. He doesn't think much about
the photographer's last moments.
Simmons and Parker look over the maps; then Parker straightens. "Okay,
people, lissen up. On your maps, point A is where Wolf2 and Wolf4 will
set up the pocket mortar and the sniper hide. Point B is where Wolf 6's
team will assault. Notice the wall along your left side will be the axis
of attack -- keep your heads below the wall at all times. Point C
is the radio tower -- Pat, place your charges at its base so they can't
yell for reinforcements, then take your section back to point B to assist.
"Remember, the recognition call is 'ranger ranger.' While the area
is 'hot,' you shoot anyone who doesn't say that when they come in. Keep
alert -- the enemy is nervous, trigger happy, and has a lot of ammo. Rally
point is D, and extraction is point E. Any wounded return to point D and
we'll all help extract. N.O.D.'s are on as soon as you exit the bird,
and safeties off. Is that clear? You all know your jobs, you all have
your assignments, and this is exactly the sort of op we have trained
for. Good luck to all of us."
Lt. Lawson gave Parker a smile, showing only the whites of his eyes
and perfect, American teeth through the dark cammo paint. Sgt. Parker gave
Lawson a thumbs up, glad that no one was showing any fear even though she
knew all their stomachs were probably very tight. The light came on and
the team stood, hooked up their static lines, and quickly checked each
other's back. The cabin's light went out and a blast of air hit them,
as a zoomie in an oxygen mask slowly lowered the cargo door into the
frigid blackness of the sky, miles above the desert.
Notice the signs of high player caution. Information (the photos and
maps) was gathered over time and past adventures. Teamwork is considered
paramount on this mission, while death is an understood consequence of
careless lack of planning. It takes longer to describe all the relevant,
important details, because there are a lot of them. There's an accepted,
comfortable leader, an established mission protocol, and thoughtful use
of resources.