Apologies for the confusion, Wick. I took the plea to not control NPCs to PM because I actually thought it was rude to call people out in public, not because I was trying to keep anything secret. But in the spirit of open communication, here was the PM chain:
So, for everyone's clarification: yes, this is meant to be a DnD style adventure, where the GM has control of the environment, NPCs, etc. and the players have complete control of their own characters.
Hi Wick!
Definitely nothing you need to change about the post you made, because the details you put in don't go too far against what I had in mind, but maybe give me a heads up before you take control of the NPCs? Some of them are going to have very specific information and it throws my plot for a loop.
Kelewen
If we can't control anything how are we supposed to write anything? If you want to control everything I think you need to lead more.
It's a tough balance sometimes, in a DnD-esque type game,... giving the PCs a chance to react things, but giving you guys enough to work with. Because my intent is not to steamroll the storyline and push your characters into actions that you didn't decide for yourself.
I'll try to shoot for giving you a little more to work with ...
And I'm not totally against you controlling anything. Maybe just a quick OOC note... "hey, is the little girl open for anyone to play her?" "...or the father?" If I didn't have anything special planned for them, I'll probably say "go for it."
So, for everyone's clarification: yes, this is meant to be a DnD style adventure, where the GM has control of the environment, NPCs, etc. and the players have complete control of their own characters.