Overall, I love this idea. I think the GM has a big, blank slate to use for roleplay at the beginning and ending of the story. That is good for me, but perhaps overwhelming for beginner GM's. I would add detail to the politics and family dynamics surrounding each participant and the ceremony itself. For example, one character could represent a family line that has been previously banned from participating in the ceremony, and should that character die, war may ensue. Upon returning, the surviving player characters could find themselves making high stakes charisma checks, scrambling to convince everyone of what happened on the journey. I think making everybody a mermaid who is making a coming-of-age journey gives the one-shot a unique vibe. New players might enjoy having their ideas of what tabletop roleplay can be expanded by the concept, while also trimming the vast, overwhelming number of choices they have when creating their first character. I would probably add extra paths in the Temple itself, just to explore and give a sense of weight to each path chosen, but the amount of space to explore would obviously have to be tailored to how long each GM wants the one-shot to be. GM's can easily expand as they want on the basics provided. Sorry this is such a long comment!
These are some great ideas! And yes I agree, I think that a GM can go as in depth or as loose as they want with interactions before and after the Adventure! If players want super fleshed out back stories they can tie those in to the front and back, or simply enjoy a low stakes one-off adventure! I think you've got some brilliant ideas here with adding more paths or a social skill challenge after the Trials. I might tie those in next time I run it. Great stuff!
Hey Ryder its Mason! i love what you are doing and i cant what do see you!!
Overall, I love this idea. I think the GM has a big, blank slate to use for roleplay at the beginning and ending of the story. That is good for me, but perhaps overwhelming for beginner GM's. I would add detail to the politics and family dynamics surrounding each participant and the ceremony itself. For example, one character could represent a family line that has been previously banned from participating in the ceremony, and should that character die, war may ensue. Upon returning, the surviving player characters could find themselves making high stakes charisma checks, scrambling to convince everyone of what happened on the journey. I think making everybody a mermaid who is making a coming-of-age journey gives the one-shot a unique vibe. New players might enjoy having their ideas of what tabletop roleplay can be expanded by the concept, while also trimming the vast, overwhelming number of choices they have when creating their first character. I would probably add extra paths in the Temple itself, just to explore and give a sense of weight to each path chosen, but the amount of space to explore would obviously have to be tailored to how long each GM wants the one-shot to be. GM's can easily expand as they want on the basics provided. Sorry this is such a long comment!
These are some great ideas! And yes I agree, I think that a GM can go as in depth or as loose as they want with interactions before and after the Adventure! If players want super fleshed out back stories they can tie those in to the front and back, or simply enjoy a low stakes one-off adventure! I think you've got some brilliant ideas here with adding more paths or a social skill challenge after the Trials. I might tie those in next time I run it.
Great stuff!