I start with a basic idea, get a general direction in mind, and will typically GM my own scenes, even if it is purely OOC in a narrative sense. I always ensure I keep wiggle room in case my players start going in a wholly unforseen but interesting direction.
Case in point: while running a custom D&D campaign, I had every intention of my players fighting their way through a gang hideout in a city to kill the leader in order to procure an item they needed. Instead of killing him, they used diplomacy and intimidation to make him their puppet, and basically took over his businesses running in the city so that not only would they get the item they needed, but they would also get a steady income from human trafficking, protection rackets, and black market trade. I guess that's what I get for putting a party of mostly Chaotic Neutrals face to face with a gang boss that gives shitty saving throws.
Case in point: while running a custom D&D campaign, I had every intention of my players fighting their way through a gang hideout in a city to kill the leader in order to procure an item they needed. Instead of killing him, they used diplomacy and intimidation to make him their puppet, and basically took over his businesses running in the city so that not only would they get the item they needed, but they would also get a steady income from human trafficking, protection rackets, and black market trade. I guess that's what I get for putting a party of mostly Chaotic Neutrals face to face with a gang boss that gives shitty saving throws.
