Going to second (third?) the more DM controlled aspects as well as 'sessions' with 'cut offs'. Typically when I'm running a story arc/story line that involves others I approach it much like running a tabletop game session.
I'll come up with 1-2-3 things as potential bits that characters can find out. There's multiple ways to do this and always ALWAYS count on the fact that players/player characters will come up with a way to get to/around something that you didn't count on. That's why having a broad/flexible outline works IMO anyway. Sprinkle hooks that may or may not guide people where you want them to go, things for them to investigate/collaborate on between the actual 'sessions' that progress the story. And don't be afraid to throw setbacks at them. It's kind of a 'soft' control approach rather than railroading, which no one really enjoys and it does partly depend on how well you roll with 'off the cuff' things that spring up.
I'll come up with 1-2-3 things as potential bits that characters can find out. There's multiple ways to do this and always ALWAYS count on the fact that players/player characters will come up with a way to get to/around something that you didn't count on. That's why having a broad/flexible outline works IMO anyway. Sprinkle hooks that may or may not guide people where you want them to go, things for them to investigate/collaborate on between the actual 'sessions' that progress the story. And don't be afraid to throw setbacks at them. It's kind of a 'soft' control approach rather than railroading, which no one really enjoys and it does partly depend on how well you roll with 'off the cuff' things that spring up.
Martiallais Heuloix - Duty. Honor. Faith.
Armand Tremaux - Justice, like lightning.
"We're all snowflakes in a great blizzard." - Virara 2017
Armand Tremaux - Justice, like lightning.
"We're all snowflakes in a great blizzard." - Virara 2017
