You Are In Control - Act Like It

My Favourite Trick And those are just a few ideas. But, here is one of my all time favourite ways to kill players via bombs. If they are up against someone with enough resources, take the players to an isolated setting (like an old base with a few buildings, a log cabin, etc.). When one goes to leave, have a sniper hit them - but only wound them, not kill them. Then let them know other snipers are around by shooting when they near windows, putting an AV overhead, etc. While this is going on, and the players are planning their brilliant escape strategy, stealth a few demo guys up to the place (a good GM makes his bad guys make their Stealth rolls like the players, a dysfunctional GM may give the demo guys light refracting suits [i.e. Predator] and sound dampening hiking boots if he wants). Have them wire every exit with at least two triggers (motion and contact, heat and pressure, etc.). Sneak them off and arm the explosives. Then have the players "intercept" a radio communication about the bad guys having to leave for a major emergency. Some generic radio message like "Screw them - we'll find them later - the boss is in trouble" usually works. The players will eventually start checking windows and stuff for snipers. Nothing. Let them make a million awareness rolls. The place is barren. Then someone will eventually leave. Boom. Have one explosion trigger them all if you like. If they figure out what's up who cares - they have to eat eventually right? So someone else has to leave. By then, you've brought the snipers and AVs back. In short, all I am trying to say is that no player or group is immune to bombs. They can kill anyone if you use them smart. But, bear in mind one thing: unless you have no interest in keeping the game going (if this is the case, a BIG bomb can end any campaign), make sure you use them tactically, fairly and with some style. Players can take death easier if they were just outsmarted. (And also remember there are things worse than death - sometimes its more fun to blow off their legs than their head.) No player in a normal game likes to hear "Arasaka must be ticked because you're guessing that's his jet overhead. And that 500 pound bombshell must belong to him, too." - BS

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