I mostly leave tools/props laying around with some character ideas, maybe have a first episode planned out, then see what shiny object the party chases...
... until I make that shiny object the important thing all along.
They get to feel like they figured things out, I get less work. Everyone's happy.
The world building, location crafting and society / char creation is something GMs do most for themselves in my opinion and then can see what the players pull and enhance it a bit with the tool box you created prior. Of course results may vary.
We have the same tactic.
I mostly leave tools/props laying around with some character ideas, maybe have a first episode planned out, then see what shiny object the party chases...
... until I make that shiny object the important thing all along.
They get to feel like they figured things out, I get less work. Everyone's happy.
The world building, location crafting and society / char creation is something GMs do most for themselves in my opinion and then can see what the players pull and enhance it a bit with the tool box you created prior. Of course results may vary.