Thread by @hexcrawl

Q: How do you run a reverse heist in an #RPG? Where the PCs are trying to guard a target against a crew of thieves or raiders?

First: Design the oppo. (The crew or shadowrunners or raiders or whatever.)

Second: Prep the stuff you'd prep for a normal heist. That includes blueprints & any defensive measures that exist before the PCs get involved.

thealexandrian.net/wordpress/4286…

Might also include a schedule of upcoming events at the location the PCs are trying to guard. (This is optional, but can make the scenario a lot more interesting.)

Third: The fundamental challenge is running the oppo's attempt to penetrate their security fairly after you've already heard all their plans.

METHOD 1: Just do it. Let the PCs set up their defenses, then firewall the metagame info you have as the GM and try to think like the Master Thief would with the information that they have.

METHOD 2: Systemically check fortunes to keep it "fair."

For example, when the PCs set up a specific defensive measure, use skill checks/resources to determine its Effectiveness, Stealth (if its concealed), and Intimidation (if the oppo knows its there). Those are all DCs.

When the oppo surveys the area, he'll make a Perception test vs. defense Stealths. Now you know what he actually knows and you know precisely what he doesn't.

(During this surveillance opportunity, of course, the PCs will have a chance to detect and counter the oppo...

...plus a follow-up phase where they can now change or improve their defenses.)

Next, check to see if the oppo is Intimidated by the defenses (i.e., they would definitely prefer to avoid the burly guards at the front door).

With that information you can now plot the oppo's route(s) to the thing they're trying to steal, and in the actual run you can check their skills against the Effectiveness DC of each security measure.

Use partial failures to alert the PCs/other security.

thealexandrian.net/wordpress/3814…

METHOD 3: Flip the roles! Let the PCs set up their defenses... and then hand the players new character sheets of the oppo. The players get to play the oppo breaking into the building they just did everything in their power to make completely secure!

METHOD 4: Flip the GM! Leave the room while the players prep all their defenses. (Or let them do it between sessions. Whatever works.)

Then come back into the room with your master thief character and start your run. You're playing the master thief as a PC while the group collectively GMs the scenario they designed for you.

(Show them the link to the Heist article up above, so they can plan accordingly.)

METHOD 5: Recruit help. Bring in a different player (or group of players), hand them the oppo team, and have them play as PCs running the op while the original PCs try to stop them. You remain the neutral arbiter to all parties involved.

Logistically, for Method 5:
- Play in the same room, everyone is responsible with metagame knowledge.
- Play in separate rooms and swap back-and-forth.
- Run it via Discord, e-mail, or some other method between sessions.