Speaking of which, I really need to know to know where the March Harrier is in terms of cargo and funds.  I'm really hopeful we finish the Wolf at the Door chapter next time and my plan is to give the players utterly free reign on what they choose to do next.  Probably towards the end of the session.  With maybe half a dozen options that could lead to various adventures.  Perhaps towards the next chapter(s) of TTA, perhaps inserting a classic GDW adventure just for the fun of it.

I think the key will be having a range of cargo / passenger / patron options and no hints as to "this is what I've prepared".  Just trying to weigh up how much of an idea I give them as to what kind of adventure they might encounter by making one choice or another.

The good news is that the new player last time is back for a second outing and I caught him enthusing to colleagues at a Board of Studies committee meeting that it was "like being in a film but you get to choose what happens next".  (Like the rest of my players bar one, he's also new to RPGs.)

The bad news is that it's next Thursday!  <gulp>  I'd really better get some things together.  It's why I'm up so early on a birthday day off...!  Right.  To do list...

tc