Using influence to build adventures

[EricPaq]

My group recently (last Friday) converted from 1st to 2nd edition of Babylon 5.
We did it for several factors.
Anyways, I was reviewing their character sheets yesterday and realized that I could use the Influence as ideas to spring adventures.
Like skill rank distributing, influence are a hint from the players to what interest them.
I listed all their influences for easy access and noted their modifier. I paid attention to which influences has the highest modifier and which influence has the most people with an interest in it.
Now I know that since no one has Free Mars Influence, well, introducing a plot revolving around them won't gather much interest from my players. But putting a plot involving the Red Sector will get some interest since I have 2 players with influence it (and someone with Babylon 5 influence).

As the campaign evolves, I'll be able to see where their interests lie.

Anyone else have use influence in such ways to guide their campaigns?
Anyone have other ideas to read character sheets and develop story ideas for Babylon 5?

 

[thedarkelf007]

Besides influence, there is the actions and needs...

- I want to start up a business (can I obtain permits?)
- I want to own a ship (how do I arrange this?)

basically find out what they want, then figure out all the steps they need to make their dreams or immediate needs come true

Also, their actions in play, and any last minute encounters you create such as a group of drazi thugs hitting them up for credits because they were too busy talking about out of game interests...

Giving meaning to random events can make new storylines, such as they decided to investigate that traveller who bumped into them...

But most of all, making the storyline important where they choose to focus their attention is the best way to make an enjoyable game.

So your idea with the influence is a great way to go