I am a DM prepping to run a homebrew campaign. Im very excited, but its kinda some genre gravy and I wanted to bounce the intro of the campaign off some other DMs and see if it will accurately set the tone for the campaign, so please let me know your suggestions, ideas, or what im doing right/wrong.
Overall, the campaign is going to be a weird west setting with some lovecraftian and gothic horror mixed in. I dont think my players are active here, but if you think you are one, please do not read ahead.
Im thinking the campaign to begin with players escorting some materials for some frontier mining towns into this desert/badlands area. They begin in the grassy plains that descend into this area, and I think the first session would be mostly stopping at a staging town on the way, getting to interact with some npcs with various small tasks. A very benign, "known" setting. But beyond this is when things get to be a little crazy, arriving at a town that is mostly empty, many are not keen on coming outside, and the owner of the general store is nowhere to be found. - they have entered the lair of a false hydra. I may have some brief investigation, some non-combat encounters where things feel off, some inconsistencies or random notes from the "forgotten party member".
The second town they arrive at will be relatively full, and they will experience the false hydra much more. People actively going missing, heightened encounters, visions, noises, etc. Until they eventually figure it out, and either fight it in the town, or find its lair in a nearby canyon. Upon killing it, they will find a campaign item that a few npcs they know already, or will have met by now, will point them in the right direction.
Overall, does this accurately set the tone with such a sudden shift? If not, how can I do that better, and what are some encounters or interactions you think could really achieve this and pull this off? Thank you all ahead of time!