RSS
An interesting trick is to not reveal something important to all of the players at once. Rather reveal it to one player, and let them inform the others. This works especially well if the characters are actually in places where some of them might not get the (bad) news at the same time as others. Or if the discovery is something made by one of them because of skills they have that the others don't.
For example, is a scout is exploring ahead of the main party, you can let the scout's player know what they discover, and let them decide whether or not to return to the party and pass on the information. Or if they are searching a room, one of the party will find the significant treasure (or cursed item) before the others, so let that player know what they find and let them tell the others. Or if one person has particular perception, such as a keen-eyed elf able to spot enemies at far greater the distance than anyone else, give them the info and see how they relate it to their comrades.
This saves you some descriptive work as the GM and gives the player with the info a chance to roleplay and put their own spin on things.
Commentary by memnarch (who has not seen the movie)
Oh, well, that's not a good sign. I can't think of anything where "suddenly red eyes" means something good is going to happen. All the other characters besides Poe seem unconcerned so far, so Babu betraying them does seem most likely here. That would also fit the theme of the writers not having any idea where the plot goes as the whole point of this detour would be to make an evil C-3P0. Who is, out of all of the characters, probably the most harmless to make evil in the end, so this won't even be that effective a betrayal by Babu. And even if Threepio knows a language that sounds horrible, the droid's body is still awkward and slow, and also not that loud. Disappointment all around!
At least the player instrument band seems to be going well. I don't know if a self-respecting drummer being the only one with face paint would go well, but if everyone else does it too? There might be some interest in that, even if they're not animal faces.
Transcript
Finn: I can’t believe you got us a gig.
General Hux: Open mic night at the uni bar isn’t exactly a gig. We only get two songs.
C-3PO: I’m designing costumes!
Fin: In September!
C-3PO: Let’s groove!
Rey: On stage? What if we mess up?
C-3PO: Wear face paint, a cat face. No one will recognise you.
Rey: What self-respecting drummer would ever do that?
{Poe bursts in down the roof stairs, with Zorii trailing behind him}
Poe: Guys! It’s a trap!!
Finn: What?
Poe: Babu! He’s—
[SFX]: zzap!!
GM: Babu switches C-3PO off.
Rey: Uh oh. I remember the reaction to losing her head in the Geonosis factory.
C-3PO: It’s okay, Pete. He asked me about this scene earlier.
C-3PO: So, what happens?
[SFX]: zzap!!
GM: Babu sparks another circuit. 3PO rises slowly... ominously... her eyes glowing a deep, evil red.
Babu Frik: Ha ha ha ha!!
C-3PO: Finally, a cool upgrade!