I just had an epiphany regarding (literally) playing your cards close to your vest. As a DM you are very much the wizard behind the curtain. The screen hides your notes, master maps, and tidbits about which NPCs are to be trusted or not. But what if there were secrets that even you didn't know?
I'm thinking, make a stack of index cards with an affliction, penalty, detrimental secret, etc. to keep the players from getting too cocky. Write what it is and how it affects attributes and skills. Then seal each card in an envelope and shuffle them several times. Now you have a stack of random bad luck. Heck, maybe even toss in a few bonuses to keep them from storming off.
Imagine the fun that ensues when you distribute the cards and players end up with....what? A vain, yet balding elf that fancies himself a real Casanova. A dwarf with a nervous bladder. Maybe a dyslexic mage that only gets his spells right half of the time.
