RPGaDay 2020 Day 25 – “Lever” #RPGADAY2020

Today’s prompt is “Lever”

As with any story, the plot is likely going to rock back and forth for and against the protagonists… in the case of an RPG, the players.  If the story is a foregone conclusion that the players will always win, there is no challenge.  If the odds are stacked so heavily against the players, there is no point in playing.  The balance should swing back and forth over the course of the story, whether it’s a single session or a two-year campaign.

There is no story without struggle.  The players should be successful and as their confidence grows, strengthen the resolve of their enemies… bring the players to within a hair’s breadth from defeat and they bounce back, stronger and more resolute.  It’s a story-telling fundamental and in RPGs it is also important.  It can be difficult to find the right about of lever action to apply, as you don’t have direct control of the plot.  The players and their actions can change the flow of the story and dice can be fickle.  This is why I opt for the rule of cool, rather than the letter of the law.  I’d rather bend or break a rule, if the story will be stronger as a result.

With a strong story, filled with both victory and defeat, the game will be a far better overall.

~ by 1nsomniac on August 25, 2020.