Steve Jackson Games Forums - View Single Post - Is there a good article/post on story ideas that work in RPGs versus film/literature

Varyon · 12-18-2014, 02:40 PM

Plots involving the characters being defeated and/or captured can be tricky. First off, there's always the chance of them winning and throwing the whole plot for a loop. Secondly, it can be difficult in some RPG systems to defeat a party without killing them (due in large part to players' general unwillingness to retreat or surrender).

Plots that ultimately hinge on a single action are typically a bad idea in RPG's. Having a single shot to try and assassinate the madman before he can activate his doomsday device only works if it's possible to disarm/destroy/deactivate/escape it in the case of a miss. Similarly, if there's one piece of evidence that is absolutely necessary to resolve something, there's a pretty decent chance it will get overlooked, left behind, or destroyed by some unforeseen event.

Plots that involve splitting the party can work, but are less than ideal. This is simply a matter of the GM being able to keep things straight, and all the players feeling involved.

12-18-2014, 02:40 PM	#12
Varyon Join Date: Jun 2013	Re: Is there a good article/post on story ideas that work in RPGs versus film/literat Plots involving the characters being defeated and/or captured can be tricky. First off, there's always the chance of them winning and throwing the whole plot for a loop. Secondly, it can be difficult in some RPG systems to defeat a party without killing them (due in large part to players' general unwillingness to retreat or surrender). Plots that ultimately hinge on a single action are typically a bad idea in RPG's. Having a single shot to try and assassinate the madman before he can activate his doomsday device only works if it's possible to disarm/destroy/deactivate/escape it in the case of a miss. Similarly, if there's one piece of evidence that is absolutely necessary to resolve something, there's a pretty decent chance it will get overlooked, left behind, or destroyed by some unforeseen event. Plots that involve splitting the party can work, but are less than ideal. This is simply a matter of the GM being able to keep things straight, and all the players feeling involved.