One thing I've always found interesting is what happens when a character finds themselves in a situation that's so much bigger than they are that they're just overwhelmed. Some folks rise to the occasion, others look for a way out. This happens a lot in books, often as the classic call to adventure (the Trolloc attack on Two Rivers in the Wheel of Time series, Vin's introduction to the crew in Mistborn.) But it can happen later on as well. The biggest example I can think of is in Critical Role: the introduction of the Chroma Conclave. It's definitely more of a plot-oriented way to mess with the characters than the options Janet presented, and there are some disadvantages in a TTRPG setting. Namely: it can be something of a railroading option because the cost of the party *not* rising to the occasion is often absurdly extreme, and often that puts the characters in a situation where they're flailing for possible solutions when the GM has only presented problems (or at least it feels that way), and not every table is comfortable with that kind of vicarious terror. But it does force the characters to react to the plot, and often puts them under enough stress that they do something surprising.
Alfred: "Why bats, Master Bruce?" Bruce Wayne: "Bats frighten me. It's time my enemies share my dread." Great video(( as always ))!!! Hopefully before February's end, I actually will be able set my account and partake in these legit cool contests!
I literally just put the evil faction on one side of the map, the good side one the other, a neutral faction in the middle, with smaller neutral factions dotted around, and random ruins from an ancient magically advanced civilization dotted around. Turned into a fantasy world war, with the neutral faction, assailed from both sides, ended up becoming the de facto world by delving into the ancient, rediscovering lost technology, and immediately weaponizing it to defend against the evil faction, as well as the good faction trying to boggard their way through the neutral nation to fight the evil nation. In short, war = easy conflict, and ancient technology = rapid escalation = EVEN MORE CONFLICT!!!😍😈🤩🤯
Better sound! I really like the last one - sometimes one forgets that a character with a given set of comfort tools should have a grounding & relatable side. Losing said tools and having to cope with unfamiliar means to achieve things can make a reader REALLY relate to them. great. Now I'm thinking of Ron yelling in the phone :D And also - that video couldn't be better timed as I'm planning on doing a small story to illustrate for Mermay and I needed some micro-event-stirring conflict ideas.
The hero is brave strong true to her cause. The hero also uses these things to hide from the finer points of interpersonal relationships. Her best friend falls in love with the former traits but is extremely bitter when she doesn't pick up on their obvious devotion because of the latter. The result isn't world-ending on its own but does lead to long-term depression and eventual bad decisions - such as never staying in one place for long, finding fights that have nothing to do with the hero, and being a generally bad mother and leader post-war. Small thing person can't control -> Big things that shake entire worlds
How about a story of an empire who was once a force of good but have succumbed to their greed and pride and turned into an evil empire. However, this empire crumbles to powerful foreign invaders and rebellions. Greatly humbled by all of this, the last emperor is forced to try to keep the remnants of his empire together and restore its reputation while surrounding on all sides by the enemy, including the invaders who may turn out to be worse than the empire itself...
One thing I've always found interesting is what happens when a character finds themselves in a situation that's so much bigger than they are that they're just overwhelmed. Some folks rise to the occasion, others look for a way out. This happens a lot in books, often as the classic call to adventure (the Trolloc attack on Two Rivers in the Wheel of Time series, Vin's introduction to the crew in Mistborn.) But it can happen later on as well. The biggest example I can think of is in Critical Role: the introduction of the Chroma Conclave.
It's definitely more of a plot-oriented way to mess with the characters than the options Janet presented, and there are some disadvantages in a TTRPG setting. Namely: it can be something of a railroading option because the cost of the party *not* rising to the occasion is often absurdly extreme, and often that puts the characters in a situation where they're flailing for possible solutions when the GM has only presented problems (or at least it feels that way), and not every table is comfortable with that kind of vicarious terror. But it does force the characters to react to the plot, and often puts them under enough stress that they do something surprising.
It's a really good question, and a GREAT way to show character and character development!
Alfred:
"Why bats, Master Bruce?"
Bruce Wayne:
"Bats frighten me. It's time my enemies share my dread."
Great video(( as always ))!!! Hopefully before February's end, I actually will be able set my account and partake in these legit cool contests!
Deal with the devil and the consequences of the reputation and status loss, was something I hadn't considered but it's gold! Thanks :)
Amazing video, Janet, thank you! I think number 5 was my favourite, but all of these tips are great! :)
Thank you so much - and I'm glad you enjoyed them!
I literally just put the evil faction on one side of the map, the good side one the other, a neutral faction in the middle, with smaller neutral factions dotted around, and random ruins from an ancient magically advanced civilization dotted around. Turned into a fantasy world war, with the neutral faction, assailed from both sides, ended up becoming the de facto world by delving into the ancient, rediscovering lost technology, and immediately weaponizing it to defend against the evil faction, as well as the good faction trying to boggard their way through the neutral nation to fight the evil nation.
In short, war = easy conflict, and ancient technology = rapid escalation = EVEN MORE CONFLICT!!!😍😈🤩🤯
So an Age of Empires type idea
ROFL! That's one way to do it - and if it works, then cool!
This is the most useful D&D video I’ve ever watched, please do more of these!
As a newby writer really appreciated this video. - More please!
Definitely! There’ll be another coming out next week! 😊
I've been stuck on plotting out a story for a while now, so hopefully your wonderful video will help me! Many thanks to you, Janet!
Better sound!
I really like the last one - sometimes one forgets that a character with a given set of comfort tools should have a grounding & relatable side. Losing said tools and having to cope with unfamiliar means to achieve things can make a reader REALLY relate to them. great. Now I'm thinking of Ron yelling in the phone :D
And also - that video couldn't be better timed as I'm planning on doing a small story to illustrate for Mermay and I needed some micro-event-stirring conflict ideas.
Three really good films! Seriously forest Gump, goodfellers, shawshank redemption.
The hero is brave strong true to her cause. The hero also uses these things to hide from the finer points of interpersonal relationships. Her best friend falls in love with the former traits but is extremely bitter when she doesn't pick up on their obvious devotion because of the latter. The result isn't world-ending on its own but does lead to long-term depression and eventual bad decisions - such as never staying in one place for long, finding fights that have nothing to do with the hero, and being a generally bad mother and leader post-war. Small thing person can't control -> Big things that shake entire worlds
That's a lot of emotional torment - sounds like an intruiging plot!
The novel software is out already!? Yesss!!!
Yup - and I've already written half a novel in there! Dimitris TOTALLY nailed it!
I really needed this today. Thank you.
You are so welcome! There'll be another next week!
Same!
What movie is at 6:58? It looks familiar and the name is on the tip of my tongue.
It's Sinbad!
Favorite toys don't work: The Enterprise's transporters don't work.
I'm intrigued! What is the Enterprise?
How about a story of an empire who was once a force of good but have succumbed to their greed and pride and turned into an evil empire. However, this empire crumbles to powerful foreign invaders and rebellions. Greatly humbled by all of this, the last emperor is forced to try to keep the remnants of his empire together and restore its reputation while surrounding on all sides by the enemy, including the invaders who may turn out to be worse than the empire itself...
Everything should be solved by a hammer, it is the first law of RPG's :)
Helpful hammer :)
If brute force has not solved the problem, you are not applying enough of it.
So maybe you side with your sister who just committed a murder? Lol
*screams in Greek tragedy* :P