Thinking about conflict

In my design parameters for Tantaene I stated that the mode of the game was dramatic. I also state (all over the place) that this is a fantasy of history. These two starting points necessitate a certain style to my gamemastering, in particular towards conflicts. ( Read more... )

Campaign Stakes

Attacks of Opportunity has an interesting bit about campaign stakes, which dovetails nicely into some of the stuff I'm thinking about lately. It is interesting though that we approach this matter quite differently. For Tony Dowler this obviously screams for a mechanical fix. I tend to view this level of stakes as being a social contract issue. I also find the term furniture grating, but I have to honestly wonder if its just a matter of my being too sensitive.

I certainly agree that there are campaign stakes, what I’d call the grand conflicts. What I'm just not seeing is the need for mechanics to arrive at them. Instead I think this more firmly belongs in the area of social contract where you discuss how play will take place.

But the start of an interesting discussion is here and I recommend that folks read it.