Conflict is what urges the players to act in most stories, pushing them forward into the rest of the adventure. Because of this key role that it plays, it must be defined and logical, easily identifiable by the players. If the players do not understand the conflict, then they and their characters will have little reason to continue in the adventure. Conflicts in TRPG stories are fairly similar to conflicts in other forms of literature, but when thinking about the conflict, the emphasis should be on it being compelling to all of the players.
Conflict Examples
- Two Empires or Powerful Cultures (such as Orc Tribes) have been at war with each other since time immemorial. The people of each have a deeply seated fear or hate for the other. The players each have their own reasons for wanting the war to end. Do they do so through peace, or force?
- A powerful entity seeks to expand their realm of influence in order to achieve one of their goals. This can be a Devil, Arch fey, Mage, Deity, etc. The players are swept up in their power grab, attempting to resist them. This can also work with an organization instead of an entity.
- A powerful artifact of legend is rumored to have been uncovered. Many organizations and entities, both good and evil and everything in between, attempt to find it. The players either have their own reason for finding it, or accidentally end up with it or a piece of it.
The Conflict examples presented (and those that will be presented in the rest of this chapter) are very general. Presenting a story detail in this way allows it to be developed later once you fully understand both the world and your story.