Character driven fantasy role-playing
Loosely set in the Haunted Highlands (a role-playing setting by Casey Christofferson and Troll Lord Games) but with standard fantasy tropes familiar to all fantasy worlds.
I want to collaborate with some like-minded writers to develop a story that is character centred. Using Will Storr’s sacred flaw approach described in his book The Science of Storytelling we will develop four interesting protagonists who are at a turning point in their lives. My goal as narrator will be to work with the players to put obstacles in the way of the characters that will cause them to question their beliefs.
Pace will be steady but slow. I prefer short and often posts to long ones that can be a barrier to other players keeping up with the narrative.
I want us to write in third person perspective.
I’ll work with you during character creation to develop a backstory that explains why the character thinks the way he/she does. Together we’ll try and distil a potential story arc that will take your character on a journey that eventually leads to him/her changing the way they think. I’ve created an example character bio (Emerick) which shows you what I am aiming for in terms of a sacred flaw etc.
I want to use a standard role-playing game like approach to benchmark the powers of the protagonists. You’ll effectively be level 1 and gradually grow stronger. This story will be equivalent to a module for 4 x 1st level characters.
If you have any questions then please ask away. I’m sure I haven’t managed to anticipate all that you’ll need to develop characters.
I’m planning a basic five act structure to each character’s story. The characters can proceed along this trajectory at different paces but I want you to see the nuts and bolts of what I’m trying to achieve in terms of plot. You can subvert this of course and twist it to your own ends as we go 😀
Act 1 - this is me and it’s not working
Theory of control is established. Unexpected change strikes, ignition point draws them into new psychological world. Undermine theory of control.
Act 2 - is there another way?
Old theory of control tested by plot and is breaking down. New way forward is sensed.
Act 3 - there is another way and I have transformed.
Plot fights back. Protagonist fights back using new strategy. Transform in way that seems irreversible. Plot strikes back unprecedented power.
Act 4 - but can I handle the pain of change?
Chaos spirals. Plot attack is relentless. Character wuestions decision to change. Plot won’t leave them alone. Going to have to decide who they are going to be.
Act 5 - who am I going to be?
Tension builds - final battle. Triumph. Question answered. Going to be someone better and permanently.
Hosted and narrated by:
Richard Sharp (Riven)
Started 03/29/21.
Scenes played: 5
License: Community License
