You put a lot of stuff into words, here, that I've done in the past but didn't realize it (and perhaps wondered why that session worked so well).
To go along with "Factions That Want the Same Things, But By Different Means," have you ever heard of John Truby's "Four Corner Opposition?" It's a great way to design factions like this.
That was the inspiration for this, actually! Looking back through my notes and finding some common "hell yes"'s from past players.
I went and read about the Four Corners based on your comment and I think I found my next blog post haha. I've been wanting to add some more details to my previous faction articles from earlier this year.
This video is actually about the well-written organization/act structure of Batman Begins, but I think it contains one of the best breakdowns of four corner opposition.
My newsletter is really more about designing (not playing) TTRPGs, but let me know if you want to collaborate!
This is a really good list. I've heard things like this before, but you did a really good job putting it all together.
I especially like the tip about not making factions monoliths. It's very easy to give factions their own independent goals that lead to no interaction between the factions. Great job pointing that out.
So many designers treat their factions as *other* ways of experiencing the game, like the Mages Guild does spell stuff and the Fighters Guild does fighting stuff and they barely have anything to do with one another despite living in the same city.
Great list! Really enjoyed this one.
This list is awesome.
You put a lot of stuff into words, here, that I've done in the past but didn't realize it (and perhaps wondered why that session worked so well).
To go along with "Factions That Want the Same Things, But By Different Means," have you ever heard of John Truby's "Four Corner Opposition?" It's a great way to design factions like this.
That was the inspiration for this, actually! Looking back through my notes and finding some common "hell yes"'s from past players.
I went and read about the Four Corners based on your comment and I think I found my next blog post haha. I've been wanting to add some more details to my previous faction articles from earlier this year.
This video is actually about the well-written organization/act structure of Batman Begins, but I think it contains one of the best breakdowns of four corner opposition.
My newsletter is really more about designing (not playing) TTRPGs, but let me know if you want to collaborate!
https://youtu.be/p-PfEE5kveE?si=WkxbWey7_JGVYt0t
This is a really good list. I've heard things like this before, but you did a really good job putting it all together.
I especially like the tip about not making factions monoliths. It's very easy to give factions their own independent goals that lead to no interaction between the factions. Great job pointing that out.
So many designers treat their factions as *other* ways of experiencing the game, like the Mages Guild does spell stuff and the Fighters Guild does fighting stuff and they barely have anything to do with one another despite living in the same city.
Excellent tips!
Thanks Robin, appreciate the kind words!
This list is a more concise and interesting version of others I've bookmarked in the past. Bookmarks updated!